After a successful half term at Southbank Centre, with numerous events for children as part of London Literature Festival, it seems fitting to highlight a key poetry magazine held at the National Poetry Library which is aimed specifically at children. In usse 26 of The Caterpillar there's so much excitement, from fire-breathing dragons to A Frog Named Dog. As always, the magazine features great work from well-established children’s poets such as Coral Rumble, as well as emerging talent. With colourful illustrations, poems and short stories all packed in, young readers are sure to be encouraged to fill up the ‘My Pages’ section with their own creations. 

Apart from appearing suddenly and sharply (in capitals) and being hard to ignore, Pain is a journal that bears no resemblance to its namesake. The slim, smartly presented issues showcase eleven of “the most exciting young poets in Britain” (according to the Financial Times) and each ends with the flourish of a creative essay.  It’s been warming us every winter since 2017 and the latest (issue 3) stages the likes of Holly Pester, Ella Duffy and Jack Underwood, as well as a smashing four-part piece from our very own Library Assistant Nina Mingya Powles.