Writer in Residence: Michelle Robinson
Every six months, BookTrust appoints a new Writer or Illustrator in Residence to write blogs, run competitions and give us their own unique perspective on the world of children's books.
Our current Writer in Residence is Michelle Robinson.
Robinson’s core mission during her residency with BookTrust is to encourage children and grown-ups to “have fun reading together”. For the next six months, she will produce tips and activities for experiencing the pure joy of sharing picture books together. She will offer practical suggestions for making shared reading feel like something to look forward to, as an exciting opportunity to connect, laugh and make memories.
Michelle Robinson is the author of best-selling picture books that are perfect for sharing and reading aloud, including The World Made a Rainbow, She Rex, There's a Lion in my Cornflakes and the Goodnight Spaceman series. She has won several awards, including the Lollies Laugh Out Loud Book Awards in 2020.
Robinson’s books have been featured in BookTrust’s work in the heart of communities across England, Wales and Northern Ireland to engage families with the life-changing benefits that can come from regularly sharing stories together – including 1,2,3, Do the Dinosaur (illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw) and Red Lorry, Yellow Lorry (illustrated by Jez Tuya). The energy, rhythm and enticing concepts of Robinson’s picture books make them a powerful tool for sparking interest and enthusiasm for sharing stories – supporting BookTrust’s mission to getting every child reading regularly and by choice.
Michelle Robinson says: “I still remember how wonderful it felt to be read to as a child. Any worries or stresses were put away when a grown-up found five minutes to sit still, pick up a book and read me a story. I felt safe, loved and relaxed, because the books we shared made us laugh, together.
“I’m thrilled to be BookTrust’s Writer in Residence. I come from a low-income background so BookTrust's mission really strikes a chord with me. I'm living proof that books, libraries and the nurturing of literacy skills at an early age can take even the most unlikely child a very long way."
“I’ll be sharing tips and practical demos on how to make reading fun – for children and grown-ups. I hope you'll enjoy my ideas and that you have fun creating some happy reading memories of your own!”
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Layla loves inventing new things in her bedroom science lab. One night, she decides to make a robot, and then she makes another. Together the three of them groove and do the robot dance but when a robot friend needs help, do they have the right moves to fix him?
Mae'n amser gwely, ond dydy Layla y dyfeisiwr ddim yn gysglyd o gwbl. Felly yn hytrach na chysgu…
This is a fabulously funny picture book by the author of Ten Fat Sausages, brimming full of Michelle Robinson’s trademark silly humour.
Michael the cookie loves standing out from the batch, but the other cookies disapprove. Can Michael find a way to be himself? Funny rhyming text and fabulous illustrations, with themes of friendship and acceptance.
Transport and dogs come together in this bright, joyful picture book which follows a train, boat and plane over the course of a busy day.
A super-chilled cucumber hands out confidence tips to his foody friends, but when he starts to feel left out, he totally loses his cool. Exploring anxiety and jealousy, this laugh-out-loud story is a super fun way for children to think about emotions.
This colourful picture book features a fabulous array of vehicles, from a forklift truck to a cement mixer, all of which are driven by dogs. An entertaining book with enduring appeal.
1, 2, 3, Dawnsio Dawns y Deinosor / 1, 2, 3, Do the Dinosaur (bilingual)
Tyrd i ddysgu sut i fod yn ddeinosor gyda Tomi! Stompia dy draed a sigla dy gynffon - tyrd i gael hwyl yn y llyfr lluniau lliwgar hwn a'i stori sy'n odli.
Follow Tom as he teaches you how to be a dinosaur! Stomp your feet, swish your tail and join in the actions in this bouncy rhyming picture book.
Read more about 1, 2, 3, Dawnsio Dawns y Deinosor / 1, 2, 3, Do the Dinosaur (bilingual)
This little witch sneezes whilst making a potion - can she correct her mistake or will her pets face an unexpected destiny? A delightfully cosy picture book for any child that has faced a tricky task.
This feline twist of the classic tale The Piped Piper is a sweet and playful story. A great book to share with little readers that will strike a chord with anyone who has ever yearned for a cuddly cute pet.
This funny, bouncy rhyme is silly and surprising with twists that children really won’t see coming. But there is still enough sparkle and magic to keep little fairy fans happy! A perfect gift for someone who has just lost their first tooth.
Everything in this sausagey counting book works perfectly: from the big, bold illustration to the satisfying rhyme that works well for preschoolers. It will also entertain adults and older children, who will really get the silly humour.
Martians hatch a cunning plan to invade the Earth disguised as grannies, so everyone will obey them and they can take over the world! Can Fred and Nell stop them and get their grandmother back? A wonderfully wacky tale.
Previous Writers in Residence
Previous writers to take up the post include Matt Haig, Laura Dockrill, Cressida Cowell, Chris Riddell and Patrick Ness – see what fun things they all got up to during their time in residence.
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