Stephen Connor

Amazon is helping fund a $300 million build of a ballroom for the White House.

Independent bookstores are donating to food banks and organizations that help with food insecurity.

They are not the same.

The poem reads: ‘It came back’ He whispers ‘Look! It came back!’ I squint my eyes a little Peer through the silence Through the black ‘Are you sure?’ I hiss in reply ‘I can’t see a thing!’ I count the people in the room There’s only me and him There’s no reply Nothing moves No whispering at all Then through the dark A slow reveal A bloody handprint on the wall

Poem for @thetoypress.bsky.social’s word of the week.

Four of my favourite picture books/illustrated fiction

Great news!

125. Poyums Annaw
Len Pennie

A powerful, angry and hopeful collection that talks of domestic abuse, the need for males to do more, and self-acceptance. Really moving in parts.

I sometimes miss EduTwitter. It gave me lots of links to lots of areas of interest. However, being on Bluesky is much calmer. Twitter is like a house party where everyone has drank too much. Here is quieter, the morning after walk with two or three friends. And it’s better for it.

This is really sad news. And I didn’t know about Tiny Owl ☹️

Really sorry to hear the news of Knights Of - publisher that has championed marginalised voices and put out some amazing books.

Really sorry to hear the news of Knights Of - a publisher that has championed marginalised voices and put out some amazing books.

124. Letters From the Upside
Katya Balen

Another beauty from Katya Balen, this time focusing on a boy whose anger has isolated him. As he learns about homing pigeons, he also learns about himself and how to control his fire. A moving, resonant tale.

123. Somadina
Akwaeke Emezi

Two twins with magical powers are separated by an evil force. Can Somadina find her strength to bring her brother back to where he belongs? Some amazing descriptive writing here.

Have you seen Dawn by Marc Martin? One of my favourites this year.

Fireworks by Matthew Burgess & Catia Chien is delicious. It’s all about the joy and excitement fireworks bring - this is mainly about Independence Day, but can easily be applied to other celebrations and festivals. A lovely lyrical style, beautifully illustrated. One for @smithsmm.bsky.social

Yes! She’s brilliant. I love this book as much as Observologist. Perfect.

Put a drop of brandy in it on a cold winter’s night 🤤

Print featuring an otter facing downwards while swimming and following fish in swirling turquoise water

'Fishing Otter' linocut and silkscreen print by Angela Harding, contemporary artist based in the UK #WomensArt

I would like to know of realistic options! I’d love to work in books/publishing/providing for schools in some way.

I’ve just ordered this. Thanks for sharing. On a different note, is it ok to DM about something?

122. People Like Stars
Patrice Lawrence

A multi-person narrative mystery, linking three teenagers who share one thing in common: the answer to who stole a baby many years ago.

121. Shrapnel Boys
Jenny Pearson

A WWII novel about a group of friends, some of whom fall in with the wrong crowd. One man, whose ideologies lean towards the hard right, sways vulnerable boys into a life of crime. Interesting parallels to current political climate - very enjoyable.

120. Speechless
Aron Nels Steinke

A gorgeously heartfelt look at selective mutism and its impact on school, friendship and home. Powerful and entertaining. @mrwolfcomics.bsky.social

October's #lucky13th is Roar - an empowering novel-in-verse of resistance and finding your voice, inspired by Sampat Pal and the Pink Sari Gang, from the multi-award-winning author of Run, Rebel and The Crossing, Manjeet Mann. #uklamembers RT to win a copy!

#ThisIsHowIRoar

Love this new book by Joanna Ho, Caroline Kusin Pritchard and Dan Santat. A celebration of reading both as an individual pursuit, as well as respecting the rights of the reader and reading community.

119. The Grammar of Fantasy
Gianni Rodari, Jack Zipes & Matthew Forsythe

An absolute joy of a book. A must-read for anyone who works with children and wants to help them to write. Just inspiring.

118. The Witch in the Tower
Julia Sarda

Lyrically and visually rich - a real treat. Full review for @justimaginecentre.bsky.social here: justimagine.co.uk/childrens-bo...

Júlia Sardà is a genius.

Some wonderful books to review for Shelf here - very lucky and very happy!

Listening to Pie Corbett talk to Nikki Gamble @justimaginecentre.bsky.social lamenting the ‘knowledge-rich’ curriculum and its impact on the imagination of our children. Fully agree - poetry can unlock this in so many ways #NationalPoetryDay #NPD2025

September.

A poster of a manifesto about reading, by Loki, with 6 points on reading "bad" books, short books, comics, audioooks, webcomics and fanfic, plus not finishing bad books cos life is too short.

This is my Lokifesto #KidsConf #UKkidlit #edusky lokibooks.com/lokifesto/