Entries by FCBG blog

Needle Felting with Karin Celestine

Karin Celestine is an artist and author, who creates beautiful needle felted animals, some of which star in their ‘Celestine and Hare’ books published by Graffeg. Their passion for making is infectious! I have been making since I was old enough to pick something up and have never stopped since. I taught chemistry, art and […]

This book will make you an artist by Ruth Millington

Art is a wonderful hobby which has many benefits. It can help to relieve stress, encourage creativity, develop concentration and allow you to lose yourself in the pleasure of producing something. In today’s post, Ruth Millington, author of ‘This Book Will Make You an Artist’ (Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839944758) shares some ideas for having a […]

Death to Non-Fiction!

Author of factual books, Andy Seed, challenges us to consider what we call these books in today’s post, which he calls ‘Death to Non-Fiction! In today’s post, Andy Seed explains why he feels so passionately about the need for some change…   Death to Non-fiction! There, that got your attention, didn’t it? But, don’t panic, […]

Dinosaurs with Andy Day

In a special blog today, we welcome Andy Day, Cbeebies presenter and author, to answer a few questions. His knowledge and passion for dinosaurs has really come across in his books- proof of how important non-fiction can be for authors!   You are widely known for your CBeebies shows and we wonder whether you had […]

Bell Ringing with Sarah McIntyre

Sarah McIntrye is well-known for being a talented artist and author whose books delight children and adults alike. Whether writing with Philip Reeve or adding illustrations to her own stories, her bright, colourful pictures are full of charm and character. However, since moving to Devon, Sarah has taken up a new interest- campanology, the ancient […]

Lottie Loves Nature by Jane Clarke

Jane Clarke is the author of more than 130 children’s books, including the Lottie Loves Nature and Al’s Awesome Science chapter book series, which feature twins that love to explore and engage with the world around them through their fascination with science and nature. Here, Jane talks to us about her own lifelong love of […]

National Non-Fiction November- The Beginning!

To start this year’s celebrations, the FCBG Chair, Jane Etheridge explains how National Non-Fiction November came into being. In 2010 Adam Lancaster, the then Chair of the Federation of Children’s Book Groups, announced the launch of National Non-Fiction Day (NNFD) with support from Scholastic to be held on the first Thursday in November. As a […]

Shiver Point by Gabriel Dylan

The Shiver Point series is a brilliant spooky read for the season. We are thrilled to share author, Gabriel Dylan’s recommendations for other books that are perfect for the spooky season!! Aliens. Scarecrows. Werewolves. In the first three books of my middle grade horror series, Shiver Point, the Shiver Squad have had to face monsters […]

The Lost Dogs by Patricia Forde

A heartwarming book inspired by a heartwarming tribute to a beloved family dog, Ben! We think you will love reading our guest post from Patricia Forde! The Lost Dogs At the end of March 2024, our dog Ben passed away. I had finished writing The Lost Dogs by then and was waiting for it to […]

Q&A with The Brothers McLeod

Knight Sir Louis has been entertaining readers for several adventures now. We were recently offered the chance to ask creators, The Brothers McLeod a few questions! Check out their brilliant replies!   Knight Sir Louis has taken the book world by storm and now has a popular following – did you ever expect such a […]