Reviews

There are so many incredible books available at the moment that it is impossible to read them all, no matter how hard I try! Here are my thoughts about some of the books I have read and how I think they could be used in school as well as Q and A sessions with authors and illustrators.

FCBG, FCBG Conference Sue Wilsher FCBG, FCBG Conference Sue Wilsher

FCBG Conference 2023 Day 1

This weekend, I attended the Federation of Children’s Book Groups’ annual Conference, held this year at Rugby School. This is always a real highlight, offering the perfect opportunity to spend time with other book lovers, hear a wonderful programme of authors, illustrators and poets speak and meet publishers to find out more about their brilliant books.

Rugby School is a beautiful venue, steeped in history and boasting some famous authors- Lewis Carroll, Rupert Brooke and Anthony Horowitz to name a few- as past pupils. It is also the setting for ‘Tom Brown’s Schooldays’ and author, Thomas Hughes, attended the school from 1834 to 1842. Written in 1857, the story is set in the 1830s and Tom Brown is largely based on the author’s brother, George, and the book draws on the author’s experiences.

Almost as soon as we arrived, we headed for the Conference Bookshop provided by the Norfolk Children’s Book Centre. An amazing array of books reflecting the weekend’s packed programme was on offer and the staff were- as ever- really friendly and helpful, with an excellent knowledge of their stock. It would take someone with an iron will not to indulge in buying the odd book or two from their tempting display!

Afternoon tea was sponsored by Hachette and we were each given a proof copy of Kiran Millward Hargarve’s new book which is out in August. Conference weekend begins with presentations from the publishers in which they share some of their wonderful titles. This tends to result in a hugely long wish shopping list of books to be looking out for and is a really lovely opportunity to hear from the publishers themselves. I made 10 pages of notes at this point…

This is followed by the opening of the publishers’ exhibition. Everyone has a wonderful time looking at the books and chatting directly to the publishers who are just the best and get very excited about their lovely books. There are plenty of treats on offer- bookmarks, posters and proof copies- and competitions to enter. Some even have sweets and chocolates on their stands! No one ever really wants to leave and head to dinner, but the exhibition opens again on Saturday morning and most people drift back again throughout the day.

After dinner, we celebrated 10 years of Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam with the wonderful Tracey Corderoy. Sadly, the equally lovely Steven Lenton wasn’t able to be with us as he had Covid, but he sent a message to everyone- which included a little message for me! Tracey managed to entertain us all brilliantly in his absence, teaching us how to draw an elf and playing a wonderful Shifty and Sam game with us! Great fun was had by all! However, I will never live down the fact that my table did not win the quiz about the books…

The evening finished with a poetry performance by Birmingham Young Poet Laureate, Nyanda Foday. She shared ‘Bookworms’, her gorgeous picture book poem with us, before performing a selection of her poetry. A brilliant end to a brilliant day!

Part two coming soon!

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Pause for Poetry, Poetry, Picture Book Sue Wilsher Pause for Poetry, Poetry, Picture Book Sue Wilsher

Pause for Poetry: Bookworms

I had the great pleasure of hearing Nyanda Foday talking poetry with Joseph Coelho at the SLG Conference. Her passion for poetry- for words- was truly inspiring and during the talk she shared her new book, ‘Bookworms’ with the audience. This beautiful picture book contains a stunning poem which celebrates the the importance of the stories in our lives which reflect us and our experiences, comfort us and anchor us.

The poem is breathtaking, showing how books can offer a sense of belonging, supporting those who are struggling socially, and be a guiding light to those in need, full of stunning lines which encapsulate the most complex emotions.

Sometimes a book is the sole piece of driftwood to cling to

when it feels like your life is going down with the ship.

It champions the need for representation in books so everyone can see themselves and ‘be the protagonist instead of the scenery’.

Every page is beautifully illustrated by Joelle Avelino with my favourite being the picture of the little girl hugging a book. This inspirational poem is perfect for sharing with much to discuss and reflect upon- and not just for children.

Bookworms Nyanda Foday, illustrated by Joelle Avelino

Andersen Press ISBN: 978-1839131486

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