The Ahlbergs had arrived and there would be no looking back. Then, in one week, Penguin took The Old Joke Book, A & C Black took The Vanishment of Thomas Tull and Heinemann took Burglar Bill. Hard though it is to believe, their submissions to publishers were met with rejection slips. She began urging Allan to write a text for her to illustrate. While Allan worked full time as a teacher, Janet's first work was published. Janet decided against teaching as a career and turned instead to graphic design. Allan Ahlberg had enrolled on the same course. She went to Sunderland to train to be a teacher. Janet Hall was born in 1944 and spent her childhood years in Leicester. Before he fulfilled his ambition, he tried his hand at a variety of other jobs including postman, grave digger, plumber's mate and teacher. From the age of twelve, his dream was to be a writer. Fit for a King and May Day Madness! Topical themes to inspire aspiring young writersĪllan Ahlberg was born in Croydon in 1938, but grew up in Oldbury, near Birmingham.The year’s outstanding debut authors for children: shortlist for the 2023 Branford Boase Award announced.

Celebrate Grandparents Day with 50 great kids books about grandparents.

Anxiety & Wellbeing - 80 Books to Help Children Nurture Good Mental Health.

Jacqueline Wilson - our Guest Editor of the Month.

Branford Boase 2023 – what the judges had to say about the shortlist.

Read Hour returns for its third year in the UK with Moomin Characters.

In its 20th year, the shortlist for CLiPPA (CLPE Children’s Poetry Award) reflects the wealth of talent in children’s poetry.

13 Children's Books Featuring Poverty and Homelessness.30 enticing chapter books for children who are newly independent readers.60 kids books about grief to explain death to children and help them grieve.LGBTQI+ Children's Books celebrating Pride in London and Pride Month this June.Sophie Cameron - our Author of the Month.

Best kids books for getting children walking for National Walking Month and Walk to School Week.

Each peach pear plum big book