[mc4wp_form id=”15852″]
The Federation of Children’s Book Groups Blog
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 […]
Murdle Junior by G.T. Karber
Mysteries have intrigued readers for decades and now readers can have a go at solving the crimes and mysteries themselves through books like Murdle Junior! We have a brilliant blog from author, G.T. Karber about creating this book for children. For as long as I could remember, I’ve loved mysteries. As a child, my […]
Within the Heart of Wicked Creatures by Rima Orie
Within the Heart of Wicked Creatures sprung from a deep love for the country where my parents are born, as well as the idea to blend history and fantasy in a novel speculative story. I am a lover of fantasy, and fantasy elements and mythological stories have always had my interest. But I am also […]
How I use Storytelling to connect children to nature and their environment by Jasbinder Bilan
We have an enchanting blog from Jasbinder Bilan about how she uses stories to connect children to nature and their environment. Read on to discover more about her writing and inspiration for Anya’s Quest. HOW I USE STORYTELLING TO CONNECT CHILDREN TO NATURE AND THEIR ENVIRONMENT JASBINDER BILAN My relationship with storytelling began […]
Relic Hamilton Genie Hunter by Joseph Coelho
We are beyond excited to welcome former Children’s Laureate and Author and Poet Extraordinaire, Joseph Coelho to the blog to chat about Relic Hamilton, his latest book with Walker. My Inspirations behind Relic Hamilton, Genie Hunter “Genies grant wishes! That’s all anyone ever cares about. They forget that genies were imprisoned in those lamps for […]
Q&A with Helen Docherty and Steven Lenton
We are so excited to share a Q&A between author Helen Docherty and illustrator, Steven Lenton! They took the time to ask and answer questions for each other around their book, The Green-Fingered Witch. Questions for Steven Lenton from Helen Docherty What did you enjoy most about creating the world for The Green-Fingered Witch? I […]
Damien Ike and the Fallen House of Draven by Dee Benson and David Arlo
Author Dee Benson shares some enticing insights into this book and it is entirely likely that our audience will want to know more about Damien Ike and will search for this story. It is a powerful guest blog! Damien Ike and the Fallen House of Draven by Dee Benson and David Arlo How writing […]
Banishing Back to School Scaries by Rob Harrell
We are thrilled to welcome Rob Harrell to the blog today to chat about the “back to school scaries”! We know what they feel like and it’s good to reassure students they are normal and to give them some ideas to help them cope! Heading back to school can be a tricky time for […]
Small Stories of Great Artists by Laurence Anholt
Small Stories of Great Artists by Laurence Anholt My old mum was an English teacher. One of her favourite poems was Pied Beauty by Gerard Manley Hopkins, which is about the dappled quality of nature, and the dappled quality of our lives. The last two years have been extraordinarily dappled for my family – we […]
Zac and Jac by Cathy Jenkins
Author Cathy Jenkins is new to our blog and she has written a guest blog about her book, Zac and Jac. Dealing with the heavy subject matter of racism, she explores why this is a theme in her story. Almost without exception, the first thing that anyone asks me when I tell them that […]
Wolfstongue by Sam Thompson
We hosted Sam Thompson when Wolfstongue was first published so it was a delight to welcome him back for the final book in the trilogy. Its a fascinating glimpse into how one adventure became a trilogy. I didn’t mean to write a trilogy. When I finished my novel Wolfstongue, I was sure it was a one-off: […]
The Enchantment of Girlhood Friendship in The Miraculous Sweetmakers by Natasha Hastingss by Natasha
Natasha Hastings has written a brilliant blog for us about girlhood friendships, as they appear in her books and in her own life. The Enchantment of Girlhood Friendship in The Miraculous Sweetmakers While writing my magical-historical Middle Grade trilogy, The Miraculous Sweetmakers, I wanted the joy of girlhood friendship to form its heartbeat. I believe […]
Fia and the Last Snow Deer by Eilish Fisher
Verse novels have become very popular recently and we have a guest blog from verse writer, Eilish Fisher. Answering several questions set by her publisher, we get a bit of insight into her novel. What is it about writing in verse that particularly appeals to you as an author? I love the way poetry lets […]