Our latest blog posts
A monthly update from our Teen Advisory Board
This month was a busy one for the teens, with many facing end of year exams. However, for those who were able to attend our meeting we had a fascinating visit from Jane Pearson, senior editor at Text Publishing.
Jane talked about the skills needed to see the potential in manuscripts when considering the possibility of publication, and the main elements that need to be in place for a successful book; an engaging story, a believable voice and strong character…
Anti-Christmas reads for Grinches
If even the slightest whisper of Christmas cheer feels like fingernails grinding on a a chalkboard then these are the books for you. This list has it all – cults, creepy children, grisly medical operations, frightening dystopian visions of the future, families murdering their own – and you can find even more recommendations in the collection below.
Idaho by Emily Ruskovich
One hot August day a family drives to a mountain clearing to collect birch wood. Jenny, the mother, is…
Literary prize winners to read over summer
Looking for something to read during the holidays? Here are some of the biggest literary prize winners of the past year.
Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
Winner of the Man Booker Prize 2017
As the American Civil War rages, President Lincoln’s beloved 11-year-old son lies gravely ill. In a matter of days, Willie dies and is laid to rest in a Georgetown cemetery. Newspapers report that a grief-stricken Lincoln returns to the crypt several times alone to hold…
What we're reading: Margareta Magnusson, Nidhi Chanani & Kazuo Ishiguro
Each week we bring you a sample of the books we’re reading, the films and TV shows we’re watching, and the music we’re listening to.
Kim Gruschow is reading two terrific middle fiction books
This past week I read Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani, a really sweet and touching graphic novel about family and choices. There’s lots of beautiful colour and magic as Pri, an artistic Indain-American teen, discovers the homeland her mother fled.
I also just finished The Guggenheim Mystery…
Great books for keeping the kids busy
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be compiling a host of gift guides to help you with your Christmas shopping.
If you have children, you may already know the power of a good activity or novelty book to keep small hands and growing minds fully occupied and entertained. Here are some of our best suggestions for keeping the kids busy during the Christmas season – from babies through to tweens.
OUR TOP PICKS FOR BABIES, TODDLERS & PRESCHOOLERS
20 gift ideas under $20
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be compiling a host of gift guides to help you with your Christmas shopping.
Here are 20 gift ideas for under $20. Plus, you can find even more budget-friendly recommendations by browsing the collections below.
The Botanical Wall Chart by Anna Laurent
Botanical charts have recently experienced a resurgence in interest, both as pieces of art and as objects of scientific and historical significance. This stunning book brings together a collection of some of…
What to buy a self-confessed anti-consumerist
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be compiling a host of gift guides to help you with your Christmas shopping. Below is a list of gift suggestions for friends and family that seek to be more socially conscious.
Curing Affluenza by Richard Denniss
In his new work, economist Richard Denniss shares advice on how to deal with affluenza – that strange desire we feel to spend money we don’t have to buy things we don’t need. He presents practical and…
Costa Book Awards shortlists 2017
The Costa Book Awards honour some of the most outstanding books of the year written by authors based in the UK and Ireland. There are five categories – First Novel, Novel, Biography, Poetry and Children’s Book – with one of the five winners chosen as Book of the Year.
Dominic Paul, managing director of Costa, says: ‘These shortlists are a showcase of everything the Costa book awards celebrate: terrific books with broad appeal that will be enjoyed by readers of…
Our 2017 Christmas Gift Guides
Yes, it’s almost that time again, and to help make your Christmas shopping easier we’ve put together the following suggestions to help you find that perfect gift for your family, friends, co-workers, children, frenemies and more.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing a whole range of curated gift guides featuring hand-picked recommendations from our staff. Keep an eye on this page as we’ll be adding links to all our recommendations as we share them.
GIFT IDEAS FOR FAMILY…
Our 2017 Christmas Gift Guide: What to buy for hard-to-buy-for children
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be compiling a host of gift guides to help you with your Christmas shopping. Here is a list of suggestions for the tricky young people in your life.
THEY DON’T LIKE READING
You know they don’t like reading, and you also know that you’re going to buy them a book anyway… We salute you!
Kids who won’t read
My Pictures After the Storm – A hilarious and simple book that looks like a Miffy…
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