Jon Biddle

A massive thank you to everyone who has already signed up, donated or shared. The total raised is now over £430 and still climbing. If you're free for an hour tomorrow morning, do sign up; if you're not, please consider making a donation anyway.

I've written dozens of articles about Reading for Pleasure for Educate magazine. They cover a wide range of topics: poetry, reading buddies, graphic novels, representation, empathy, book talk, author visits, choosing books and more. They can now be found on my Padlet.

padlet.com/Jon_Biddle/r...

I'm repeating my online 'Building a Classroom Reading Culture' session on Monday 11th August at 10:00am. There's no fixed price for tickets as all donations will go directly to Medical Aid for Palestinians (www.map.org.uk). Please share!

www.justgiving.com/page/jonatha...

Thank you to everyone who's already signed up, shared or donated. Please keep spreading the word.

It's a great session and really worth it as well as any donations going to an essential cause ⬇️ #EduSky

Thank you!

Thank you!

If you're free for an hour on Monday morning, do come along. And, if you're not, please consider making a donation anyway.

A wild statement. Where Is My Mind? by Pixies.

I'm repeating my online 'Building a Classroom Reading Culture' session on Monday 11th August at 10:00am. There's no fixed price for tickets as all donations will go directly to Medical Aid for Palestinians (www.map.org.uk). Please share!

www.justgiving.com/page/jonatha...

The @theclpe.bsky.social Reflecting Realities report is an essential read each year. Please share it with colleagues in schools and look at the books currently available to pupils. They deserve authentic representation in the books they find on the classroom shelves. clpe.org.uk/research/clp...

War Dog, by @tompalmerauthor.bsky.social and Carolina Rabei, is a beautifully illustrated biography of Judy, the only animal who has ever been made an official prisoner of war. It's a story of loyalty, love and danger, and simply perfect for sharing with a class. Out on 14th August.

His books are always worth a read. Enjoy.

Really well put.

They can work brilliantly (see below). They can be awful. They're often bought by well-meaning family members who want to buy a book as a gift and recognise the author's name. A lot of the celebrities aren't necessarily famous to the children. It's a tricky one.

#Sundaymorningbookchat this week is about celebrity authors. What are your thoughts on celebrities writing children’s books - even if they have a background in writing? Are there any that you’ve enjoyed? Are they books that you avoid? Do you think it’s good for the industry? the children?

I think there was 18 months between Pleasuredome and Rage Hard. It was all over by then.

If you weren't there, it's hard to explain how massive Frankie Goes To Hollywood actually were in 1983/4. #TOTP

It's not far behind. I like their second album, still gets an occasional play.

Definitely the second! A sad day for children's books.

Ah, I enjoyed the GN version. Good luck with the sessions, I love the idea.

Each Peach Pear Plum... Peepo!... Heard it in the Playground... Burglar Bill... what an incredible legacy.
www.theguardian.com/books/2025/j...

I love your KS2 choices, don't know all the KS1 books though. Earthsea...is that one that's ever read by KS2 pupils, or is that not the purpose behind choosing it? I personally love it but never really thought about it in the primary classroom.

Still get excited when I visit a football ground for the first time. I used to watch Colchester quite a lot when they played at Layer Road, usually when Ipswich had an away match, but it's my first game since they moved stadiums. Although it's actually to watch Ipswich v Charlton.

The Shark Caller's description of Papua New Guinea is an absolute joy. Beautifully written, like an extra character in the story.

#SundayMorningBookChat As we are well into summer holiday territory, what books really transport you to a place… in the heat or the cold, which books celebrate countries around the world! Where in the world have books taken you?

Have just published a short blog about some of the books selected for the packs I created with Pandora Books. A lot of thought went into the choices so I hope they're a useful starting point for schools.
www.pandorabooks.co.uk/more-from-jo...

Digging deep into the TBR pile…first holiday read.

“Voyage of the Sparrowhawk” by #NatashaFarrant

A brilliant emotional quest for a lost brother and a lost life. Couldn’t put it down. Lotte and Ben are fantastic characters and a force of nature together. Just utterly joyful

She's a very skilful writer. Haven't read this one yet.

This short paper about the decline in volitional reading is definitely worth ten minutes of your time.

"In an ecosystem which supports volitional reading, young people flourish and encourage each other as readers and learners."

@teresacremin.bsky.social

shorturl.at/PquEf