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🏺✨Our Story!

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This is going out a little later than planned. It was the first week back after half term, so of course one of the kids was ill (the eldest) off his food, sleeping past 6.30am for one of the first times in his life, and home for most of the week. To add to the hectic chaos, I somehow convinced myself it was dress-down day and sent them in wearing football kits. My husband took them in and phoned me… cue a frantic scramble to pull together actual uniforms and dash them into school.

Should I be more organised? Probably. But I’m choosing to file this under “character building for the children” and something we’ll laugh about in years to come.

Lessons From a Default Parent by Lou Beckett published by DK Books

This week I’ve been listening to Lou Beckett’s new book Lessons From a Default Parent published by DK Books , and I honestly can’t sing praises highly enough. It’s incredibly relatable, genuinely funny, and perfectly captured every feeling I had during that failed non-non-uniform-day dash this morning.

One parent who truly gets it …and with whom I’ve exchanged many WhatsApp messages about the chaos of parenting (including the occasional request to borrow cups of sugar, except replace “sugar” with tonic or ice for Friday gins!) is my lovely friend Louise Tripp. Huge thanks to her for taking time out of her hectic grown-up life to take part in this month’s Our Story Q&A.

This week, Louise, a family solicitor, and her youngest daughter Helena (10) talk about books, Greek myths and how reading fits into family life.

Other members in the Tripp household include Dad Guy, who is a fan of car and Formula 1 magazines, (which fits in brilliantly with the National Year of Reading 2026, #GoAllIn ethos of reading what you love!) and big Sister Sylvie (13)

Sylvie (13) prefers audiobooks (Editor: reminder to do a separate posts on the brilliance of audiobooks!). Recently, she has been listening to a lot of YA, including The Hunger Games, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and, most recently, the Caraval series. Sylvie is also currently reading Percy Jackson and was interested to hear what it is about the books that has Helena so hooked.

Helena is firmly in her Percy Jackson era (as is my own son!), which makes this a nice example of a families reading for pleasure, together. When Helena’s not reading Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan published by Puffin (UK) she’s usually got a Lottie Brooks book by Katie Kirby published by Puffin (UK) on the go.

Louise, What was your favourite book growing up and have you read it to your own children?

L: This was such a hard question because I kept remembering more and more books that I loved as a child. Some that I loved and have read with them are Meg and Mog when they were really little, then when they were a bit older, The Faraway Tree books, lots of Roald Dahl and The Secret Garden. Some other of my childhood favourites that I’ve now remembered about that I think they’d love are Charlotte’s Web, The Wheel on the School (Editor: will be looking this one up!) and Charlotte Sometimes.  

And if you could relive one story time memory with your children, which would it be?
L: Oh, another hard question! I think the first time I read the first Harry Potter to each of them. Although they’ve both moved on from that series now, they were both totally hooked by the magic and now they both love the fantasy genre. The audiobook read by Stephen Fry is also superb and brought them comfort and helped them go to sleep every night for years

A children’s book character babysits one evening, who would it be and why? (and for all of us nosy inquisitive grown-ups … where would you go?)
L: Hmm, if I’m being mean maybe I’d say Miss Trunchbull from Matilda because she’d keep them in line! 😁

Helena: Could you at least not choose Miss Honey?!

L: Maybe. Anyway, if I’m being nice, other than Miss Honey, I’d say Sally Jackson (Percy’s mum) because Helena would be over the moon with this and I feel like given all the stressful situations she handled with Percy, she’d be able to take care of anything that happened while I was out. 
And where would I go? Guy and I would probably go for dinner and then to the theatre, a concert or a comedy show. (Editor: sounds like the perfect night out!!)

Helena, what’s your favourite book right now and why?
H: My favourite books are the Percy Jackson series, but I couldn’t narrow it down to just one book. These books are about a young demi-God, who is a child of Poseidon (Greek God of the Sea) and a mortal. He goes on quests with his friends and tries to avoid getting killed in very nasty ways (if you know, you know). I enjoy this book series because I love fantasy and adventure narratives, it includes my interest (mum says obsession!) with Greek mythology and it feels like the characters are real people and they actually have a personality, not just generic characters. I also like how it highlights the positive aspects of being neurodivergent. Percy is dyslexic, his brain is hardwired to read Ancient Greek, and he has ADHD because he has strong battle reflexes. 

And which children’s book character comes to life in your world. Who is it and where would you take them for the day?
H: After being heavily debated, I picked Tyson (Percy’s cyclops brother) over Grover (Percy’s satyr mate) – sorry Grover!  I would take Tyson to the beach as he is a child of Poseidon and if we could, we would ride hippocampi, a creature Tyson loves, to a beach café.

Louise: What would you have at the café?

H: Fish and chips!  

What’s your favourite memory of reading with your grown-up? H: it’s really hard because there’s so many but one that comes to mind was when I asked Dad to read and he made one up, which became a classic in our house, called Monkey Goes to the Shop. (Publishers, call us! 😉) I always read at bedtime with Mum or Dad. One day Mum said I should read a book called Percy Jackson. We started reading it together and we’ve never stopped!

Which story best captures something special about your family? H: I think we should choose Peepo by Janet and Allan Ahlberg published by Puffin, because it’s a story we’ve all read together since me and Sylvie were young. We’ve loved it ever since.

L: I agree, it’s such a lovely story and I have such happy memories of us having cuddles before bed while reading this. (Editor: What a beautiful choice! 🥹)

Thank you so much to the Tripp family for sharing their story world with us!
Inspired by their love of Greek Myths, here are a few suggestions that will satisfy any Philhellene (fan of Greek culture & history)

Who Let The Gods Out? By Maz Evans published by Usbourne (I’m OBSESSED with this series and still haven’t finished the last book as don’t want it to be over 😂🫣 and check out the stage production at Polka Theatre🔗 )
Greek Myths Folktales and Legends by Vicki Psarias-Broadbent and illustrated by Paula Zorite, published by Scholastic. Such a beautiful collection of tales. We have a copy at home and have given to schools. And I know that our young Greek Mythology expert Helena has a copy and said she loves it!
Hercules: The Diary of a (Sort of) Hero by Tom Vaughan and illustrations by David O’Connell, published by Scholastic. Great for fans of Diary of A Wimpy Kid and Louie Stowell’s Loki (Loki is another absolute MUST READ!)
Aesop’s Fables by Caroline Lawrence illustrations and illustrations by Robert Ingpen, published by Welbeck Editions. Caroline very kindly gave my son a copy and it’s beautiful. I devoured Aesops Fables as a child and Caroline’s book brought so many memories back – (plus a few stories I didn’t know!)

For YA & adult:



Medusa: The Girl Behind The Myth by Jessie Burton published by Bloomsbury YA. A retelling of the Greek myth that reframes Medusa as a vulnerable teenager exiled to a lonely island. So many people have recommend this to me. I loved Jessie’s The Miniaturist so this is very high up on my To Be Read list!
Circe by Madeline Miller published by Bloomsbury (thanks to Victoria, mum from next month’s Battle of the Books’ family, for the suggestion!) It reimagines the life of the sorceress from Homer’s Odyssey. Again, only heard good things about this so am very excited to be reading it next!

That rounds up this week’s Our Story!

Thanks for reading and please do check out March’s challenge. It closes soon! March’s Your Words! Challenge 🔗 children can be in with a chance of winning £10 book voucher!



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📖Storyteller!

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It’s half term here in UK and writing this from my mobile phone in distracted environments so apologies in advance for any typos/formatting!

It’s been a wet and rainy month but thankfully we have a lot to keep us distracted including suspense who will win Battle of The Books (see below!) and a beautiful Q&A with our Storyteller of the month Sophie Anderson.

And if you want something to keep your own young storytellers busy – check out March’s Your Story! Challenge HERE🔗!

This year is the National Year of Reading, and I decided to set myself a goal: read more non-fiction. (For the grown-ups only: I’m currently reading The Minds of Billy Milligan by Daniel Keyes, published by Orion Publishing Group. It’s utterly gripping. Lots of trigger warnings, but I’d still highly recommend it.)

Yesterday evening, I was midread and my eldest excitedly asked,

“Mum, have you read A Series of Unfortunate Events yet? It’s SO good!”

I admitted I hadn’t.

I told him I’d love to. Just as soon as I finished my current book… and the ever growing to be read pile waiting to be reviewed.🫣

His face fell.

And that’s when it hit me.

We’re always encouraging our children to read what we suggest. We hand them books we loved, books we think they should read, books we think are good for them, books we remember reading ourselves. But how often do we turn that around? How often do we say, “Alright then…what do you recommend?”

So I’ve set myself a new challenge…read their suggestions. No matter what. I’ve agreed with him for every chapter of my own choice, I’ll read a chapter of their choices (admittedly as a one book at a time woman it will take a bit of getting used to!)

Because the truth is, I adore children’s books. I don’t believe they’re only for children. They are for EVERYONE. There’s a kind of freedom in them that you don’t always find in adult fiction. The imagination is boundless, the possibilities feel infinite, and even though they’re written by adults, children’s books aren’t tangled up in the same limits and conformity we gradually wrap around ourselves as we grow older.

Maybe it’s time we let them lead the way for a while.

What children’s books can you recommend?

⚔️📖 Talking of grown ups reading children’s books..at last it’s time for the Battle of the Books reveal!

Mum Shetal with daughters Shreyana and Seraina

Mum and illustrator Shetal and her daughters Shreyana and Seraina went head-to-head-to-head with their favourite reads: The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens, and That’s Not My Name by Anoosha Syed.

And the winner is… Murder Most Unladylike! Congratulations, Shreyana! 🎉

Winner: Murder Most Unladylike chosen by Shreyana!

Keep an eye out next month as Cruise Ship Kid author Emma Swan and another family go head-to-head for the chance to see their book choices reign supreme!

Sophie Anderson – Storyteller of The Month!

And now let me introduce Sophie Anderson to our Storyteller of the Month spot! The first time I picked up the first of her stories based on Slavic folktales: The House With Chicken Legs published by Usbourne Publishing I kid you not …a shiver went down my spine. Years later, my boys were hooked on the audible version too. My uni dissertation was based on Russian folklore, so I have a particular interest but even without this, as a mum these books and tales are magical and hold the infinite imagination and wonder of children’s books mentioned earlier in my blog. All of Sophie’s books …The House With Chicken Legs, The Girl Who Speaks Bear, The Castle of Tangled Magic, The Thief Who Sang Storms and The Snow Girl are as enchanting and captivating as their titles suggest.

The collection so far.
published by Usbourne Publishing

Personally I can’t wait for the latest The House With Chicken Legs Runs Away to come out (9th April 2026!🥳)

📝 Fun facts about Sophie:

🐚 Sophie grew up by the seaside, loved collecting shells and fossils, and dreamed of being a mermaid.

🤿 At university she learned how to scuba dive, and dived lots of ancient shipwrecks in Scotland.

🐓 Sophie is the proud owner of three chickens called Henrietta, Chewbacca, and Maracca. (Editors note: LOVE THIS!)

👋 Welcome Sophie! What are some of your earliest story or reading memories that shaped your imagination as a child?

My grandmother used to tell me Slavic fairy tales while sat at her piano, so that she could play a dramatic soundtrack for them.

Winter often brings a special kind of magic to reading. Who were your favourite kid lit winter book characters when you were younger and do you have new favourites now? Moominland Midwinter by Tove Jansson was a favourite childhood read, which features the most wintry of characters, the Groke. A recent favourite is The Other Father Christmas written by Serena Holly and illustrated by Shahab Shamshirsaz. It’s so much fun!

Who or what encouraged you when you first starting out as a writer? I came to writing quite late and I think what encouraged me most was discovering a much more diverse range of voices in children’s literature than I had experienced as a child. David Almond’s working-class voice in Skellig and Salman Rushdie’s lyrical, whimsical Haroun and the Sea of Stories, although very different, both made me feel that there might be a place for my voice and my kind of writing.

What was the moment that made you realise storytelling wasn’t just something you loved, but a permanent and meaningful part of your life? My writing has always felt meaningful on a personal level, but it grew into something more when The House with Chicken Legs published. I had been writing, on and off, for around ten years in my spare time, but had never considered that I might make a career out of it. The House with Chicken Legs changed that. My writing moved from being something I did occasionally around the edges of the day, to being this huge part of my life, and a full-time job. 

The Snow Girl, (recently re-released in paperback by Usbourne) weaves in beautifully with your Slavic folk-inspired storytelling. What memories from the book do you hope will stay with the readers after they have stepped into Tasha and Alyana’s magical world? I hope readers find something memorable and meaningful to them. I think one of the best things about fiction is that it connects with different people in different…(and often very personal)…ways. If, when a reader finishes the story, they are happy that they read it and feel that Tasha’s and Alyana’s world has brought a little magic into their lives, then I will be thrilled!

Without giving too much of the book away, what was your favourite part of writing The Snow Girl? I’ve always loved writing animal characters, and there are a few in The Snow Girl. I also love writing magic and of course the snow girl herself, Alyana, has some wonderful winter magic to play with. 

February is a month for love, and The Snow Girl is full of it in many different ways. What does love mean to you in her world? Love is definitely a verb in The Snow Girl, shown through the caring actions of friends, family and community.

And just for fun!

If you could take one tiny bit of Alyana’s magic in to your own world, what would it be and why?

There is so much of her magic I would like to play with! If I can only pick one, then making snowflakes dance into pictures that tell a story.

Where in our world would Tasha and Alyana most love to dance in the snow?

Karelia, in NW Russia. It’s such a beautiful place filled with magic! (Editor quickly Googles “Karelia” …and WOW! 😍)

🌟STAR READER QUESTION FROM JAMIE, AGED 8

How long does it usually take you to write a book and what do you do if you run out of ideas for characters? Which character is most like you? (Brilliant questions Jamie!)

From start to finish (including lots of drafts), around 18 months to two years. If I run out of ideas a good walk often helps, or refilling my creative well by immersing myself in other people’s works of art. I am most like Tasha in The Snow Girl I think… at heart I am very shy.

What beautiful answers Sophie! Thank you so much for taking part! And of course to our 🌟Star Reader Jamie for his fab questions.


The House With Chicken Legs Runs Away – Coming April 9, 2026.
Published by Usborne Publishing.

For Sophie’s latest events CLICK HERE 🔗

Next week…Our Story! Family Q&A plus some gorgeous book reviews – Thanks as ever for reading!

🎤✨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.