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⚔️March: Battle of The Books

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Happy Wednesday!

The original plan was to post on Fridays… but as with most things in parent life, flexibility is key.

Alongside all the reading content, I want this blog to include bits and bobs about the reality of parenting too. The blog is here to make at least one thing (books and reading with kids) a bit easier to navigate, but let’s be honest, if I’m not talking about the everyday chaos along the way, it wouldn’t feel very real or helpful. And somewhere in the middle of the usual juggle, getting the blog out on Fridays started to feel like just one thing too many to get ready for the weekend … though it seemed like a sensible plan at the time.

Full transparency: my executive function skills (or lack thereof!) are still very much a work in progress. Between parenthood, work, and running a household, sometimes a ball gets dropped…
Prime example… for the second time* this academic year, I’ve sent the kids in own clothes on a very much not own clothes day. Character building, right? And honestly, can Friday 26th Feb just count as a practice run for Friday 26th March? #WinningAtParenting 🤪😵‍💫

(*first time eldest headed to school in Roald Dahl RAF costume for trip to museum…a day early🤦‍♀️)

But enough about my parenting chaos. And let’s focus on one of the best month’s in the calendar (IMHO). Because World Book Day and International Women’s Day of course!
And what better way to celebrate than with an incredible Battle of the Books featuring double-award-winning author and West End actress Emma Swan.

Cruiseship Kid: Kidnap At Sea by Emma Swan out NOW!
Publisher: Usborne
photo credit: PG Wells Bookshop

Emma has portrayed influential pioneering women on stage, including Elizabeth I and Anne Boleyn, in Birmingham Stage Company’s Horrible Histories theatre shows. Her latest book Cruise Ship Kid: Kidnap At Sea is fresh out this month (published 12th March) and is the 2nd in Emma’s diary style comedy-crime adventures.
If that’s not a fantastic way to celebrate both WBD and IWD, then I don’t know what is!

I have two sons, and we often have open discussions about “then vs now.” Even compared with when I was in primary school, they can’t believe that girls didn’t play football and boys didn’t play netball!

Recently we were looking through a list of the “World’s Best Footballers” and my youngest innocently asked, “Where are the girl footballer’s on this list?”

There’s still a long way to go, but in children’s literature it’s wonderful to see more female authors and representation.

Women have been writing for over 4,000 years, yet in the UK women have only been widely recognised as authors for under 200 years.

That said, I firmly believe that until ALL women are equal, no woman is equal. But it’s a start.

And now for the epic book battle…with the twist!
This week, to celebrate World Book Day, the Harley Family face award winning author Emma Swan.

…and their beautiful 5th child Tuxedo 😍 🐈‍⬛


Team Harley Family
Chosen Book: Horrible Histories: Cruel Kings and Mean Queens by Terry Deary Publisher: Scholastic
Contenders:
Mum: Victoria Age: ANCIENT (according to the kids!)
Most memorable recent read: Circe by Madeline Miller

Circe by Madeline Miller (for Grown-Ups) Publisher: Bloomsbury

(Editor: on a personal note, THANK YOU Victoria for this suggestion. I’ve picked it up and CAN’T PUT IT DOWN – very addictive reading!!)
Hobbies: Walking in Nature, Travelling (when Victoria gets the chance!)

Kids:
Annabel: 12yo
Hobbies: Collecting signed books, digital animation, music, Lego and world flags.
Annabel’s current personal record is identifying all 195 in 3 min and 15 seconds!

Edward: 9yo
Hobbies: Reading The Phoenix Comics, performing arts -LAMDA, music, collecting Legami eraseable pens (he currently has 24 unique character pens!), playing Roblox

Clement: 7yo
Hobbies: playing football, watching football (Editor: ARSENAL?!…..as a Bees supporter trying to stay neutral…in the words of TikTok….”we listen but we don’t judge”), creating Lego models, gaming

Harley Family interests: Reading
Fun facts: They also have an older brother Tom, 24 and a 1 year old tuxedo cat called Quincy (the 5th child!) both of whom they love very much. (Editor: thank you for the gorgeous photo of Quincy. One look at Quincy’s gorgeous little face and your football team choice has been mitigated and forgiven.)



TEAM AUTHOR : Emma Swan
Chosen book: Dragonflare by Jamie Hammond published by Usborne
Age: Younger than all the oceans
Fun Fact: Emma grew up on cruise ships, which was the inspiration behind her books! er parents worked onboard and like her protagonist, Silver, she spent a lot of her childhood being ‘ship-schooled,’ while travelling the globe. Read more HERE!

LET THE BATTLE COMMENCE!

Dragonflare by Jamie Hammond Publisher: Usborne

In one sentence what is the book about?
Annabel: Horrible Histories, Cruel Kings and Mean Queens is about the lives of all the English monarchs, and world events during their reigns.
Edward: All the kings and the queens up to Queen Elizabeth II and the facts about what happened during their reigns of England and Scotland.
Clement: It tells you how long their reigns were and what they did to become famous during their reign. 

Emma Swan: Dragonflare is the exciting new adventure from Jamie Hammond (author of Grumpfort.) It comes out in May this year but I was very lucky to receive a proof copy in the post. In this hilarious quest, the main character Flynn, gets kidnapped by a dragon to compete in the Wingrider Trials. This story is interactive and the reader has to help Flynn with his mission. Solve the puzzles to save dragonkind… what could be better?

Harley family, choose three feelings to describe HH Cruel Kings and Mean Queens: 
Annabel: fascinating!
Edward: interesting!
Clement: amusing (Editor: I can agree with totally agree with this! Our house has been known to laugh our heads off…no no NOT in an Anne Boleyn way!)

Emma, What’s the best thing about Dragonflare?
Dragonflare is full of heroes and heart, Jamie Hammond packs adventure into every sentence. In the labyrinth of the Wingrider trials we also meet some extremely memorable monsters. From Granshees to Grizzlifawns this book is GRROAR-some!

Back over to the Harley Family! What makes makes HH Kings and Queens the perfect read?
Annabel: As well as being funny, it’s filled with lots of interesting facts about history- not only in Britain, but outside too.
Edward: It had lots of facts about the kings and queens of England that I wanted to know because I’m very interested in history.
Clement: It’s a topic I like and it has funny illustrations!

Mum, Victoria… what would you say to a grown up thinking about getting this book for their child?Victoria: As per all the Horrible Histories, it engages children in history by presenting it in an accessible and VERY amusing way!

And Emma, if you were the movie director who would you cast as the main role for Dragonflare and why? 
Emma: Ooh I don’t know! Maybe Tom Holland or Ncuti Gatwa. It has to be someone who would be good at dragonriding and solving puzzles! 
(Editor: Great choices!!! This could be a question for all readers… Grown ups & Kids ask each other… who would you choose for your current reads or favourite stories?)

Harley Family...What is your favourite scene in HH Kings & Queens?

Annabel: Learning that Queen Victoria, during her life of 81 years, never learned to speak English perfectly. Like her ancestors she learnt German as her first language. 
Edward: Elizabeth I and the Spanish armadas that happened under her reign- I didn’t know there was more than one (there were 2!). And there was also an English armada in revenge!
Clement: Henry VIII…he’s interesting because he had 6 wives and they met some quite gory ends!

Emma, Dragonflare isn’t out until May, so many people haven’t had the chance to read it (yet!!). But here’s your chance to convince voters why they should absolutely vote for your chosen book… using ice cream as an analogy!
Emma: Dragonflare would be a tower of ice creams on a crunchy wafer cone. I would pile chocolate, strawberry and mint on top of each other. This is because this book offers a little bit of everything, a great adventure, a lot of laughs and a brilliant message about friendship. Make sure you pick up your copy of Dragonflare when it comes out in May! (Editor: Sounds like a delicious read!)

The Harley family finds themselves stranded on a desert island… and they’re stuck with one of the characters from the book. Who is it, and how do you all pass the time?
Annabel: George VI… because he enjoyed hunting and could kill a hare running at full speed so that would be helpful for survival! (Editor: A Royal version Bear Grylls? GENIUS!)
Edward: Elizabeth II and we would play with her corgis!
Clement: Mary Queen of Scots, I would talk to her about her relatives, as I’m from England it would be fascinating to know about people from another country. 

Well that concludes March’s ⚔️Battle of The Books!
Dear readers…consider your vote carefully.
Based on the answers of our valiant contenders, do you vote for the very popular much loved Horrible Histories Cruel Kings and Mean Queens by Terry Deary?
OR do you take a step into the unknown with a new flame… Jamie Hammond’s soaring new adventure Dragonflare?
Only YOU can decide! Votes close Tuesday 24th March 2026 5pm



Dragonflare by Jamie Hammond,
Publisher: Usborne OUT 7th May 2026
Cruise Ship Kid: Kidnap At Sea by Emma Swan Publisher: Usborne OUT NOW!









🎤✨Our Story!

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WOW. What a first month it’s been!

I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again… thanks to everyone who’s cheered me on and jumped in along the way.

Special love to Sarah Herrett from Grow UK🔗 , one of my nearest and dearest, who took part in our Battle of the Books feature with her brilliant daughters, Lily and Jess.

Huge thanks as well to Rob Biddulph for being our pilot Storyteller of the Month! (Do check out his latest book, The Last Wolf: Moonhaven Mysteries Book 1, out 5th Feb.. I can’t wait!).

And to Karl Newson (author of brilliant books: I Am A Tiger! , I’m Going To Eat a Polar Bear and The Great Nut Hunt ), not only for his storytelling tips this month, but for his understated kindness and guidance ever since I started on my OG blogging and writing journey six years ago.

And not forgetting our AMAZING young writers: Poppy, Maya, Ella and Chloe, who kindly shared their work in January’s Your Words! (February entries are open HERE🔗— hurry, deadline 1st Feb!)

Extra gratitude for the brilliant advice along the way, with big shoutouts to Greek Myths, Folktales & Legends author Vicki Psarias-Broadbent and Shrew With the Flu author Will Hamilton-Davies for being voices of reason and for their very helpfully honest feedback.

And somehow… we hit ONE THOUSAND followers on Instagram (@kidsstoryworld) . How the heck did that even happen?!

Thank you to those who stayed for the new version of the blog, and hello (and thank you!) to all the newcomers I’m so glad you’re here 💛

At the heart of this is a simple belief… STORIES SHOULD AND MUST BE ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE! There are so many extraordinary authors, illustrators, and poets creating children’s books today, yet it can sometimes feel daunting for families to discover them beyond the familiar favourites. I want to help bridge that gap by making real readers — children and families — the stars of this space, alongside the wonderful authors, illustrators, and poets who create the stories we love. We began with Your Words!, inviting children to share their own writing, then Battle of the Books, bringing families into the conversation. Now, I’m thrilled to introduce Kid’s Storyworld’s very first Our Story with the Oyediwura family. This blog exists to celebrate children’s voices, joyful reading, and the magic that happens when stories are shared together.

For our family Q&A, we asked Charisse, her son Robert Junior, and her daughter Robyn a few questions. They chat about the books they love, the ones that spark their imaginations, and the stories that particularly inspire Charisse. Together they give us a wonderful glimpse into the family’s own reading world. From stories that spark memories to those that inspire new adventures and make them giggle!

Outside of family reading time, Charisse is CEO of Black Lives in Music, an organisation dedicated to supporting Black musicians and promoting their work across the UK. In her role, she leads initiatives that highlight the achievements of Black artists, provide opportunities for emerging talent, and raise awareness of the challenges faced by musicians from underrepresented backgrounds. Her work with the organisation demonstrates a commitment to creating platforms where diverse voices are celebrated and heard.

Robert Junior’s current read by 13 year old author Rico Hinson-King and illustrated by Nick Sharratt published by Bloomsbury

What’s your favourite book right now and why?
Robyn: I like to read the Lion King. I read it every night, I read the theatre programme to learn about the actors. My favourite actress Noelle plays young nala in the West End and I want to play young Nala one day.
RJ: Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I love all the books they are hilarious!..And Football is for Everyone by Rico Hinson King! (Rico was only 13 when he wrote the book, illustrated by the much loved Nick Sharratt. Read Rico’s Bloomsbury interview HERE🔗 )

And Charisse, Which book or story do you think shaped your imagination the most when you were a child? When I was a child I would love to read anything by Hans Christian Andersen. I loved the Emperor’s New Clothes, The Princess and the Pea and the Ugly Duckling. I could really see myself in some of the characters in his stories.

Another question for the children! Your favourite book character is in town. Who is it and where would you take them for the day?
RJ: I would take Greg from Diary of A Wimpy Kid and take him to a restaurant
Charisse: Oh that’s nice and what type of food?
RJ: Italian…because I like Pasta and he might like pizza!
Robyn: I would take CatchTeenie Ping! (TV character but there’s a book too!) I would take him to the park. I would play with him because he’s small. Then play MarioKart and Minecraft after.

Charisse You get to be the manager of a band with 1 musician of your choice and 2 children’s book or story characters. Who are they, what genre music and what would you call the band? This is funny!
My daughter Robyn and I LOVE Disney movies, and they (and Michael Jackson) were definitely the soundtrack to my childhood.
So I would choose Michael Jackson, with Elsa from Frozen and Jiminy Cricket from Pinocchio as back-up. Weird, right?
I would call them TMB, which stands for “Take Me Back”. Growing up in the ’90s, all of the band names were abbreviations. Or Conscience, which is a homage to Pinocchio: “Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide.”

Robert Junior and Robyn, what’s your favourite memory of reading with your grown-up?
Robyn: My favourite memory of reading with a grown up is funny books! The funniest thing I’ve heard in a book was in Mrs Giggles (Little Miss Giggles)
RJ: My favourite memory of reading with a grown up is we get to chit-chat! We get to have fun together by talking about how to pronounce the words.

Which story best captures something special about your family?
RJ: Yes when we go on a holiday
Robyn: Yes! On a plane!!
Charisse: What Story is that?
RJ: Mr Men … Mr Rush
Charisse: So when I think about our family I think about books like Peppa Pig with Daddy Pig and Mummy Pig and they all go on a plane to Italy and eat things like pasta. Do you remember that book?
Rj: Yes!!

Charisse, In your work with Black Lives in Music, have you come across books or stories that have inspired music, whether for you personally or the artists and communities you support?
There’s a true story about Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. He was a brilliant violinist and he was Black. He shows children that classical music is for everyone. He was born a long time ago, when many people believed that a Black child could not belong in grand concert halls or play music for important audiences. But Joseph loved music, especially the violin, and he practised every day.
Because of his talent and hard work,he became one of the most famous musicians in France. People travelled far and wide to hear him play, and even kings and queens applauded him. His story teaches children that being Black, or coming from a different background, should never stop anyone from following their dreams. If you love music and keep believing in yourself, just like Joseph did, you belong on the stage too.
This feeds directly into the work we do at Black Lives in Music that classical music, all music is for everyone.

To find out more about Black Lives in Music or to get involved visit: https://blim.org.uk/

One thing you’ll notice right away in this interview? Music is clearly a HUGE part of the Oyediwura family’s story 🎶✨
So of course, here are a few kidlit reads inspired by that musical magic.

LOVE The Story Orchestra series published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books. My youngst son loves music The books play music and sound INCREDIBLE! Have given as gifts too.
Florence Beatrice Price was and American classical composer and musician who made history as the first African-American woman to have a symphonic composition performed by a major orchestra. Written and Illustrated by the Students of the Special Music School at the Kaufman Music Center, NY
Fantastic series by Jeffrey Boakye, illustrated by Beth Suzanna and published by Faber & Faber. I was lucky enough to see Jeffrey in action at the Barnes Children’s Literature Festival, London Schools’ Programme and what an event it was! The book focuses on an ordinary boy with a passion for music, a best friend with a photographic memory and a genius money making scheme…. BRILLIANT!
I ADORE Sophy Henn’s work and this is no different. Popular at story times and so so much fun, this picture book is thought provoking, energetic and encourages us all to march to the beat of our own drum. Great for exploring feelings…some days we can’t find the rhythm, other days the music comes together. (Think something us parents can relate to not just the kids!) Published by Simon and Schuster….side note… check out Sophy’s Super Duper You! Another favourite I highly recommend.
Aoife Dooley’s graphic novel aimed at 9+ years. Frankie is navigating her way through secondary school but how do you find your voice when everyone around you is telling you to be quiet? She has the chance to compete in Battle of The Bands….but needs to find band members. and to have band members you need to be good at making friends! A story about speaking up and standing out even when the going gets tough! published by Scholastic.

ONE FOR THE ADULTS! It’s the National Year of Reading 2026 which is a campaign to get EVERYBODY reading. So I’ll be sharing and adult read along side children’s. Thrilling, informative, eye opening, thought provoking this incredible book redefines British history and talks about how ground breaking musicians like Lord Kitchner, Nenah Cherry and Stormzy have changed the world. Musical Truth is authored by Jeffrey Boakye (Kofi author!) and illustrated by Ngadi Smart. Also available on audible Published by Faber & Faber.