P J Canning
@pjcanningauthor.bsky.social
Children's author. 21% Monster series published by @Usborne. Agent: @kickbackbooks. He/him
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P J Canning
@pjcanningauthor.bsky.social
· Nov 14
The 21% Monster series is an origin story for a diverse, UK based superhero team.
The first book, 21% Monster, has been shortlisted for the Dudley Children's book Award in 2023 and the Salford Children's Book Award 2024. The book has been selected for the BookTrust Bookbuzz programme in 2024.
The first book, 21% Monster, has been shortlisted for the Dudley Children's book Award in 2023 and the Salford Children's Book Award 2024. The book has been selected for the BookTrust Bookbuzz programme in 2024.
A welcome surprise tonight to find that @bexhogan.bsky.social was giving a talk at my son's Duke of Ed award ceremony! 🏆
Bex's description of the (sometimes dark) fairytale-like winding path both life and books can take and what you can learn from all of it was great to listen to. 📚🪄
Bex's description of the (sometimes dark) fairytale-like winding path both life and books can take and what you can learn from all of it was great to listen to. 📚🪄
November 12, 2025 at 10:19 PM
A welcome surprise tonight to find that @bexhogan.bsky.social was giving a talk at my son's Duke of Ed award ceremony! 🏆
Bex's description of the (sometimes dark) fairytale-like winding path both life and books can take and what you can learn from all of it was great to listen to. 📚🪄
Bex's description of the (sometimes dark) fairytale-like winding path both life and books can take and what you can learn from all of it was great to listen to. 📚🪄
Reposted by P J Canning
Day 26 and 27 of my favourite Black authored books and next up are two compelling thrillers. Ace of Spades looks at the weaponisation of racism in a prestigious boarding school. And Where Sleeping Girls Lie looks at SA in a boarding school setting with Mean Girl vibes. Both are excellent.
October 27, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Day 26 and 27 of my favourite Black authored books and next up are two compelling thrillers. Ace of Spades looks at the weaponisation of racism in a prestigious boarding school. And Where Sleeping Girls Lie looks at SA in a boarding school setting with Mean Girl vibes. Both are excellent.
Reposted by P J Canning
The Wolf and His King comes out in ONE MONTH today! (Or three months today if you're in the US.) This book is a retelling of the medieval French poem 'Bisclavret', about a werewolf knight and the king who loves him.
More info and preorder links: finnlongman.com/books/the-wo...
More info and preorder links: finnlongman.com/books/the-wo...
October 27, 2025 at 11:01 AM
The Wolf and His King comes out in ONE MONTH today! (Or three months today if you're in the US.) This book is a retelling of the medieval French poem 'Bisclavret', about a werewolf knight and the king who loves him.
More info and preorder links: finnlongman.com/books/the-wo...
More info and preorder links: finnlongman.com/books/the-wo...
Reposted by P J Canning
Day 25 of my favourite Black authored books and back to middle grade with one of my favourite fantasy series. This is about found families and mixed heritage identity. There’s a Black Arthurian Knight, changelings and a children’s home based on a real piece of history. I love it!
October 25, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Day 25 of my favourite Black authored books and back to middle grade with one of my favourite fantasy series. This is about found families and mixed heritage identity. There’s a Black Arthurian Knight, changelings and a children’s home based on a real piece of history. I love it!
Reposted by P J Canning
So, now there's a booker prize for 8-12 year old kidlit, let's have one for YA and picture books. The PB one I already have a name for. The Picture Booker.
October 25, 2025 at 7:13 AM
So, now there's a booker prize for 8-12 year old kidlit, let's have one for YA and picture books. The PB one I already have a name for. The Picture Booker.
Reposted by P J Canning
So pleased to see copies of Grimogen Darkstar have magicked their way to @waterstoneswton.bsky.social 😊 I'll be at the shop on the 31st October 12-1pm for some spooky crafts 🦇🐈⬛📚🎉
#grimogendarkstar #kidlit #childrensbooks #spooky #halloween #autumn #spookyseason #halfterm
@tinytreebooks.bsky.social
#grimogendarkstar #kidlit #childrensbooks #spooky #halloween #autumn #spookyseason #halfterm
@tinytreebooks.bsky.social
🦇🐈⬛️ We're so pleased to welcome Grimogen Darkstar: Bat-Cat-Tastrophe into stock at Waterstones #Wolverhampton, from local favourite, Emma @finlaysonpalmer.bsky.social FinlaysonPalmer! A perfect #SpookySeason treat for younger readers! 🦇🐈⬛️ #Halloween #GrimogenDarkstar
October 10, 2025 at 1:36 PM
So pleased to see copies of Grimogen Darkstar have magicked their way to @waterstoneswton.bsky.social 😊 I'll be at the shop on the 31st October 12-1pm for some spooky crafts 🦇🐈⬛📚🎉
#grimogendarkstar #kidlit #childrensbooks #spooky #halloween #autumn #spookyseason #halfterm
@tinytreebooks.bsky.social
#grimogendarkstar #kidlit #childrensbooks #spooky #halloween #autumn #spookyseason #halfterm
@tinytreebooks.bsky.social
Reposted by P J Canning
#Take10ToRead, peeps! It'll do you wonders in so many ways.
October 10, 2025 at 12:11 PM
#Take10ToRead, peeps! It'll do you wonders in so many ways.
Reposted by P J Canning
My Black book for today is (and excuse the blowing of one’s own trumpet) my own. Because it won the Readers Choice Award at the Diverse Book Awards last night and I’m still feeling v emotional about it! This explores Black Tudor history through time travel and I’m so bloody proud of it!
October 10, 2025 at 7:52 AM
My Black book for today is (and excuse the blowing of one’s own trumpet) my own. Because it won the Readers Choice Award at the Diverse Book Awards last night and I’m still feeling v emotional about it! This explores Black Tudor history through time travel and I’m so bloody proud of it!
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LOVED this book so much!
Continuing sharing a whole month of great Black authored kids books. Today is Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun - one of the first books that really got me into reading middle grade. I mean it’s Balck girl scifi and her Afro hair is her superpower. I could not love this series more.
October 10, 2025 at 6:31 AM
LOVED this book so much!
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The news is official! I can finally tell you that my next romcom Reality Check will be out in April next year!
October 9, 2025 at 10:16 AM
The news is official! I can finally tell you that my next romcom Reality Check will be out in April next year!
Reposted by P J Canning
Toby and the Pixies: Worst King Ever has been included in this year's Great Books Guide from BookTrust that will be going out to schools all over the country! So many brilliant books in this, I'm very pleased to be included - see the full list here: www.booktrust.org.uk/book-recomme...
October 8, 2025 at 10:31 AM
Toby and the Pixies: Worst King Ever has been included in this year's Great Books Guide from BookTrust that will be going out to schools all over the country! So many brilliant books in this, I'm very pleased to be included - see the full list here: www.booktrust.org.uk/book-recomme...
Reminds me of my first dog. If you threw her a frisbee, she'd let it hit her in the face and then pick it up off the ground.
This is Gus. His brother Walter is trying to teach him how to catch a treat. Sadly it may be a lost cause. Still 13/10 for both (IG: waltandgusthebernese)
September 29, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Reminds me of my first dog. If you threw her a frisbee, she'd let it hit her in the face and then pick it up off the ground.
Reposted by P J Canning
We were delighted to team up with National Fostering Group for an episode of their Voices of Fostering podcast, featuring our former Writer in Residence @lawrencepatrice.bsky.social!
🎧 Find it wherever you get your podcasts or on this link:
https://bit.ly/4gjaCG0
🎧 Find it wherever you get your podcasts or on this link:
https://bit.ly/4gjaCG0
September 12, 2025 at 5:07 PM
We were delighted to team up with National Fostering Group for an episode of their Voices of Fostering podcast, featuring our former Writer in Residence @lawrencepatrice.bsky.social!
🎧 Find it wherever you get your podcasts or on this link:
https://bit.ly/4gjaCG0
🎧 Find it wherever you get your podcasts or on this link:
https://bit.ly/4gjaCG0
Reposted by P J Canning
"What big teeth you've got!" Check out the animated trailer for The Big Bad Wolf Murder, a fairytale whodunnit coming this September. Action-packed noir with bite, for readers aged 7+. Read the first chapter and pre-order here: www.pgbellwriter.com/the-big-bad-... #KidLit #KidLitUK
May 20, 2025 at 1:22 PM
"What big teeth you've got!" Check out the animated trailer for The Big Bad Wolf Murder, a fairytale whodunnit coming this September. Action-packed noir with bite, for readers aged 7+. Read the first chapter and pre-order here: www.pgbellwriter.com/the-big-bad-... #KidLit #KidLitUK
Reposted by P J Canning
Hugely excited to have received a copy of Letters from the Upside, the latest middle grade from Katya Balen. Out 25/09 from @bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social, enormous thanks go to Beatrice Cross 🌻
#KidlitUK #UKKidlit
#KidlitUK #UKKidlit
September 8, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Hugely excited to have received a copy of Letters from the Upside, the latest middle grade from Katya Balen. Out 25/09 from @bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social, enormous thanks go to Beatrice Cross 🌻
#KidlitUK #UKKidlit
#KidlitUK #UKKidlit
Reposted by P J Canning
I have a book out in two weeks. So....one repost of this and I'll drop one fact/spoiler/detail about the book. @walkerbooksuk.bsky.social www.walker.co.uk/978152951581...
Loki: A Bad God's Guide to Causing Chaos - Walker Books
PRE-ORDER NOW! THE BRAND-NEW HILARIOUS DOODLE-PACKED DIARY IN THE BESTSELLING LOKI SERIES.‘Tom Gates and Wimpy Kid fans need look no further than this laug...
www.walker.co.uk
August 29, 2025 at 7:33 AM
I have a book out in two weeks. So....one repost of this and I'll drop one fact/spoiler/detail about the book. @walkerbooksuk.bsky.social www.walker.co.uk/978152951581...
Boosting! 👇
THE WOLF AND HIS KING comes out in the UK in 3 months today, so I'm giving away one paperback ARC!
To enter: follow me and reskeet this. Bonus: add TWAHK on GR/Storygraph & drop a screenshot in the comments. Extra bonus: tell me your favourite medieval story.
UK only (sorry). Closes midday 29/08.
To enter: follow me and reskeet this. Bonus: add TWAHK on GR/Storygraph & drop a screenshot in the comments. Extra bonus: tell me your favourite medieval story.
UK only (sorry). Closes midday 29/08.
August 27, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Boosting! 👇
What would guess she's thinking?
August 23, 2025 at 10:36 PM
What would guess she's thinking?
Reposted by P J Canning
#KidLitUK #UKKidLit Another brilliant Authors Live is coming up. Open to schools/individuals with access to iPlayer. Register to watch below…
The international bestselling Skandar author @afsteadman.bsky.social is coming to Authors Live this September! 🐲
Book digital seats for your P6–S3s and join us for this exciting live event. 🎟️
www.scottishbooktrust.com/learning-and...
Book digital seats for your P6–S3s and join us for this exciting live event. 🎟️
www.scottishbooktrust.com/learning-and...
August 23, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Reposted by P J Canning
The international bestselling Skandar author @afsteadman.bsky.social is coming to Authors Live this September! 🐲
Book digital seats for your P6–S3s and join us for this exciting live event. 🎟️
www.scottishbooktrust.com/learning-and...
Book digital seats for your P6–S3s and join us for this exciting live event. 🎟️
www.scottishbooktrust.com/learning-and...
August 21, 2025 at 10:05 AM
The international bestselling Skandar author @afsteadman.bsky.social is coming to Authors Live this September! 🐲
Book digital seats for your P6–S3s and join us for this exciting live event. 🎟️
www.scottishbooktrust.com/learning-and...
Book digital seats for your P6–S3s and join us for this exciting live event. 🎟️
www.scottishbooktrust.com/learning-and...
Reposted by P J Canning
Our Breakthrough Mentoring Programme for Disabled Writers is open for applications!
Four talented writers will be awarded nine months of mentoring from a published author-mentor and a tutorial with a literary agent.
Apply by 2 Nov: www.curtisbrowncreative.co.uk/course/break...
Four talented writers will be awarded nine months of mentoring from a published author-mentor and a tutorial with a literary agent.
Apply by 2 Nov: www.curtisbrowncreative.co.uk/course/break...
Breakthrough Mentoring Programme for Disabled Writers
Four talented disabled writers will receive nine months of mentoring from a published author, plus a tutorial with a literary agent.
www.curtisbrowncreative.co.uk
August 15, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Our Breakthrough Mentoring Programme for Disabled Writers is open for applications!
Four talented writers will be awarded nine months of mentoring from a published author-mentor and a tutorial with a literary agent.
Apply by 2 Nov: www.curtisbrowncreative.co.uk/course/break...
Four talented writers will be awarded nine months of mentoring from a published author-mentor and a tutorial with a literary agent.
Apply by 2 Nov: www.curtisbrowncreative.co.uk/course/break...
Reposted by P J Canning
Draft one SENT! Book six is away!
August 15, 2025 at 9:12 AM
Draft one SENT! Book six is away!
Reposted by P J Canning
Why must you preorder the incredible Letters from the Upside? If you’ve read any of the other books here then I bet the latest from Katya Balen will be right up your street 🐦 Out 25/9 for 9+. @bloomsburyed.bsky.social #kidlituk
August 11, 2025 at 10:18 AM
Why must you preorder the incredible Letters from the Upside? If you’ve read any of the other books here then I bet the latest from Katya Balen will be right up your street 🐦 Out 25/9 for 9+. @bloomsburyed.bsky.social #kidlituk
Reposted by P J Canning
Have just published a short blog about some of the books selected for the packs I created with Pandora Books. A lot of thought went into the choices so I hope they're a useful starting point for schools.
www.pandorabooks.co.uk/more-from-jo...
www.pandorabooks.co.uk/more-from-jo...
July 23, 2025 at 5:30 AM
Have just published a short blog about some of the books selected for the packs I created with Pandora Books. A lot of thought went into the choices so I hope they're a useful starting point for schools.
www.pandorabooks.co.uk/more-from-jo...
www.pandorabooks.co.uk/more-from-jo...
Reposted by P J Canning
"When I was a child, my favourite books were the ones that took me seriously as a reader; the ones that were honest, and didn’t try to soften or simplify the truth, even when they dealt with difficult things. So that’s the kind of book I always want to write myself."
dailybulldog.com/arts/an-inte...
dailybulldog.com/arts/an-inte...
An Interview With SF Said
A remarkable book is being released in the U.S. today. Tyger by SF Said won the British Book Award for Children’s Fiction Book of the Year when it was published in the U.K. in 2023…
dailybulldog.com
July 21, 2025 at 9:32 PM
"When I was a child, my favourite books were the ones that took me seriously as a reader; the ones that were honest, and didn’t try to soften or simplify the truth, even when they dealt with difficult things. So that’s the kind of book I always want to write myself."
dailybulldog.com/arts/an-inte...
dailybulldog.com/arts/an-inte...