Get involved in CLiPPA 2026!
👉 Teachers: record students’ performances and submit by 12pm, 21 May.
👉 Five schools (one per shortlisted collection) will perform at the National Theatre, London on 9 July.
Get involved: https://clpe.org.uk/poetry/CLiPPA/shadowing_scheme
#PoetryinPrimary #CLiPPA2026
We’re thrilled to reveal this year’s CLiPPA shortlist! 🌟
Featuring works by Sean Taylor, Traci N. Todd, Sam Gayton, Simon Mole & John Agard, it's a true celebration of poetry’s power and joy!
Sign up to the Shadowing Scheme: https://r1.dotdigital-pages.com/p/1RW5-1LFF/clippa26
This week’s KS1 book pick is The Map of Me by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Olga Shtonda (Templar Books) — a moving story exploring scale, distance, togetherness, and how we map where we’ve come from and where we’re going.
For more book recommendations: https://clpe.org.uk/blog/
We’re honoured to be nominated again for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award 2026! Huge congratulations to winner Jon Klassen, whose books feature in our Power of Reading resources, and thanks to everyone championing reading and creativity with us. #ALMA2026
Join us this Wednesday for the live virtual CLiPPA shortlist announcement with Nicola Davies! Celebrate children’s poetry in your classroom: https://r1.dotdigital-pages.com/p/1RW5-1LFF/clippa26
Looking to bring poetry to life across your curriculum? ✨ Join Karl Nova for a one-day course on inspiring reading, writing & performance from EYFS–Y6. Explore creative approaches & boost attainment. Book: clpe.org.uk/training/courses/power-p...
✨ New blog post ✨
Harry Woodgate shares the inspiration behind 'The Butterfly House' as well as a glimpse into his influences and motivation.
Read more: clpe.org.uk/blog/butterfly-house-blo...
CLPE, the National Poetry Centre for Primary Schools, invites UK schools to a live virtual event announcing this year’s CLiPPA shortlist. Hosted by Nicola Davies, with live performances from all shortlisted poets. Sign up: https://r1.dotdigital-pages.com/p/1RW5-1LFF/clippa26
Power of Pictures transforms literacy by using images as the starting point. Children are drawn into storytelling through rich visuals in this proven, EEF-backed approach. Learn more and book: clpe.org.uk/training/courses/power-p...
✨ New blog post ✨
Mariajo Ilustrajo shares the inspiration behind 'Unusual Guests' and a glimpse into her writing process!
Read more: clpe.org.uk/blog/unexpected-guests-b...
Last week, our five fantastic judges selected the 2026 CLiPPA shortlist! ✨
We’ll be announcing the shortlist event this week — sign up to our mailing list so you don’t miss the reveal of the five shortlisted collections: r1.dotdigital-pages.com/p/1RW5-1LFF/clippa26
Looking for a poetry collection that will spark a love of language in children in Years 1 and 2? Take a look at The Puffin Book of Fantastic First Poems, published by Puffin books.
👉 Find out more about the book and its teaching plan:
clpe.org.uk/books/book/puffin-book-f...
Looking for a book that children in years 5 and 6 won’t want to put down?
Take a look at 'The General' by Janet Charters, illustrated by Michael Foreman and published by Templar.
👉 Find out more about the book and its teaching plan:
https://clpe.org.uk/books/book/general
✨ New blog post ✨
Eva Eland shares the inspiration behind Different and how Mia learns that being different isn’t something to hide but part of who she is.
Read more: https://clpe.org.uk/blog/different-blog-eva-eland
Lisa Mead (FRSA), Artistic Director & CEO of Apples and Snakes, is joining this year’s CLiPPA judging panel. Register for the shadowing scheme: https://r1.dotdigital-pages.com/p/1RW5-1LFF/clippa26
Are ready to find your next favourite book to share with your years 3 and 4 children? Say hello to 'Pugs of the Frozen North' by Philip Reeve, illust. by Sarah McIntyre & published by OUP Oxford.
👉 Find out more about the book and its teaching plan:
https://clpe.org.uk/books/book/pugs-frozen-north
The 2026 Yoto Carnegie Medal shortlists are here! 🌟
Discover outstanding stories that inspire empathy, imagination & a love of reading. Shadowing starts tomorrow!
https://carnegies.co.uk/2026-shortlists-announced/
Discover how the findings of @theclpe.bsky.social ‘s annual #ReflectingRealities survey can inform and enrich your classroom book stock.
18th May
3-3.45pm
For primary staff, esp. English Leaders & Librarians.
@neunion.bsky.social
#KidLitUK
We’re delighted to be part of Reflecting Realities in the Book Corner, an NEU online session spotlighting our Reflecting Realities Survey and how to build truly representative book corners. Sign up: neu.org.uk/events/reflecting-realit...
Last year we shared ideas, resources and support to help you celebrate World Book Day across the whole school, and they’re just as powerful this year. Revisit our World Book Day ideas and pick up fresh inspiration for 2026:
clpe.org.uk/news/world-book-day-idea...
Every child has the right to be literate, but what does it take to make that a reality in today’s classrooms? Our latest blog explores the principles behind CLPE’s work and how we support rich, book-based provision: clpe.org.uk/blog/fulfilling-every-ch...
We’re so excited that Jake Hope will be on this year’s CLiPPA judging panel! A champion of children’s books, Jake brings huge expertise from his work with the Carnegie Medals. Register your school for the shadowing scheme: https://r1.dotdigital-pages.com/p/1RW5-1LFF/clippa26
CLPE librarian Phoebe Demeger has written a brilliant piece on celebrating and championing children’s poetry for the Children’s Poetry Summit blog. We’re so proud to see her expertise spotlighted. Read more: childrenspoetrysummit.com/2026/02/19/phoebe-demege...
Children in Years 1–2 will love 'The Puffin Book of Fantastic First Poems' edited by June Crebbin (Puffin Books).
👉 Find out more about the book and its teaching plan:
clpe.org.uk/books/book/puffin-book-f...
Years 3–4 children can’t get enough of 'One Plastic Bag' by Miranda Paul, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon (Millbrook Press).
👉 Find out more about the book and its teaching plan:
https://clpe.org.uk/books/book/one-plastic-bag
Assistant Headteacher Rachel Saunders shares how inclusive, carefully chosen texts have transformed writer identity at Miriam Lord Primary,helping pupils see themselves as authors and poets. Read more: clpe.org.uk/blog/power-reading-devel...
We are delighted that Colette Hiller, winner of the CLiPPA 2025 for her collection 'Colossal Words for Kids' will be on this years judging panel!
Register your school for the shadowing scheme here: https://r1.dotdigital-pages.com/p/1RW5-1LFF/clippa26
Power of Reading x Education Endowment Foundation Research Trial Cohort 2 now recruiting!
70 primary schools across England can join this national study to boost Year 5 writing. Get £2,000+ of training & resources for just £300.
Apply: clpe.org.uk/about-us/power-reading-e...
The primary schools shadowing scheme helps schools explore the shortlisted collections with specialist @theclpe.bsky.social resources. Find our more and register for your school to take part in the scheme at
clpe.org.uk/news/announcing-our-clippa-2026-judges
Three young children holding signs reading I took part in CLiPPA, the CLPE Poetry Award.
Children's #Poetry Takes a Bow!
Phoebe Demeger of @theclpe.bsky.social on why this year's #CLiPPA Children's Poetry Award will be extra special. @literacy-trust.bsky.social
childrenspoetrysummit.com
