books & websites for developing writing skills

[gigismiddlename]

I've been writing on and off for years, mostly poems and short stories. I've always wanted to write for children and have now planned a novel and written about 3000 words. I am too shy and lacking in confidence to ask someone to read what I've written or join a writers' group, but I want to find some resources to help develop my writing. I wondered if anyone can recommend any books, websites, etc about writing children's fiction. The book I am working on is aimed at 8-12 year olds, but I am also interested in YA writing.

I'd recommend joining SCBWI. I think you can join the Facebook group (SCBWI British Isles) without being a member. Or check out the blog Words & Pictures. You do really need to start meeting people and sharing work though, books won't be enough by themselves (imho).
Writing Irresistible Kidlit by Mary Kole is a very good book on writing for this age group, although quite American.

One of my friends wrote the Teach Yourself Complete Writing for Children Course and it is FANTASTIC. Really different to other creative writing books, it's funny and inspiring and concrete. The author is an academic in children's literature so her analysis of different techniques and breaking down why they work is clear and super interesting. In fact, reading it inspired me to write myself!

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Hi, I've written one for the same age and have been posting chapters for critiques on Scribophile

It is terrifying, but I think less terrifying than face to face.
I have to admit opening every critique thinking that it's going to say roughly "You're rubbish, don't bother writing" but I've had a few where people have said they're keen to read on, which is really encouraging.