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The Federation of Children’s Book Groups Blog
Catching up with Emma Farrarons, Winner of the Klaus Flugge Prize
We are delighted to welcome Emma Farrarons, winner of the Klaus Flugge Prize to the blog today, answering questions about winning this prestigious award. Catching up with Emma Farrarons, winner of the Klaus Flugge Prize Emma Farrarons has just been announced winner of the 2025 Klaus Flugge Prize, awarded to the most promising and […]
The History of We by Nikkolas Smith
We welcome Nikkolas Smith to the blog today sharing answers to a few questions about The History of We, published by One World Publications. The History of We takes us all the way back to humanity’s beginnings in Africa. What inspired you to tell this story? Growing up, the textbooks I had in school […]
A Poem for Every Question by Brian Bilston
Recently, we sent a series of questions to poet, Brian Bilston about his new book, A Poem for Every Question. Check out his answers below! Where did the idea come from to create a book of poems around questions? If truth be told, the publisher – Farshore Books – approached me with the idea. It’s […]
The Day the Jungle-Net Broke by Marleen Lammers
The endless struggle between books and screens! Author Marleen Lammers shares some insights into how to make children’s books compete with screens. How to make children’s books compete with screens While anyone who’s ever looked after young children knows that screens can be a real blessing (we all cheat our way through some tricky moments!), […]
Nature Heroes by Lily Dyu
Today we welcome Lily Dyu to the blog sharing insights into Nature Heroes, a book featuring inspiring people making positive changes to the environment. Psychotherapist and eco-anxiety expert Caroline Hickman says that when talking to children about the climate and nature crises, it’s crucial to balance bad news with good. I often wish adults would […]
The Girl who Raced the World by Nat Harrison
Nat Harrison joins us on the blog today sharing insight into her debut novel, The Girl who Raced the World. Making Every Day an Adventure When I was growing up, every school holiday was spent packing up the car and heading in one of two directions: sixty miles to Somerset or a hundred miles […]
Brainchild by Ivor Baddiel
Ivor Baddiel joins us on the blog today sharing insight into his book, Brainchild. I have a book coming out on September 22nd, Brainchild. It’s a thriller for 10–15-year-olds, and it is co-authored by Jonny Zucker. The thing is, Jonny sadly passed away in 2016, so, I guess you’re thinking, how is this […]
The Royal Institute of Magic: Elizabeth’s Legacy by Victor Kloss
Today, we welcome Tara Kloss to the blog, sharing an introduction to her late husband, Victor Kloss’s novel, The Royal Institute of Magic: Elizabeth’s Legacy. My late husband Victor Kloss had a lifelong passion for magical fantasy and brilliant storytelling. His love for writing began in his teens, when he’d disappear for hours […]
Not Going to Plan by Tia Fisher
On today’s blog, we have Tia Fisher talking about her latest verse novel, Not Going to Plan. Standing up for what you believe in To be honest, I’m a bit scared. Soon I’ll be standing in front of hundreds of teenagers in school halls, talking about the difficult themes of my new YA […]
The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire by Anna Fiteni
Debut author, Anna Fiteni, shares some insights into writing her debut novel, The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire. When writing and edition my debut novel, The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire, one of the most important aspects to consider was the use of the Welsh language. I’m not fluent so I really had to […]
Why I Write Children’s Non-Fiction by David Long
On the blog today, we welcome David Long, who provides some insight into writing non-fiction for children. Why I Write Children’s Non-Fiction Having written nearly 70 books it still seems obvious to me that, after 25 years as a journalist, I was bound to end up writing non-fiction. You never lose that urge to […]
My sister is a treasure by Tracy Darnton
Picture books are ideal gifts for growing families. We recently asked author Tracy Darnton a few questions about her books and writing. My Sister is a Treasure by Tracy Darnton My sister is a treasure is delightful and heart-warming- perfect for families with a new baby. What was the inspiration for this book? Thank […]
Spirit Warriors by Ashley Thorpe
Author Ashley Thorpe shares some insights into Spirit Warriors and it is fascinating! My second book Spirit Warriors is a supernatural fantasy adventure, which takes place in an alternate Jamaica full of magic and mystery. I grew up with highly-entertaining folk stories from the Caribbean islands, often featuring characters like the trickster Anansi. But […]
Lila Mackay is very misunderstood by Gill Sims
We have a funny blog today from author Gill Sims, one that many parents will relate to! ‘You only have eighteen precious summers with your children, so make the most of them’. We’ve all seen variations on the quote about only having eighteen summers with our children, and we’ve all felt the guilt about what […]
Hangry by Kathyrn Wanless
Ever wondered what inspires authors to write picture books? Our blog today welcomes Kathyrn Wanless chatting about Hangry and how this book came to be! INSPIRATION FOR HANGRY – Kathryn Wanless Three years ago, I graduated from the wonderful MA Children’s Book Illustration course at Cambridge School of Art. It was a fantastic experience […]
The Klaus Flugge Prize – interviews with this year’s shortlisted illustrators
The Klaus Flugge Prize – interviews with this year’s shortlisted illustrators This is the tenth year of the Klaus Flugge Prize. It was established in 2016 to honour Klaus Flugge, founder of Andersen Press and a leading light in the world of children’s publishing and illustration. The £5,000 prize is awarded to the most promising […]
On the Edge by Nicola Garrard
‘If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write.’ Martin Luther King. In this post, Nicola Garrard, teacher and author of On the Edge, argues there is nothing better than a children’s book to build empathy, prompt nuanced discussion and equip decision-makers of the future. I write a book when I […]
A Visit to The Story Arcade by Louisa Farrow
Recently, The Story Museum in Oxford launched a new interactive exhibition called The Story Arcade. FCBG member, Louisa Farrow, went along to the launch party to discover more. She shares her thoughts below. The Story Arcade Is there a parent out there who hasn’t worried about their child’s gaming? That worry pushes us into a […]