Entries by FCBG blog

Gina Kaminski Rescues the Giant by Craig Barr-Green

Gina Kaminski Rescues the Giant is the second book based around the character of Gina.  Author, Craig Barr-Green shares some insights into how he wrote these books and it is a fascinating read. Writers have different starting points. If they are talented enough to be able to draw (I am not), then they might start […]

Writing Tips from Mel Taylor-Bessent

Our blog today is ideal for sharing with budding young writers interested in creating a story. Mel Taylor-Bessent has shared her top five writing for pleasure tips with us and they are brilliant! Follow them and have fun writing.     FCBG 5 top Write for Pleasure tips 1) Don’t worry about making your writing […]

Summer Sleuthing Booklist

Every month we put together a booklist based around a theme or style of book for children. We want these to be used by parents, teachers and students so that new authors, genres and styles of book can be discovered and shared. August’s booklist is entitled Summer Sleuthing! Everybody loves a good mystery! There is […]

Moon Bear by Clare Helen Welsh

Wordless books are an engaging resource for children and families of all ages. Clare Helen Welsh has a wordless book published now and she shares some tips and reasons to why we should be sharing wordless books.   WORDLESS WONDERS – Getting the Word Out about Wordless Picture Books By Clare Helen Welsh   In […]

How to write a funny picture book by Sean Taylor

Looking for some brilliant tips to help you write a funny picture book?  Look no further- author Sean Taylor has shared 7 tips with our readers today!   HOW TO WRITE A FUNNY PICTURE BOOK by Sean Taylor Sean Taylor is the author of over 60 books for young readers – many of them picture […]

Oddney’s Otherland by Rodney Matthews and Sarah Matthews

Fans of fantasy books and world building are in for a treat with the guest blog from Sarah Matthews, wife to acclaimed fantasy illustrator, Rodney Matthews. She shares some insights and illustrations into Oddney’s Otherland.     Oddney’s Otherland: Chronicles from Beneath the Shed In Search of the Two-Headed Firedrake As a child I loved […]

Terra Electra by

Can you imagine a world without electricity? Or a world where electricity is more dangerous than you can think? Check out Antonia Maxwell’s guest blog about her book, Terra Electra!     Lights out! A world without electricity? As a child of the 1970s, I remember not only cheesecloth shirts, Spangle sweets and denim flares […]

Creating Characters for Mabel and the Big Wide World by Jane Porter

We are delighted to share a blog from illustrator, Jane Porter about her illustrations in Mabel and the Big Wide World, published with Otter Barry Books.   Creating characters for Mabel and the Big Wide World, Otter Barry Books When I was invited to illustrate Paul Stewart’s touching and tender text for Mabel and the […]

How Author Events Have Changed by Erika McGann

Many readers will identify with Erika McGann’s thoughts on author visits in schools and bookshops. It’s lovely for everyone to get a glimpse into the experience of the author.   How Author Events Have Changed Erika McGann   I’ve been doing author events in schools and libraries since my first book was published in 2012. […]