Tag Archives: debut

2026 Branford Boase Award Shortlist Announced

Posted on April 24, 2026 by alibrarylady

The shortlist for the prestigious 2026 Branford Boase Award, given annually to the author and editor of the year’s outstanding debut novel for children was announced on Thursday 23rd April. Seven “magnificent” books are on this year’s shortlist, a rom com, … Continue reading →

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Branford Boase Award 2026 Longlist Announced

Posted on January 21, 2026 by alibrarylady

The longlist for the 2026 Branford Boase Award was announced today. Set up in memory of award-winning author Henrietta Branford and her editor Wendy Boase, one of the founders of Walker Books, the Branford Boase Award is given annually to … Continue reading →

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Margaret McDonald Wins 2025 Branford Boase Award

Posted on July 12, 2025 by alibrarylady

Debut author Margaret McDonald added the Branford Boase to her impressive list of awards at a thoroughly enjoyable ceremony held at the Centre for Literacy for Primary Education earlier this week. McDonald and her editors Alice Swan and Ama Badu are winners of the 2025 Branford … Continue reading →

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My Name is Samim by Fidan Meikle

Posted on January 8, 2025 by alibrarylady

My Name is Samim is a powerful, at times heartbreaking, debut novel by Fidan Meikle, an Azerbaijani-British writer, linguist and translator. Meikle tells the story of a thirteen year old boy from Afghanistan who is fleeing his home after the … Continue reading →

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Exploring Grief Through Fantasy: A Review of ‘The World Between the Rain’

Posted on December 29, 2024 by alibrarylady

Grief is like the ocean; it comes in waves, ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim Vicki Harrison There are many quotes about grief, many metaphors … Continue reading →

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Pick of the New Children’s Books

Posted on May 28, 2024 by alibrarylady

Family outings with very young children, philosophy and big ideas for little people, a journey of wonder and discovery in our natural world, humour, kindness and friendship in an imaginary world, a touch of fairy tale magic bringing hope to … Continue reading →

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A Week of Celebrations in the World of Children’s Books.

Posted on July 15, 2023 by alibrarylady

This week has seen three special celebrations, all of them involving the world of children’s books but each of them highlighting a different aspect. I was lucky to be able to attend one of these happy occasions and would like … Continue reading →

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Quiet Storm by Kimberly Whittam

Posted on June 1, 2023 by alibrarylady

Quiet Storm, (Usborne Books) Kimberly Whittam’s debut novel speaks to those children, of whom there are many, who are shy and quiet, those who struggle to speak up, to ask questions and to join in even when they desperately want … Continue reading →

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A Passing On Of Shells by Simon Lamb illustrated by Chris Riddell

Posted on March 16, 2023 by alibrarylady

Fifty poems of fifty words each on subjects ranging from family to nature, offering hope and humour, wisdom and insight are gathered together in this clever debut collection. A Passing On Of Shells would be wonderful for use in schools … Continue reading →

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Children’s Books – ones to watch out for in January 2023

Posted on January 3, 2023 by alibrarylady

We can start the year with a smile thanks to two new books from Barrington Stoke this month. For many years I have been a fan of this particular publisher, their books are accessible and perfect for those who may … Continue reading →

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