Mat Tobin
@mattobin.bsky.social
📚 Lecturer - Primary English & Children's Lit | Co-Author of "Understanding & Teaching Primary English" 📖
The longlists for the seventh Diverse Book Awards have been announced, with organisers hoping that these ‘outstanding books’ will be seen as essential reading. Explore the lists in full and cast your vote in the Readers' Choice Award ⬇️#KidLitUK booksforkeeps.co.uk/60808-2/
Lecturer in Critical Applied Linguistics at MMU (p/t; fixed term). Deadline August 16. The role would suit people with interests and expertise in issues concerning critical language pedagogies, language and social justice, and educational linguistics. manmetjobs.mmu.ac.uk/jobs/vacancy...
Lecturer (Critical Applied Linguistics) - (9121) | Manchester Metropolitan University Careers
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#Waffles&Julius by @edvere.bsky.social @puffinbooksuk.bsky.social This isn't just a story about hugs. It's about enthusiasm & boundaries, affection & consent, persistence & listening. And it also celebrates healthy masculinity. A masterclass in picturebook design. Bravo, Ed!
An excellent piece by Mat Tobin in Books for Keeps about how to share reading with children and foster reading for pleasure. @mattobin.bsky.social @booksforkeeps.bsky.social
Mat Tobin@mattobin.bsky.social · 2w agoI have written a piece on nurturing lifelong readers inspired by the wonderful Aidan Chambers (pages 4-5) booksforkeeps.co.uk/wp-content/u... @booksforkeeps.bsky.social
Top stuff as always from Mat, and it is always good to reflect on how your approach may impact reading habits and attitudes.
Mat Tobin@mattobin.bsky.social · 2w agoI have written a piece on nurturing lifelong readers inspired by the wonderful Aidan Chambers (pages 4-5) booksforkeeps.co.uk/wp-content/u... @booksforkeeps.bsky.social
A wonderful short essay here from Mat that shows how adults reframing ourselves as way-finders rather than gatekeepers can make enormous difference in the lives of young readers. Also thrilled to see a shout out for lesser-spotted No-one Returns from the Enchanted Forest by Robin Robinson ❤️.
Mat Tobin@mattobin.bsky.social · 2w agoI have written a piece on nurturing lifelong readers inspired by the wonderful Aidan Chambers (pages 4-5) booksforkeeps.co.uk/wp-content/u... @booksforkeeps.bsky.social
This encapsulates beautifully what I experience as a school librarian: "policing" kids' reading choices is deathly. Harnessing - and sharing - their interest and enjoyment is key. 💙📚💙📚
Mat Tobin@mattobin.bsky.social · 2w agoI have written a piece on nurturing lifelong readers inspired by the wonderful Aidan Chambers (pages 4-5) booksforkeeps.co.uk/wp-content/u... @booksforkeeps.bsky.social
@vikkivarley.bsky.social @jonnybid.bsky.social @nicolettejones.bsky.social @nicolamansfield.bsky.social @librarylady.bsky.social @sophieandersen.bsky.social @whatsfsaid.bsky.social @richardruddick.bsky.social @rcharlesworth.bsky.social @teresacremin.bsky.social @michaelrosenyes.bsky.social
Mat Tobin@mattobin.bsky.social · 2w agoI have written a piece on nurturing lifelong readers inspired by the wonderful Aidan Chambers (pages 4-5) booksforkeeps.co.uk/wp-content/u... @booksforkeeps.bsky.social
I have written a piece on nurturing lifelong readers inspired by the wonderful Aidan Chambers (pages 4-5) booksforkeeps.co.uk/wp-content/u... @booksforkeeps.bsky.social
#KlausFluggePrize Y2 voted for The Great Green Island as their winner! Once the crocodile was revealed, they loved going back to look for clues on the cover & at the beginning. They loved the final page where they realised there were other animals islands. Thanks for the resources!
Just to say that the competition is open a little longer if people would still like to take part. It's a lovely thing to share in class and could easily be completed in a session. A great way to win some books for your school too
Mat Tobin@mattobin.bsky.social · 2mo agoThe #KlausFluggePrize competition for schools is officially open! Early Years/Primary School Teachers, please do consider taking part👇 Can be completed in 1 lesson, and it is great for promoting quality booktalk. Video guide included & prizes to be won. Closes 03_07 docs.google.com/presentation...
That’s an awesome story. Lightfall is a stunning work of art on every page. @mattobin.bsky.social was just pointing out at our book club the other night how the cover art front and back on the 4th one works together so beautifully. (Credits in the captions)
Mat produces such wonderful resources for the #KlausFluggePrize - please consider sharing this with your staff and children. Get them talking about some brilliant books.
Mat Tobin@mattobin.bsky.social · 2mo agoThe #KlausFluggePrize competition for schools is officially open! Early Years/Primary School Teachers, please do consider taking part👇 Can be completed in 1 lesson, and it is great for promoting quality booktalk. Video guide included & prizes to be won. Closes 03_07 docs.google.com/presentation...
You can never have enough booktalk in school, so why not indulge in this fantastic opportunity for more? Mat is an absolute expert about all things book related, so you know it will be a fantastic use of your time.
Mat Tobin@mattobin.bsky.social · 2mo agoThe #KlausFluggePrize competition for schools is officially open! Early Years/Primary School Teachers, please do consider taking part👇 Can be completed in 1 lesson, and it is great for promoting quality booktalk. Video guide included & prizes to be won. Closes 03_07 docs.google.com/presentation...
@samcreighton.bsky.social @martingalway.bsky.social @smithsmm.bsky.social @richardruddick.bsky.social @teresacremin.bsky.social @sconnor7.bsky.social @jacquisydney.bsky.social @karlduke8.bsky.social @whatsfsaid.bsky.social @jonnybid.bsky.social @readingbede.bsky.social @smerchant13.bsky.social
Mat Tobin@mattobin.bsky.social · 2mo agoThe #KlausFluggePrize competition for schools is officially open! Early Years/Primary School Teachers, please do consider taking part👇 Can be completed in 1 lesson, and it is great for promoting quality booktalk. Video guide included & prizes to be won. Closes 03_07 docs.google.com/presentation...
Next week sees the start of Pride month and, more than ever, it feels important to share books that bring understanding, empathy, solace and empowerment for the LGBTQ+ community. What great kids’ books will you be reading and recommending during Pride month? #KidsBooksFriday #KidLitUK #KidLit
The #KlausFluggePrize competition for schools is officially open! Early Years/Primary School Teachers, please do consider taking part👇 Can be completed in 1 lesson, and it is great for promoting quality booktalk. Video guide included & prizes to be won. Closes 03_07 docs.google.com/presentation...
Mat Tobin@mattobin.bsky.social · 3mo agoThe 2026 #KlausFluggePrize shortlist has been announced, and it is always a pleasure to welcome them into the reading world. I’m currently crafting an interactive school-based presentation on these works. Stay tuned! I’ll be interviewing the illustrators soon to dive deeper into their stories.
Just announced, shortlist for the 2026 #KlausFluggePrize for most exciting newcomer to picturebook illustration. Congratulations to these six talented illustrators! "Inspiring to see such originality & promise in debut work" says judge Rob Biddulph #BookSky booksforkeeps.co.uk/distinct-vis...
booksforkeeps.co.uk
The 2026 #KlausFluggePrize shortlist has been announced, and it is always a pleasure to welcome them into the reading world. I’m currently crafting an interactive school-based presentation on these works. Stay tuned! I’ll be interviewing the illustrators soon to dive deeper into their stories.
NEW Book of the Week: Frank the Monster reviewed by @mattobin.bsky.social "Strange, funny and unexpectedly moving, this is a quietly powerful exploration of what it means to be seen." Bonus author Q&A too @geckopress.bsky.social #KidLit #booksky 🐺 booksforkeeps.co.uk/review/frank...
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
That's one of my all-time favourite reviews in a single line. Thanks for picking it up, and I hope you both enjoy the rest of it!
About to play my 10 year old's boardgame! It's taken him several days to make. Looks awesome! #RainbowFriends @robcrossley4.bsky.social @jonnybid.bsky.social
"Would their child become a diviner? A healer? A spirit waker?" In Spirit Warriors, @ashleythorpe.bsky.social conjures a world of ancestral magic, power, and purpose rooted in Jamaican folklore. A cracking opening and concept! Perfect for KS2 readers. Publishing 14 August #Usborne #SpiritWarriors
@umurrayhusted.bsky.social An absolute, absolute, absolute joy! I've just finished #BotticellisApprentice We read and discussed #ACatStory at our #LetsTalkGraphicNovels group a few years back & you kindly showed up. This is just as wonderful. Congratulations - I wish it every possible success!
Following on from this week’s sci-fi chat from @jacquisydney.bsky.social and @pgbellwriter.bsky.social, what are your #KidsBooksFriday sci-fi recommendations? We’re lucky to have the phenomenal @alastairc.com leading the charge and I’ve read a few other brilliant examples lately. #KidLitUK #KidLit
