I guess we should be pleased they're not rushing tat out? Maybe in 30 years we'll be innundated with choice as with Nightmare Before Christmas (a far greater temptation for us both).

I was looking at some merch & told Bea I was sorry but it wouldn't be released in time for Christmas and she said to not worry coz she'd be over it by then!

The book advent is getting trickier as more chapter books go in, but it is still mostly Christmassy picturebooks to reminisce over 😊

Only 2 new books to add to Bea's #BookAdvent this year. A Stocking Full of Spies will be at the top because she's desperate to read it!

Overall judges winner: 'How the News Works', Children's choice was 'Amazing Asia' 🥳

'Black History for Every Day of the Year' by David, Yinka, and Kemi Olusoga is the winner for the 13-16 judges AND childrens awards! #InformationBookAwards @sla.org.uk

'How The News Works' by Jane Marlow & Terri Po wins for 8-12 judges award. 'Amazing Asia' written by @rashmiwriting.bsky.social gets the children's choice & was accepted by the illustrator, Jason Lyon! #InformationBookAwards @sla.org.uk

'This Book Will Make You an Artist', written by Ruth Millington & illustrated by Ellen Surrey @nosycrow.bsky.social, wins the judges and children's choice for under 7s!

Last month I asked for proof of postage for a parcel I'd put stamps on and they did it for me.

Y'know, I am often surprised by everyday people having no idea why I react so strongly to HP & are then horrified when I give a little background, but I really don't see how anyone involved in the children's books world could possibly still be so unaware. But also...find a current, better reference!

Ah, even in the kids stuff (thinking some teen violence & naive yr7s). But only occasionally.

🤣 I always say you're never too old for a book...but must admit I occasionally say "maybe in a few years" if there's content that I don't think a particular reader is ready for. If there's another adult lurking that wants a kid to get something "more appropriate", then I just say they can borrow 2!

And it is so much easier to get a word into someone's vocabulary, and used correctly if they have heard/read it in context rather than just in a list of synonyms!

Yes, adults need to be rememinded how to actually enjoy reading, true "reading for pleasure", & model that instead of just telling kids that it is "good for them"!

Absolutely! And <gasp> reading *pictures* or even play scripts and actually acting them out and seeing it come to life

I would like them to encourage adults to share a love of *story* with children. If reading isn't immediately easy they need a reason to persevere.

I told Bea's friends they're quoting Shakespeare when they say it (I was looking up "at sixes and sevens on Wikipedia)