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A fresh book of finger rhymes for a fresh school y A fresh book of finger rhymes for a fresh school year. And a fresh way for the youngest children to step into poems!These images show how I scribbled my way through the writing of FIVE LITTLE FRIENDS – the manuscripts followed by collages of the finished, illustrated poems in the book.In times when children are spending hours at a time passively watching screens, FIVE LITTLE FRIENDS is a book that swims against that tide. It’s an engaging, active, dynamic reading experience which brings poems and young readers to life.It’s a starting point for the confident engagement with reading, which we know feeds deeply into human wellbeing going forwards.Illustrated by @fionawoodcock. Published by @walkerpicturebooks in the UK and @candlewickpress in the USA.“genius” School Library Journal“A fresh, wonderfully creative, and visually engaging array of rhymes to get kids moving.” Kirkus Book Reviews“It’s a singsong volume that gets bodies moving and pages turning.” Publishers Weekly“Oh my word! Me and my son (my little reader) love having our hands on this fun, playfully rhymey book!” Raymond Antrobus“On the button … these poems won me over.” Tony Mitton#fingerrhymes #poetryforchildren #poetryfortheyoungerones #poetryfortheyoungestofall#raisingreaders #fortheloveofbooks
Good book news. If you want something engaging, he Good book news. If you want something engaging, heart-warming and lively to share with the youngest readers, DEAR LITTLE ONE is just the thing. Poetry doesn’t have to be sophisticated stuff for later in life. It’s a natural way into the excitements and possibilities of language for the very young. Poems are like word playgrounds. They build dexterity with language. They're full of test, discovery, delight (not for what the BODY can do, but the TONGUE!) Isn’t that the special role ‘nursery rhymes’ have played across cultures, across the ages?What's more, books like DEAR LITTLE ONE are starting points for the confident engagement with reading, which we know feeds deeply into human wellbeing going forwards.So I’m very glad to have got myself a copy at a recent launch event at @pickledpepperbooks !DEAR LITTLE ONE is out this week. It’s by @bergmanmara and @claire_alexander_picture_books and published by @walkerpicturebooks / @walkerbooksuk .#poetryforchildren #poetryfortheyoungerones #poetryfortheyoungestofall
Very sad indeed to hear that Allan Ahlberg has die Very sad indeed to hear that Allan Ahlberg has died.His loss leaves me feeling lonely -even though I never met him.His writing, and the way it spoke with heart and warmth of and for children, invited me to try the same.It remains an abiding influence.In our un-book-friendly times, books have lost a best friend.#allanahlberg
Thanks to the young helpers who took part in makin Thanks to the young helpers who took part in making the trailer for FIVE LITTLE FRIENDS - my book of finger rhymes illustrated by @fionawoodcock and published by @walkerpicturebooks in the UK and @candlewickpress in the USA.Wishing you all happy reading, dancing fingers and poetry in the heart!#fivelittlefriends #childrenspoetry #fingerrhymes #raisingreaders #fortheloveofbooks
An art exhibition recommendation, if you're in Lon An art exhibition recommendation, if you're in London this week.A couple of days ago I paid a memorable visit to STREETLIFE SERENADE, a retrospective of 30 years of painting by @edgrayart .His latest picture – a Blakean take on a Remembrance Sunday gathering in South East London - is one of the most resonant pieces of art I’ve seen.Not many artists 30 years into their careers are there to greet you in the gallery and discuss their work. But Ed will be there, if you go along.And what’s special about Ed is he doesn’t just want to talk about HIS work. He’ll be interested in yours.Free show. Just off Brick Lane. Runs to Sunday 20th July.STREETLIFE SERENADE30 years of painting city lifeED GRAY at the House Of Annetta25 Princelet StreetSpitalfields E16QH Exhibition open 4-20 July Tuesdays- Sundays 11am-8pm FREE
Some FIREWORKS to end my week of finger rhyme vide Some FIREWORKS to end my week of finger rhyme videos.These little poem gifts mark the publication of FIVE LITTLE FRIENDS. It’s illustrated by @fionawoodcock and published by @walkerpicturebooks in the UK and @candlewickpress in the USA.If you're a primary school teacher, feel free to use the finger rhymes I’ve been posting in your classroom.If you have young children, try them out at the dinner table.Or just enjoy them on your own. Unless you’re riding a bicycle.#fivelittlefriends #childrenspoetry #fingerrhymes #fingerrhymetime #raisingreaders #fortheloveofbooks
A new finger rhyme gift for you. Find this, and l A new finger rhyme gift for you.Find this, and lots of other poems like it in FIVE LITTLE FRIENDS, which has just arrived in the book shops.It’s illustrated by @fionawoodcock, published by @walkerpicturebooks in the UK and @candlewickpress in the USA.FIVE LITTLE FRIENDS has had heart-warming feedback and reviews…“consider FIVE LITTLE FRIENDS your new best friend” School Library Journal“A fresh, wonderfully creative, and visually engaging array of rhymes to get kids moving.” Kirkus Book Reviews“It’s a singsong volume that gets bodies moving and pages turning.” Publishers Weekly“Oh my word! Me and my son (my little reader) love having our hands on this fun, playfully rhymey book!” Raymond Antrobus“On the button … these poems won me over.” Tony Mitton#fivelittlefriends #childrenspoetry #fingerrhymes #fingerrhymetime #raisingreaders #fortheloveofbooks
Another finger rhyme gift for you. Find this, and Another finger rhyme gift for you.Find this, and lots of other poems to share, in our new book FIVE LITTLE FRIENDS.It’s illustrated by @fionawoodcock, published by @walkerpicturebooks in the UK and @candlewickpress in the USA.Finger rhymes have been around for a long time. Some are in the oral tradition of songs and rhymes for children. Do you remember FLY AWAY PETER, FLY AWAY PAUL!, HERE’S THE CHURCH, HERE’S THE STEEPLE or HERE’S THE BEEHIVE, BUT WHERE ARE THE BEES?And there have been lots of books of them over the years.Sarah Hayes collected traditional finger rhymes into an anthology called CLAP YOUR HANDS published by Walker Books back in 1988. FINGER RHYMES - an illustrated edition of original poems - was by edited by John Foster and published by Oxford University Press in 1996. Marc Brown put together a collection called HAND RHYMES, which was published by Puffin in 1994.But look at those dates.We made FIVE LITTLE FRIENDS, aware that it’s time to get something new and contemporary out into the world, to keep the magic of finger rhymes alive.#fivelittlefriends #childrenspoetry #fingerrhymes #fingerrhymetime #raisingreaders #fortheloveofbooks
A fresh finger rhyme gift, for you! Find this, an A fresh finger rhyme gift, for you!Find this, and many other poems to share, in our new book FIVE LITTLE FRIENDS. It's illustrated by @fionawoodcock, and published by @walkerpicturebooks in the UK and @candlewickpress in the USA.Finger rhymes are in an age-old, wonderfully inviting and fun tradition of putting simple words together with simple hand movemeunts.Try some together with a young child ... and watch what happens!#fivelittlefriends #childrenspoetry #fingerrhymes #raisingreaders #fortheloveofbooks #fingerrhymetime
Another little finger rhyme gift. Find this, and Another little finger rhyme gift.Find this, and lots of other poems to share, in our new book FIVE LITTLE FRIENDS, illustrated by @fionawoodcock, and published by @walkerpicturebooks in the UK and @candlewickpress in the USA.What were the seeds of the book?Writing it was a kind of step back to basics. For many years I've been performing poems to children under 7 on author visits to schools, libraries and bookshops. And that's taught me how young audiences effortlessly step into poems which invite them to use their fingers and hands. At barely a prompt, they’ll join the tricky magic of finding finger shapes. And then delight in repeating!Back in the covid pandemic months I was struggling for time and space, with the pressures of home-schooling and working from a crowded house. So, during the short spells of quality writing time I could find, I asked myself, "What do young reders really LOVE?"The answer that came back, was the little, interactive, lively, dynamic poems which became FIVE LITTLE FRIENDS.#fivelittlefriends #childrenspoetry #fingerrhymes #raisingreaders #fortheloveofbooks #fingerrhymetime
Another finger rhyme gift. Find this, and 34 othe Another finger rhyme gift.Find this, and 34 other poems like it, in our new book FIVE LITTLE FRIENDS.It publishes today and I send thanks to all involved, particularly to illustrator @fionawoodcock - who didn't just go the extra mile, she went the extra 100 miles.Also to the hard-working (and yet ever-giving) editorial team of @mawiatunney and @tanyarosieful. To designer @annelouise37 for her magic and care.To all others who've been involved at @walkerpicturebooks .And to @thecatchpoles, special agents.#fivelittlefriends #childrenspoetry #fingerrhymes #raisingreaders #fortheloveofbooks #fingerrhymetime
OUT TODAY – our playfully interactive book of fi OUT TODAY – our playfully interactive book of finger rhymes for all children aged 7 and younger.In times when children are spending hours at a time passively watching screens. FIVE LITTLE FRIENDS swims against that tide.It’s an engaging, active, dynamic book experience which brings poems and young readers to life.Illustrated by @fionawoodcock, with artwork that is beautiful and also - in inviting, inventive ways - suggests fun finger shapes for the poems.Published by @walkerpicturebooks in the UK and @candlewickpress in the USA.“genius” School Library Journal“A fresh, wonderfully creative, and visually engaging array of rhymes to get kids moving.” Kirkus Book Reviews“It’s a singsong volume that gets bodies moving and pages turning.” Publishers Weekly“Oh my word! Me and my son (my little reader) love having our hands on this fun, playfully rhymey book!” Raymond Antrobus“On the button … these poems won me over.” Tony Mitton#fivelittlefriends #childrenspoetry #fingerrhymes #fingerrhymetime #raisingreaders #fortheloveofbooks
A little finger rhyme gift. If you're a primary s A little finger rhyme gift.If you're a primary school teacher, feel free to use it in your classroom.If you have young children, try it out at the dinner table.Or enjoy it on your own, in the bath.Find this, and over 30 other poems like it, in our new book FIVE LITTLE FRIENDS, illustrated by @fionawoodcock, and published by @walkerpicturebooks in the UK and @candlewickpress in the USA.#fivelittlefriends #childrenspoetry #fingerrhymes #fingerrhymetime
A preview glimpse inside FIVE LITTLE FRIENDS - a c A preview glimpse inside FIVE LITTLE FRIENDS - a collection of new finger rhymes for under-7's, publishing 3rd July.A book that brings poems and children to life.These ace illustrations are by @fionawoodcock. Fiona managed to do what we dreamed she might. She came up with illustrations that are beautiful and which also - in inviting and inventive ways - show young readers dynamic, playful finger shapes for the poems.Come meet us and get a signed copy of FIVE LITTLE FRIENDS at a launch event at @papercatbooks (25 Half Moon Lane, London SE24 9JU.) 10.30am on Saturday 12th July."A fresh, wonderfully creative, and visually engaging array of rhymes to get kids moving." Kirkus Book Reviews"It’s a singsong volume that gets bodies moving and pages turning."Publishers Weekly"Consider Five Little Friends your new best friend" School Library Journal
Reposted from @zainabkhanpodcast... Welcome to ou Reposted from @zainabkhanpodcast...Welcome to our fourteenth podcast episode, where we have the pleasure of exploring the magic of words, rhythm, and imagination with Sean Taylor. This special episode is a part of the Book Week Series.Join us as we journey through the creative mind of Sean Taylor, a celebrated author whose work has delighted young readers across the globe. From playful picture books to lyrical tales filled with heart and humor, Sean has a remarkable gift for storytelling that captures the wonder of childhood. In this episode, we’ll discover Sean’s path into writing, his unique approach to working with language, and how he brings laughter, depth, and connection into every story he tells. With a background in performance, poetry, and education, Sean draws from a rich well of experience to craft books that engage both children and adults alike. Watch or listen to the podcast on your favorite platform, link in bio.Reposted from @zainabkhanpodcast
Had a breather and made it to Bardsey island – a Had a breather and made it to Bardsey island – a place of pilgrimage for centuries. It sits at the end of the Llŷn peninsula in north Wales and is hard to reach because of the currents in Bardsey sound. (I’d tried twice before and failed because the boat didn’t sail.)This time it was still and foggy. But up the island’s mountain we arrived in sunshine and looked down on a sea of cloud. Around us: birds, sheep, a lighthouse, a few farm buildings, the ruins of a 13th century abbey. And around the abbey it’s said that 20,000 saints are buried.
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A first glimpse of FIVE LITTLE FRIENDS, a lively, A first glimpse of FIVE LITTLE FRIENDS, a lively, interactive collection of finger rhymes. It springs (that’s the word) from many years of performing poems to children under 7. That has taught me how young audiences love to take part in poems using their fingers and hands. At barely a prompt, they’ll join the tricky magic of finding finger shapes. And then delight in repeating.FIVE LITTLE FRIENDS publishes 3rd July and features gorgeous artwork from @fionawoodcock . Working with the wisdom of the @walkerpicturebooks team, Fiona poured beauty and ingenuity into the project in equal measure. And she’s achieved what we dreamed she might – magical illustrations which (in gentle, different ways) show readers finger-shapes for the poems.We’re in an era when even the youngest children spend hours at a time passively watching screens. FIVE LITTLE FRIENDS swims against that tide. It’s an active, dynamic reading experience. So please look out for it later in the year.Tony Mitton: “On the button … these poems won me over.”@raymond_antrobus : “Oh my word! Me and my son (my little reader) love having our hands on this fun, playfully rhymey book!”Shared as a little #worldpoetryday treat!
Young readers ARE GO! My final #worldbook2025 vis Young readers ARE GO!My final #worldbook2025 visit was to Upton St Leonard's Primary in Gloucester. And I'm so glad I went.They do things in style at Upton St Leonard's! With a bit of collective effort (and a voluntary whip-round of £5 per child) they get a whole literary festival going every March.There was participation from (among others) @traceycorderoy and @writerpoetjohn .There was a whopping book fair laid on by the mighty (in a Cotswolds sort of way) @ylbooks .And I even had a jacket potato with cheese and beans at a special 'Lunch With An Author', where I discussed with a group of children... WHAT BOOK DID YOU LOVE BEFORE YOU COULD READ? WHAT IS YOUR PERFECT BOOK, NOW? and DID SOME YOGHURT JUST COME OUT OF DANIEL'S NOSE BECAUSE HE WAS LAUGHING?Other school leadership teams, feel free to take inspiration. Running a current of reading-for-pleasure through school life like they're doing at Upton St Leonard's is very doable and has an effect on a school you can just about reach out and touch. Have a look through the photos from the book fair for a glimpse of what I mean.
Hat raised to all the welcoming staff and the youn Hat raised to all the welcoming staff and the young riddlers, finger-rhymers, poem writers and book readers who’ve helped make it a World Book Day week to remember…Thanks to team @worldbookdaysocial for all the good stuff you do. Also to the parents and carers, booksellers, librarians and fellow authors and illustrators who go the extra mile for reading this week.#worldbookday #worldbookday2025 #WBD25
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Sean Taylor Stories
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© 2025 Sean Taylor | Illustrations by Shirin Adl, Claire Alexander, Kate Hindley, Emily Hughes, Jean Jullien, Neal Layton, Ben Mantle, Kasia Matyjaszek, Dieter Roos, Nick Sharratt and Hannah Shaw Designed and developed by Dreamabstract