Simon Smith

The children in school can’t put it down. They are fascinated by it, one of those books where they find something new everytime they explore.

Not posted a book for a while…thought I’d get going with this bit of genius “Ultra-Wild” by @stevemushin.bsky.social
is a stunning, wildly creative not fiction text that explore how we may rewind our cities. It’s Science rich and dense, fascinating and wild. A book to pore over for kids.

Todays Soundtrack is #CarterUSM

Not sure everyone in the house is appreciating it as much as me.

Amazing #Endpapers too

Not posted a book for a while…thought I’d get going with this bit of genius “Ultra-Wild” by @stevemushin.bsky.social
is a stunning, wildly creative not fiction text that explore how we may rewind our cities. It’s Science rich and dense, fascinating and wild. A book to pore over for kids.

We really do

YouTube video by DemonMusicGroup Men Without Hats - The Safety Dance (Official HD Video)

Going for starters with a song that i love way more than it deserves “Safety Dance” by Men Without Hats. #FebMusicChallenge26

youtu.be/1p_BvaHsgGg

YouTube video by Rod241 THE CURE - Cold

Going obvious…

“Cold” by the Cure

#FebMusicChallenge26

youtu.be/BfZ5__1lfXo

YouTube video by Whitelands Whitelands - Heat Of The Summer (Official Video)

I’m going this…

“Heat of the Summer” by Whitelands, gorgeous shimmery dreampop #FebMusicChallenge26

youtu.be/PsJRd4TTi_M

YouTube video by Jim Bob ART

So getting straight to the point “Art” by Jim Bob(him of Carter UsM fame)

A punky tribute to the power of art to connect and move us. youtu.be/bQuZxjScfz8

Always aware of them but never really listened to them, just clicked this year…love them now. On fire is an amazing album

YouTube video by captainfutility1 Galaxie 500 - Blue Thunder

This is my Old/ New …old song but new to me …

“Blue Thunder” by Galaxie 500

youtu.be/SFkG6vD2nxk

YouTube video by Pop Will Eat Itself - Topic Disco Misfits

This is my New/ Old … a new song by a band I love…

“Disco Misfits” by Pop Will Eat Itself

youtu.be/uRxTs9GSd8I

YouTube video by Midlake Midlake - "Days Gone By" (Official Music Video)

Got 3…this is my New/New, beautiful, pastoral , autumnal loveliness

“Days gone By” by Midlake

youtu.be/L9CVSIlPsKQ

Will be joining in with the month, but don’t want to share month and year of birth on here.

Came on in the car as I was getting my youngest from Sheffield today, literally in tears as this hulking 22 year old sat looking at me like I’d gone mad.

So here they my favourite 40 picturebooks of 2025 (actually there are 42). Merry Christmas!

#FavePicturebooks25 #PicturebookPage

Here are almost 40 of my favourite #MiddleGrade reads for 2025.

A fantastic range from wild fantasy, to gritty realism, historical adventures and more than a few scares. What a brilliant year its been for children’s books

It should be because it is brilliant

I also hate the way we now own nothing…everything is subscription. Great model for business but very poor for schools.

Or maybe do neither.

Amazing #Endpapers and #UnderTheDustJacket as well

“Seven Ways Through a Wood” by @jennreese.bsky.social
and @devinellekurtz.bsky.social
is pure enchantment. Reese’s playful, prose invites you to choose your path, ride a griffin, stow away on a moss giant or take your own path.
Kurtz’s glowing art brings it to glorious life.
#PictureBookPage

Just finished it Rob, it’s a cracker!

Can see it being a big hit with the kids in school.

If you have even a passing interest in children’s books then you need to check out Betsy Bird’s ( @fuse8.bsky.social ) extraordinary 31 lists in 31 day. I’m always relived when I find lots of my favourite books #FavePicturebook25 in her lists. There are always gems I’ve missed however!

Not a minor celebrity but I did throw a cup of coffee over David Bowie.

Here are almost 40 of my favourite #MiddleGrade reads for 2025.

A fantastic range from wild fantasy, to gritty realism, historical adventures and more than a few scares. What a brilliant year its been for children’s books

It also has some brilliant #Backmatter that explores the exhibits and shares the process.

I finished my #FavePicturebooks25 then this absolute worldie arrived.

“Cat Nap” by @brianlies.bsky.social
is an utterly joyful Tom and Jerry-esque romp through a museum. A delightful story is delivered in through extraordinary art as they dive from exhibit to exhibit #PicturebookPage

No. 1 in my #FavePicturebooks25: “Don’t Trust Fish!” by @dansantat.bsky.social & @unshavedmouse.bsky.social, a truly hilarious, visually stunning romp with an unforgettable narrator (and a twist you’ll love!). Packed with gags, humor & comic timing. Pure joy! Just genius! #PicturebookPage