Michael Skyner

25/04/2026

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT YOLONDE

Yolonde Wei, Wei, a spirited girl from a Kenyan village near Nairobi, dreams of becoming the world’s greatest dancer—despite her inability to dance. Her life transforms when she discovers a pair of magical silver slippers that grant her extraordinary abilities. Guided by a lion, the moon, and these glowing shoes, Yolonde embarks on a journey that takes her from her village to the bright lights of New York. Her story, narrated years later by her granddaughter, becomes a timeless tale of hope, resilience, and the power of storytelling across generations.
Skyner’s storytelling shines in its ability to balance whimsy with weighty themes. The magic of Yolonde’s slippers is set against the backdrop of real-world challenges, including poverty, loss, violence, and terrorism. These elements are handled with care, ensuring young readers are gently guided through the story’s heavier moments. The narrative remains luminous and grounded, celebrating the quiet strength of its heroine and the belief that courage outshines any spell.
Table Read Magazine

michaelskyner.co.uk, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Feedaread. Or order from your local bookshop. Age 9 and upwards.

20/04/2026

THIS WEEK'S POEM FROM THE MONKEY

Macktavish the Scot


Macktavish the Scot is tall, grand and lofty
But really, he’s just a big softie
He twirls aboot in his kiltie
It didn’t matter that he walks with a liltie

He’d rush aboot down the glen
And toss the caber back up again

A strong man through and through
From drinking copious amounts of Irn Bru
And eating porridge, haggis and black pudding
And Mrs Macktavish, who kept on nagging
Macktavish to eat his stew, too

But best of all, Macktavish liked to play his bagpipes. And would dress up all posh with braid and sporran
But foolhardy is he who would dare
To try and lift the mackiltie and discover the secrets of Macktavish’s underwear

14/04/2026

Looking for dyslexia-friendly reading tactics that really work? I’ve paired three research-backed tips with playful snippets from Michael Skyner’s Daft Tales and Space Nutz to make reading easier—and more fun—for reluctant readers. 1) Use rhyme and rhythm to ease decoding: short, punchy lines like “The moon went kaboom” help readers predict sounds and stay engaged. 2) Keep lines short and punchy: brief lines reduce visual clutter and lower fatigue, so sessions stay short and successful. 3) Embrace nonsense and play: silly words invite voluntary rereads and build confidence. Parents and teachers report measurable wins—shorter sessions, more rereads, and bigger smiles. Want the snippets and a quick guide you can use today? Read more at https://wix.to/BIyydPU ✨📚

13/04/2026

Birthday Party

‘Don’t trifle with him,’ said the fairy cake
‘Eat me instead
You’ll never get a better bake.
‘I disagree,’ said the jelly
‘Just add some ice cream
It’s the best thing for your belly.’
‘Have a heart,’ said the custard tart
‘With lashings of cream, what more could you want?’
‘You can’t go wrong,’ said the pink blancmange
‘If you eat me.’
But the birthday boy couldn’t decide between
jelly, tart and cake
So, he ate the lot
And got a bellyache.

michaelskyner.com
Amazon The Monkey's Fart

10/04/2026

I love making stories that every child can jump into — especially reluctant or dyslexic readers. I choose diverse characters, clear story arcs, visual cues, and gentle repetition so big themes like friendship and the environment feel simple, funny, and real. Educators and parents can use these techniques to start conversations without overwhelming young readers. Want stories that blend heart, humor, and accessibility? Visit https://wix.to/0gsPUIx to learn more. 😊📚

01/04/2026

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yolonde-Silver-Slippers-Michael-Skyner/dp/1835970613
https://www.michaleskyner.co.uk

"Something catches my eye. Well, first it’s the smell, then the something, and the something is a lion. A big, huge beast of a beast with a giant mane and a head so big it’s hard to tell where its body is Then it moves. OK, body is equally big." Yolonde Wei, Wei, is a young girl with a dream, an...

25/03/2026

NATIONAL POETRY COMPETITION

So my entry didn't win. Well, that's a surprise, giving the outstanding quality of my work. What do you mean there was no scansion? Derivative, how dare you! I have you know, that any resemblance to Sir John Betjeman is purely coincidental. Anyway I've already been working on the first line for my entry for next year.

Shall I compare thee to a winter's bog.

Shows promise? What do you think?

24/03/2026

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT YOLONDE:

When I came across Yolonde, I was immediately captivated; it’s one of those rare “hidden bookshelf” gems that combine heart, humour, and hope into a story that resonates across ages. The way you blend fantasy and realism, set against the rich backdrop of Kenya and London, creates a magical yet deeply human narrative. It’s more than a children’s story; it’s an inspiring journey about courage, self-belief, and the magic that comes from within. Your portrayal of Yolonde, a young girl who dares to dream despite her struggles, mirrors the challenges many children face, feeling inadequate, misunderstood, or overlooked, yet you show how resilience and self-belief can turn impossibility into triumph. The lion, the moon, and those silver slippers beautifully symbolise imagination, courage, and the power of inner strength. And the generational storytelling through Grandma Wei, Wei and Katrina adds a wonderful layer of warmth and legacy. Your writing captures that delicate balance between laughter and lessons, weaving humour into serious themes like loss, poverty, and perseverance—a skill few authors master so naturally. It’s clear your personal journey with dyslexia and your mission to inspire children to read and believe in themselves infuse every word with authenticity.
The Hidden Bookshelf
Yolonde: Waterstones, Feedaread, Barnes and Noble or from my website michaelskyner.com and all good bookshops. Middle grade and upwards.

17/03/2026

Try a tiny poem today — read it aloud, then share your line. I write short, dyslexia-friendly pieces that invite everyone to join in. I work across children’s fantasy and adult poetry, so there’s something for every reader. Want more? Visit https://wix.to/uW5GMwd and sign up for weekly prompts. Which line will you add? ✨📚
Here's mine:

Sunrise
The Sun rises in the morning;
And, in the evening, it goes to bed
I wonder where it puts its head.

15/03/2026

THIS WEEK'S POEM FROM MONKEY

The Delusions of Mr Thin

Mr Thin was a skinny man
Who hardly ate his dinner
He didn’t snack; he didn’t nibble
He didn’t eat between his meals
He could hardly have been thinner
But when Mr Thin looked into the mirror
All he saw
Was a huge fridge door of a body
With a head on top
And two feet on the floor,
and arms the size of a gorilla

Poor Mr Thin
He thought he was fat
When all the time he was as thin as a lat
So, he went on a diet and disappeared