Hilary McKay

What a lovely collection. I thought of you last night when I resurrected your book give away idea in the village, nothing like so many books as you, but they were welcomed by the local kids, along with their treats.

That's nice, Sam, thank you. Especially for the comparison with the beautiful Song of Lewis Carmichael. I love that book.

Thank you for the shout for 'Saffy's Angel,' Nicolette. Really appreciated.

A note on #NewIllustrationOfTheDay. These daily posts aim to demonstrate the range and quality of children’s book illustration today. But they are also, I hope, an oasis of skill and beauty/humour/curiosity in everyone’s day, whatever else is happening. Please share with anyone who might enjoy that.

Thank you so much, Sam. So pleased to hear that you enjoyed meeting Rosa.

Stop whatever it is you’re doing:

I HAVE YELLOW LOOSESTRIFE BEES ON MY DOTTED LOOSESTRIFE.

I learned about these gorgeous beings years ago in @brigitstrawbridge.bsky.social’s wonderful Dancing with Bees and have dreamed of having them in my garden ever since.

Life will never be the same.

Sarah van Fleet just opening in the garden here. This is J L Carr's #AMonthInTheCountry Rose.

Thanks for this, The Authors Guild.I have 6 books with these people, all with advances earned out.For years it has been very difficult to obtain payments & statements.
Posted for in particular other UK authors who may not be aware of the news.
@authorsguild.bsky.social @albertwhitman.bsky.social

Thanks so much, Pippa. I've just found your ABBA review- so very kind.

Thank you.

Thank you!

Superb!

Thank you so much, Jacqui.

#NewIllustrationOfTheDay by Jennifer N R Smith, author and illustrator of Life: the Wild Wonders of Biodiversity. A hint of vintage engraving about this plate with a key, including sea otter, harbour seal, blacksmith fish, sea urchins. From Thames & Hudson on 10 April. @thamesandhudson.bsky.social

Thanks so much, Keith and Lauren. It's a dream, to have Keith illustrating. I feel very lucky.
Lauren, there's a copy of Grace on the way to you, but I also know how busy you are so DON'T rush to read.

www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/blog/hilary-...

www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/blog/hilary-...

@rachaelking70.bsky.social

Lovely news, and I am very much looking forward to Song of the Saltings.

That's very kind, thank you.

I read that, and replied and then deleted my reply because I was so ashamed of it. I have stopped doing school visits. They have frightened me for years. Festivals, libraries, signings I love. Schools, no. I have come to dread them.I've had more good ones than bad, but even so.
Never again.

I know. Very nearly voted Labour. Chose Green in the end. So this bloody awful government is one less thing on my conscience.

I'm thrilled that Jodie is included in #SparkReading this year.
This fantastic programme from @BookTrust is designed to spark a love of reading in KS3 students, building reading enjoyment through sociable shared reading experiences.
Find out more: booktrust.org.uk/spark-reading

What a treasure of a book.

That's so kind, thank you.

Thanks, Ian. I hope you enjoy the Swallows, and I hope even more that you don't find too many mistakes in Becoming Grace. It was a privilege to write about her.

An illustration of a girl sitting on stone steps in the porch of a doorway. She is hugging a tabby cat, burying her face in its fur. She seems to be sad and taking comfort from the cat. She is surrounded by other cats including tabbys, Siamese and white kittens, who are all looking at her.

Lots of adorable cat photos on my feed today. Is that because it's #Caturday? I don't own a cat but here are some I drew for Rosa by Starlight, by Hilary McKay.

This is lovely. Thank you @imogenrw.bsky.social for including Rosa By Starlight.

Thank you, Keith.
(Still finding my way around these blue skies.)

It was a joy to write this story of Grace Darling's family and childhood, and a double joy to have it illustrated by the magnificent Keith Robinson.