Invited to the reception before the opening today of the British Library’s Fairy Tales exhibition. Will write more later, but quite simply, book now. Spectacular, fun, beautiful and emotional. /exhibitions/fairy-tales
Congratulations to the amazingly talented Viviane Schwartz upon the launch of her first middle grade book and to Zen who has now been immortalised by @ruarimuir as a plasticine figurine, by a child at Stepping Into Stories in watercolours and now by Rose. As it should be. #handsomestdogintheworld
So much fun at the Inclusive Books For Children Awards 2026!
There were tears, hugs, laughter and cheers all round, led by the amazing @jeffreykboakye . The look on the lovely Alex Strick’s face says it all!! 💕✨🎉 😊 It was totally inspirational and so moving celebrating so many brilliant and important books reflecting children’s diverse experiences, identities and realities. Thank you to all the amazing team at Inclusive Books for Children @ibc_reads for being such a powerhouse for inclusivity.
And hugest congratulations to everybody shortlisted on such brilliant creations, and to all the 2026 winners! 👇
Baby & Toddler Winner 🌟Let’s Play | Written by
@strickalexandra | Illustrated by Annie Kubler and @sarahdellowdesign | Published by @childsplaybooks
Picture Books Winner 🌟 The Beautiful Layers of Me l Written by @sophiap_author | Illustrated by @ruchi.mm | Published by @WalkerBooksUK@WalkerPictureBooks
Highly Illustrated Children’s Fiction Winner 🌟
Supa Nova | Written and illustrated by @hey.chante | Published by @nosycrow
🎉🙌🎉🙌🎉🙌🎉
#inclusivebooksforchildren #ibcawards2026 #diversityandincluson #childrensbooks
I’ve just been called a “festival powerhouse.” I’m floating on air.
Going to get fish and chips and an early night because tomorrow and Sunday are big days.
Wish me luck!
Have made it to Day 4 of 6 of Stepping Into Stories Kids Lit Fest in Herne Hill and only today took a comedy tumble over a bench.
Would love the 🍀but even more would love it if you’d come along.
Space left on workshops for kids age 2-12ish..
Even some free tickets to be had!
Phew! It’s been a long day of lifting, carrying, lugging, building, bashing, laughing and all pulling together to make this a phenomenal festival week!
And that’s what we love @stories_fest 💕 Featuring some of the biggest, most celebrated authors and illustrators from across the world of children’s books, and reaching thousands and thousands of kids each festival, we’re still run completely by and for the local community.
Which means rolling up our sleeves and moving metaphoric mountains to make this amazing week happen 😍🙌 It’s been a busy day, including kicking off with two sensational virtual events today for schools across the country with @josephcoelhoauthor and @amdassu . Plus setting everything up for our in-person events to launch tomorrow morning. But we’re ready, and raring to go, and can’t wait for an amazing week of big bookish fun ahead!
Come and join the fun 👉 . Many events are now sold out now so snap your tickets up before it’s too late.
We’re all off for a well-earned rest now - see you in the morning! 🙌
#festival #festivalweek #kidlit #london #community
This is my first personal post about the upcoming @stories_fest . I’ll do a few rehearsals here before having the courage to BE (one of) the voices of Stepping Into Stories. Decided to kick things off with something spectacular. I cannot keep @harrietmuncaster ’s delightful illustrated books on our library shelves so it is hugely exciting that she is this year’s competion judge! Find all the entry info here: /competition
The holidays are a perfect time to get creating as the deadline for children to submit stories is Saturday, 24th January. Last but not least, I love this year’s theme- home is where the heart is. #writingcompetition #children #bookfestivals #steppingintostories
