‘Teenagers are exhausting’: Teacher and author Carol Atherton on why her profession deserves more respect
The Head of English at a Lincolnshire secondary school discusses the crisis in education and her mission to make literature live for a new generation
February 2020
Quentin Blake: ‘Spend time with children? Good God, no'
The writer and illustrator talks about bringing some of the most cherished children’s characters to life, his work with Roald Dahl and Michael Rosen – and the tiny weed that inspired his latest book
May 2019
Toffee by Sarah Crossan review – a profoundly moving YA novel in verse
Trauma, grief and belonging are all addressed in this poignant verse novel from the Irish children’s laureate
December 2018
Children's book reviews round-up
The best children’s books of 2018 for all ages
From celebrity-penned tales to fresh interpretations of the classics, here is our pick of the best for hungry readers from tots to teens
October 2018
Despite its critics, light verse is booming – that’s poetic justice
Claire Armitstead
A new poem commissioned by the Children’s Society will win the hearts of a new generation of readers, says Guardian journalist Claire Armitstead
September 2018
John Cunliffe obituary
Creator of the Postman Pat stories, who depicted a community-spirited but disappearing world
October 2017
Solli Raphael, 12, becomes youngest winner of Australian Poetry Slam – video
Poet Solli Raphael from Coffs Harbour in New South Wales delivers an encore performance at the Australian Poetry Slam national final to a full house at the Sydney Opera House, becoming the competition's youngest winner yet
March 2017
Don’t be a Grinch – my girls love Dr Seuss
Letters: They have a rip-roaring cumulative effect, enhanced by the wonderfully anarchic pictures
July 2016
Children's books
Ted Hughes and Simon Armitage: How to get teenagers reading poetry
Secret Scribbler
Children's books
Teen opinion: in praise of writing poetry
some-infinities-katie
June 2016
Children's books
Four reasons to fall in love with poetry
Safah
Children’s books site member Safah has just discovered the fantastically varied, powerful and engaging world of written and performance poetry. Here are four reasons why you should give it a chance
Children's books
Top 10 tigers in children's books
From Tyger to Tigger, Lizzy Stewart picks her top tigers in fiction, of all different shapes, sizes and stripes
Children's books
The brilliance of writing poetry on napkins
Children's books
One by Sarah Crossan - review
Children's books
One by Sarah Crossan - review
May 2016
Children's books
CLPE children's poetry award shortlist 2016 announced – in pictures
Children's books
Michael Rosen's greatest quotes to mark his 70th birthday!
April 2016
Children's books
The Day the War Came – a poem about unaccompanied child refugees
Children’s author Nicola Davies has written this poem in response to the government’s decision not to allow lone refugee children a safe haven in the UK
Children's books
The moment Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes made me a reader
At eight years old, the very last thing Gavin Puckett wanted to do in his spare time was read a book – reading was tedious and to be done at school. Then he discovered Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes and everything changed
Children's books
Calling young poets: be part of Dylan Thomas's Great Poem
Entries for the Dylan’s Great Poem competition open 28 April and you only need to write four lines to be in with a chance of winning
