Jon Biddle
@jonnybid.bsky.social
Year 5/6 teacher and English lead. Children's books and reading mostly, Blake's 7 sometimes. Currently reading: Boy vs Reality by James Fox.
Half-term this week so the ideal time to visit your local independent children's bookshop. Personalised recommendations and great service. There are over 200 on my map so do take a look, and let me know of any I've missed.
padlet.com/Jon_Biddle/r...
padlet.com/Jon_Biddle/r...
February 15, 2026 at 10:39 AM
Half-term this week so the ideal time to visit your local independent children's bookshop. Personalised recommendations and great service. There are over 200 on my map so do take a look, and let me know of any I've missed.
padlet.com/Jon_Biddle/r...
padlet.com/Jon_Biddle/r...
Our Reading Champions spent some time this week finding out about which children's books are being published in 2026 and then helping create a display. It was fantastic to see other pupils getting excited about a new book in a favourite series or from a favourite author.
February 14, 2026 at 9:13 AM
Our Reading Champions spent some time this week finding out about which children's books are being published in 2026 and then helping create a display. It was fantastic to see other pupils getting excited about a new book in a favourite series or from a favourite author.
If you work at a primary school in London, do sign up for the London Schools Literature Festival in May and June. Bookings opened today, with over 20,000 free places for London pupils. The list of children's authors and poets attending is absolutely huge.
More info here: www.londonschoolslitfest.org
More info here: www.londonschoolslitfest.org
London Schools Literature Festival
We're proud to provide 20,000+ places on our FREE Programme to state primary schools all over London, from May 21 - 26 June 2026.
www.londonschoolslitfest.org
February 11, 2026 at 7:22 PM
If you work at a primary school in London, do sign up for the London Schools Literature Festival in May and June. Bookings opened today, with over 20,000 free places for London pupils. The list of children's authors and poets attending is absolutely huge.
More info here: www.londonschoolslitfest.org
More info here: www.londonschoolslitfest.org
Reposted by Jon Biddle
Just finished The Waters and the Wild by Eilish Fisher, and can't even begin to express how much I loved it. A beautifully layered verse novel that explores grief, loss, family and so much more. David Rooney's illustrations are stunning. It's very special indeed.
February 8, 2026 at 10:26 AM
Just finished The Waters and the Wild by Eilish Fisher, and can't even begin to express how much I loved it. A beautifully layered verse novel that explores grief, loss, family and so much more. David Rooney's illustrations are stunning. It's very special indeed.
Just finished The Waters and the Wild by Eilish Fisher, and can't even begin to express how much I loved it. A beautifully layered verse novel that explores grief, loss, family and so much more. David Rooney's illustrations are stunning. It's very special indeed.
February 8, 2026 at 10:26 AM
Just finished The Waters and the Wild by Eilish Fisher, and can't even begin to express how much I loved it. A beautifully layered verse novel that explores grief, loss, family and so much more. David Rooney's illustrations are stunning. It's very special indeed.
Delighted to take part in @empathylabuk.bsky.social's #ReadForEmpathy Discovery tour. I enjoyed all the books in the 2026 collection but one of my favourites is People Like Stars by @lawrencepatrice.bsky.social. A beautifully layered intertwining narrative, with a range of richly drawn characters.
February 6, 2026 at 8:58 AM
Delighted to take part in @empathylabuk.bsky.social's #ReadForEmpathy Discovery tour. I enjoyed all the books in the 2026 collection but one of my favourites is People Like Stars by @lawrencepatrice.bsky.social. A beautifully layered intertwining narrative, with a range of richly drawn characters.
The new @empathylabuk.bsky.social #ReadForEmpathy collection is released today. Both the primary and secondary lists consist of a wonderful range of children's books, including graphic novels, poetry, picturebooks and non-fiction. Find out more about the lists here: empathylab.uk
February 5, 2026 at 8:05 AM
The new @empathylabuk.bsky.social #ReadForEmpathy collection is released today. Both the primary and secondary lists consist of a wonderful range of children's books, including graphic novels, poetry, picturebooks and non-fiction. Find out more about the lists here: empathylab.uk
If you teach in KS2, make sure you watch rapper & storyteller Alim Kamara's National Storytelling Week video (made with @literacy-trust.bsky.social). My class loved it & ended up writing some pretty special raps of their own. www.youtube.com/live/cAoZPrJ...
(EYFS, KS1 & KS3 resources available too)
(EYFS, KS1 & KS3 resources available too)
February 4, 2026 at 7:38 PM
If you teach in KS2, make sure you watch rapper & storyteller Alim Kamara's National Storytelling Week video (made with @literacy-trust.bsky.social). My class loved it & ended up writing some pretty special raps of their own. www.youtube.com/live/cAoZPrJ...
(EYFS, KS1 & KS3 resources available too)
(EYFS, KS1 & KS3 resources available too)
Reposted by Jon Biddle
Proud to support @bookshop-org-uk.bsky.social and #ReadItForward 2026! Buy any children's book during February and @bookshop-org-uk.bsky.social will donate 10% to @booktrust.org.uk and @scottishbooktrust.bsky.social . You'll also be supporting indie bookshops: uk.bookshop.org/lists/verse-...
February 1, 2026 at 10:57 AM
Proud to support @bookshop-org-uk.bsky.social and #ReadItForward 2026! Buy any children's book during February and @bookshop-org-uk.bsky.social will donate 10% to @booktrust.org.uk and @scottishbooktrust.bsky.social . You'll also be supporting indie bookshops: uk.bookshop.org/lists/verse-...
Reposted by Jon Biddle
Only TEN more days until "Pets Tell Tales: Ancient Rome" will be on shelves in bookstores! You can also order it now: tinyurl.com/PetsRome
A kids' comic by @rikworth.bsky.social & me that tackles some of the big topics of the ancient world of humans, from the perspective of animals.
A kids' comic by @rikworth.bsky.social & me that tackles some of the big topics of the ancient world of humans, from the perspective of animals.
February 2, 2026 at 10:09 AM
Only TEN more days until "Pets Tell Tales: Ancient Rome" will be on shelves in bookstores! You can also order it now: tinyurl.com/PetsRome
A kids' comic by @rikworth.bsky.social & me that tackles some of the big topics of the ancient world of humans, from the perspective of animals.
A kids' comic by @rikworth.bsky.social & me that tackles some of the big topics of the ancient world of humans, from the perspective of animals.
Proud to support @bookshop-org-uk.bsky.social and #ReadItForward 2026! Buy any children's book during February and @bookshop-org-uk.bsky.social will donate 10% to @booktrust.org.uk and @scottishbooktrust.bsky.social . You'll also be supporting indie bookshops: uk.bookshop.org/lists/verse-...
February 1, 2026 at 10:57 AM
Proud to support @bookshop-org-uk.bsky.social and #ReadItForward 2026! Buy any children's book during February and @bookshop-org-uk.bsky.social will donate 10% to @booktrust.org.uk and @scottishbooktrust.bsky.social . You'll also be supporting indie bookshops: uk.bookshop.org/lists/verse-...
I'm a huge fan of @jencarney.bsky.social's Famous series, and book three, The Day My Brother Got Famous, is the best so far. After his dog and school, it's Ferris's new foster brother's turn to hit the headlines. Funny, emotional and very enjoyable. Ideal for Y3/4 and a great class story.
January 31, 2026 at 9:22 AM
I'm a huge fan of @jencarney.bsky.social's Famous series, and book three, The Day My Brother Got Famous, is the best so far. After his dog and school, it's Ferris's new foster brother's turn to hit the headlines. Funny, emotional and very enjoyable. Ideal for Y3/4 and a great class story.
Poet @nealzetterpoet.bsky.social has built a wonderful back catalogue of children's poetry books over recent years. His latest, Small Poems for Big Imaginations, is another great collection - ideal for performing in the classroom, either individually or in groups. Perfect for KS2.
January 26, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Poet @nealzetterpoet.bsky.social has built a wonderful back catalogue of children's poetry books over recent years. His latest, Small Poems for Big Imaginations, is another great collection - ideal for performing in the classroom, either individually or in groups. Perfect for KS2.
The Misadventures of Mina Mahmood: School Inspectors! by Farhana Islam (illustrated by Simran Diamond Singh) is a huge amount of fun. The post-SATs party is cancelled when a phone call to the headteacher causes total panic. Very entertaining with lovable characters. Ideal for Y3/4.
January 25, 2026 at 11:43 AM
The Misadventures of Mina Mahmood: School Inspectors! by Farhana Islam (illustrated by Simran Diamond Singh) is a huge amount of fun. The post-SATs party is cancelled when a phone call to the headteacher causes total panic. Very entertaining with lovable characters. Ideal for Y3/4.
I love the effort our pupils put into their class Reading Scrapbooks. The reading-related conversations they lead to are fantastic, with lots of intertextual links, peer recommendations and debate about favourite characters.
January 23, 2026 at 8:10 PM
I love the effort our pupils put into their class Reading Scrapbooks. The reading-related conversations they lead to are fantastic, with lots of intertextual links, peer recommendations and debate about favourite characters.
Reposted by Jon Biddle
If anyone would like to host a Q&A on their blog about my new middlegrade book THE DAD TRAP, do let me know!
@slatterymr.bsky.social @jonnybid.bsky.social @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social @sla.org.uk
#KidLit #BookSky #PrimaryEduSky
@slatterymr.bsky.social @jonnybid.bsky.social @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social @sla.org.uk
#KidLit #BookSky #PrimaryEduSky
January 21, 2026 at 12:19 PM
If anyone would like to host a Q&A on their blog about my new middlegrade book THE DAD TRAP, do let me know!
@slatterymr.bsky.social @jonnybid.bsky.social @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social @sla.org.uk
#KidLit #BookSky #PrimaryEduSky
@slatterymr.bsky.social @jonnybid.bsky.social @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social @sla.org.uk
#KidLit #BookSky #PrimaryEduSky
This is a huge opportunity for aspiring children's authors!
@dfbstoryhouse.bsky.social and @arvonfoundation.bsky.social are inviting unpublished writers to submit their work for the chance to win a publishing contract with DFB, plus access to an Arvon writing course. Info: davidficklingbooks.com
@dfbstoryhouse.bsky.social and @arvonfoundation.bsky.social are inviting unpublished writers to submit their work for the chance to win a publishing contract with DFB, plus access to an Arvon writing course. Info: davidficklingbooks.com
January 19, 2026 at 8:38 PM
This is a huge opportunity for aspiring children's authors!
@dfbstoryhouse.bsky.social and @arvonfoundation.bsky.social are inviting unpublished writers to submit their work for the chance to win a publishing contract with DFB, plus access to an Arvon writing course. Info: davidficklingbooks.com
@dfbstoryhouse.bsky.social and @arvonfoundation.bsky.social are inviting unpublished writers to submit their work for the chance to win a publishing contract with DFB, plus access to an Arvon writing course. Info: davidficklingbooks.com
Each week, when my pupils update their recommendations shelf, it reminds me of the popularity of graphic novels. They're an essential part of the classroom reading diet. Amulet, Swim Team, Bunny vs Monkey, InvestiGATORS, Smile, Mr Wolf's Class... they need to be on the shelves!
January 16, 2026 at 7:32 AM
Each week, when my pupils update their recommendations shelf, it reminds me of the popularity of graphic novels. They're an essential part of the classroom reading diet. Amulet, Swim Team, Bunny vs Monkey, InvestiGATORS, Smile, Mr Wolf's Class... they need to be on the shelves!
It might not be out for a few months but this is a very exciting development!
January 14, 2026 at 7:56 PM
It might not be out for a few months but this is a very exciting development!
If you haven't yet signed up for the launch webinar for the National Year of Reading, delivered by the wonderful @teresacremin.bsky.social, then make sure you do! It's on Thursday 15th January, starting at 4:00pm. Not to be missed.
The link is here: literacytrust.org.uk/events/launc...
The link is here: literacytrust.org.uk/events/launc...
Launch of the National Year of Reading webinar: Inspiring life-long readers | National Literacy Trust
15 January 2026. Attend our all-phase launch webinar for the National Year of Reading 2026 featuring keynote speaker Professor Teresa Cremin who will set out her vision for inspiring life-long readers...
literacytrust.org.uk
January 12, 2026 at 8:26 PM
If you haven't yet signed up for the launch webinar for the National Year of Reading, delivered by the wonderful @teresacremin.bsky.social, then make sure you do! It's on Thursday 15th January, starting at 4:00pm. Not to be missed.
The link is here: literacytrust.org.uk/events/launc...
The link is here: literacytrust.org.uk/events/launc...
Reposted by Jon Biddle
I really have no idea how I missed Wild East by Ashley Hickson-Lovence when it first came out. It's one of the finest verse novels I've ever read. A love-letter to the power of poetry, and a storyline that secondary school pupils will definitely relate to. Track down a copy!
December 29, 2025 at 3:30 PM
I really have no idea how I missed Wild East by Ashley Hickson-Lovence when it first came out. It's one of the finest verse novels I've ever read. A love-letter to the power of poetry, and a storyline that secondary school pupils will definitely relate to. Track down a copy!
Reposted by Jon Biddle
I was a huge fan of Illegal and Global, the previous graphic novel collaborations between Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin and Giovanni Rigano, so was very excited to hear about their next book, War. Out in August. @hachettechildrens.bsky.social
December 30, 2025 at 3:12 PM
I was a huge fan of Illegal and Global, the previous graphic novel collaborations between Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin and Giovanni Rigano, so was very excited to hear about their next book, War. Out in August. @hachettechildrens.bsky.social
Reposted by Jon Biddle
I'm now into my sixth year of writing for Educate magazine. It's something I really enjoy doing and am delighted to have had almost 40 articles published. Huge thanks to everyone who has contributed over the years. The articles can be accessed here: neu.org.uk/latest/union...
January 6, 2026 at 5:50 PM
I'm now into my sixth year of writing for Educate magazine. It's something I really enjoy doing and am delighted to have had almost 40 articles published. Huge thanks to everyone who has contributed over the years. The articles can be accessed here: neu.org.uk/latest/union...
Reposted by Jon Biddle
This is exciting! Authors Kelly Yang (Front Desk series) and Kate DiCamillo (The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane) are co-hosting a new weekly podcast called StoryKind. The first episode comes out on Monday 19th January and will be available on the usual platforms.
January 3, 2026 at 10:24 AM
This is exciting! Authors Kelly Yang (Front Desk series) and Kate DiCamillo (The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane) are co-hosting a new weekly podcast called StoryKind. The first episode comes out on Monday 19th January and will be available on the usual platforms.
Reposted by Jon Biddle
Being part of the team who put together the @empathylabuk.bsky.social Read for Empathy collection is always a pleasure. This year's list is out on Thu 5th Feb and one of the strongest yet. Do explore the previous collections and sign up for more information. empathylab.uk
January 4, 2026 at 1:30 PM
Being part of the team who put together the @empathylabuk.bsky.social Read for Empathy collection is always a pleasure. This year's list is out on Thu 5th Feb and one of the strongest yet. Do explore the previous collections and sign up for more information. empathylab.uk