The blog
An assortment of thoughts, opinions and stories
Books I’ve enjoyed, notes from my workshops, and stories about writing, dance and travel
Things Seen from Above
Often, children ask, “What inspired you to write this story?”I honestly think teachers tell them to ask the question. Or maybe they think it’s a cool and clever question to ask.I’m honestly curious, though,…
Not an Easy Win
What do you do when someone keeps baiting you? Do you fight or do you find a way to step back without seeming a coward? Lawrence always seems to be in the wrong place…
What do I do with a first draft?
What do I do with a first draft?
Children (and parents) are in a race to publish. You have a story ready? Publish it.In fact, one of the most common questions I get before children sign up for my writing programmes is,…
Under the Broken Sky
“Nobody chooses to be a refugee.” That is the last line of the afterword of Mariko Nagai’s verse novel, Under the Broken Sky. In a few quick paragraphs, Nagai reminds us that although her…
The Secret Sunshine Project
The Secret Sunshine Project by Benjamin Dean is a sweet, feel-good story about family and love. I enjoyed it, and I felt my eyes prick more than once as I turned the pages, revelling…
Something Like Home
What a beautiful book Something Like Home by Andrea Beatriz Arango is! Told in free verse, it is a moving middle-grade story about friendship, family and courage. Laura is sure she made the wrong…
Nikhil Out Loud
I read The Best At It a few years ago, and I loved it. Nikhil Out Loud has been on my TBR since then, and it didn’t disappoint! Optimistic, warm and funny, it paints…
Trunk Call for Ajju
Even when I read and reviewed Trunk Call for Ajju in June 2023, I knew it would be one of my book club reads soon enough. A book about children and animals always holds a…
Moin and the Monkey Monster
Moin is back at my book club! More importantly, the monster is back at my book club! We’ve read Moin and the Monster twice, and I can’t wait to read Moin 3 with a new batch…
Dory Fantasmagory – The Real True Friend
Dory Fantasmagory – The Real True Friend
I love hugely imaginative children, who are utterly serious about their wackiness. From a monster under her bed to a fairy godmother (called Mr. Nuggy), Dory Fantasmagory is an utterly delightful character who makes…
