"The most important periodical in the world of British children's books."
Sir Philip Pullman, CBE, FRSL
BfK 255 July 2022
This issue’s cover illustration is from The Zebra’s Great Escape by Katherine Rundell illustrated by Sara Ogilvie. Thanks to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for their help with our July cover.
One minute young amateur inventor Suzie Wen is at home watching her favourite TV series Space Blasters and wishing her summer holidays were going to be more exciting, the next she’s actually in the TV series, transported there somehow thanks to her very own Super 3-D TV Gizmo. It’s a surprise for the crew too, Captain Jane, Spaceman Jack and Five-Eyed Frank the alien but, with the exception of Frank who seems put out …
One minute young amateur inventor Suzie Wen is at home watching her favourite TV series Space Blasters and wishing her summer holidays were going to be more exciting, the next she’s actually in the TV series, transported there somehow thanks to her very own Super 3-D TV Gizmo. It’s a surprise for the crew too, Captain Jane, Spaceman Jack and Five-Eyed Frank the alien but, with the exception of Frank who seems put out by the unexpected arrival of a small human, they’re very welcoming, especially when Suzie lends a hand in saving the universe. It turns out that a number of moons have been going missing, something that allows for Suzie to visit not one but three very different planets, each with their own unusual inhabitants. That in itself makes for thoroughly enjoyable reading, but there are added bonuses too, including the crew …
In Mia and the Lightcasters, the first book in her Umbra Tales trilogy, Janelle McCurdy has created a gripping, action-packed fantasy adventure set in a fascinating world of darkness and light. Michelle Pauli interviewed Janelle for Books for Keeps. Most of the six cities in the kingdom of Lunis were plunged into eternal night by the feared Reaper King at some point in the past. When her own city …
View Full InterviewAdam Baron’s children’s books are witty, poignant and perfectly capture the experiences and voice of his central character the wonderfully named Cymbeline Igloo. The fourth book in the series, Some Sunny Day, covers …
Derrick Barnes’ books King of the Classroom and Queen of the Classroom, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, are favourites with Books for Keeps. These empowering stories are perfect to share with any child start …
A guest editorial from the writer Frank Cottrell-Boyce I’ve just finished a book tour. After years of Zooms and Teams it felt good to be going through the old routine of eye-wateringly early trains, of walking up to …
Receive the latest news & reviews direct to your inbox!
Launched in 1980, we’ve reviewed hundreds of new children’s books each year and published articles on every aspect of writing for children.
Books for Keeps,
30 Winton Avenue,
London,
N11 2AT
Telephone: 0780 789 3369
ISSN: 0143-909X (this is our International Standard Serial Number).
