Why are so many children’s fantasy books adapted as films?

Fantasy is a genre that has dominated children’s literature over the years, with JRR Tolkien, JK Rowling and Suzanne Collins spearheading the way in the crossover realm of book to film adaptation. So why is cinema recreating their fantastical lands? And what does the future hold?

Booky things to do this half term!

Wondering what to do this half term? We round up some of the best book-based events taking place up and down the UK during the school holiday

Hey, kids, there’s a new bear on the block

Soon to be joining Pooh and Paddington is a onesie-wearing streetwise bear, created by illustrator Sav Akyüz and actor-rapper Doc Brown

Why authors and illustrators should think twice about going to Dubai lit fest

From climate change caused by CO2 emissions to human rights issues, author Jonathan Emmett makes the case for avoiding the Emirates Airline festival of literature in Dubai – what do you think?

Legendary publisher Klaus Flugge launches picture book prize

New picture book prize will recognise exciting newcomers

World Book Day attempts world record-beating bumper books quiz

Love books? Love quizzes? You’re in for a World Book Day treat with the chance to make book quizzing history

It’s time for a virtual tea break and to draw together

Most illustrators spend a lot of time alone… and many eat a lot of toast to comfort themselves. That’s why Sarah McIntyre has made a Twitter-based virtual studio tea break that everyone can join in with

Top 10 worriers in children’s literature

From Piglet and Little Mouse to Lola Rose, children’s books are full of worriers who face up to, and even overcome, their fears. Here are 10 of the best, from Wilf the Mighty Worrier author Georgia Pritchett

Russian censors target children’s books that break the mould

Publishing a children’s book in Russia is not a straightforward matter, as Anna Starobinets found when her detective stories set among woodland animals were deemed to be far too beastly for children

The best stocking filler books for children this Christmas

If you are looking for a book that might keep younger children entertained in the early hours of Christmas morning then the Book Doctor has some fun ideas

How To Fight A Dragons Fury by Cressida Cowell – review

Elie8899: ‘This book is awesome; a truly fitting finale for such an amazing series’

What are the best children’s books of 2015?

Authors including David Almond, Chris Riddell and Louise O’Neill, Guardian children’s books editors plus teen readers reveal their top children’s and teen reads of 2015

‘Oh, the places you’ll go!’ The best Dr Seuss quotes

In honour of the man behind the Grinch, the Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham and many, many other children’s classics, here are some of his best lines

50 years of Jackanory: what the TV show gave to me and other authors

On the 50th anniversary of Jackanory, Frank Cottrell Boyce on the massive impact of listening to Rik Mayall, Kenneth Williams and others read out loud on TV

Percy the Park Keeper’s Winter Park review – the kids sigh with happiness

Nick Butterworth’s picture book After the Storm is brought to the stage in a comforting production with some precious moments