“When authors attempted genuine dialogue with Bath Children’s Literature Festival about the lack of inclusive representation in their line-up, the festival founder responded with bullying tactics.” The Guardian, July 23, 2026

A lack of diversity in the Bath Children’s Literary Festival professional lineup, this year headlined by Katherine Rundell (KR), prompted a letter of complaint from multiple UK authors. Kidlit/YA author Alexandra Sheppard spearheaded the letter and you can read it on Instagram here: @alexsheppard19.

And read about said bullying tactics here: Children’s literature festival criticised after requests that comments on diversity be deleted | Books | The Guardian

KR is named in another current UK controversy involving the 2026 Queen’s Christmas Present for Year 6 Children Nationwide. This year’s choice was KR’s novel, ‘Impossible Creatures’, already slated to become a Bloomsbury book series, and a Disney movie series.

1 book.

Free.

Given to all year 6’s (10-11 year-olds). Nationwide.

1 book. Not KR’s book PLUS a selection of others children might share with each other. ONE book and not because the book isn’t worthy, KR’s books are ingenious. But is ‘Impossible Creatures’ THE BOOK because Disney and Bloomsbury receive a lucrative publicity Christmas present? Was the Queen given a list of books to read? Does the Queen read Kidlit/YA?

For clarity, for kidlit writers, for any writer, I suggest this article from Books for Keeps: On Royal Horses, Mickey Mouse, and Impossible Creatures.

Yours in evolution,

PB