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The Federation of Children’s Book Groups Blog
Pernickety-Boo by Sally Gardner
Sally Gardner has written a lovely and honest blog for us about Pernickety-Boo, her latest book. It comes from wanting a place to call home and to feel that sense of belonging. Thank you Sally for your words. The idea of Pernickety-Boo came to me when I was in the middle of writing another book. […]
Someone’s Been Messing with Reality by John Hearne
We are delighted to share a guest blog from John Hearne, author of Someone’s Been Messing with Reality. He writes about his main character and how to avoid the cliche’s around giving characters superpowers! Characters with Special Abilities: Make cliché-avoidance your super power The kid with superpowers is one of most popular tropes in […]
Poo Crew Adventures Q&A
We love a Q&A on the FCBG blog, especially when both author and illustrator get involved. James Turner and Steve May are the duo behind Poo Crew Adventures, a new graphic novel series and we are so pleased they found time to answer our questions. Why poo? Who came up with the initial idea to […]
The Love Dare by Abiola Bello
Author, Abiola Bello shares her inspirations for her books with us in today’s blog. She is surrounded by creativity and we look forward to reading more of her books! The question I get asked the most from readers is how do I seek inspiration for my YA books. A lot of it comes from my […]
The Wild Life of Dinosaurs by Mike Barfield
Mike Barfield has been wild about science and animals from an early age. He is the winner of the Blue Peter Children’s Book Award 2021 in the ‘Best Book with Facts’ category, and has also been shortlisted for the Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize, the Association for Science Education Children’s Book Prize (twice) and […]
Britfield by C.R. Stewart
Britfield is originally published in the US but has now made its way to where it is actually set, England. Please see below for further details from the publicist and a Q&A with author, C.R. Stewart. This fast-paced adventure novel transports the reader from the smoldering crags of Yorkshire, through the heart of England, and […]
Dungeon Runners by Kieran Larwood and Joe Todd-Stanton
Kieran Larwood and Joe Todd Stanton chat all things Dungeon Runners as they launch this adventurous, fully illustrated new series for young readers with Nosy Crow. In celebration of the publication of Dungeon Runners; Hero Trial, we – Kieran Larwood, and Joe Todd Stanton, are here today to interview… each other! Joe: Let’s start with […]
Sherlock Bones Series by Tim Collins
Tim Collins is originally from Manchester but now lives in London. He is the author of over thirty books including Wimpy Vampire, Cosmic Colin and Dorkius Maximus. His books have been translated into over thirty languages and he has won awards in the UK and Germany, including the Manchester Fiction City award (2011 Winner) and […]
Storm Seal by Sarah Ann Juckes
We know the power that stories can have on the reader and author Sarah Ann Juckes shares her insights into writing about important topics using animals. Using animals to write about mental health and environmentalism in children’s books Whether pets in our home, or wildlife around the world, there is something both calming and […]
Dream Hunters by Nazima Pathan
Many stories feature alternate worlds or the ability for characters to travel between them and that sense of magic and adventure is something that young readers adore. Check out our guest post from author Nazima Pathan about her book, Dream Hunters. Out of the Looking Glass: When characters step out of a hidden enclave into […]
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 […]
The importance of place and landscape in Ettie and the Midnight Pool by Julia Green
Julia Green recently attended our annual conference and her workshop was a huge success. Read on for her guest blog about the inspirations behind Ettie and the Midnight Pool. The importance of place and landscape in Ettie and the Midnight Pool by Julia Green My earliest encounter with the Lake District was in a book. […]
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 […]