Nostalgia and Maggots at the Haringey Book Awards

School librarians work SO hard. Every year, there are regional awards for children’s books, and they’re all organised by a cohort of passionate and dedicated librarians. On Monday, I took several train journeys to Wood Green, which was a real trip of nostalgia because it’s where I lived in halls of residence in my first … More Nostalgia and Maggots at the Haringey Book Awards

Strawberry Fun With the Federation of Children’s Book Groups

It sounds awfully serious, doesn’t it, the Federation of Children’s Book Groups? On the one hand, it has a very serious purpose indeed – to share great books for children – but on the other hand…well, we all like a bit of a party, don’t we? I was invited to speak at the FCBG conference … More Strawberry Fun With the Federation of Children’s Book Groups

Taking the Day Off

It’s been a busy couple of weeks. Over the weekend, we hosted a birthday party for my youngest daughter, and so come Monday, I was feeling very washed out and completely lacking in motivation. The sun was shining, and my brain went ‘DON’T WANT TO WORK’, so I rebelled. I took a mat into the garden … More Taking the Day Off

A Library of Lemons wins the Oxfordshire Book Award!

I’m really, really thrilled to announce that A LIBRARY OF LEMONS has won the secondary category in the Oxfordshire Book Awards 2017! Huge thanks to the children of the participating schools – you rock! The OBA is my favourite award because it’s right on my doorstep and I grew up here. Two years ago I … More A Library of Lemons wins the Oxfordshire Book Award!