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The Federation of Children’s Book Groups Blog
Children’s Book Award,Books for Younger Readers Round Up
We have successfully wrapped up the second part of the Children’s Book Award blog tour, featuring the three titles from the Books for Younger Readers Category! Three amazing bloggers hosted content from the shortlisted authors and you can check them out via the links below. First up this week, we had Tom Griffiths host a […]
Bridging the gap between picture books and middle grade stories by Esi Merleh
Esi Merleh has written a brilliant blog about bridging the gap between picture books and longer chapter books. Her series, Magic Faces is ideal for younger readers making the move into longer fiction. When I was approached by inclusive fiction studio Storymix to write Magic Faces, I had previously experimented with writing middle grade and […]
Q&A with Jenny McLachlan
Jenny McLachlan is widely known for her Land of Roar series! Her latest book, Stink is her author-illustrator debut. We had an early read of Stink so we could ask Jenny a few questions! Please see her answers below! Stink is the world’s naughtiest fairy…where did the idea come from to make her naughty instead […]
Mind and Me by Sunita Chawdhary
Author Sunita Chawdhary has written a brilliant blog about the power of the mind and how her main character learns to navigate life using her mind, understanding of emotions and her senses. I have always marvelled at the way our brains and minds work. As a child, travelling the world and growing up withmulticultural influences, […]
The Weather Weaver Trilogy, Writing Backwards by Tamsin Mori
We have an excellent blog post from Tamsin Mori about her Weather Weaver Trilogy and writing backwards! How do you write a story? One word in front of the other? If only stories arrived like that – neatly formed, one idea leading inevitably to the next. I do know authors who plot in great detail […]
Children’s Book Award Round Up!
It has been an incredible first week in the blog tour celebrating the top ten titles as chosen by children for the FCBG Children’s Book Award. This week was all about the 4 shortlisted picture books! Each of our brilliant bloggers was sent a guest blog from a shortlisted author or illustrator to share a bit […]
I, Spy by Rhian Tracey
Bletchley Park is the setting for this war time adventure and there are still so many mysteries and events that took place there that capture the imaginations of writers such as Rhian Tracey. Read on for her blog about writing a middle grade novel set in Bletchley Park. Before I had children of my own, […]
Tourmaline and the Island of Elsewhere by Ruth Lauren
Check out today’s guest blog from Ruth Lauren all about classic adventure films and how they relate to her new book Tourmaline and the Island of Elsewhere! Classic adventure films and new, feminist adventure books by Ruth Lauren I love a good classic adventure film. There’s nothing like going off on a treasure quest with […]
The Wishkeeper’s Apprentice by Rachel Chivers Khoo
Children’s literature often finds a basis in hope and Rachel Chivers Khoo offers hope in the form of wishes and a delightful Wishkeeper! Read on for her blog all about the power of Hope in stories. The Power of Hope-filled Stories I’ve always thought that ‘wishful thinking’ is not something to be looked […]
SuperQuesters by Dr Thomas Bernard and Lisa Moss
Dr Thomas Bernard and Lisa Moss, co-authors of the SuperQuesters series published by QuestFriendz, their STEM focused children’s book publishing company, comment on creating and using everyday activities at home that promote STEM learning and their inspiration for the series and its characters. So much of what we do in our everyday lives at home […]
Dragon Mountain Inspiration by Katie and Kevin Tsang
Discover the inspiration for the Dragon Mountain series by Katie and Kevin Tsang. They found nature and its beauty a brilliant place to imagine leaping tigers and dragons flying. Thank you for writing such a wonderful blog! DRAGON MOUNTAIN INSPIRATION – TIGER LEAPING GORGE IN YUNAAN PROVINCE By Katie and Kevin Tsang The mountain setting […]
CBA Top Ten Announcement
We are thrilled to share with you the Top Ten books for 2023 as voted on solely by children across the UK. The FCBG Children’s Book Award is the only National award where children vote at every stage. From the longlists to the Top Ten, no adults are allowed to cast a vote. Children’s voices […]
I Send you a Hug by Anne Booth
We have a lovely blog from Anne Booth all about the inspiration for her beautiful book, I Send you a Hug, with illustrations by Asa Gilland. I grew up in an immigrant home – my parents were Southern Irish Roman Catholics who emigrated to England in the 1950s – and my Irish heritage of generations […]
The Broken Dragon by Karen McCombie
Karen McCombie is a successful and well loved author. Her latest book is with Barrington Stoke and is about Tyra, a young unique girl starting at a new school. We asked Karen several questions about her book and writing style! Thank you Karen for the wonderful answers! Tyra is a lovely character, one who stands […]
Q&A with Colm Field
We were so excited to ask author Colm Field about his new book and character, Kyan Green. Check out our Q&A below! Thank you Colm for the brilliant answers! Can you tell us a bit about Kyan Green and the Infinity Racers? Thanks for having me! Kyan Green is an epic sci-fi adventure about a […]
Q&A with Bee Chuck
One of our committee members, Erin Hamilton, was offered the opportunity to read Outside by Bee Chuck and to send some questions along to the author-illustrator. It may prompt you to remember those first weeks of lockdowns with a new perspective. Bee, what a stunning story! As a family, we completely identify with the families […]
Lifesize Creepy Crawlies by Sophy Henn
The World Book Day books are on shelves and available to buy now. Sophy Henn has one amongst this year’s selection, Lifesize Creepy Crawlies. She has written a blog post for us about this book, her own World Book Day experiences and the collection of Lifesize books. My first experience of World Book day was […]
Q&A with Sita Brahmachari and Jane Ray
We are sharing an in-depth Q&A with collaborators, Sita Brahmachari and Jane Ray about Corey’s Rock. With some insights into their work, a shared love of Selkie stories and future projects, we hope you enjoy their words. Sita and Jane, In terms of developing the story, how easy was it to create both in terms of text […]