Children’s Literature News June 2026
Children’s book news for June 2026: reading enjoyment rises but gaps widen, with IBC book boxes, Bookstart picks, AI findings, awards, festivals and new inclusive school resources.
Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Tor Freeman is a British author and illustrator known for her work in children’s literature. She studied at Kingston University, where she graduated with a degree in illustration. Freeman has written and illustrated numerous picture books, as well as illustrated works by other authors.
Her own books include the Olga da Polga series, written by Michael Bond, for which she provided illustrations. Freeman is also the creator of the Digby Dog series, which features the character Digby, a helpful dog who solves problems in his community. In addition, she has written and illustrated titles such as Twice Upon a Time and The Toucan Brothers.
Freeman’s illustrations are recognised for their detailed and expressive style, often bringing humour and warmth to the stories. She has collaborated with a range of publishers, including Macmillan Children’s Books and Walker Books.
In 2012, Tor Freeman was awarded the Maurice Sendak Fellowship, a residency programme established by the American illustrator Maurice Sendak.

Children’s book news for June 2026: reading enjoyment rises but gaps widen, with IBC book boxes, Bookstart picks, AI findings, awards, festivals and new inclusive school resources.
Our recommended graphic novels for children aged 7-11 to appeal to reluctant and able readers alike. This list includes works by Ben Clanton, Gary Northfield, Shannon Watters, Deborah Ellis, Jeanne DuPrau and Alastair Humphreys.
Children’s book news for April 2026: Michael Rosen wins the Hans Christian Andersen Award, CLiPPA and UKLA shortlists arrive, and Puffin launches its new picture book list, Puffin Studio.
Children’s book news for January 2026: festivals, awards, school publishing, comics events, national reading policy, literacy campaigns and major competitions shaping children’s and YA books across the UK.
Children’s book news for July 2025: winners from Carnegie and UKLA awards, shortlisted titles, summer literacy initiatives, poetry competitions, and reading schemes for schools across the UK.
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