Julia Blackburn
@juliathumwrites.bsky.social
Writer of childrens’ stories inspired by the magic of nature 🌞🌲. (AKA Julia Thum)
Reposted by Julia Blackburn
Our research shows children's enjoyment of reading drops when they start school - and this continues through childhood.
We work with brilliant school staff, offering support as they work to reverse this trend.
Find out more in our latest Impact Report 👇
https://bit.ly/4pSWXZM
We work with brilliant school staff, offering support as they work to reverse this trend.
Find out more in our latest Impact Report 👇
https://bit.ly/4pSWXZM
December 10, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Our research shows children's enjoyment of reading drops when they start school - and this continues through childhood.
We work with brilliant school staff, offering support as they work to reverse this trend.
Find out more in our latest Impact Report 👇
https://bit.ly/4pSWXZM
We work with brilliant school staff, offering support as they work to reverse this trend.
Find out more in our latest Impact Report 👇
https://bit.ly/4pSWXZM
I am so looking forward to this. Thank you @finlaysonpalmer.bsky.social for inviting me to join you. Can't wait to chat about The Songbird Army with you all on Tuesday. bird🐦🪺🦅
Next #ukteenchat will be on Tues 16th Dec 8-9pm GMT with the fabulous @juliathumwrites.bsky.social who will be chatting all about her lower MG - The Songbird Army 🐦 All welcome to come along and join in the chat 🙂
#TheSongbirdArmy #kidlit #MG #writerslife #WritingCommunity
#TheSongbirdArmy #kidlit #MG #writerslife #WritingCommunity
December 10, 2025 at 9:14 AM
I am so looking forward to this. Thank you @finlaysonpalmer.bsky.social for inviting me to join you. Can't wait to chat about The Songbird Army with you all on Tuesday. bird🐦🪺🦅
“A powerful message: kindness, courage and unity can drown out even the loudest bullies.”
I am thrilled with this review of #TheSongbirdArmy
youngpageturners.co.uk/the-songbird...
#AntiBullying
#StopBullying
#BeKind
#ChooseKindness
#WellbeingInSchools
#Safeguarding
#StandUpToBullies
I am thrilled with this review of #TheSongbirdArmy
youngpageturners.co.uk/the-songbird...
#AntiBullying
#StopBullying
#BeKind
#ChooseKindness
#WellbeingInSchools
#Safeguarding
#StandUpToBullies
The Songbird Army by Julia Blackburn Review - Young Page Turners
The Songbird Army is a heartwarming adventure for middle-grade readers about standing up to bullies, the power of courage and friendship.
youngpageturners.co.uk
December 8, 2025 at 6:59 AM
“A powerful message: kindness, courage and unity can drown out even the loudest bullies.”
I am thrilled with this review of #TheSongbirdArmy
youngpageturners.co.uk/the-songbird...
#AntiBullying
#StopBullying
#BeKind
#ChooseKindness
#WellbeingInSchools
#Safeguarding
#StandUpToBullies
I am thrilled with this review of #TheSongbirdArmy
youngpageturners.co.uk/the-songbird...
#AntiBullying
#StopBullying
#BeKind
#ChooseKindness
#WellbeingInSchools
#Safeguarding
#StandUpToBullies
✨ December’s Book of the Month: Swanfall by Sophie Kirtley! ❄️ Magical winter landscapes, folklore, friendship, and mystery await. Read my full review and discover why this is a must-read this season.
www.juliablackburn.co.uk/swanfall
KidsBloomsbury
#Swanfall #middlegradebooks #childrensbooks
www.juliablackburn.co.uk/swanfall
KidsBloomsbury
#Swanfall #middlegradebooks #childrensbooks
Swanfall
A magical middle-grade winter read: our review of Sophie Kirtley’s Swanfall, full of folklore, friendship, and atmospheric adventure.
www.juliablackburn.co.uk
December 2, 2025 at 11:58 AM
✨ December’s Book of the Month: Swanfall by Sophie Kirtley! ❄️ Magical winter landscapes, folklore, friendship, and mystery await. Read my full review and discover why this is a must-read this season.
www.juliablackburn.co.uk/swanfall
KidsBloomsbury
#Swanfall #middlegradebooks #childrensbooks
www.juliablackburn.co.uk/swanfall
KidsBloomsbury
#Swanfall #middlegradebooks #childrensbooks
I am thrilled with @MissG_Primary‘s review of #TheLostDragonflies over on Instagram.
“The combination of magical elements, nature, and bursts of action kept me hooked!”
#TeachersOfBluesy #LibrariansOfBluesy #ChildrensLit #StorytimeMagic #ClassroomReads #MagicalAdventures #BooksForKids #NatureStories
“The combination of magical elements, nature, and bursts of action kept me hooked!”
#TeachersOfBluesy #LibrariansOfBluesy #ChildrensLit #StorytimeMagic #ClassroomReads #MagicalAdventures #BooksForKids #NatureStories
November 28, 2025 at 4:45 PM
I am thrilled with @MissG_Primary‘s review of #TheLostDragonflies over on Instagram.
“The combination of magical elements, nature, and bursts of action kept me hooked!”
#TeachersOfBluesy #LibrariansOfBluesy #ChildrensLit #StorytimeMagic #ClassroomReads #MagicalAdventures #BooksForKids #NatureStories
“The combination of magical elements, nature, and bursts of action kept me hooked!”
#TeachersOfBluesy #LibrariansOfBluesy #ChildrensLit #StorytimeMagic #ClassroomReads #MagicalAdventures #BooksForKids #NatureStories
Reposted by Julia Blackburn
Absolutely thrilled to be joining @tinytreebooks.bsky.social for my first author-illustrated book 📚🎉📚🎉📚🎉
#kidlit #writing #writerslife #author #illustrator #writementor #MG
#kidlit #writing #writerslife #author #illustrator #writementor #MG
"We're thrilled to announce that we've acquired new titles from Michelle Hird, @finlaysonpalmer.bsky.social, @brianfredauthor.bsky.social, Susannah Haydn, and Victoria Byron — publishing in 2025 and beyond.
Click here for more details 👇
tinytreebooks.com/2024/12/13/t...
Click here for more details 👇
tinytreebooks.com/2024/12/13/t...
Tiny Tree Acquires New Titles for Release in 2025 and Beyond
Tiny Tree Books is pleased to announce new titles from Michelle Hird, Emma Finlayson-Palmer, Victoria Byron, Brian Frederick, and Susannah Haydn.
https://tinytreebooks.com/2024/12/13/tiny-tree-acquisition-december-2024/"
December 13, 2024 at 4:52 PM
Absolutely thrilled to be joining @tinytreebooks.bsky.social for my first author-illustrated book 📚🎉📚🎉📚🎉
#kidlit #writing #writerslife #author #illustrator #writementor #MG
#kidlit #writing #writerslife #author #illustrator #writementor #MG
I am delighted with this review of #TheSongbirdArmy by the fabulous @lindasbookbag.bsky.social.
It’s my pleasure to share my review of children’s book The Songbird Army by Julia Blackburn @juliathumwrites.bsky.social
lindasbookbag.com/2025/11/07/t...
lindasbookbag.com/2025/11/07/t...
November 8, 2025 at 2:48 PM
I am delighted with this review of #TheSongbirdArmy by the fabulous @lindasbookbag.bsky.social.
@jennyquintana.bsky.social look where I am! Thought of you x
May 25, 2025 at 8:01 AM
@jennyquintana.bsky.social look where I am! Thought of you x
Reposted by Julia Blackburn
It's #WorldDownSyndromeDay, and we have such a lovely treat for you!
George Webster is reading us an extract from his brilliant new book George and the Mini Dragon, featuring a mischievous dragon and an art class in chaos.
Watch on #BookTrustHomeTime:
www.booktrust.org.uk/hometime
George Webster is reading us an extract from his brilliant new book George and the Mini Dragon, featuring a mischievous dragon and an art class in chaos.
Watch on #BookTrustHomeTime:
www.booktrust.org.uk/hometime
March 21, 2025 at 2:07 PM
It's #WorldDownSyndromeDay, and we have such a lovely treat for you!
George Webster is reading us an extract from his brilliant new book George and the Mini Dragon, featuring a mischievous dragon and an art class in chaos.
Watch on #BookTrustHomeTime:
www.booktrust.org.uk/hometime
George Webster is reading us an extract from his brilliant new book George and the Mini Dragon, featuring a mischievous dragon and an art class in chaos.
Watch on #BookTrustHomeTime:
www.booktrust.org.uk/hometime
Reposted by Julia Blackburn
Some news! A new book is on its way …
A Poem for Every Question consists of 100 new poems, written in answer to the curious questions that kids will ask. Questions such as:
Are unicorns real?
How many stars exploded in the Universe today?
Was Blackbeard a real pirate?
Can it rain fish?
A Poem for Every Question consists of 100 new poems, written in answer to the curious questions that kids will ask. Questions such as:
Are unicorns real?
How many stars exploded in the Universe today?
Was Blackbeard a real pirate?
Can it rain fish?
March 21, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Some news! A new book is on its way …
A Poem for Every Question consists of 100 new poems, written in answer to the curious questions that kids will ask. Questions such as:
Are unicorns real?
How many stars exploded in the Universe today?
Was Blackbeard a real pirate?
Can it rain fish?
A Poem for Every Question consists of 100 new poems, written in answer to the curious questions that kids will ask. Questions such as:
Are unicorns real?
How many stars exploded in the Universe today?
Was Blackbeard a real pirate?
Can it rain fish?
Reposted by Julia Blackburn
DK has launched its first children’s fiction imprint, DK flip, “dedicated to publishing flippin’ marvellous fiction”, having previously only published children’s non-fiction 👇 #BookSky
DK ventures into children’s fiction with new imprint DK flip
www.thebookseller.com
March 21, 2025 at 4:31 PM
DK has launched its first children’s fiction imprint, DK flip, “dedicated to publishing flippin’ marvellous fiction”, having previously only published children’s non-fiction 👇 #BookSky
Reposted by Julia Blackburn
There are so many amazing children's books published that don't get the recognition they deserve. How To Be More Hedgehog by Anne-Marie Conway is definitely one. Every child that I've been able to get to read it says it's one of their favourite books. Which others have slipped through the net?
March 15, 2025 at 8:28 AM
There are so many amazing children's books published that don't get the recognition they deserve. How To Be More Hedgehog by Anne-Marie Conway is definitely one. Every child that I've been able to get to read it says it's one of their favourite books. Which others have slipped through the net?
Reposted by Julia Blackburn
Happy #WorldBookDay everyone! The books we love when we're young are the ones that make us readers, and change our lives FOREVER. So whatever else you do, please never stop reading books with kids, and encouraging them to read. There is nothing more important! #WorldBookDay2025
March 6, 2025 at 8:12 AM
Happy #WorldBookDay everyone! The books we love when we're young are the ones that make us readers, and change our lives FOREVER. So whatever else you do, please never stop reading books with kids, and encouraging them to read. There is nothing more important! #WorldBookDay2025
Reposted by Julia Blackburn
Beavers released into the wild in Britain! About time, too www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Beaver releases into wild to be allowed in England for first time in centuries
Exclusive: Government to grant nature groups a licence for release of rodent species after earlier setbacks
www.theguardian.com
February 28, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Beavers released into the wild in Britain! About time, too www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Julia Blackburn
I love that BLOOMSCROLLING is now A THING #bloomscrolling
February 25, 2025 at 7:10 AM
I love that BLOOMSCROLLING is now A THING #bloomscrolling
Reposted by Julia Blackburn
The Faber Children’s team is looking for a Project Editor to work on children’s titles from picture books up to YA. The successful candidate will be a meticulous, with a keen eye for detail and great communication skills.
https://faber.co.uk/careers/childrens-project-editor-maternity-cover/
https://faber.co.uk/careers/childrens-project-editor-maternity-cover/
February 15, 2025 at 9:52 AM
The Faber Children’s team is looking for a Project Editor to work on children’s titles from picture books up to YA. The successful candidate will be a meticulous, with a keen eye for detail and great communication skills.
https://faber.co.uk/careers/childrens-project-editor-maternity-cover/
https://faber.co.uk/careers/childrens-project-editor-maternity-cover/
Reposted by Julia Blackburn
AUTHORS & ILLUSTRATORS please add your name to this open letter against the modification of our copyright law in favour of AI!
#kidlitUK #HandsOffOurCopyright
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
#kidlitUK #HandsOffOurCopyright
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Objection to the Government's Proposed Copyright Exemption for Generative AI Training
To add your name to this letter, please fill and submit the form at the bottom.
Wednesday 12th February 2025:
We are some among the 2.4 million working in the UK creative industries. We are staring i...
docs.google.com
February 13, 2025 at 1:27 PM
AUTHORS & ILLUSTRATORS please add your name to this open letter against the modification of our copyright law in favour of AI!
#kidlitUK #HandsOffOurCopyright
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
#kidlitUK #HandsOffOurCopyright
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Reposted by Julia Blackburn
We are delighted to share the longlist for the 2025 Carnegie Medal for Writing! 🏅🖋️ Highlighting empathy and diversity, these 19 works range from gripping dystopian adventures to stories about navigating grief and self-esteem. ✍️💫 #Carnegies2025 carnegies.co.uk/2025-longlis...
February 12, 2025 at 9:25 AM
We are delighted to share the longlist for the 2025 Carnegie Medal for Writing! 🏅🖋️ Highlighting empathy and diversity, these 19 works range from gripping dystopian adventures to stories about navigating grief and self-esteem. ✍️💫 #Carnegies2025 carnegies.co.uk/2025-longlis...
Reposted by Julia Blackburn
Children's audiobook expert Emily Connelly brings you her selection of the best audiobooks for a family road trip:
The Best Audiobooks for a Family Road Trip
Audiobooks are a great way to make a long trip more enjoyable; expert recommendations for the best audiobooks for a family road trip
fivebooks.com
February 9, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Children's audiobook expert Emily Connelly brings you her selection of the best audiobooks for a family road trip:
Great selection here meaning my tbr list has just got even longer!
February 10, 2025 at 9:38 AM
Great selection here meaning my tbr list has just got even longer!
Reposted by Julia Blackburn
Excited to offer this opportunity for those of you who write for children. Come and hear editors and commissioning editors talk about middle grade books, and ask them your questions! Tickets only £10. All going to Alzheimer's Research UK. Pls spread the word!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fundraisin...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fundraisin...
February 9, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Excited to offer this opportunity for those of you who write for children. Come and hear editors and commissioning editors talk about middle grade books, and ask them your questions! Tickets only £10. All going to Alzheimer's Research UK. Pls spread the word!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fundraisin...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fundraisin...
Reposted by Julia Blackburn
Do you have insights to offer other creative writers on the production of picturebooks? On the making of Middle Grade? On the way to write YA? We're open to submissions of scholarly articles on the practice of writing for young people. Get in touch! leafjournal.org/for-authors #ukkidlit #academicsky
February 8, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Do you have insights to offer other creative writers on the production of picturebooks? On the making of Middle Grade? On the way to write YA? We're open to submissions of scholarly articles on the practice of writing for young people. Get in touch! leafjournal.org/for-authors #ukkidlit #academicsky