Had an hour or so to kill, so did a cull of one of my bookshelves to try and make some space. Was absolutely ruthless. Got rid of three books. And I'm pretty sure that two of them will be back on there by tomorrow.

Year 6 pupils often get anxious before the move to secondary school. Moving Up! by Christian Foley is full of handy tips and advice, addressing all of the most common fears (getting lost, bullying, not making friends, etc) in a really relatable and accessible way. With added poems!

Empathy Day is a highlight of our school year and something we always look forward to. You can register now for this year's event (Thursday 6th June). The first 300 schools to sign up will all receive a free empathy-boosting book. Further information here: empathylab.uk/empathy-day

Just finished Movies Showing Nowhere by Yorick Goldewijk (illustrated by Yvonne Lacet and translated by Laura Watkinson). It's definitely one of my favourite books of the year so far. Quiet, thoughtful and full of wisdom. There will be children in Year 5/6 who absolutely love it.

Empathy Day is a highlight of our school year and something we always look forward to. You can register now for this year's event (Thursday 6th June). The first 300 schools to sign up will all receive a free empathy-boosting book. Further information here: empathylab.uk/empathy-day

Picture book delight Ken Wilson-Max 𝙰𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚗𝚊 𝙼𝚊𝚡 offers a treasure trove of benefits for young children:

Lenny's adventures highlight the wonders of the garden. Spending time in nature boosts creativity, & encourages exploration in young children childmind.org/article/why-ki… (1/3)

An exciting opportunity for schools ⭐️⭐️ Celebrate and showcase your #readingforpleasure provision with skilled support⭐️⭐️Briefing 24th April 2-4 pm ukla.org/news/ukla-ou-q…
⭐️⭐️Reach for the 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟Reading for Pleasure 🧶 Michael Rosen 💙💙🎓🎓 Joseph Coelho is laureating!

Finally got a copy of “The Last Zookeeper” by Aaron Becker. I know others have shared it but I couldn’t not. The visual storytelling in this book is utterly extraordinary, it’s rich in pathos and emotion without a single word. A modern day Noah’s Ark. Magical. #PicturebookPage

'If you provide a supportive environment to children in their early years and invest in their futures, the results will be life-transforming.'
Cutting funding for Sure Start is probably one of the worst things the Tories have done over the past 14 years. bbc.co.uk/news/education…

When I started teaching, wrestling (WWF/WWE) was absolutely massive. I taught several classes who were obsessed. Woke up this morning to a message from a pupil I taught over 20 years ago. 'Mr Biddle! The Undertaker just slammed The Rock'. No explanation needed. #WrestleMania

Have just added another seven independent children's bookshops to my map. There are over 200 on there now so do have a look for your local one and support it when you can. Also, please let me know if there are any missing. Link can be found here: padlet.com/Jon_Biddle/rea…

Loved this! 6 delightful sisters - 1 difficult dad- 1 ancient granny. ⭐️A spellbinding literary novel Lucy Strange packed with mystery, suspense, camaraderie and care ⭐️Jon Biddle ReadingRocks Reading at LLP Hilary McKay

Love Imogen M16's fantastic example of practice 'Graphic Novels are Real Books!' on the Reading for Pleasure 🧶 site. Improving teacher knowledge of them is essential and her school have worked really hard to do it. Lots of good ideas to take away. Do have a read. ourfp.org/eop/graphic-no…

Neil: I'm going for a matching black shirt and trousers. You OK with the little sailor suit?
Chris: Yeah, whatever. Don't care.
#totp

This just isn't true though. The latest study showed at least another 40,000 staff are needed in nurseries. Places also cost more than the funding being allocated so providers won't join if they have to make up the shortfall.

Thirty years ago today.

I don't often have the time or inclination to reread books but I'm currently enjoying Brightstorm by Vashti Hardy 📚 for the second time and it's every bit as good as I remember. Book one of a fantastic series.

One month to go until the National Education Union and UKLA's joint Literacy Conference. Tickets are flying - don't miss your spot!

bit.ly/teaching_liter…

Can't wait to hear from Jon Biddle, Rebecca Simpson-Hargreaves, Dr Sabine Little, Nicole Gurvidi, Teresa Cremin and many more of our fab speakers!

There's a lot of truth in this thread. Some authors love doing school visits, many don't. It's an entirely different set of skills. However, visits to schools are often the only way that a lot of children's writers can afford to keep writing and it really shouldn't be like that.

My favourite people on Twitter are the ones who regularly celebrate the contributions of others. Amy Greatrex Richard Ruddick Librarimum 📕🍉 John Lamb Sonia Alom Shaha Lois Masterson @ErinLynHamilton Ceridwen Eccles & Jacqui Sydney 📕 are just a few but there are many more.