This is a two week special, as last week I was a bit busy being giddy. Normal service is resumed this week. Here’s some of the things you may have missed from the world of children’s literature.
*shuffles papers*
BONG.
- A list of ten inspiring bookshops across the world. I’m moving into the one in Santorini, I hope that’s okay with everyone?
- It’s nearly back to school time! Are all you parents taking a small sigh of relief? 😉 Here’s a back to school quiz from the Guardian on modern school stories, and here’s a list of some lovely reading recommendations from Waterstones.
- The Guardian (quite awesomely) have a sample from Liar and Spy by Rebecca Stead. You can read the first chapter here.
- Following the last #kidbkgrp, @childtastic wrote this thought-provoking and eloquent post on strong female characters. If you’ve seen anything else on the topic, do let me know?
- Also on a similar theme, Kate Mosse asks “Where have all the brave girls gone?”. As a sidebar, I’m really loving what the Guardian are doing in their children’s book sections at the moment – kudos to them.
- San Diego State University launched the Unjournal of Children’s Literature. The first issue is available here and features a really interesting article on the place of female identity in the Stoneheart trilogy.
- @storyseekersUK published a piece on the future of sharing books with children, covering the future of bookshops and reading. It’s really thoughtful and I’d encourage you to check it out. It also led me to this piece from Nosy Crow discussing what (and how) book reviews matter to you.
- On a Nosy Crow kick, I found this piece from Elli Woollard very intriguing. In it, she discusses her family and their reaction to A Boy and a Bear in a Boat by Dave Shelton. I was interested to see what other people were making of a book that I’d read and not really been blown away by (though don’t be misled, I did like it a lot).
BONG. That’s it for now! If you’d like to view other posts in this series, they’re available here. See you next time!
Daisy May Johnson 
Hadn’t seen the Nosy Crow one about reviews so that was a good read – thanks!
Thanks very much for sharing the link to my article in the Unjournal of Children’s Lit, as well as featuring the journal itself. I would love to know how you came across or learned about it.
I look forward to perusing your blog; the little I’ve seen this far indicates you have an MA in children’s Lit as well. We are planning to post a new CFP (soon!!) and would be happy to accept submissions from you if so inclined.
You’re welcome! I believe the journal was mentioned on one of the blogs I subscribe to – I’m afraid I can’t remember which one 😦 However, I look forward to seeing your new CFP which sounds very tempting! 😀