BfK 280 September 2026

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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.

Book of the Week

Gracie

Judi Curtin
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New Talent

When the Birds Wake Up

Jessica Mary Ellis
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Editor's Choice

Tree and Me

Alison Jay
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Articles

Editorial 280
News and comment from the children’s book world
Then We’ll Be Happy: A conversation with Alan Carrigan
A conversation with author Alan Carrigan
Journeys into Reading
Nikki Gamble demonstrates the positives of focussing on ‘readers’ rather than ‘reading.’
Authorgraph number 280: David Solomons
David Solomons interviewed by Joanne Owen
Windows into Illustration: Carly Gledhill
Carly Gledhill on the playful Pass the Parcel
20 Years of Book-Loving Lulu
Celebrating Alanna Max and a little girl still punching above her weight
Bridging Communities and Books: the GLL Literary Foundation story continues
The GLL Literary Foundation story continues
Beyond the Secret Garden: Patrice Lawrence, UK Children’s Laureate
Patrice Lawrence by Darren Chetty and Karen Sands-O’Connor
Through the Sideways Door: an interview with Guy Bass and David Roberts
Damian Kelleher interviews Guy Bass and David Roberts about their scary new book
Comics in the Classroom: Meet Rochdale’s Graphic Novel Reading Ambassadors
Using Comics in the Classroom: an inspiring case study from Helen Jones’ and Lucy Starbuck Braidley’s new book.
Letterbox Library Recommends: Books on Social Isolation and Loneliness
This issue's Letterbox Library themed recommendations.
I Wish I’d Written: Lisa Williamson
Lisa Williamson chooses an awe-inspiring book.
Listening to Each Other’s Voices: the 40th IBBY Congress
Pam Dix reports on this year's IBBY World Congress.
Obituary: Alec Williams
Alec Williams 19 November 1947 - 2 June 2026
A Q&A interview with author Jessica Mary Ellis
Jessica Mary Ellis answers questions about her debut novel When the Birds Wake Up.
Valediction 29: a trip to Mulberry Street
Brian Alderson wraps up more precious books.
Steve Cole and The Wild Ones an interview
Steve Cole interviewed ny Graham Marks

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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Books for Keeps,
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London,
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Telephone: 0780 789 3369

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

Bfk 279 July 2026