"The most important periodical in the world of British children's books."
Sir Philip Pullman, CBE, FRSL
BfK 249 July 2021
This issue’s cover illustration is from The Summer We Turned Green by William Sutcliffe, cover illustration and hand lettering by Ben Tallon. Thanks to Bloomsbury for their help with this Ju …
‘I am furious. I’m seeing RED. I’m filled with rage. A storm’s ahead.’ Arms on hips. Defiant. Looking on with furrowed brows against a backdrop of heavy red cloud and sky. So begins one young child’s venting of emotion in a picturebook that explores anger, when harnessed, as an energising, emboldening asset. Although we never know exactly what it is that enrages our young protagonist, Teckentrup provides them with wo …
‘I am furious. I’m seeing RED. I’m filled with rage. A storm’s ahead.’ Arms on hips. Defiant. Looking on with furrowed brows against a backdrop of heavy red cloud and sky. So begins one young child’s venting of emotion in a picturebook that explores anger, when harnessed, as an energising, emboldening asset. Although we never know exactly what it is that enrages our young protagonist, Teckentrup provides them with words and a backdrop of visual, visceral red-hot imaginings as they become a ‘furious dragon you cannot ignore’, and a ‘hurricane, whirlwind, twister, typhoon’: a perfect storm that results in a sense of long-awaited freedom after having ‘been silent too long’. Starting with a series of double-spreads, figuratively abstract in picture and poetic style when illustrating the child’s anger, Teckentrup’s visual frame grad …
Michelle Pauli talks prequels, honesty and hope with Piers Torday. ‘No one should ever do a prequel,’ says Piers Torday, laughing, as we meet on Zoom to talk about his – yes – prequel. ‘I’ve broken a cardinal rule…’ If he has, it’s worth it. The Wild Before is a powerful exploration of the damage wrought to the natural environment and the possibility that hope and friendship can create a new story …
View Full InterviewMichelle Pauli talks prequels, honesty and hope with Piers Torday. ‘No one should ever do a prequel,’ says Piers Torday, laughing, as we meet on Zoom to talk about his – yes – prequel. ‘I’ve broken a cardinal rule…’ …
Jane Clarke’s Lottie Loves Nature series are an effective mix of fact and fiction, starring young wildlife fan, Lottie. With book three out now, Jane answers our questions about the series. Can you sum up the Lottie …
Michelle Pauli talks to ‘queen of historical fiction’ Emma Carroll about her new book, The Week at World’s End. What would you do if you had one day to do whatever you liked before the world ended? What might seem l …
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Launched in 1980, we’ve reviewed hundreds of new children’s books each year and published articles on every aspect of writing for children.
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