I am delighted to welcome today’s Bookwork Blethers’ guest, book blogger Erin Hamilton. Have a read and make sure you follow her fabulous blog!

• When and why did you start your blog, myshelvearefull.com ?

I began blogging in late 2018 and it was all down to my obsession with all things children’s literature.  I had been reading children’s books, using them in my role as Reading Advocate/Librarian, and sharing them at home with my own children.  I had also started reviewing for Armadillo Magazine and realised there was much more I could do to share the love of children’s books.  It was scary starting out and I doubted anyone would read my blog or care about my opinions but I did it anyway.  I try new features, add in guest content and take part in plenty of blog tours to keep it fresh and up to date!

• What do you enjoy most about blogging?  What are the challenges?

Blogging can be time consuming and I think this is my greatest challenge.  Working full time, raising a family and having other commitments means I am not always able to spend the time I want on my blog. When I do get the time, I love moving things around, changing the layout and trying to find the words to describe a book.  One other challenge I have found is that I go through reading slumps and feel an incredible guilt at ignoring books and my blog.  What I do love about blogging is the relationships that have grown through books and blogging.  Through chatting to publicists, other bloggers and twitter book chats, the children’s book world is a rich and entirely positive place to be.

• What books or authors did you love as a child?

I grew up in Canada and loved Nancy Drew, Anne of Green Gables and Judy Blume.  It wasn’t until I moved to the UK in 2009 that I was introduced to Roald Dahl and reading his books sparked my interest in reading more.  Using my children as a guise, we would spend longer in the children’s section of book stores and we never left those sections.

• I know you will have many, so which current children’s /YA books do you think everyone needs to read?

You are right in knowing that I will have plenty of recommendations.  I am going to choose 3 firm favourites- books that have stayed with me- long after putting them down.

The Murderer’s Ape by Jacob Wegelius

Bloom by Nicola Skinner

Mr Penguin series by Alex T Smith

• Did you always want to be involved with books? What was your favourite subject at school?

I was always a bookworm growing up and I fondly remember hours spent browsing books at the library with my Mum.  My whole family are bookworms and I am trying to pass that love of books to my own children.  In school, I loved art and English.  I also loved geography and a subject we used to call Social Studies which was a mix of history, culture and anthropology.  I found it fascinating.

• How important do you think it is that children and young people develop a love of reading for pleasure?

I think it is vital that we provide as many opportunities as possible for children and teens to develop this love. Through our own love of books, we can help find the one that might spark this love!  Playing devil’s advocate, I am cautious to force this love too much.  I try to offer support, advice and guidance but to also know when to give the person space to make their own choices!  It’s tough but worth it if you have had any impact on their reading.

Thank you so much for joining today’s Bookworm Blethers, Erin! It was a pleasure reading your answers. You can follow Erin and her blog by checking out the links below.

Twitter: @erinlynhamilton

Instagram: Erinlynhamilton

Website: https://myshelvesarefull.com/