@cbnnetwork.bsky.social
Children’s Books North Network (CBNN) connects and supports published children’s writers, illustrators and publishing professionals living in the North and Scotland. Co-leads Emma Layfield and Beatrice Cross www.linktr.ee/childrensbooksnorth
In this Northern Highlight, Scottish writer Martin Stewart has written a special blog for CBNN discussing Robert Burns and the poem Tam o' Shanter, how it inspires his work, including new book Sandy Fin: Mystery of the Phantom Diver, and why spooky stories need not only be reserved for Halloween.
08.02.2026 17:47 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
For our first CBNN Reads of 2026, CBNN’s Mentor Lead Laura Lewis has chosen Swim, Shark, Swim! by Dom Conlon & Anastasia Izlesou. Published by Graffeg Publishing. Link in bio 📚 @graffegbooks.bsky.social
04.02.2026 10:09 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
In this Northern Highlight, we interview Simon Lamb, an author based in Prestwick, a seaside town on the west coast of Scotland. Simon tells us a bit about his recent work, Mat o’ Shanter, a “versioning” of a really famous poem by Robert Burns called Tam o’ Shanter. Link in bio for full interview 📚
01.02.2026 16:40 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0@newwritingnorth.bsky.social @artscouncilengland.bsky.social
30.01.2026 09:10 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
A few snippets from our brilliant 1-1 Portfolio Reviews with Tom Ashton-Booth last night, an exclusive opportunity to get industry advice on your CBNN Prize entry ahead of the submission deadline. We loved seeing all of your amazing ideas and designs for Fabulous Frank! 📚
30.01.2026 09:09 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0
In this Northern Highlight, we interview Kara McHale, a designer and illustrator based in Southport, Merseyside. Kara tells us a bit about her upcoming book, Bodie and the Ghost Showdown: An Emetophobia Story. Link in bio for full interview 📚
27.01.2026 12:07 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
It’s now 1 month to go until the CBNN Prize deadline closes!We’re so excited to see all your submissions, follow the link in our bio for full information on how to enter 🥳📚
26.01.2026 15:48 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0@dapsdraws.bsky.social @lydiamonks.bsky.social
15.01.2026 12:36 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Submissions for the CBNN Prize close 26th February and our judges can’t wait to meet up in Manchester and look at the entries together! If you are an unpublished illustrator living in the North, please do enter! For all the info, go to: childrensbooksnorth.co.uk/cbnn-prize 📚
15.01.2026 12:36 — 👍 6 🔁 6 💬 1 📌 0
As part of the CBNN Prize, we have 3 FREE events coming up for aspiring Northern picture book illustrators.
Follow the link in our bio for full information and tickets for these events 📚
🎉 New members announcement 🎉
We are delighted to welcome four new members to CBNN. Please join us in giving a warm welcome to: Emma Kate, Emma Whitehall, Salomey Doku, and Dawn Machell. We are so excited to have you all on board 📚 @salomeydraws.bsky.social
In this Northern Highlight, we interview Lisa J Allen, an author based in south Liverpool. Lisa tells us a bit about her debut middle grade novel, Undercover Angel : Crash Landing. Link in bio for full interview 📚 @lisajallen.bsky.social @tinytreebooks.bsky.social
05.01.2026 09:42 — 👍 3 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
The CBNN office will be closed from the 10th December until the 5th January. We can’t wait to see you all in 2026! Wishing you a restful break 📚
10.12.2025 16:05 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
For our final CBNN Reads of 2025, CBNN’s Co-Lead & Publicist Beatrice Cross has chosen Come What May by Debi Gliori. Published by Bloomsbury. Link in bio for full review 📚 @debigliori.bsky.social @bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social
04.12.2025 12:45 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 1
In this Northern Highlight, we interview Skye McKenna, a writer based in East Dunbartonshire, Scotland. She talks to us about Stonewitch, the fourth book in the Hedgewitch series. Link in bio for full interview 📚
24.11.2025 12:51 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
In this Northern Highlight, we interview Mike Edwards, an author based in Teesside. He talks to us a bit about Riverskin, his debut novel. Mike is also working on his second book The Voice in the Flames! Link in bio for full interview 📚 @walkerbooksuk.bsky.social
18.11.2025 11:39 — 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
In this Guest Northern Highlight, Sara tells us about Stockroom, which is Stockport’s new creative and cultural space and town centre library. Sara is the Library Project Manager. Link in bio for full interview 📚
14.11.2025 09:45 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Our Co-Lead & Director Emma Layfield and Network Champion & Social Media Lead Georgina Bulga had a brilliant day representing CBNN yesterday at The Reader in Liverpool for our second CBNN Prize Roadshow, what an amazing turnout! We loved meeting you all 📚
@newwritingnorth.bsky.social
@newwritingnorth.bsky.social
06.11.2025 12:07 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
We’re looking forward to meeting lots of illustrators at Manchester Animation Festival and chatting about the CBNN Prize. If you’re an aspiring illustrator and interested in finding out more, come and find us on Wednesday 12th November, we’re looking forward to meeting you all 📚
06.11.2025 12:07 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0
🎉 New members announcement 🎉
We are delighted to welcome four new members to CBNN. Please join us in giving a warm welcome to: Megan Blount, Ruby Allen-Cadman, Steph Bellwood, and Hannah Welch. We are so excited to have you all on board 📚
@newwritingnorth.bsky.social @grimmandco.bsky.social @manmetuni.bsky.social
03.11.2025 08:31 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
The #CBNNPrize is NOW OPEN for entries!
Submissions close on Thursday 26 February 2026
For more information on how to enter and full eligibility criteria, please visit the CBNN Prize website - link in bio
#CBNN #CBNNPrize #ChildrensBooksNorthNetwork
@sparewriter.bsky.social
28.10.2025 13:22 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
In this Northern Highlight, we interview Miranda Moore, an author based in the Scottish Borders. Miranda tells us a bit about her second novel that she has recently been working on. Miranda’s debut YA novel, A Beautiful, Terrible Thing, published earlier this month! Link in bio 📚
28.10.2025 13:22 — 👍 2 🔁 1 💬 2 📌 0
Join us at on the 18:30 on Wednesday 14th January 2026 for a free practical and inspiring workshop, led by acclaimed designer, judge, and picture book specialist Ness Wood, offering a comprehensive introduction to creating picture books for children. Link in bio for tickets 📚
27.10.2025 12:27 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
We’re looking forward to meeting lots of illustrators at @ Thought Bubble and chatting about the CBNN Prize. If you’re an aspiring illustrator and interested in finding out more, come and find us at Bubbleboy Hall D5a! 📚 @thoughtbubbleuk.bsky.social @newwritingnorth.bsky.social
21.10.2025 11:58 — 👍 6 🔁 3 💬 0 📌 0
In this week’s Northern Highlight, we speak with Sian Wheatcroft. She is an Illustrator based in Doncaster and tells us about a picture book called All the firsts by Toni D'Alia she recently worked on. Link in bio 📚
20.10.2025 18:36 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
For our October CBNN Reads, CBNN’s Designer Abby Haddad has chosen I’ll Be There by Rosalind Beardshaw and Karl Newson, published by Nosy Crow. Link in bio for full review 📚 @nosycrow.bsky.social @karlnewson.bsky.social
19.10.2025 14:46 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
In this Northern Highlight, we interview Moniza Hossain, a writer based in Manchester. She talks to us about her debut picture book, Street Puppy, Masjid Cat, which came out on the 8th of October, and is illustrated by Wastana Haikal. Link in bio 📚 @monizahossain.bsky.social
16.10.2025 07:38 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
