The Federation of Children’s Book Groups Blog

MinaLima’s Incredible Designs

Many of us will covet a MinaLima book with its clever illustrations and design features. We are so lucky to have this piece from the creative team, Miraphora and Eduardo, sharing some of their insights into creating their books. Miraphora: We love magical worlds and believe that there is no better way to escape in […]

The Story of Afro Hair

The FCBG asked K.N. Chimbiri to tell us about her beautiful, informative book, The Story of Afro Hair Tell us about The Story of Afro Hair… The Story of Afro Hair, 5,000 Years of History, Fashion and Styles is a little book about the history behind Afro hairstyles. The approach and subject is a bit […]

What’s Great about Non-Fiction?

Martin Brown, illustrator of Horrible Histories as well as author and illustrator of Lesser Spotted Animals and Nell and the Cave Bear, asks what is great about non-fiction in today’s National Non-Fiction November FCBG blog spot. What’s great about non-fiction? What’s great about non-fiction? I can answer with one word – dinosaurs. Dinosaurs, and possibly, […]

Survival in Space

FCBG blasts off today’s celebration of National Non-Fiction November, with a blog about Space by author David Long. His brilliant book, Survival in Space, brings the incredible Apollo 13 mission and the heroes on-board to life. Something amazing happened when Survivors was published by Faber a few years ago. The book was voted Blue Peter […]

Roar Like a Lion

From Fiction to Non-Fiction, author Carlie Sorosiak shares the journey as her new book, Roar Like a Lion, hits the information bookshelves in time for National Non-Fiction November. FCBG can confirm it is a roaring success! As a kid, I read tons of non-fiction. It wasn’t unusual for me to stay up late with a […]

Great Britons!

FCGB is delighted that Imogen Russell Williams has written a blog post about the process of researching and writing her fabulously informative book Great Britons: 50 Amazing People Who Have Called Britain Home for National Non-Fiction November 2021. What ideas does the word “hero” bring to mind: Greek demigods, military leaders, superpowers? Or have warriors […]

It’s Up to Us!

This National Non-Fiction November, the FCBG is excited to share this blog by Christopher Lloyd, author and publisher, who is talking about his children’s Terra Carta, It’s Up To Us. LIFE IS FULL of unexpected surprises – as well as delightful opportunities. So it was when Bob Worcester, chairman of the Magna Carta 800th Anniversary […]

All Through the Night

FCBG are hugely thankful that author Polly Faber has written a blog post for National Non-Fiction November. Her beautifully illustrated book, All Through the Night, shines a light on the heroes who work nightshifts while the rest of us sleep. ‘So they went out in the dark, and all the street lamps were lit, and […]

Heroes for Everyone

FCBG are thrilled that Margaret Pemberton and Hannah Groves from The School Library Association have shared this blog post. The SLA Information Book Awards play a big part in National Non-Fiction November. HEROES FOR EVERYONE Diversity and inclusion have, quite rightly, shifted to the forefront of people’s minds over the last decade or so, but […]

The Superhero Comic Kit

FCBG were delighted to put some questions to illustrator Jason Ford, author of The Superhero Comic Kit and the judge for our KS1 competition entries for National Non-Fiction November 2021. Tell us about The Superhero Comic Kit and what inspired it? The Superhero Comic Kit (SKC) is a ‘do-it-yourself’ comic-making book. It comes with sets […]

Hailing All Heroes!!

This National Non-Fiction November the FCBG are running with the theme Heroes. There will be author blog spots, activities, a book list and three exciting competitions. National Non-Fiction November is Federation of Children’s Book Groups celebration of all things factual! With fake news and misinformation on the rise facts have never been more important! The […]

Creating Genie and Teeny by Steven Lenton

Steven Lenton is no stranger to children’s publishing with his illustrations gracing many favourite texts. He now has his own series for children aged 5-8! Read on for his blog about creating this new series. I have been in the children’s publishing industry for nearly ten years now and have learned a lot along the […]

I Saw a Beautiful Woodpecker by Michal Skibinski

I Saw a Beautiful Woodpecker von Michal Skibinski In the Summer of 1939, 8-year-old Polish school boy, Michał Skibiński, was tasked by his teacher with keeping a diary during the summer holidays. The task was a simple one: one line every day. Little did Michał know as he began to document walks by the river […]

The Bear Who Sailed the Ocean on an Iceberg by Emily Critchley

A relatable and humorous story for young readers. Emily draws on her experience and knowledge as a secondary school librarian in her debut book. Read on for a guest blog from Emily! The Bear Who Sailed the Ocean on an Iceberg is my first novel for 9-12s. It tells the story of twelve-year-old Patrick who […]

Hag Storm by Victoria Williamson

Hag Storm is Victoria Williamson’s latest book and she found inspiration from local history. Read on for her blog about her local history and recent experiences with archaeology. Learning from Local History Local history has fascinated me ever since I was a child. The finale of Hag Storm is set at the Auld Kirk in […]

Freeze by Chris Priestley

Chris Priestley has written a fantastic blog for us today all about writing short stories, being a reluctant reader and his latest book Freeze. Like a lot of writers for children, I get asked to visit schools, to talk about myself and my work and, more often than not, to hold workshops on writing – […]

FCBGAsks- Joe Todd-Stanton

We are back with another brilliant FCBGAsks! This new feature aims to get to know some of the best authors and illustrators in the UK. We are so excited to share our recent interview with Joe Todd-Stanton. When did you first start sketching or drawing? I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember. […]

Q&A with Catherine Rayner

Arlo The Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep by Catherine Rayner (Macmillan Children’s Books) is shortlisted for the BookTrust Storytime Prize, celebrating the very best books for sharing with babies and children under five. The shortlisted titles are central to a new national pilot that the UK’s largest children’s reading charity is running in partnership with libraries. […]