Clare Pearson
@clarepearson.bsky.social
Literary agent, once an editor. Parent of Gen Zers. Occasional visitor here but aiming to follow back. https://linktr.ee/ClarePearson
Pinned
Jake in the Middle by Michael Catchpool illustrated by Shanarama – the first in the Maple Street series – is a Guardian Book of the Month. @otterbarrybooks.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/books/2026/j...
www.theguardian.com/books/2026/j...
Reposted by Clare Pearson
Jake in the Middle by Michael Catchpool illustrated by Shanarama – the first in the Maple Street series – is a Guardian Book of the Month. @otterbarrybooks.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/books/2026/j...
www.theguardian.com/books/2026/j...
January 30, 2026 at 1:18 PM
Jake in the Middle by Michael Catchpool illustrated by Shanarama – the first in the Maple Street series – is a Guardian Book of the Month. @otterbarrybooks.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/books/2026/j...
www.theguardian.com/books/2026/j...
Reposted by Clare Pearson
New year, new stories. This month’s inclusive picks include Lunar New Year celebrations, calm and thoughtful picture books, playful poetry and brilliant early chapter reads.
A lovely mix for refreshing classroom and library shelves this winter. 💛📖
https://ow.ly/7kB350Y5mFA
A lovely mix for refreshing classroom and library shelves this winter. 💛📖
https://ow.ly/7kB350Y5mFA
January 30, 2026 at 9:00 PM
New year, new stories. This month’s inclusive picks include Lunar New Year celebrations, calm and thoughtful picture books, playful poetry and brilliant early chapter reads.
A lovely mix for refreshing classroom and library shelves this winter. 💛📖
https://ow.ly/7kB350Y5mFA
A lovely mix for refreshing classroom and library shelves this winter. 💛📖
https://ow.ly/7kB350Y5mFA
Jake in the Middle by Michael Catchpool illustrated by Shanarama – the first in the Maple Street series – is a Guardian Book of the Month. @otterbarrybooks.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/books/2026/j...
www.theguardian.com/books/2026/j...
January 30, 2026 at 1:18 PM
Jake in the Middle by Michael Catchpool illustrated by Shanarama – the first in the Maple Street series – is a Guardian Book of the Month. @otterbarrybooks.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/books/2026/j...
www.theguardian.com/books/2026/j...
Reposted by Clare Pearson
Children and teens roundup – the best new picture books and novels www.theguardian.com/books/2026/j...
Children and teens roundup – the best new picture books and novels
Caring canines; daring donuts; a golden monkey; a boy from another planet; a dark take on Little Women and more
www.theguardian.com
January 24, 2026 at 11:56 AM
Children and teens roundup – the best new picture books and novels www.theguardian.com/books/2026/j...
Reposted by Clare Pearson
The 1st in the #MapleStreet series #JakeintheMiddle Michael Catchpool illustrated Shanarama @otterbarrybooks.bsky.social is #RedReadingHub’s #kidlit #youngfiction book of the day reviewed on the blog wp.me/p11DI5-dA6
Jake in the Middle / My Happy Life
Jake in the MiddleMichael Catchpool, illustrated by ShanaramaOtter-Barry Books This is the first of the new Maple Street series and what a delight it is. Meet Jake, who is the central character of …
redreadinghub.blog
January 9, 2026 at 10:21 AM
The 1st in the #MapleStreet series #JakeintheMiddle Michael Catchpool illustrated Shanarama @otterbarrybooks.bsky.social is #RedReadingHub’s #kidlit #youngfiction book of the day reviewed on the blog wp.me/p11DI5-dA6
Reposted by Clare Pearson
Developing a Love of Reading
Dr. Seuss, Ofsted and the magic of seeing yourself in a story
Read more:⛄📚❄️
issuu.com/educationcho...
#educationchoicesmagazine #educationcornerpodcast #educationchoices #drseuss #michaelcatchpool #EDIB #DEI #equality #diversity #inclusion #belonging #reading
Dr. Seuss, Ofsted and the magic of seeing yourself in a story
Read more:⛄📚❄️
issuu.com/educationcho...
#educationchoicesmagazine #educationcornerpodcast #educationchoices #drseuss #michaelcatchpool #EDIB #DEI #equality #diversity #inclusion #belonging #reading
January 9, 2026 at 9:19 AM
Developing a Love of Reading
Dr. Seuss, Ofsted and the magic of seeing yourself in a story
Read more:⛄📚❄️
issuu.com/educationcho...
#educationchoicesmagazine #educationcornerpodcast #educationchoices #drseuss #michaelcatchpool #EDIB #DEI #equality #diversity #inclusion #belonging #reading
Dr. Seuss, Ofsted and the magic of seeing yourself in a story
Read more:⛄📚❄️
issuu.com/educationcho...
#educationchoicesmagazine #educationcornerpodcast #educationchoices #drseuss #michaelcatchpool #EDIB #DEI #equality #diversity #inclusion #belonging #reading
Reposted by Clare Pearson
And the launch of 'Making It Up As You Go Along: A Children's Guide to Writing Stories'.
A gorgeous thing to make. Mary Murphy's illustration is so funny and smartly pitched. And Trish – well. She's kids-lit's answer to Miggeldy, complete with cries of "Please don't go!"
A gorgeous thing to make. Mary Murphy's illustration is so funny and smartly pitched. And Trish – well. She's kids-lit's answer to Miggeldy, complete with cries of "Please don't go!"
September 20, 2025 at 10:35 PM
And the launch of 'Making It Up As You Go Along: A Children's Guide to Writing Stories'.
A gorgeous thing to make. Mary Murphy's illustration is so funny and smartly pitched. And Trish – well. She's kids-lit's answer to Miggeldy, complete with cries of "Please don't go!"
A gorgeous thing to make. Mary Murphy's illustration is so funny and smartly pitched. And Trish – well. She's kids-lit's answer to Miggeldy, complete with cries of "Please don't go!"
Reposted by Clare Pearson
The current Irish Children’s Literature Laureate, Patricia Forde, reflects on the highlights of her tenure and on what she still hopes to achieve 👇 #BookSky
Laureate na nÓg Patricia Forde: ‘For a country that prides itself on our storytellers and our books and our literature, it is heartbreaking to think that we might cut these children off from that thread’
ebx.sh
September 26, 2025 at 10:54 AM
The current Irish Children’s Literature Laureate, Patricia Forde, reflects on the highlights of her tenure and on what she still hopes to achieve 👇 #BookSky
Reposted by Clare Pearson
We can’t wait to welcome Mary Murphy back to celebrate the publication of Let’s Be Earthlings, her absolutely gorgeous new picture book! Come along at 3pm this coming Sat (30th Aug) at 3pm for storytelling and more fun!
You can order Let’s Be Earthlings here halfwayupthestairs.ie/product/9781...
You can order Let’s Be Earthlings here halfwayupthestairs.ie/product/9781...
August 25, 2025 at 5:31 PM
We can’t wait to welcome Mary Murphy back to celebrate the publication of Let’s Be Earthlings, her absolutely gorgeous new picture book! Come along at 3pm this coming Sat (30th Aug) at 3pm for storytelling and more fun!
You can order Let’s Be Earthlings here halfwayupthestairs.ie/product/9781...
You can order Let’s Be Earthlings here halfwayupthestairs.ie/product/9781...
Reposted by Clare Pearson
Our picks of the best children’s books coming out in Autumn 2025. 📚👍🏼
schoolreadinglist.co.uk/new-book-rel...
#kidlit
Here's our selection of top new titles coming out in Autumn 2025. These reading recommendations include picture books, poetry, early and middle-grade ...
schoolreadinglist.co.uk/new-book-rel...
#kidlit
Here's our selection of top new titles coming out in Autumn 2025. These reading recommendations include picture books, poetry, early and middle-grade ...
Our picks of the best children’s books coming out in Autumn 2025
Here's our selection of top new titles coming out in Autumn 2025. These include picture books, poetry, middle-grade, YA & non-fiction.
schoolreadinglist.co.uk
August 15, 2025 at 9:51 AM
Our picks of the best children’s books coming out in Autumn 2025. 📚👍🏼
schoolreadinglist.co.uk/new-book-rel...
#kidlit
Here's our selection of top new titles coming out in Autumn 2025. These reading recommendations include picture books, poetry, early and middle-grade ...
schoolreadinglist.co.uk/new-book-rel...
#kidlit
Here's our selection of top new titles coming out in Autumn 2025. These reading recommendations include picture books, poetry, early and middle-grade ...
Reposted by Clare Pearson
Today's review...'Let’s Be Earthlings' by Mary Murphy A real gem!
www.throughthebookshelf.com/reviews/lets-be-earthlings
www.throughthebookshelf.com/reviews/lets-be-earthlings
Let’s Be Earthlings — Through the Bookshelf
A little alien discovers Earth and it delighted by all its wonders. It enjoys feeding like a bat, carrying its home on its back like a snail and playing like a child. The only thing missing is its fri...
www.throughthebookshelf.com
August 5, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Today's review...'Let’s Be Earthlings' by Mary Murphy A real gem!
www.throughthebookshelf.com/reviews/lets-be-earthlings
www.throughthebookshelf.com/reviews/lets-be-earthlings
Reposted by Clare Pearson
Mary Murphy has kindly donated her original illustrations from her book Happy. Do check it out sooner rather than later if you're interested, there's only FOUR pieces left!
As always, all funds raised go straight to @medicalaidpal.bsky.social
www.ruthennis.com/irish-kidlit...
As always, all funds raised go straight to @medicalaidpal.bsky.social
www.ruthennis.com/irish-kidlit...
Irish KidLit for Palestine — Ruth Ennis
www.ruthennis.com
August 6, 2025 at 8:53 AM
Mary Murphy has kindly donated her original illustrations from her book Happy. Do check it out sooner rather than later if you're interested, there's only FOUR pieces left!
As always, all funds raised go straight to @medicalaidpal.bsky.social
www.ruthennis.com/irish-kidlit...
As always, all funds raised go straight to @medicalaidpal.bsky.social
www.ruthennis.com/irish-kidlit...
Reposted by Clare Pearson
We're coming back to #Newcastle Theatre Royal! We've brought some of the best children's authors and illustrators to the theatre over the past 8 years, including Valerie Bloom, John Agard & @frankcottrellboyce.bsky.social
This year we're welcoming @catherinerayner.bsky.social 💛 #booksky #literacy
This year we're welcoming @catherinerayner.bsky.social 💛 #booksky #literacy
May 19, 2025 at 5:25 AM
We're coming back to #Newcastle Theatre Royal! We've brought some of the best children's authors and illustrators to the theatre over the past 8 years, including Valerie Bloom, John Agard & @frankcottrellboyce.bsky.social
This year we're welcoming @catherinerayner.bsky.social 💛 #booksky #literacy
This year we're welcoming @catherinerayner.bsky.social 💛 #booksky #literacy
Reposted by Clare Pearson
Tonight! Don't miss a rare opportunity to hear one of the country's best-loved poets, Valerie Bloom.
Produced by our partner Speaking Volumes. Details below 👇
Produced by our partner Speaking Volumes. Details below 👇
Tonight! Come join us as we hear about the remarkable career of poet and author Valerie Bloom.
With Joy Francis at 198 Gallery, south London. £5
Part of a groundbreaking series of talks celebrating remarkable black older women creatives.
Book here: womenspeakvolumesvaleriebloom.eventbrite.co.uk
With Joy Francis at 198 Gallery, south London. £5
Part of a groundbreaking series of talks celebrating remarkable black older women creatives.
Book here: womenspeakvolumesvaleriebloom.eventbrite.co.uk
May 14, 2025 at 8:35 AM
Tonight! Don't miss a rare opportunity to hear one of the country's best-loved poets, Valerie Bloom.
Produced by our partner Speaking Volumes. Details below 👇
Produced by our partner Speaking Volumes. Details below 👇
Reposted by Clare Pearson
📣 SUPERJOE DOES NOT SAY SORRY has come out in PAPERBACK!
🦸🏿♂️ The laugh-out-loud follow up to SuperJoe Does NOT Do Cuddles, this second outing by our loveable superhero is sure to help even the most stubborn pre-schooler learn the value of saying sorry. 🐙
uk.bookshop.org/a/291/978183...
#booksky
🦸🏿♂️ The laugh-out-loud follow up to SuperJoe Does NOT Do Cuddles, this second outing by our loveable superhero is sure to help even the most stubborn pre-schooler learn the value of saying sorry. 🐙
uk.bookshop.org/a/291/978183...
#booksky
May 20, 2025 at 6:56 PM
📣 SUPERJOE DOES NOT SAY SORRY has come out in PAPERBACK!
🦸🏿♂️ The laugh-out-loud follow up to SuperJoe Does NOT Do Cuddles, this second outing by our loveable superhero is sure to help even the most stubborn pre-schooler learn the value of saying sorry. 🐙
uk.bookshop.org/a/291/978183...
#booksky
🦸🏿♂️ The laugh-out-loud follow up to SuperJoe Does NOT Do Cuddles, this second outing by our loveable superhero is sure to help even the most stubborn pre-schooler learn the value of saying sorry. 🐙
uk.bookshop.org/a/291/978183...
#booksky
Reposted by Clare Pearson
Thanks to Ireland AM for having our Elaina on the show yesterday morning to discuss great new Spring reads from Irish authors and illustrators ☘️🌅📺
Check out the featured books and watch back on the show (01:14:20) ⬇️
childrensbooksireland.ie/news-events/...
Check out the featured books and watch back on the show (01:14:20) ⬇️
childrensbooksireland.ie/news-events/...
March 20, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Thanks to Ireland AM for having our Elaina on the show yesterday morning to discuss great new Spring reads from Irish authors and illustrators ☘️🌅📺
Check out the featured books and watch back on the show (01:14:20) ⬇️
childrensbooksireland.ie/news-events/...
Check out the featured books and watch back on the show (01:14:20) ⬇️
childrensbooksireland.ie/news-events/...
Reposted by Clare Pearson
Teachers! Parents! Classicists! Looking for short-format, easy-to-read books for intelligent older readers in KS3? Try my #TalesFromVirgilsAeneid. Simple, fast-moving, tragic plots & not dumbed-down in any way. Plus with covers by amazing @flaroh.bsky.social! www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...
March 17, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Teachers! Parents! Classicists! Looking for short-format, easy-to-read books for intelligent older readers in KS3? Try my #TalesFromVirgilsAeneid. Simple, fast-moving, tragic plots & not dumbed-down in any way. Plus with covers by amazing @flaroh.bsky.social! www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...
Reposted by Clare Pearson
Virgil was a genius of storytelling and I've retold two tragic tales from his #Aeneid. Gender busting #Camilla is a good partner for my Nisus & Euryalus book. Lots of white space for teen readers and another brilliant cover by @flaroh.bsky.social AKA Flora Kirk. www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...
February 17, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Virgil was a genius of storytelling and I've retold two tragic tales from his #Aeneid. Gender busting #Camilla is a good partner for my Nisus & Euryalus book. Lots of white space for teen readers and another brilliant cover by @flaroh.bsky.social AKA Flora Kirk. www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...
Reposted by Clare Pearson
Short, brutal and tragic, Virgil's story of two young warriors, Nisus and Euryalus, is perfect for teens interested in mythology and ancient history. Bonus is the brilliant new cover by @flaroh.bsky.social Order here: www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...
February 17, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Short, brutal and tragic, Virgil's story of two young warriors, Nisus and Euryalus, is perfect for teens interested in mythology and ancient history. Bonus is the brilliant new cover by @flaroh.bsky.social Order here: www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...
Reposted by Clare Pearson
Here’s the final Friends Forever window @halfwayupbooks.bsky.social by the v talented Mary Murphy. Signed copies in stock. Age 3+
#DiscoverIrishKidsBooks
#DiscoverIrishKidsBooks
February 9, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Here’s the final Friends Forever window @halfwayupbooks.bsky.social by the v talented Mary Murphy. Signed copies in stock. Age 3+
#DiscoverIrishKidsBooks
#DiscoverIrishKidsBooks
Reposted by Clare Pearson
So lovely to have Mary Murphy here for our first event of 2025, reading and drawing from her new book Friends Forever! Signed copies available in store and online! halfwayupthestairs.ie/product/9780...
@sarahwebbwriter.bsky.social
@sarahwebbwriter.bsky.social
February 8, 2025 at 3:33 PM
So lovely to have Mary Murphy here for our first event of 2025, reading and drawing from her new book Friends Forever! Signed copies available in store and online! halfwayupthestairs.ie/product/9780...
@sarahwebbwriter.bsky.social
@sarahwebbwriter.bsky.social
Reposted by Clare Pearson
Pantheon: An Illustrated Handbook to the Greek Gods & Goddesses by Caroline Lawrence, illustrated by Flaroh Illustration (suggested 12+): uk.bookshop.org/p/books/pant...
Pantheon: An Illustrated Handbook to the Greek Gods & Goddesses a book by Caroline Lawrence.
***'If you want to have fun refreshing your knowledge on Greek gods and goddesses, try Caroline Lawrence's beautifully illustrated Pantheon.' Mary Beard'I love Caroline Lawrence and so should you.' Na...
uk.bookshop.org
February 2, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Pantheon: An Illustrated Handbook to the Greek Gods & Goddesses by Caroline Lawrence, illustrated by Flaroh Illustration (suggested 12+): uk.bookshop.org/p/books/pant...
Reposted by Clare Pearson
Our first event of 2025 is with the wonderful Mary Murphy to celebrate her fantastic new picture book, Friends Forever! Join us on Saturday Feb 8th at 3pm for storytime and activities! Age 4+, no booking required. Friends Forever is available in store and online at www.halfwayupthestairs.ie
January 30, 2025 at 11:24 AM
Our first event of 2025 is with the wonderful Mary Murphy to celebrate her fantastic new picture book, Friends Forever! Join us on Saturday Feb 8th at 3pm for storytime and activities! Age 4+, no booking required. Friends Forever is available in store and online at www.halfwayupthestairs.ie
Reposted by Clare Pearson
Always good fun at the Trafalgar Square tree lighting ceremony (even though the heavens opened on us)!
Thanks to Valerie Bloom for the brand new @poetrysociety.bsky.social Christmas poem and to the children who performed it beautifully 🎄
Thanks to Valerie Bloom for the brand new @poetrysociety.bsky.social Christmas poem and to the children who performed it beautifully 🎄
December 7, 2024 at 3:59 PM
Always good fun at the Trafalgar Square tree lighting ceremony (even though the heavens opened on us)!
Thanks to Valerie Bloom for the brand new @poetrysociety.bsky.social Christmas poem and to the children who performed it beautifully 🎄
Thanks to Valerie Bloom for the brand new @poetrysociety.bsky.social Christmas poem and to the children who performed it beautifully 🎄
Reposted by Clare Pearson
Mary Murphy is another outstanding picture book maker for young children aged 2/3+. I adore Chirp, an ode to the dawn chorus with strong, vibrant artwork and lyrical text. And What I Like Most for age 4+ is such a beautiful picture book. #BookElves2024 #DiscoverIrishKidsBooks
December 7, 2024 at 6:42 PM
Mary Murphy is another outstanding picture book maker for young children aged 2/3+. I adore Chirp, an ode to the dawn chorus with strong, vibrant artwork and lyrical text. And What I Like Most for age 4+ is such a beautiful picture book. #BookElves2024 #DiscoverIrishKidsBooks