There’s no shortage of Bookstagram accounts recommending classic literature, romance, fantasy, and horror novels. However, what we don’t see a lot of, and what our Bookstagrammer of the Week, Hannah, dishes out in spades, are inclusive and meaningful children’s book recommendations that aid in the next generation’s emotional development. Motivated by her passion for reading and her fierce love for her children, Hannah, known on Instagram as @mum_of_boys_northeast, uses her Bookstagram account to encourage children and parents to explore a wide range of genres and topics, fostering empathy for themselves and others. Join us in a chat with Hannah to rediscover the magic and meaning in children’s books.
Why did you start your Bookstagram? What do you want your Instagram to bring to the world?
I started Bookstagram as I feel so passionately about reading and encouraging others to read. I think it’s so important that children have access to a wide range of books and genres. I really want to use my Instagram to champion books and authors that we love, and I hope to introduce people to books and authors that they may not have found otherwise.
Where are you from?
I’m from the North East of England.
Fun Fact about you:
I travel all over the UK with my boys to attend book festivals, launches, and events. It’s so important to me that my boys have the opportunity to meet their favourite authors and illustrators. Books and reading have always been a huge part of my life. Growing up, I loved Roald Dahl’s Matilda and also Belle from Beauty and the Beast. The library has always been my second home, and the bookstore will always be my happy place.
Favorite Bookstagrammers:
There are too many to name!
Favorite Books and Authors:
Christmas picture books are my favourite books in the world! I have so many favourite books, I particularly love meaningful picture books that cover important topics and that will help children to understand and/or build empathy. I love supporting local authors and indie authors, too. I love reading books to my boys that I loved as a child, such as Judith Kerr, Shirley Hughes, and Jane Hissey.
5 Books on your TBR:
I have so many books on my TBR, I’d love to read more diverse picture books and discover new authors.
Name a publisher/publishing company that never misses with their new releases?
I’m so lucky that I get to work with some incredible publishers. I’ll never take for granted the amazing books that I receive through this page.
Aesthetic / Instagram page theme:
I post about children’s books that we’ve read and loved, but with a focus on inclusive picture books. I have two neurodiverse children, so I do post a lot about books that celebrate differences and disabilities.
What does your Bookstagram mean to you?
I love Bookstagram. Not only do I get to post about the books we love, but it’s also a place where I find so many new books that I’d love to read with my boys.
Favorite Indie Bookstore:
I love an indie bookstore, I currently have four favourites! Drake The Bookshop in Stockton has an amazing children’s section, and so does The Bound at Whitley Bay. Collected in Durham stocks only books by female authors — it’s really unique! I also love Mostly Books in Abingdon — although it’s a five-hour drive away, so I don’t visit as often as I’d like!
Author you wish to take a selfie with:
If I could take a selfie with one author, it’d have to be Jacqueline Wilson. I adored her books during my childhood and have loved re-reading them with my own children.
Favorite book cover:
This is such a hard question! I think my favourite book covers are Cloud Boy by Greg Stobbs and This That What by Katy Ashworth and Colleen Larmour. They’re both books that positively and accurately represent ADHD, and I think the covers are just so vibrant and perfectly depict neurodiversity. I also love all of David Litchfield‘s and Oliver Jeffers‘ book covers!
What are your favorite creative avenues to explore when putting together a post for your page, and why? (graphics, editing the photos, creating edits, etc.)
I love to take photos of books outdoors. I’m often seen snapping photos at the beach or in the woods. When taking photos indoors, I like a pretty background and a prop or two.
What do you like most about Bookstagram?
There’s so much to love about Bookstagram! I love being able to share books that we’ve enjoyed and hearing from followers when their children have liked a book I’ve recommended. I’ve met some of the best people through Bookstagram, including other Bookstagrammers as well as authors.
What’s a memorable or favorite interaction you’ve had with an author or follower?
I’ve met so many followers in “real life”, usually at book events, and it’s always lovely to chat about books with them! I’ve also met a lot of authors since starting Bookstagram and love being able to talk to them about how much we love their books and the impact they’ve had on us.
Advice for aspiring Bookstagrammers:
My advice for aspiring Bookstagrammers would be to post books that you genuinely love and don’t compare yourself to others. I also think it’s important to support other Bookstagrammers; we’re all doing this for the love of books, and that’s a lovely thing to have in common.
A huge thank you to Hannah for taking the time to talk to us today! Whether reconnecting us with forgotten childhood favorites, introducing us to new titles and authors, or providing an array of inclusive reads for all children, Hannah’s Bookstagram aims to ignite a passion for the written word in all ages. Don’t forget to follow @mums_of_boys_northeast for her best children’s recommendations!
Missing Halloween? Check out Bookstagrammer Tiffany for spine-tingling reads here.
Browse our Bookstagrammer’s Picks Bookshelf on Bookshop for countless recommendations.
