Marianne Doherty
@mariannedoherty.bsky.social
Manager of Bookzilla and Bookbug apps for Scottish Book Trust. Children’s books and comics enthusiast. Dyslexic. ME/CSF. Here for the kids book chat. All views my own. #UKKidLit 📚🏴
created August 27, 2023
2,889 followers 2,520 following 1,197 posts
view profile on Bluesky Posts
Imogen (@imogenm16.bsky.social) reposted
Oxfordshire-based school staff! Chris is running a Teachers Reading Group again this year (without me as I am on maternity leave!). It's a wonderful group and Chris is so knowledgeable. Details below - please share! @openuni-rfp.bsky.social @debbiethomas.bsky.social @kashleyenglish.bsky.social
Barrington Stoke (@barringtonstoke.bsky.social) reposted
We're delighted to be partnering with @nationalbooktokens.bsky.social on this fab giveaway! Enter now for your chance to win 20 dyslexia-friendly books and a £30/€40 National Book Token: www.nationalbooktokens.com/win/win-a-bu...
School Reading List (@schoolreadinglist.bsky.social) reposted
Adoption & families themed topic books for children in EYFS, KS1 & KS2 with nonfiction & stories by Samuel Langley-Swain, Phoebe Koehler, Frank Cottrell Boyce & Justin Richardson schoolreadinglist.co.uk/genres/adopt... #kidlit #teachertwitter
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social)
I was just chatting to @signeru.bsky.social about this book and it sounds brilliant. Sounds like it would be really good for use in schools. Another to add to the tbr! #KidLitUK #UKKidLit
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
I’m so glad he did. You’ve all done a brilliant job together. Absolutely one of my books of the year.
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
Tosh’s Island is one of the main reasons I wanted to have this as a topic. Even though I didn’t have a chronic illness till I was an adult, it still resonated with me so much. The power of seeing yourself in books, and empathising with others, is so important. Adored the gorgeous artwork too!
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
Wow! What a haul!
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
I’m lucky enough that I’m doing the Scotsman reviews for October so I have a very giant tbr pile and poor Frank ain’t getting a look in at the moment!
Louie Stowell (@louiestowell.bsky.social) reposted
Reminder: I'll be doing a signing at the Alligator's Mouth bookshop after school on Sept 15th! Come join me! www.thealligatorsmouth.co.uk/event-detail... @alligatorsmouth.bsky.social @walkerbooksuk.bsky.social #UKKidlit #Edusky
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
I’m trying! I promise I am. Other folk, very cheekily, keep writing other books to distract me from my FCB completionist mission!
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
I’m pretty sure it streams live on iPlayer now as well if you happen to be free at the right time. But then it’s a bit of a wait for the recording to go up.
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
Will do. I think it’s normally a week or so after.
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social)
#KidLitUK #UKKidLit
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social)
This is tomorrow morning for anyone who wants to sign up last minute? For those who can’t join live it will be on iPlayer in a little bit.
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social)
How amazing must it be to get Darrell Wakelam come and work with you in a school? His work is just incredible.
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social)
I finally managed to get to Don’t Cause Trouble by Arree Chung which is another great empathy building semi-memoir akin to Parachute Kids, Alterations etc. Really enjoyed it. #KidsGN📚💬 #KidLitUK #KidLit
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
I’m not a teacher (though I did work as a TA for a few years). Right now I think we need to be getting kids reading texts that help build empathy and kindness, and texts that encourage kids to question and think for themselves. #SundayMorningBookChat #UKKidLit #KidLitUK #KidLit
Kirsten Barrett (@mrskirstbarrett.bsky.social) reposted reply parent
Sorry I've missed this the last few weeks. Life got in the way Did anyone say Alien in the jam factory? @chrissiesains.bsky.social
Good Night To Read (@gntread24.bsky.social) reposted reply parent
#KidsBooksFriday Def #Dogman & #Batpig for budding comic artists. Also here is some book art from students celebrating classics #Dahl #Steinbeck #art #KidLitUK #UKKidLit #KidLit
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
You are most welcome to add as many as you like, but I know we could be here all week! 😁 Great to hear about everyone’s choices though and discover what kids are finding inspiring.
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social)
#KidsBooksFriday
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
Yes! They were invaluable for us during lockdown. He’s done such an amazing job to keep it going and inspire so many kids.
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
So glad to hear that Mixed has been inspiring your new class. Likewise I’ve seen so many kids, including my own, inspired by Mark Bradley and Jamie Smart. I love Joe Todd Stanton’s work so much. He just elevates everything he works on to a whole other level.
Hazel Pinner (@hazelmpinner.bsky.social) reposted reply parent
Great question for #KidsBooksFriday this week! Mixed by Arree Chung has been inspiring mine but also lots of @jamiesmart.bsky.social @markbradley.bsky.social fans in my new class. Also being inspired by Joe-Todd Stanton through Dungeon Runners (with the incomparable @kieranlarwood.bsky.social)
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social)
#KidsBooksFriday
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
All excellent choices!
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social)
#KidsBooksFriday
Maisie Chan 💥NATE YU'S BLAST FROM THE PAST - Out now! (@maisiechanwrites.bsky.social) reposted
GLASGOW PALS! I'm going to be doing a FREE interactive author talk @ this year's Byre Road Book Festival which takes place 25-28th Sept. I will be talking about my new novel Nate Yu's Blast From the Past and I will even bring about the 1917 shell casing I have! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/maisie-cha...
Jacqui Sydney 📚 (@jacquisydney.bsky.social) reposted
Vegetarian vampire Colin and Duck are back and in this week’s #PictureBookFriday read, they’re expecting a visit to their castle from Colin’s Grandma. Out now for 3-6 readers from @farshorebooks.bsky.social #HollySwain #KidlitUK #UKKidlit worldssmallestlibrary.wordpress.com/2025/08/29/c...
Carrie from Hookable Books (@hookablebooks.bsky.social) reposted reply parent
A range to be honest- definitely comics and graphic novels. Also books about artists - This book will make you an artist for example!
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social)
#KidsBooksFriday
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
I’ve had this in my wishlist for quite a while. I can imagine it would be a brilliant one to have in an art classroom. Good to get another vote for Garphic Novel Builder too. I think it might go on the Christmas list.
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
Oh that’s wonderful. I doubt I’d manage the whole day but I’ll maybe check it out and see if I can join for a couple of things. Thank you!
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social)
This looks like a brilliant event. Wish I could go.
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
What a great line up. If I was in better health / closer I would absolutely love to go to this. Hope it goes really well.
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social)
#KidsBooksFriday
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
Yep! Definitely seen that same. It’s great how Dogman captures kids’ imagination like that.
Orkney Library & Archive (@orkneylibrary.bsky.social) reposted
Just removed the date label from an old book and discovered that someone has drawn a design for a teapot that can serve either tea or poison how's your day going?
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social)
#KidsBooksFriday
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
I haven’t read it either but I’ve heard good things about it.
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social)
#KidsBooksFriday
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
Drawing Pizazz sounds so much fun! 😍
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
I really need to catch up with the rest of FCB’s books one day. Love his work. This sounds great.
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social)
#KidsBooksFriday
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social)
#KidsBooksFriday
BookTrust (@booktrust.org.uk) reposted
It's time for the brilliant Camilla Reid to sign off as our #WriterInResidence after an amazing six months! Before she goes, she shares what she's learned about getting families reading in the early years - and announces the winners of her competition: https://bit.ly/46arOtI
Jenny Griffiths (@historytastic.bsky.social) reposted reply parent
The phoenix is eagerly awaited every week in our house by both 9 and 11yo. There are robobros and bunny vs monkey everywhere too.
Lesley Watts (@ljwattswales.bsky.social) reposted reply parent
In my secondary school library Banksy was popular and Wall and Piece was pored over a lot. Also, Scott McCloud’s books on comics were great for those who wanted to create their own #KidsBooksFriday
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
My kids literally fight over the Phoenix every week! And if I’m lucky I get a look in too. 😂
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
They both look beautiful
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social)
#KidsBooksFriday
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social)
#KidsBooksFriday
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social)
#KidsBooksFriday
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social)
#KidsBooksFriday
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
I really need to read this one. I’ve heard so many folk recommend it.
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
Very much so. My 10yo adores Bunny vs Monkey and Lookshin. I suspect there’s a bit of their influence in there somewhere too. And I’m sure it’s not a coincidence that he has called his comic ‘Stick Hero’ after a weekend of playing Hero Slam repeatedly. 😁
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
I am absolutely with you there on both Donut Squad and Sarah McIntyre. 😍😍😍
Louie Stowell (@louiestowell.bsky.social) reposted
I have a book out in two weeks. So....one repost of this and I'll drop one fact/spoiler/detail about the book. @walkerbooksuk.bsky.social www.walker.co.uk/978152951581...
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
@karlduke8.bsky.social @snarhooked.bsky.social @tobebooks.bsky.social @bookwagonuk.bsky.social @smithsmm.bsky.social @teresacremin.bsky.social @readingbede.bsky.social @nursen2019.bsky.social @thereaderteacher.bsky.social @sallywrites.bsky.social @whatsfsaid.bsky.social
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
@markgoodrich.bsky.social @carrieprimary.bsky.social @hookablebooks.bsky.social @f33lthesun.bsky.social @ljwattswales.bsky.social @j-scot.bsky.social @hfj0108.bsky.social @sophiacollins.bsky.social @eyesshutteacher.bsky.social @richardruddick.bsky.social @melissacreate23.bsky.social
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
@hazelmpinner.bsky.social @samcreighton.bsky.social @wabbits.bsky.social @cazapr1.bsky.social @rburrows.bsky.social @lrpearson.bsky.social @gntread24.bsky.social @ljfspinningbooks.bsky.social @vikkivarley.bsky.social @mrskirstbarrett.bsky.social @stephenjdilley.bsky.social @mattobin.bsky.social
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
@markbradley.bsky.social @jacquisydney.bsky.social @gillow.bsky.social @maisiechanwrites.bsky.social @louiestowell.bsky.social @metaphrog.bsky.social @gabliotecaria.bsky.social @fleurhitchcock.bsky.social @slatterymr.bsky.social @sarahwebbwriter.bsky.social @marygtroche.bsky.social
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social)
My 10yo has been creating his own comic this week. The eagle eyed amongst you may spot the influence of @neillcameron.bsky.social in his artwork. For this week’s #KidsBooksFriday, what books have you found that can help inspire kids to create their own art/writing? #KidLitUK #UKKidLit #KidLit
Li Chen (@exocomics.com) reposted
fall friends 🍂
Joshua Seigal - 'YAPPING AWAY' out now! (@joshuaseigal.bsky.social) reposted
BACK TO SCHOOL GIVEAWAY! To celebrate the start of new academic year, I am offering a FREE, SIGNED POETRY BOOK. For a chance to win: - REPOST this post - FOLLOW ME if you don’t already - TAG CRONIES for extra entries Winner selected 07/09/25! #BookSky #EduSky #giveaway #BackToSchool
Gary Panton (@garypanton.co.uk) reposted
Incredibly chuffed with this review of The Notwitches: Prison Break, especially this bit: "At a time when research about the decline in reading for pleasure among children is causing concern, Gary Panton has, I think, created something that may convince youngsters that reading can be huge fun."
Alom Shaha (@alomshaha.bsky.social) reposted
Publication day for “About Time”! It seems to have got the horology world very excited (see review below). I hope some of you might take a look to learn about something so absolutely central to our existence - you literally can’t imagine it not existing, because without time, there’d be no thought
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
Happy Publication Day!
Louie Stowell (@louiestowell.bsky.social) reposted
A lot of people have asked for recs of things to read after Loki, and after much whittling and pondering I have a wee poster for you. Things that Loki readers might like with the aspects of Loki that those books capture! #UKKidlit @walkerbooksuk.bsky.social
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
Congratulations! Really excited to read these.
Scottish Book Trust (@scottishbooktrust.bsky.social) reposted
🚨Introducing a brand new book subscription curated by The Pharmacist author Rachelle Atalla🚨 Get to grips with gripping dystopian fiction in the pages of these fantastic books, delivered to your door every month!
Sue Cowley (@suecowley.bsky.social) reposted
I'm doing a couple of giveaways to celebrate the new school year! This second #giveaway is for new teachers. My very first book, now in an updated 4th edition! Like and repost to enter (UK only). Winner picked next Saturday. Please share with colleagues. @bloomsburyed.bsky.social #freebie #ECT
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
Yes, there were quite a few mentioned that weren’t on my radar at all. Great to be building our knowledge!
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
And a few more with good disability / chronic illness rep.
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
Thanks for all the great suggestions. Here’s a few more books with good disability/chronic illness rep that haven’t been mentioned already. #KidsBooksFriday #UKKidLit #KidLitUK
Alom Shaha (@alomshaha.bsky.social) reposted
Science teachers! If you’d like a FREE copy of this to see whether it’s worth recommending to your students, drop me a line and I’ll send you one!
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social)
#KidLitUK #UKKidLit
Darrell Wakelam (@darrellwakelam.bsky.social) reposted
An owl made from one paper plate. No leftovers, no waste, just 'pure making'. The full length video, plus photos and instructions are on the 'news' link at www.darrellwakelam.com 🙂 #sculpture #3Dart #recycle #artideas #edusky
Sally Doherty (@sallywrites.bsky.social) reposted
A really unique read! Starts in the Land of Magic, an original fantasy world. Then a change of PoV & place, following Grace as she unravels clues to work out why she ended up in Wasteland. Invisible friends, a monster & an exciting adventure with twists and turns @susiebower.bsky.social #kidlituk
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
My eldest loved The Great Fox trilogy. He gets quite stressed picking books so seldom asks for something specific, but he asked for the second after reading the first so it must be pretty stand out. He reads much faster than me so I haven’t caught up with them yet myself.
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
I promise you won’t regret it.
Jacqui Sydney 📚 (@jacquisydney.bsky.social) reposted
Out now for 8+ readers, Kingdom of Water by Amy Kim is the 2nd in the thrilling and stunningly illustrated #TheRemaChronicles #KidsGN series. @scholasticuk.bsky.social #KidlitUK #UKKidlit worldssmallestlibrary.wordpress.com/2025/08/24/t...
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
This looks beautiful.
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
This classic might help?
Mr Tom Slattery (@slatterymr.bsky.social) reposted
#sundaymorningbookchat this week is celebrating great series w/great endings that perhaps aren’t on many people’s radar. recently finished& blogged about this superb trilogy by Jamie Littler &I know lots of people haven’t read. Lets celebrate unsung heros tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/08/20/a...
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
This year’s most epic finale surely has to be Neill Cameron’s Mega Robo Bros: Final Form. It’s poignant, dramatic and hilarious. Alastair Chisholm’s Dragon Storm series is also incredibly overlooked. Well worth reading the whole series and building up to the wonderful finale in Skye and Soulsinger.
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
Ooh that’s sounds brilliant. Will need to seek out a copy.
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social)
#KidLitUK #UKKidLit Another brilliant Authors Live is coming up. Open to schools/individuals with access to iPlayer. Register to watch below…
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
Ours has arrived and we have a weekend of Hero Slam fun planned! 😍
Mr Tom Slattery (@slatterymr.bsky.social) reposted reply parent
What happened to you? by james catchpole and karen george. Great picture book! tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2021/04/02/p...
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social)
#KidsBooksFriday
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social)
#KidsBooksFriday
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
I’ve only read Unraveller so far but I thought it was brilliant. I’ve been getting my son to crack on through the rest though.
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
Jennifer Killick’s books are too scary for me 🙈 so thanks for sharing them. I’d never heard them mentioned for disability rep before.
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
I don’t know that one at all. Thanks for sharing it.
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social) reply parent
A yes, you’re right. I have read The Truth About Stacey. I forgot about it completely. My son enjoyed Deeplight so I’ll need to catch up with it .
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social)
#KidsBooksFriday
Barrington Stoke (@barringtonstoke.bsky.social) reposted
We had a wonderful day yesterday with @alastairc.com signing copies of #Blitzers in the brilliant bookshops of #Glasgow! @waterstones.bsky.social @waterstoneskids.bsky.social
Marianne Doherty (@mariannedoherty.bsky.social)
#KidsBooksFriday
Caroline Fielding (@cazapr1.bsky.social) reposted reply parent
Off the top of my head: the picturebooks of James & Lucy Catchpole (especially Mama Car). In MG, Lisette Auton's books are great, as is Jayben and the Golden Torch by Thomas Leeds. For YA, I love Sh!tbag by Xena Knox & The First Thing About You by Chaz Hayden #KidsBooksFriday