John Green webcast

John Green will be live on Monday 4th February from 2.00-2.45pm talking about his books and what led him to write his phenomenal 'The Fault in our Stars'. Register for the webcast at http://www.puffinvirtuallylive.co.uk/author/johngreen or view the event on demand shortly after.

Harry Potter Studio Tour

The Kimbookworms had a brilliant time at the Harry Potter Studio Tour last Saturday. We stepped into Dumbledore's office, sat on Hagrid's motorbike, wandered up Diagon Alley, gazed in wonder at Hogwarts and discovered all sorts of secrets about the making of the films. Magical!

Radio 2's 500 words is back

If you're aged 13 or under, you can enter the 500 Words story writing competition - now in its 2nd year. You have until 22nd February to submit an entry. Get inspired by watching the video clip with lots of tips from your favourite authors. http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/500words/2013/

Blue Peter Book Awards 2013

The shortlists have been announced for the 2013 Blue Peter Book Awards. Winners of the Best Story and Best Book with Facts will be announced on World Book Day on 7th March.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/articles/blue-peter-book-awards-2013

Ketchup Clouds

Book Tweets

Could you write a book review using only 140 characters? That's what the Kimbookworms did this week using BitLy and Character Counter websites to shorten the Amazon links and count the number of characters used. A great way of getting to the very essence of a book!

Blind Date a Book

Pupils are being invited to make a blind date with a book this month. All the 'blind dates' have been recommended by other pupils as good reads and wrapped up in brown paper and string.  There are no nasty surprises (like gory horrors or girly chick-lit). All pupils have to do is make a commitment to read at least 2 chapters and then, who knows...this may be the start of a beautiful relationship!

Costa Children's Book Award

Sally Gardner has just won the Costa Children's Book Award for her superb fantasy 'Maggot Moon'. This unusual tale about Standish Treadwell, the story's narrator, is set in an alternative universe but one that, although brutal, is still recognisable. It sounds grim but it's actually an uplifting read with comic elements.
If you haven't read it as yet, you can try the extract on the Guardian's website and have a go at winning your own copy.