Bfk 276 January 2026

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This issue’s cover illustration is from Donut Squad: Make a Mess (a PhoenixComic Book), written & illustrated by Neill Cameron. Thanks to Neill and David Fickling Books for their help with this cover.

Book of the Week

The Upside-Down Lighthouse

Paddy Donnelly
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New Talent

The Book of Heartbreak

Ova Ceren
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Editor's Choice

The Long Walk

Petr Horáček
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Articles

Imaginative Ink: Exploring Metty’s world
Tanja Jennings talks to author Philippa Leathley about her fantasy adventure series, Inkbound.
A Girl’s Guide to Spying: an interview with Holly Webb
Holly Webb interviewed about her new book, A Girl's Guide to Spying
A Q&A Interview with Sara Pennypacker
Sara Pennypacker answers our questions about her historical novel, The Lions' Run
Reimagining Welsh mythology: an interview with CM Lewis
Michelle Pauli interviews multi-award-winning author CM Lewis about her new fantasy adventure, Quill and the Last Generation
Editorial 276
Editorial: Happy National Year of Reading
All We Need is Love (and a continued commitment to inclusive literature)
Farrah Serroukh picks out the key takeaway from the most recent CLPE Reflecting Realities Report
Happy New Year? What does 2026 have in store?
Key figures in the children’s book world share their hopes for 2026.
‘Laughter is delayed fear’ (Roald Dahl) or… a career in children’s books
Barry Cunningham OBE looks back at 50 years in children’s books.
Authorgraph no 276: Neill Cameron
Neill Cameron interviewed by Lucy Starbuck Braidley
Windows into Illustration: Alea Marley
Alea Marley explains the process of creating the cover for Auntie’s Bangles.
How to get children reading because they want to, not because they have to.
Charlotte Hacking has ten suggestions.
Exploring Worlds of Wonder
Daniel Hahn introduces a new celebration of great children’s books
One Year On: Celebrating the First Year of the GLL Literary Foundation
Rebecca Gediking looks back over the first year of this new initiative and ahead.
Beyond the Secret Garden: Poems by Black Poets
Darren Chetty and Karen Sands-O’Connor are inspired by a new poetry anthology
Bring poetry into the heart of your school this National Year of Reading
School librarian Fiona Kirk recommends Poetry By Heart
Peter Burns: I Wish I’d Written
Peter Burns chooses a book that’s had a huge influence on his life.
Good Reads: Mangotsfield CE Primary School, Bristol
Good Reads: chosen by young people at Mangotsfield C of E Primary School, Bristol
A Q&A interview with Tom Moorhouse
Tom Moorhouse answers our questions on his new book Where the Dragon Waits
Valediction Number 26: Puss in Boots
Brian Alderson wraps up another precious book and has a special offer for BfK readers.

Book Reviews

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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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Telephone: 0780 789 3369

ISSN: 0143-909X (this is our International Standard Serial Number).

Bfk 275 November 2025