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A celebration of illustrated books of all types, from the point of view of a teacher, who studied art and in a previous life worked as a graphic designer.

You’ll find plenty of recommendations for books that are illustrated, interesting, innovative and unusual. As well as books that have challenging content, tell a good tale or challenge tired stereotypes.

Mr. Magpie will give you sneak previews of new releases, insights from the creators that make them, reviews of his favourite books from the magpie library, competition give aways and much, much more.

Magpie That and Picture Books Blogger host a twitter chat with the hashtag #PBNatter. Check out the sidebar of the blog for the latest updates.

Testimonials from friends of Magpie That

James is clearly Kidlit Fan-King x10. With enthusiasm unleashed he delivers new, sometimes challenging, always delightful, books for us mortals to feast on. Long Live The Magpie King!

Connah Brecon, picture book writer/illustrator (Frank!, Running Press Kids)

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Magpie That is my source of what’s new and what’s hot! Packed with well written reviews and a fantastic collection of magpies from some of the best in the business. James’ website is a must for anyone interested in children’s books!

Karl Newson, Picture book illustrator (Rupert the Dinosaur, Vallgren Publishing)

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As a teacher with a design backrgound, Magpie That has most excellent picture book reviewer credentials! A gorgeous blog, filled to the brim with what’s new and interesting in the world of picture books and beyond. With an eye for good design, but also firmly focused on the child’s perspective, this blog really is a tip top read!

Sophy Henn, picture book writer/illustrator (Where Bear? Puffin)

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With great photos and passionate reviews, Magpie That is a fantastic resource for kid lit lovers.

Caroline Moore, Imagination Adventure (Unique book subscriptions for children)

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BE WARNED! Once you discover Magpie That you will lose hours to its amazing selection of contemporary classic picture books, trailers and must-watch artists. Addictive.

Steven Lenton, picture book illustrator (Shifty McGifty & Slippery Sam, Nozy Crow)

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Magpie That is a wonderful place for discovering new and exceptional picture books with thoughtful reviews both from an aesthetic and educational perspective. And with unlimited shelf space to boot!

Scott Soeder, graphic designer/illustrator

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Magpie That always delivers reviews with shining exuberance and is full to the brim with book treasure knowledge that is the perfect place to get your daily picture book fix!

Nikki Dyson, picture book writer/illustrator (How to be a Superhero, Golden Book Publishing Inc)

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Magpie That clearly has an eye for a good book. This cherry-picker gleans the best and the brightest from the shelves and puts togetherlovely nuggets of reviews. Certainly one to watch if you want an honest and founded idea  of what to read right now.

Yasmeen Ismail, picture book writer/illustrator (Specs for Rex, Bloomsbury Publishing)

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Magpie That is a fantastic blog. It combines thoughtful reviews, interviews, teacher’s tips, and many other little shiny snippets, delivered with an obvious passion for the subject. This blogger is very true to his magpie mascot in that he places all these treasures together for the picture book lover to pore over. The photography is incredible, placing front and centre the artists and illustrators, and showcasing their work beautifully. If you’re keen to know what’s new and exciting on the picture book scene, Magpie That is the best place to turn.  My favourite aspect of what James does (and the one that costs me the most in book purchases)  is his willingness to give a good sneak peek of the inside pages, too! Thank you, James! I think!

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Leilah Skelton, Bookseller, Doncaster

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Magpiethat.com is a top stop in my morning reads, as I know I will find inspiration guaranteed! As an illustrator and collector of children’s books magpiethat is a treasure trove of finding fresh new favorites and relevant works. There has never been a visit that did not produce a few new additions to my amazon wishlist or orders! I have been richly blessed to have been featured on magpiethat, and dream of one day having my own book reviewed by the brilliant James Syner! His knowledge of unique books and his admiration for the creators of them shines through with every review! The lovely flock of magpies that adorn the pages are not only incredibly clever but a testament to the amazing artists that share my adoration for magpiethat!

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Luke Flowers, illustrator represented by The Bright Group

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James Syner’s passion for picture books, both new and old, is evident on his Magpie That website. Not only does he review picture books with a keen interest that’s evident in his writing, he also presents well-informed articles that are especially inspiring to picture book makers like myself. I know that with every visit to Magpie that I’m sure to find something new and interesting, and I love it when I discover new and exciting books there as well as treasures from yesteryear.

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Steve Antony, picture book writer/illustrator (The Queen’s Hat, Hachette Book Group)

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A treasure trove, or rather a magpie’s nest, of beautiful and shiny books- I could spend hours on this blog!

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Jenni Desmond, picture book writer/illustrator (Red Cat Blue Cat, Blue Apple Books)

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I love this blog! It’s visually stunning, overflowing with inspirational and beautiful picture book gems. James’ background, in teaching and graphic design, gives him a unique insight and makes Magpie That a must read for all picture book lovers.

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Victoria Turnbull, picture book writer/illustrator (The Sea Tiger, Templar Publishing)

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Magpie That is a book-love treasure trove of inspiration.

Calef Brown, writer & illustrator of books for children (Dutch Sneakers & Flea Keepers, HMH Books for Young Readers)

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