"The most important periodical in the world of British children's books."
Sir Philip Pullman, CBE, FRSL
BfK 280 September 2026
This issue’s cover illustration is from The Worst Thing That Could Possibly Happen, written by Guy Bass, illustrated by David Roberts. Thanks to Little Tiger for their help with this cover.
There’s more than a scrap of magick in Helen Parry’s hugely enjoyable novel, it positively ripples through the book and animates its lead character, the redoubtable Thirza. Moss, and leaves, twigs and dried rosehips all play a vital role too, and for Thirza in particular. The setting is Ruthyn Hall, the grand home of Lord Wulfric, former Lord High Magician, and Thirza is the most junior of his servants, taken in as a …
There’s more than a scrap of magick in Helen Parry’s hugely enjoyable novel, it positively ripples through the book and animates its lead character, the redoubtable Thirza. Moss, and leaves, twigs and dried rosehips all play a vital role too, and for Thirza in particular. The setting is Ruthyn Hall, the grand home of Lord Wulfric, former Lord High Magician, and Thirza is the most junior of his servants, taken in as a baby when her family abandoned her. Or so she believes. As the story unfolds however, with the arrival at the hall of Lord Wulfric’s niece Cecily, much of what we have understood turns out not to be true at all. Thirza not only has magick, she is magickal, while the apparently benevolent Lord Wulfric, who has taught Thirza to read and enjoys playing Cribbage with her, is cruel and ruthless, scheming to renew his ow …
Steve Cole is the author of over 200 books, including the Astrosaurs series, Doctor Who novels and Young Bond titles. But The Wild Ones, marks a new direction for him. The story of a band of pets forced to fend for themselves after an apocalyptic event, it’s a thrilling survival quest adventure that will have young readers gripped. Graham Marks interviewed Steve about the book for Books for Keeps. …
View Full InterviewHow are children’s books reflecting disability Reflecting Disability has announced the results of its study into the representation of disabled people in children’s books. In research funded by Arts Council England …
Then We’ll Be Happy is Alan Carrigan’s debut novel. It tells the story of seventeen-year-old Sam and his determination to win control in his own life. Like Sam, Alan, has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. BfK’s …
It’s Friday afternoon in Chestnut class. I’ve been invited into the school to award a reading prize to Year 6, who are settling down to watch a movie with biscuits and juice, their reward for being Reading Class of …
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).
