Michael Skyner

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Michael Skyner

For Michael Skyner writing is the best fun that anyone could ever have. "I write because I enjoy it, it's the best therapy there is.

To watch characters and plots develop is something akin to magic. I thoroughly recommend it to everyone."

12/05/2026

THIS WEEK'S POEM FROM THE MONKEY

Mr Mushroom

There isn’t much room inside a mushroom
So why do they call them mushrooms?
Mushrooms come in all shapes and sizes
Some are tall, and some very small
Some are fat and some very thin
And some look like old Chinese Mandarins

Discover the world of Michael Skyner @
michaelskyner.com
michaelskyner.co.uk

10/05/2026

A LIMERICK FROM THE MONKEY

There once was a bug called Dug
Who was lonely for want of a hug
So, he looked for a mate
With eight legs and long gait
Now Dug is as snug as a bug in a rug.

michaelskyner.com
michaelskyner.co.uk

06/05/2026

'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, and her dream is to be the best dancer in the world. But there is a problem: Yolonde cannot dance. Until, that is, she discovers some magic silver dancing slippers, and her life changes forever.

A fantasy story of magic and discovery, Yolonde also deals with the gritty themes of everyday life in a Kenyan village just outside Nairobi, including loss, terrorism, drunkenness, and survival in an unforgiving world.
Yolonde is a magical tale which will delight children the world over.
michaelskyner.com
michaelskyner.co.uk

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. 😊📚

Address

13
Southwell
NG250DA

Telephone

+441636816322

Website

http://www.MikeSkyner.co.uk/

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