A children's book blog
In painful and insecure times like these, many of us find it comforting to re-read a favourite book – perhaps one from a sunnier and more innocent time, for the escape it offers briefly, or one that depicts characters triumphing through dangers and hardships. What books do you turn to?
Growing up to be an artist is a popular theme in children’s literature. Here are two older books about boys wrestling with definitions of masculinity at odds with their artistic vocations.
When an extraordinary news story breaks, everyone remembers where they were, and what they were doing. In the same way, there are remarkable books which, when first encountered, are forever impressed with a timestamp of memory.
As a child I read this book until I wore out the cover. How, then, did I miss the death of an important character?
YA author Steph Bowe passed away on 20th January, aged just 25. Ian pays tribute to Steph and the gifts she left us.
About a year ago I was asked to give a talk at a fundraising dinner for literacy. This post is an excerpt.
There is much I love about adult fiction. But children's literature, when done well, has a special quality.
Those of us who grew up with a rich and varied ecosystem of children's books are becoming conscious of an insidious loss of species and a trend towards large monoculture farming.
Have picture books moulded your expectations of life? My relationship with MacBunny and other rabbits.
