Fantastic worlds, amazing stories!
Rob Green Editor
rob.green@
cilip.org.uk
THIS ISSUE of Pen&inc. has a focus on early year’s reading and the power it has to instil a love of reading from a young age. Regular Pen&inc. contributor Jake Hope goes on a deep dive into the theory and practice of creating engaging books for younger readers. He talks to some of the authors and illustrators who are meeting the specific needs of young readers, as well as those in the publishing arena who are helping to shape the landscape.
Cherise Lopes-Baker speaks to Jake about her journey from human rights law to publishing. She explains how her commitment to justice and passion for books is coming together in her role as an executive commissioning editor with Tate Children’s Publishing.
Camilla Reid is a best selling, award-winning author specialising in early years publications, and she explores the creative process that goes into books for very young readers. From simple stories and engaging images to interactive elements that help bring the child into the story, there is something unique about creating a book for the very young.
Jake teams up with long-time friend and illustrator Yu Rong (who has provided beautiful artwork for two of our covers in the past), and the pair discuss their new title and what it was like to work together on a book for the first time.
Away from writing his own books, interviewing for Pen&inc. and advocating for representa- tion, Jake is also pivotal to running CILIP’s fantastic book awards, The Carnegies. And this issue has a “hot of the press” announcement from this year’s awards ceremony - with the announcement of the 2026 Carnegie Medal Winners for Writing and Illustration, as well as the Shadowers’ Choice Award winners.
We also take a look at how old favourites are being brought up to date, with reimagined fairytales putting a modern twist on familiar stories. These new versions are putting rep- resentation at their centre, allowing young readers to see themselves reflected back.
Nathanael Lessore writes exclusively about toxic masculinity and the power of reading to help shape a more empathetic generation, while CLPE’s Anjali Patel looks at the latest research on how taking a slow approach to reading can engage young minds.
In this National Year of Reading, Pen&inc. is free and open access to everyone, so please pass on a link to anyone who might find it useful. And don’t forget, every issue has hundreds of new and inclusive titles in out listings guide.
www.cilip.org.uk/penandinc.
Cover illustration – Kate Rolfe Wiggling Words. Spring-Summer 2026 PEN&INC. 3
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