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The Federation of Children’s Book Groups Blog

This book will make you an artist by Ruth Millington

Art is a wonderful hobby which has many benefits. It can help to relieve stress, encourage creativity, develop concentration and allow you to lose yourself in the pleasure of producing something. In today’s post, Ruth Millington, author of ‘This Book Will Make You an Artist’ (Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839944758) shares some ideas for having a […]

Death to Non-Fiction!

Author of factual books, Andy Seed, challenges us to consider what we call these books in today’s post, which he calls ‘Death to Non-Fiction! In today’s post, Andy Seed explains why he feels so passionately about the need for some change…   Death to Non-fiction! There, that got your attention, didn’t it? But, don’t panic, […]

Dinosaurs with Andy Day

In a special blog today, we welcome Andy Day, Cbeebies presenter and author, to answer a few questions. His knowledge and passion for dinosaurs has really come across in his books- proof of how important non-fiction can be for authors!   You are widely known for your CBeebies shows and we wonder whether you had […]

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 […]

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