FCBG blog tour - Rebecca Cobb ‘A Wild Walk to School’

The Children’s Book Award is the only national award for children’s books that is voted for entirely by children. It is owned and coordinated by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups and is highly respected by teachers, parents and librarians. It has brought acclaim and strong sales to past winners such as J.K. Rowling, Patrick Ness, Andy Stanton, Malorie Blackman, Anthony Horowitz and Michael Morpurgo, who has won a record four times. The award has often been the first to recognise the future stars of children’s fiction and has the ability to turn popular authors into bestsellers.

The idea for my book ‘A Wild Walk to School’ came from our real life walk to school every day with our two daughters. I love the way that they can create games out of everything - if they see fallen leaves, or a low wall to climb along, or a bump in the road then they pretend it is lava to jump over, or a tightrope to walk across or a sleeping giant’s tummy to tiptoe around so that they don’t wake the giant. As we walk, they get lost in these elaborate and imaginative adventures but they are completely oblivious to my worry about the time pressure not to be late getting there. I’m always fascinated in the way that children view the world in comparison to adults and our daily school walks seemed like a perfect example of this juxtaposition, where my priorities are very different to my children’s. I thought it would make a funny book if I could show both points of view of this journey, which is an epic adventure full of excitement and peril for the children, while the mum is unfazed by the erupting volcano, huge precipice or sleeping giant and is more worried that their uniform might get dirty and that they might be late for school. 

But then I thought it would be a funny surprise if at the end of the book the mum has been inspired by the children and has her own imaginative adventure. You get a little hint that she might be thinking about this on the penultimate page if you look at the puddles and see that she is reflected in the water with the rainbow of the umbrella following along behind her. 

I created the illustrations for the book on watercolour paper using ink, watercolour paint, gouache paint, drawing pencils and coloured pencils. I like to use a mixture of materials like this because it creates all different kinds of mark making in the pictures. 

I often include real things from our home in my illustrations and the bedroom in this book is a bit similar to our daughters’ bedroom with the same bunk beds and some of their actual toys on the floor. There is also a drawing of their pet guinea pigs on the wall. While I was working this book we were in the process of knocking our kitchen down so that we could re-build it, so I chose to draw our old kitchen in the story as a way of preserving it because it doesn’t exist any more. 

I like including something in the pictures to spot on every page so I gave the girls in the story a little black and white cat who follows them to school. This cat is inspired by my own childhood cat who would always walk along with me to the end of the road whenever I went somewhere.

Also, I really love volcanoes so one of the things that I was most excited about making this book was that it gave me a great excuse to include a volcano and I had a lot of fun painting that page!

Children across the UK are encouraged to get involved. Copies of the books can be purchased at a discount from our partner supplier Heath Books here [link https://www.heathbooks.co.uk/federation-of-childrens-book-groups-childrens-book-award-2025/] and online voting will be opened at the conclusion of the blog tour. The deadline for voting is Friday 9th May and category winners and the overall winner of the most popular children’s book published in 2024 will be announced at a ceremony in Birmingham on 7th June, attended by representatives from all our local groups and livestreamed on the FCBG YouTube channel.

The Falling Boy - David Almond

 

'Nothing is the same for Joff this summer.  His dad is ill, his mam is working, there's a new kid in town.  He can't wait to escape each day and explore with his dog Jet.

But there's one place he's not allowed to explore.  Above the town sits the Chapel of Doom, ancient and crumbling, with warning signs and the legend of the Falling Boy.

And when Joff's adventures take him beyond the boundaries, he discovers something unexpected, something truly magical...'

David Almond has a very distinctive way of writing that makes wonderful use of dialogue that draws readers in and makes them feel as though they are living the story alongside the characters.  The long summer stretching out should be an exciting time for Joff but this is a strange and difficult time for Joff, not only is he battling his emotions around his dad's illness, he is also experiencing changes in his friendships.  He doesn't quite know what to do with his time and I can imagine many readers will understand this feeling; six weeks with no concrete plans can feel daunting.  It must be difficult for his parents who are trying desperately to shield him from the worst of his father's illness without keeping him in the dark; the love they have for him is evident to see.  With his friendship with Dawn developing, the pair end up wandering up to the Chapel of Doom, an abandoned chapel with numerous do not enter signs.  Of course, this doesn't deter them and the time they spend there creates something very special and healing.  I won't spoil things but the end of the book, but I will say that it will fill your heart and warm even the hardest soul.

Out now, The Falling Boy is a wonderfully soothing book about coping with family illness, change, friendship and hope.  

Serial Chillers. The Witch In The Woods - Jennifer Killick

During a school trip, Travis and Zayd being paired up with Danielle and Seline for their project is met with much consternation - they don't get along and there is history between Travis and Danielle.  It's Saline who instantly takes control which is not unexpected as she's always bossy, but when she announces they'll be researching the legend of Blood-Eyed-Mary, the boys begin to have their doubts, especially when she announces that their work will involve a field-trip into the heart of Mary's Woods. Just a quick trip in, long enough to get some evidence for their project; but all is not what it seems and strange things are afoot. Is the legend of Blood-Eyed-Mary just that or is there more to things than they know? One thing's for certain, their trip into the woods is going to be one they will never forget.

There is a reason that Jennifer Killick is known as the queen of MG horror. Her Dread Wood series propelled her to that title and enabled her to wear the crown with pride, and Serial Chillers clearly shows why she is so deserving of the title.

Serial Chillers The Witch In The Woods is a book I've been anticipating since first hearing about it, so arriving home on Friday evening to find a copy waiting for me (huge thanks to the lovely folks at Farshore) meant that my plans for Saturday were immediately changed as curling up with the book became my priority. 

Serial Chillers is set in the small town of Hazard where the place is famous for its sinkhole, its numerous tragedies and its unsolved mysteries; in fact the town actively encourages tourists to visit because of these things. By the end of chapter one, you get the distinct impression that life in Hazard is not a jolly holiday but one that comes with risk and a constant sense of darkness.  Jennifer builds an image of a macabre (to steal Mrs Tiwana's word) place that's better to visit for a few hours than live in.  The chills build from the very start of the book. 

Then there are the characters. Jennifer has a real knack for creating believable, multi-layered characters that readers will want to get to know. Travis and Zayd, Danielle and Seline are very different and I loved the disdain between them at the idea of working together; the dialogue between them feels very real.  

The plot is fast paced, gripping and a master-class in horror writing for kids: the town's history woven into the present day; the visit to the woods at dusk; unexplained events; phones low in charge; chapters that end in cliff-hangers ... the whole thing is brilliantly crafted to keep readers on their toes and on the edge of their seat.  The chills are there in abundance and I jumped on more than one occasion, but in true Killick fashion, there is also humour woven in that will definitely make readers chuckle!  

Serial Chillers The Witch In The Woods is a book that will scare and delight in equal measure. I can absolutely see it being an epic book to read aloud to a class (and those cliff-hanger chapter endings will guarantee cries of, 'Just one more chapter!').

My class is completely obsessed with the Dread Wood series and we're currently in the depths of Deadly Deep (they're determined to get through the entire series as class readers by the end of the academic year!). I know that taking Serial Chillers into the classroom on Monday morning is going to cause all sorts of squealing and chaos, and I'm looking forward to seeing their excitement.

Serial Chillers The Witch In The Woods publishes on the 27th March and I'm already desperate for more! This series is going to be my new obsession! 

Under A Fire-Red Sky - Geraldine McCaughrean

With the war looming, four young people sit on a train waiting to be evacuated.  But each decides they don't want to go.  They climb out of the carriage window and head back home to Greenwich, forming an unlikely friendship.  But as the Blitz unleashes its barrage of bombs on London, turning the sky ragged with flame, can the friends keep each other close and safe?

Reading the author's note at the beginning of the book, it is clear to see that the setting for Under A Fire-Red Sky is not the main character, as can often happen with books set during WWII; instead it's the four main characters, Olive, Lawrence, Franklin and Gremlin (Susan) who take centre stage in the book.  From completely different backgrounds, the four come together almost by accident and by virtue of the fact that none of them want to be evacuated.  As you get to know each one, you discover much of the reasons behind their actions and your affection for each grows.  That said, the book doesn't shy away from showing exactly what people when through in the Blitz and it can make a darker read at times - I liked that. 

Inspired by her father who was a fire fighter during the Blitz, Geraldine perfectly captures the time in this immersive read that deserves to be savoured.  I mainly read WWII books that are aimed at middle grade readers so it was refreshing to absorb myself in this YA.  

Under A Fire-Red Sky publishes on the 10th April.

Race To Imagination Island - Mel Taylor-Bessent

Imagination Island: a place where anything you imagine comes to life, and the time has come to find four new protectors to dream, invent, explore and observe.

Ten year old Luca is terrified of everything and he feels he's the last person qualified to head to the island. But when he and his siblings discover the lightstream that can take them to the quest, it's Luca who is pulled through, transporting him to a competition that terrifies him but has the potential to change his life forever. 

I'm a huge fan of Mel's Christmas Carolls series but I have to admit that I'm woefully late to the party when it comes to Race To Imagination Island (huge apologies!).  My World book Day token allowed me to rectify that and yesterday evening, with an Easter egg for company, I curled up and headed in.

Oh boy, this is a gloriously inventive read and a joy-filled page turning adventure, and I adored every single page!  Filled with humour and the most vivid world-building, this really is a feast for the imagination.

Luca is a most unlikely hero whilst also unwittingly being the perfect candidate for the job.  His siblings tease him for acting younger than his ten years as he prefers imaginative play instead of computer games; he is terrified of everything and his anxiety rules his life.  When he ends up being drawn to the island through the lightstream, he is convinced that he wants to head straight home, so why can't he?  All he has to do is imagine himself there.  Perhaps the island, the competition and the new friends he is making are doing him more good than he thinks?

As well as being a lesson in how to use your imagination, The Race To Imagination Island is a reminder to be brave, to be true to yourself, and that sometimes taking a risk is worth it.

Now, how long do I have to wait until I can get my hands on book 2?!

Dragonborn - Struan Murray

Life has been tough for Alex since her father's death and she misses him terribly, especially as her mum insists in a daily regime of incredibly strict rules. But when, Oliphos, a mysterious man, appears and informs her she's actually a dragon, everything changes in an instant.  However Alex's new life comes with danger: Drake Midna, the greatest dragon, is preparing for war against humans ... unless somebody can stop him in time. 

Wow! Where do I begin? For me, Struan Murray is a wonder with a pen and skilled at building the most vivid worlds, and Dragonborn is no exception. Skralla comes alive on the pages and brings with it a host of wonderous characters. It's the place where humans who have discovered they are actually dragons go to learn their skills but it's also a place where dark secrets lurk, ones that are bound to come out eventually.

Alex's life changes in every way possible. Still reeling from the death of her father, she discovers that everything she thought she knew is different, including herself. Murray portrays her grief brilliantly and as she wrestles with her internal thoughts and worries for so long, she begins to wonder if she will ever find her true self. 

I don't want to include spoilers in this review so there is much I want to say but won't.  However, I will say that from the beginning, the book lures you in and haunts you in the very best way whilst you're not reading it. Murray is a master at weaving in unexpected twists that make you gasp and this book was no exception - the end had me particularly gripped (to the point where I literally couldn't get out of bed until I'd read the last page ... then had to sit for a while to fully absorb and process everything I'd read.  The book hangover was real!).

Dragonborn is a stunning exploration into finding yourself, finding the truth and finding a way through your grief.  It's a book that will stay with you and will absolutely leave you wanting more.  

Publishing on the 1st May, I sincerely hope there will be more to this series.

The Doughnut Club - Kristina Rahim

Quinn and her family are heading on holiday and she is expecting the usual week of high action activities, but things take a very different turn when her mums announce that she and her brother (who both know they are donor conceived) have 16 donor siblings.  This begins a whirlwind of a week for Quinn who is desperate to discover all she can about these siblings, including whether her worst enemy is one of them. But the more she discovers, the more isolated she feels and Quinn needs to find a way of reconnecting with her family whilst also discovering the truth.

At school, the kids call books like this 'real life stories' and they are always a big hit as it helps readers to see themselves in books as well as to understand issues that are important to them. The Doughnut Club does a wonderful job of portraying family life (squabbles on holiday, seeking food out of the breakfast buffet...) whilst seamlessly weaving in some incredibly important topics: same sex parents and donor conceived children, as well as navigating friendships and family life.

The note above highlights how important books like this are, and the style of writing, as well as the different ways families approach the subject in the book, will allow children to understand the topic of donor conceived children without being overwhelmed. The Doughnut Club is an important book and one that should be in every school.

Tomorrow morning sees the start of a new half-term for me, which means there will be a queue at my office door of children returning their half-term reads and desperate to see what new books I'm adding to the shelves after the holiday. I guarantee that The Doughnut Club (publishing 8/5) will be borrowed before the start of registration! It's a book full of joy, warmth and inclusivity that deserves all the praise that is guaranteed to come it's way.