Literature Ability Media International Award

Laura Summers has won the Literature Ability Media International Award run by Leonard Cheshire Disability and supported by Orange for her book, Desperate Measures.
The AMI Awards identify creativity that encourages a more inclusive world for disabled andmarginalised groups of people. Covering every aspect of the arts, the winners have beenchosen for producing work that positively represents, involves or assists people facing majorphysical, mental, emotional or social challenges.
Laura Summers who was chosen by the judges for her creative excellence received theaward at a ceremony held at London Studios on 21 November.
Laura Summers produced this critically acclaimed first novel so readers could understand andhopefully be more tolerant towards those seemingly “different” from themselves. Regarded bymany as "affecting, honest, and totally gripping" this tale of a pair of twins – one of whom wasbrain-damaged at birth – which follows their lives after they are told their foster parents can'tcope and the family will have to be split up, is both moving and totally life-affirming.
Laura Summers said: “It is an absolute honour to have won this amazing award, althoughcreating a fictional heroine with a learning disability didn't seem an unusual thing for me tochoose to do. I wanted to show what I have learnt over the years - that we're all individualsand whatever our abilities or disabilities, we all want and need the same things - family,friends, to be treated decently and to reach our potential - a life basically.”
Wayne Drew, Chairman of the Ability Media Creative Board, said: “Today’s winnersdemonstrate outstanding creativity and are all socially and culturally of the highest importanceand Laura Summers is a perfect example of this. Desperate Measures is destined to promotea more fair, just and inclusive society, for the benefit of us all.”
Jane Jutsum, Leonard Cheshire Disability Innovative Projects Director, said: “It is a particularhonour to recognise Laura Summers as a worthy winner. Desperate Measures is an inspiringtestament to how disabled people make the world a more inclusive and better place. We hopeto ensure that disabled people will be better represented in the media industry and have moreinfluence on society as a result.”
This award, designed to identify outstanding achievement is one of 25 categories who rewardexcellence across the creative industries. The Ability Media Centre, run by Leonard CheshireDisability is a state of the art facility in London providing courses in production and postproduction, animation, graphic design, music technology and interactive media.
Visit: www.amiawards.org, www.abilitymedia.org, Facebook; the Ability Media Centre and
Twitter; @AbilityMediaLCD

yet more on the library cuts

Last week saw news break of widespread proposed cuts to the nation’s library services – from Buckinghamshire’s reported plans to close Great Missenden library, beloved by Roald Dahl and credited as providing inspiration for Matilda, through to the privatisation of Wakefield’s entire library service.
There is so much news on this subject it would be difficult to list, so click here to visit Alan Gibbons’ Blog, and scroll down to Nov. 13th for his Campaign for the Book newsletter, which lists some examples.

Costa Book Prize

Costa Children's Book Award Shortlist
Flyaway by Lucy Christopher
Annexed by Sharon Dogar
Bartimaeus: The Ring of Solomon by Jonathan Stroud
Out of Shadows by Jason Wallace

The winner of this category will be announced on 5 January 11 and the overall category winner (chosen from fiction, biography, first novel, poetry and childrens) will be announced on 25 Jan.

Quentin Blake and Francois Place drawing duel

(photograph by Rosa Bianca)

The Children’s Book Show 2010 (http://www.childrensbookshow/) came to a triumphant end last night (17 November) with a sell out event at L'Institut Français, London. The popular event was also part of the Youth Festival.
Quentin Blake, the inaugural Children’s Laureate who has also been referred to as a ‘national institution’ and one of France’s most highly acclaimed illustrators illustrator Francois Place (best known in the UK for his illustrations for Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse) talked about their work, showing exquisite examples, and then treated an enthusiastic audience to an amazing drawing duel.
The artists took it in turns to transform each other’s drawings, keeping the audience guessing what would happen next. Much laughter later a splendid wordless story had been created on one sheet of paper. At the end of the show there was a round of applause when one young person asked the artists to do another drawing. The artists took up the challenge and picked up their pins, giving the audience another chance to see two masters of their craft at work.

Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2010

Louise Yates is the winner of the Funniest Book for Children Aged Six and Under with Dog Loves Books (Jonathan Cape). Louise Rennison is the winner of the Funniest Book for Children Aged Seven to Fourteen with Withering Tights (HarperCollins Children’s Books).

The shortlists for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2010 were:

The Funniest Book for Children Aged Six and Under
Angelica Sprocket's Pockets by Quentin Blake (Jonathan Cape)Dogs Don’t Do Ballet by Anna Kemp, illustrated by Sara Ogilvie (Simon & Schuster)Dog Loves Books by Louise Yates (Jonathan Cape)The Nanny Goat's Kid by Jeanne Willis, illustrated by Tony Ross (Andersen Press)One Smart Fish by Chris Wormell (Jonathan Cape)The Scariest Monster in the World by Lee Weatherly, illustrated by Algy Craig Hall (Boxer Books)The Funniest Book for Children Aged Seven to Fourteen The Clumsies Make a Mess by Sorrel Anderson, illustrated by Nicola Slater (HarperCollins Children’s Books)Einstein's Underpants and How They Saved the World by Anthony McGowan (Yearling)The Incredible Luck of Alfie Pluck by Jamie Rix, illustrated by Craig Shuttlewood (Orion Children's Books)Mr Stink by David Walliams, illustrated by Quentin Blake (HarperCollins Children’s Books)The Ogre of Oglefort by Eva Ibbotson (Macmillan Children’s Books)Withering Tights by Louise Rennison (HarperCollins Children’s Books)

Workshop for Writers

Legend Press are delighted to announce a unique workshop event, including the opportunity to meet some of publishing's top commissioning editors, agents and marketers, and will include discussion of writing and editing, how to getrepresentation, submitting to publishers, the publishing process, how to market your book, and general tips for writers.
The event will be on Saturday 29th January 2011 at the Phoenix Artists Club, CharingCross Road, London from 12-4pm.
- Tom Chalmers, Managing Director, Legend Press and Paperbooks Publishing- Kate Lyall-Grant, former Commissioning Editor, Hodder & Stoughton and Simon &Schuster UK, freelance editor- Hannah Sheppard, Commissioning Editor, Teenage Fiction, Headline Publishing Group- Darin Jewell, Author and Managing Director of The Inspira Group, literary agency- Gareth Howard, Managing Director, Authoright, UK leading book-marketing company
Cost: £59.99 (plus VAT) – Early Bird Rate if you book before 4th December of £49.99(plus VAT). Places will be allocated on a first to book basis and so those wishing tobook their place just need to email conference@legend-paperbooks.co.uk
Lucy Boguslawski, Publicity Director of Legend Press, commented, “Legend Press hasan excellent reputation for being approachable, and with a fantastic panel we think this event is the perfect opportunity for new writers to gain a valuable insight into the publication process.”

Chance to win an original Jackie Morris drawing

On November 27th, from 5pm, Solva Woollen Mill, Middlemill, Pembrokeshire will be having a book launch for The Ice Bear (published by Janetta Ottter Barry Books at Frances Lincoln)
Jackie Morris will be there signing books. During the evening each book bought will have a raffle ticket with it and at the end of the evening a ticket will be pulled out of a box or a hat and the winner will get an original drawing by Jackie Morris (see the drawing on her website - http://drawingalineintime.blogspot.com/ The drawing is an original sketch in pencil of the Ice Bear Mother, on board. To make this fair for people who live a long long way from Pembrokeshire this will also apply to all books bought from the mill's online shop - http://www.solvawoollenmill.co.uk/estore/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=38.

Booktrust Teenage Prize 2010

The winner of the Booktrust Teenage Prize 2010 is Unhooking the Moon by Gregory Hughes.
This debut novel tells the story of two Canadian orphans on an eventful road trip to New York in search of their long-lost uncle. The Prize, which celebrates the best contemporary writing for young adults, is in its eighth year. Chair of Judges Tony Bradman comments:
‘The standard of entries for this year’s Teenage Book Prize was very high, and we judges felt spoilt for choice – our shortlist is a reflection of this quality. But all of us felt that Unhooking the Moon stood out from the beginning of our discussions. As a writer Gregory Hughes has a genuinely unique voice. Unhooking the Moon is original, poignant and funny and full of terrific characters and gripping storytelling, while also managing to explore the kind of themes teenagers will find engaging. It’s also a first novel, so Gregory’s achievement is all the more astonishing. I have no doubt that this debut marks the beginning of a great career.’

Children's Theatre at Christmas in London

At artsdepot…Catching Father Christmas3 December – 2 JanuaryAmy is staying up late to catch Father Christmas. What she doesn't realise is that on Christmas Eve, there are plenty of others in her house with the same idea. Can our young heroine save Christmas and get back to bed in time? Venue: artsdepot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 OGATickets: £10/£8 conc / £32 family ticketBox Office: 020 8369 5454 / www.artsdepot.co.uk
At Half Moon Young People’s Theatre…The Sleeping PrincessSat 18 DecemberOnce upon a time, in a fairytale world, meet a Princess who fell into an enchanted sleep... This Christmas at Half Moon, a fast-moving retelling of the classic fairytale featuring beautiful puppets and integrated British Sign Language. For ages 3-7. Tickets: £6Box Office: 020 7709 8900 / www.halfmoon.org.uk
At Little Angel Theatre…Alice in Wonderland20 November – 30 JanuaryOn a lazy summer’s afternoon Alice whiles away her time. Little does she know that a great adventure is about to begin… Join her as she encounters the White Rabbit, the Cheshire Cat and the Queen of Hearts, in this puppetry adventure. For age 5+.And for younger children…Hold on Mr Rabbit! is especially for 2-5 year olds. Tickets: £5 - £13, previews £8, family £42Box Office: 020 7226 1787 / www.littleangeltheatre.com
At the Lyric Hammersmith…Snow Play2 December – 2 JanuaryLyngo, makers of Egg & Spoon and What a Wonderful World, return to the Lyric with a delightful interactive new show all about playing in the snow. This magical wonderland will even give you the chance to get crafty and make your own festive treat. Ages 2 – 7. A Lyngo and Lyric Hammersmith Production.Tickets: £8 adults, £6 children, family £25Box Office: 0871 22 117 29 / www.lyric.co.uk
At the New Diorama Theatre…Granny’s Christmas Journey30 November – 23 DecemberIt is that time for family getting together but for Granny Onie this is not so simple. A silly argument, all that time ago with her daughter, threatens to put a dampener on what should be a happy occasion. Determined to put things right, Granny Onie sets out on a journey to make things better. For children 3 to 5 years old and grown ups.Tickets: £6Box Office: 0844 2090 344 / www.newdiorama.com
At Polka Theatre…The Snow Queen19 November – 5 FebruaryMike Kenny’s new adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s much-loved fairy tale will take you on a journey through icy landscapes this Christmas as you enter the magical world of The Snow Queen. For ages 7 – 11. And for younger audiences…Lost and Found is for age 0-5Tickets: £8 - £16Box Office: 020 8543 4888 / www.polkatheatre.com
At Stratford Circus…The Night Before Christmas 7 - 11 DecemberA magical tale about a young girl waiting excitedly for Christmas morning, and a little mouse on a quest to ask Santa Claus why only humans get presents. A wonderful festive treat for families and school groups. For ages 3 +Tickets: £6Box Office: 0844 357 2625 / www.stratford-circus.com
At Unicorn…Beauty and the Beast4 December – 23 JanuaryBelle Brizzlewink has a fierce temper, but is pretty handy with a trowel. When her father meets the terrifying Beast, he is forced to trade his daughter for his life. Will she and the savage Beast be able to tame one another? For ages 7+Tickets: £19 / £13 conc, previews £9, family £54Box Office: 020 7645 0560 / www.unicorntheatre.com
VENUE ADDRESSES:
Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley N12 0GA
Half Moon Young People’s Theatre, 43 White Horse Road E1 OND
Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage N1 2DN
Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King Street, London, W6 0QL
New Diorama, 15 - 16 Triton Street, Regents Place, London, NW1 3BF
Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB
Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, Stratford, London E15 1BX
Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, SE1 2HZ

Eva Ibbotson

You can read a further obituary of Eva Ibbotson in the Scotsman written by one of Carousel's editors, Valerie Bierman
http://news.scotsman.com/obituaries

Eva Ibbotson obituary

The children's author Eva Ibbotson died on Wednesday at the age of 85 at her home in Newcastle, it has been confirmed. She was best known for the Amazon adventure tale Journey to the River Sea, winner of the Nestlé children's gold award and shortlisted for the Carnegie medal, and for her funny, magical stories for younger children, including The Secret of Platform 13 and The Great Ghost Rescue.
Ibbotson was nearly 50 when The Great Ghost Rescue was published – a degree in physiology at Cambridge having been swiftly followed by marriage and a primary focus on creating a stable home life for her four children – but she soon secured a fanbase of young and old for her tales of eccentric witches and friendly ghosts.
She was shortlisted for the Carnegie medal for Which Witch? the story of a wizard looking for a wife, while Dial-a-Ghost describes how Fulton Snodde-Brittle comes unstuck when he tries to hire some "frightful and dangerous ghosts" to scare his young nephew to death. The Secret of Platform 13 features a mysterious platform at King's Cross station that leads to another, magical world. Published in 1994, three years before JK Rowling's Harry Potter set off for Hogwart's from King's Cross's platform 9¾, the book's possible influence on Rowling has occasionally been raised, though never by Ibbotson herself.
A self-confessed "happy endings freak", she expressed some bemusement at trends for darker children's fiction and her books always reassured young readers that good would be rewarded and that spoilt brats and greedy grown-ups would get their comeuppance.
The historical novel Journey To the River Sea marked a new direction for Ibbotson. Featuring a fearless but sensitive orphan girl in a vividly described Amazon setting, it was written after the death of Ibbotson's husband of 49 years when the author felt too sad to write another funny story. It enjoyed both critical and commercial success and set Ibbotson down a path of alternating what she called her "rompy books" with longer, well-researched historical novels for a slightly older age group. The Star of Kazan was set in Vienna, the city where Ibbotson lived until the age of seven, while The Dragonfly Pool paid homage to the progressive boarding school, Dartington, to which she was sent after a period being shuttled between her separated parents.
Ibbotson described this period of her childhood as "cosmopolitan but unhappy" and she attributed to it her desire for happy endings in which her characters always find a home. She explained in a recent interview, "my mother wrote film scripts and worked in Berlin and my father was a scientist and worked in Edinburgh and my grandparents lived in Vienna and I was always on some large train going about and wishing I had a home. So when I came to write, consciously or unconsciously I always had to make things right for the hero or the heroine".
Ibbotson's third strand of writing was light historical romances for adults, including The Secret Countess and Magic Flutes. These sold better in America than in the UK but in the last few years were repackaged for teen readers, to Ibbotson's surprise.
Although she had battled poor health in recent years and was suffering from the auto-immune disorder lupus, Ibbotson continued to write. The most recent of her "romps", The Ogre of Oglefort, was published just a few months ago and was shortlisted for the Guardian children's fiction prize and the Roald Dahl funny prize. "The thing you have to do is keep writing, the habit is too ingrained, you can't stop," she said at the time.
• Eva Ibbotson, children's author. Born 21 January 1925, Vienna Austria. Died 20 October 2010, Newcastle England.

with thanks to The Guardian website 22.10.10

Public Libraries: Joint Statement

The Value, Impact and Potential of public library services
Libraries matter to people! Even those who don’t use them regularly care about what happens to them because they recognise what they stand for; that they exist to ensure that everyone has access to the knowledge, scholarship, books and information they need to help them enjoy and make a success of their lives.
This joint statement about the value placed on library services by the public, is supported by a wide range of bodies and organisations including The Society of Authors, the Royal Society of Literature, the Campaign for the Book, Public Lending Right, the Booksellers Association, Voices for the Library, The Chartered institute of Library and Information Professionals, The Society of Chief Librarians, The Publishers Association, The Reading Agency, Unison and The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council
If you would like your to add your organisation’s weight to this message, to help ensure it is heard by decision-makers at such a critical and challenging time, please email john.harrison@mla.gov.uk

Proposed Library Cuts

Nottinghamshire County Council said last week that it planned to cut its books budget by 75%, reduce opening hours, and reduce the frequency of mobile library visits. Councillor Cottee, who is responsible for Nottinghamshire's 61 libraries, told the BBC, that there was little choice but to reduce staff and opening hours because of the deficit crisis.

SLAMbassadors UK Championship

SLAMbassadors UK championship extends its deadline due to popular demand Launched in June this year, SLAMbassadors UK has been on the look out for some of the most exciting new performance poets aged 12-18 years old. It’s easy to enter and young people are being encouraged to simply write a poem or rap around the theme of Identity, film it and send to the Poetry Society. To make sure that as many young people take part in the championship as possible, the Poetry Society has been running workshops with leading performance poets in schools in London, Buckinghamshire, North Somerset, Liverpool, Shropshire and Manchester. With more schools than ever before signing up and poems flooding in, the Poetry Society has extended the deadline to Friday 10 December 2010 at 5pm. Remember any young person can enter – they do not need to belong to a school or to have taken part in one of the free workshops and there is now a bit longer to get your entries in! Street,London,WC2H 9BX
The deadline for receiving videos is December 10 2010. A panel of judges will select six winners from the online archives who will go on to attend a master class weekend led by SLAMbassadors Artistic Director Joelle Taylor and Adisa the Verbaliser. Here they will sharpen up their acts in readiness for a gala showcase event in London. You can see the videos that have already been entered at http://www.youtube.com/user/ThePoetrySociety?feature=mhsn We are scouting out all 12 -18 year olds who have something to say, spit, rap or beat box on the theme of “Identity”. This is an amazing opportunity for young people to have their say in their way. SLAMbassadors UK is the only online slam competition. visit the website http://slam.poetrysociety.org.uk for details of how to enter. We want to make sure as many young people as possible from all around the UK take part in the championship and have the chance to appear on stage in a showcase event in London with leading performance poets.

Indian Storytelling & Tribal Art Workshop 16 Oct

Do!
Indian Storytelling and Tribal Art Workshop
as part of the DSC South Asian Literature Festival
Date: Saturday 16 October 2010
Time: 11am – 12.30pm
Venue: Rich Mix, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA
Price: £2 per child
Age Group: For children aged 6-8
To book tickets call the Box Office on: 020 7613 7498
Discover the art and folktales of the ‘Warli’tribal community of western India in this fun family storytelling and folk art workshop. Author and storyteller Gita Wolf will take children and parents on a colourful journey while reading from her book ‘Do!’ which is illustrated by Warli artists. The simple yet incredibly dynamic figures of Warli paintings tell stories of village life, myth and legend. They are like fluid pictograms, rendered in a way that children can relate to immediately. This workshop engages children actively with Warli art and will encourage them to create.

Ramion Children's Story Collection Competition

You'll be able to see this also in the next edition of Carousel out at the end of October.

Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2010

Michelle Paver has won the 2010 Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize with GHOST HUNTER, the final book in the best-selling CHRONICLES OF ANCIENT DARKNESS.

Announced this evening at a ceremony at the Guardian, Michelle collects the £1,500 prize for the only children's award in which authors are judged by their peers.

Julia Eccleshare chair of the judges said, “Whatever the individual judges thought about fantasy before they began Ghost Hunter – and some admitted to hating it! – they were immediately captivated by Michelle’s brilliantly created world, her wonderfully dramatic story and her powerful story telling. They loved the way she described the world she has been fashioning throughout the series saying, “The language is inventive and rich. Sharp and poetic but also child friendly”. They also adored her characters describing Wolf as “endearing” and the people as “real”. Finally, one summed Ghost Hunter up in terms of awe: “The construct of the world is amazing. I am jealous and impressed!”

The Big Draw

The Big Draw1st – 31st Octoberhttp://www.campaignfordrawing.org/bigdraw/
The Big Draw launched last Friday and runs right through October. It’s a chance for everyone to get drawing, from those who love to draw and those who think they can’t. There are over 1,500 events worldwide.
Join the House of Illustration for our first ever Big Draw event with the Hunterian Museum, or have a look at some of the other events across the country that have caught our eye…
The Big Draw: Illustrating the body (inside and out!)Saturday 9 October, 12noon–4pmHouse of Illustration is teaming up with the Hunterian Museum at the Royal College of Surgeons and the Medical Artists’ Association of Great Britain to put on its first ever Big Draw event.Specialist medical illustrators will demonstrate their expertise and be on hand to give tips and advice, while illustrator-led workshops will inspire visitors to try out their skills, inspired by the wondrous specimens in the museum’s collections.Free, drop-in event. All materials provided. Suitable for all!35-43 Lincoln’s Inn FieldsLondon WC2A 3PEwww.hunterianmuseum.org

Not in London? Have a look at some of these events happening across the country and have a look at http://www.campaignfordrawing.org/bigdraw/ to find out what’s happening near you.

Half Term at the National Theatre, London

What’s on this half term
Prince of Denmark 14 – 26 October Set a decade before the action in Hamlet, this is a terrific first introduction to Shakespeare’s anti-hero. Actors from the National Youth Theatre and technicians from local FE colleges have been paired with NT practitioners to produce this specially-commissioned new play. Workshops are also available for families before the performance. Tickets £5 (£7.50 with workshop).
Theatre Skills for Families 27 – 29 October Practical half-term workshops for the whole family, led by the NT's team of experts. Includes Stage Combat, Making Monsters (to accompany Beauty and the Beast) and Make Your Own War Horse Puppet. Tickets £7/£10. Age 8 – 12. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults must be accompanied by a child.

Graham Oakley and a Church Mice bonanza.

‘Drawing so lively you can hear the mouse squeak’ (The Guardian) Welcome back to the wonderful world of Humphrey and Samson the cat. Graham Oakley’s Church Mice series are a household institution and entertained generations of devotees. So to celebrate the re-publishing of the two latest books in this hugely popular series we are pleased to present an exhibition of the original artwork. Published work by Graham Oakley for The Church Mice Adrift and The Church Mice at Christmas is now on show at the gallery here at 22 Bury St as well as online at www.illustrationcupboard.com Over forty pictures are on view Entrance is free. Prices for original published artwork start at £450.Hardback signed books (£10.99) are also available. Nearest tube: Green ParkBuses: 8, 9, 14, 19, 22 and 37.
22 Bury StSt James’s London Sw1Y 6AL+44 (0)207 976 1727www.illustrationcupboard.com 9.30am – 6.00pm Weekdays11.00am – 5.00pm Saturdays

Diverse Voices: call for manuscripts

Frances Lincoln Limited, the award–winning publisher, and Seven Stories, the Centrefor Children’s Books, are delighted with the success to date of the Diverse Voices Award, set up in memory of Frances Lincoln (1945 – 2001) to encourage and promote diversity in children’s fiction. The prize of £1,500 plus the option for Janetta Otter-Barry at Frances Lincoln Children’s Books to publish the novel is awarded to the best manuscript for 8-to-12-year-olds that celebrates diversity in the widest possible sense. The closing date for the current award is Friday 25th February 2011. For full information about the award and to download anentry form go to www.sevenstories.org.ukAlternatively, contact the Award Co-ordinator, Helena McConnell by emailE: diversevoices@sevenstories.org.uk or helena@sevenstories.org.uk
“The exceptional quality of the winners of the first two awards is a real measure of the successof our Diverse Voices joint venture with Seven Stories. And by the time the third winner is announced in June 2011 I will have commissioned or published six books by writers who entered the award:the Takeshita Demons trilogy by Cristy Burne, winner of the inaugural award, Too Much Troubleby Tom Avery, the 2010 winner, and A Hen in the Wardrobe and Chess and Chapattis, the first two titles in the Cinnamon Grove series by Wendy Meddour, who entered the 2009 award.I am proud that the Frances Lincoln Diverse Voices Award is achieving exactly what it set out to do –to discover and encourage new writers of exciting, culturally diverse fiction.”Janetta Otter-Barry at Frances Lincoln Children’s Books

Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2010 Shortlist

The Roald Dahl Funny Prize was founded in 2008 by Michael Rosen as part of hisChildren’s Laureateship. It is the first prize of its kind; founded to honour those books that simply make children laugh.
The shortlists are:
The Funniest Book for Children Aged Six and Under
Angelica Sprocket's Pockets by Quentin Blake (Jonathan Cape)
Dogs Don’t Do Ballet by Anna Kemp, illustrated by Sara Ogilvie (Simon & Schuster)
Dog Loves Books by Louise Yates (Jonathan Cape)
The Nanny Goat's Kid by Jeanne Willis, illustrated by Tony Ross (Andersen Press)
One Smart Fish by Chris Wormell (Jonathan Cape)
The Scariest Monster in the World by Lee Weatherly, illustrated by Algy Craig Hall(Boxer Books)
The Funniest Book for Children Aged Seven to Fourteen
The Clumsies Make a Mess by Sorrel Anderson, illustrated by Nicola Slater(HarperCollins Children’s Books)
Einstein's Underpants and How They Saved the World by Anthony McGowan (Yearling)
The Incredible Luck of Alfie Pluck by Jamie Rix, illustrated by Craig Shuttlewood (OrionChildren's Books)
Mr Stink by David Walliams, illustrated by Quentin Blake (HarperCollins Children’sBooks)
The Ogre of Oglefort by Eva Ibbotson (Macmillan Children’s Books)
Withering Tights by Louise Rennison (HarperCollins Children’s Books)
The judging panel comprised the comedian Shappi Khorsandi; author, founder and Chair of Judges Michael Rosen; author and winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2009’s seven to fourteen category Philip Ardagh; illustrator Bruce Ingman; and journalist and author Nicolette Jones.

John Burningham Exhibition

Mr Gumpy and Other Outings: Celebrating 50 years of John Burningham’s work On September 18, 2010 Seven Stories in Newcastle will open its doors to a brand new exhibition, Mr Gumpy and Other Outings: Celebrating 50 years of John Burningham’s work. The exhibition will incorporate John’s creative process highlighting artwork, rough sketches, dummy books, letters, photos and childhood toys all from his personal archive. John Burningham has been making picture books for almost fifty years, and has been a master craftsman from the beginning, exploiting the potential of colour lithography with eccentric narratives making him one of the defining illustrators of our time. John is an inspiration to many illustrators today. “Burningham's own part in this great renaissance is not quite as widely documented as the rise of The Beatles, or the emergence of the Rolling Stones. But his personal contribution to the redefining of the British creative landscape, and that of his like-minded colleagues, was just as significant in its way. The 1960s also saw a revolution in the way that books for very young children were conceived and presented, with a decisive shift away from preachy narratives to exuberant and colourful chunks of wonder that strove to capture the world from the perspective of the pre-school child.” Deborah Orr, The Independent 18 April 2009. Seven Stories Exhibition Curator Gill Rennie said: “John Burningham’s first picture book, Borka, the Adventures of a Goose with No Feathers, was so perfect it was published without the editor making any changes and went on to win the Kate Greenaway Medal in 1963. John has continued to make unique and entrancing picture books ever since. Working on this exhibition has been an absolute joy.” Exhibition runs to 17 March 2011

Book Trust Writer in Residence, Polly Dunbar

Award winning author-illustrator Polly Dunbar today (Monday 13 September) starts as Booktrust’s fourth online writer in residence. Polly, best known for her character Penguin, will be inviting visitors to the Booktrust website into her studio, opening up her sketch book with illustration tips and to download an exclusive picture book created especially for her residency. As well as winning the Nestle Silver award 2007, The Booktrust Early Years awards 2007, The Red House award 2008 and being shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal, Penguin has been made into an enormously successful puppet show. Long Nose Puppets, of which Polly is co-founder, also tours adaptations of her popular books Shoe Baby and Fly Away Katie. Polly lives and works by the sea in Brighton.
Polly takes the virtual baton from award-winning debut author and independent bookseller Evie Wyld. For Evie’s last blog and for Polly’s first blog please visit the Booktrust website www.booktrust.org.uk

Queen of Teen 2010

Cathy Cassidy has been crowned Queen of Teen! The most glamorous award in the world of fiction celebrates the authors of teen and tween fiction who are sometimesoverlooked by other awards, but who make a big difference to the lives of their young readers.
Hundreds of teenagers nominated their favourite authors for the award and the writers of the best and most heartfelt nominations were invited to meet their heroines at the utterly pink award ceremony which took place today at Catteshall Manor in Godalming, Surrey.All of the shortlisted authors, apart from Jacqueline Wilson who is on a book tour in Japan, attended the ceremony, and each was presented with a tiara and pink sash on the Queen of Teen throne before the winner wasannounced. Authors present included nominees Helen Bailey, Chris Higgins,Cathy Hopkins, Samantha Mackintosh, Sarra Manning, Joanna Nadin, Sarah Webband outgoing Queen of Teen Louise Rennison.

Royal Mail Awards 2010 Shortlist

THE 2010 SHORTLIST CONSISTS OF: Bookbug Readers (0-7 years) - WHAT THE LADYBIRD HEARD by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks (Macmillan)- LOVE FROM LOUISA by Simon Puttock and Joe Kiddie (Harper Collins)- STORMY WEATHER by Debi Gliori (Bloomsbury) Younger Readers (8-11 years) - THE DRAGON WHISPERER by Lucinda Hare (Random House)- THE SECRET OF THE BLACK MOON MOTH by John Fardell (Faber)- INVISIBLE FIENDS – MR MUMBLES by Barry Hutchison (Harper Collins) Older Readers (12-16 years) - GRASS by Catherine MacPhail (Bloomsbury) - CROSSING THE LINE by Gillian Philip (Bloomsbury)- THE WITCHING HOUR by Elizabeth Laird (MacMillan).
Originally set up by the Scottish Arts Council in 1999, the Royal Mail Awards for Scottish Children’s Books are now run by Scottish Book Trust in partnership with Creative Scotland. Gavin Wallace, Head of Literature at Creative Scotland said “The Children’s book awards have gone from strength to strength to become the largest of their kind in Scotland. With already so many children registered, I've no doubt 2010 will be bigger and better than ever, and that the thirst for reading among younger people is insatiable!'
Scottish Book Trust has once again teamed up with the Royal National Institute of Blind People Scotland to transcribe all shortlisted books into Braille, audio and large print simultaneously. This means that hundreds of blind and partially sighted children will be able to help judge the competition alongside other young readers. John Legg, director of RNIB Scotland, said: "We're delighted to have been able to transcribe a further nine of the best children's books in Scotland into accessible formats, thanks again to the generous support of the Rangers Charity Foundation. We have now been able to transcribe 21 children's titles over the past two years - a wonderful achievement given less than 5 per cent of all books published in the UK makes it into alternative formats, so children with sight loss can often struggle to access the same books as their peers."

Book Trust Teenage Prize 2010 Shortlist

The Enemy by Charlie Higson (Puffin)
The Enemy is a chilling post apocolyptic tale from TV actor, comedian and author of thebestselling Young Bond series.It is modern-day London, but something terrible has happened. A mystery illness has infectedeveryone over the age of fourteen. Those afflicted either die or become so crazed by diseasethey are little more than wild animals. Gangs of kids are left to fend for themselves, dodging thezombie adults who remain and trying not to tear one another apart in the process.
A story of one girl’s heroic voyage to discover her true identity in ancient Greece.Washed ashore as a baby in ancient Greece, Halo is discovered by a family of centaurs.Although her true identity remains a mystery, she is loved as one of their own. But when Halo isdragged away by fishermen, her wild adventure begins. Halo soon realises that if she is tosurvive then she must live in disguise – as a boy.
Nobody’s Girl by Sarra Manning (Hodder Children’s Books)
A novel about teenage love, loss and identity from the former editor of Ellegirl UK.Plain, frumpy, dull as mud – that’s Bea. So when super-cool Ruby and her posse want to hangwith her, it has to be a practical joke. But an invitation to a girly holiday in Malaga with Ruby andco. seems like the real deal. Even better, Bea can get away from her annoying mum.
Out of Shadows by Jason Wallace (Andersen Press)
A compelling and thought-provoking novel about race, bullying and the need to belong.Zimbabwe, 1980s. The war is over, independence has been won and Robert Mugabe has cometo power offering hope, land and freedom to black Africans. It is the end of the Old Way and thestart of a promising new era. For Robert Jacklin, it’s all new: new continent, new country, newschool. And very quickly he learns that for some of his classmates, the sound of guns is stillloud, and their battles rage on.
Revolver by Marcus Sedgwick (Orion)
From the winning author of the 2007 Booktrust Teenage Prize, this novel makes thereader look again at that weapon that has become so familiar to us all.1910. A cabin north of the Arctic Circle. Fifteen-year-old Sig Andersson is alone. Alone, exceptfor the corpse of his father, who died earlier that day after falling through a weak spot on the ice-covered lake. His sister, Anna, and step-mother, Nadya, have gone to the local town for help.Then comes a knock at the door. It's a man, the flash of a revolver's butt at his hip, and a meanglare in his eyes.
Unhooking the Moon by Gregory Hughes (Quercus)
Two orphaned siblings set out on a poignant and gripping road-trip adventure.Meet the Rat: A dancing, football-playing gangster-baiting ten-year-old. When she foresaw herfather’s death, she picked up her football and decided to head for New York. Meet her olderbrother Bob: Protector of the Rat, but more often her follower, he is determined to find theiruncle in America and discover a new life for them both.
Winner will be announced 1 November.

Chiswick Children's Book Festival

Sir Terry Pratchett – I Shall Wear MidnightFriday 17th September 2010, 4:30 for 5pmAt St Michael & All Angels Church, Bath Road, Chiswick, London, W4 1TT Tickets £3, from www.chiswickbookfestival.org The best-selling creator of Discworld introduces his new book, just out. It’s the fourth featuring teen witch Tiffany Aching and her tiny, fightin’, boozin’ pictsie friends, the Wee Free Men. Books on sale for signing by Sir Terry Pratchett afterwards.

Saturday 18th September 2010, 10:30am - middayAt St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall, Priory Avenue, London W4 1TXFree entrySupported by Trotters in Turnham Green Terrace. Classic reproductions of children's books will be on sale through Jane Nissen Books, in aid of the Festival charities.
10.30am: Katie Cleminson - Box of TricksWriter and illustrator Katie tells the story of Eva, who conjures up a polar bear – and lots of other surprises - from a box of tricks. Books on sale for signing afterwards. For ages 0 to 5.
11.15am: Anthony McGowan - Einstein's UnderpantsAnthony McGowan is a brilliantly funny, award-winning author, best known for his exciting, highly-acclaimed books including Henry Tumour, The Knife that Killed Me, Hellbent and his eternally popular Bare Bum Gang series. Einstein's Underpants - And How They Saved The World - is his new book.
12 Midday: Josh Lacey – Grk Down Under In Josh’s best-selling stories, Tim picks up a stray dog called Grk. Their adventures take them all round the world. Books on sale for signing afterwards.
Also for children...Charlie Higson – The Dead11am, Saturday 18th September
At St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall, Priory Avenue, London W4 1TXTickets £5, from www.chiswickbookfestival.orgThe best-selling author of the Young Bond books - and Fast Show writer and performer – introduces the second in his zombie series for teenagers, published this week. Books on sale for signing afterwards. www.the-enemy.co.uk

Handa's Surprise Autumn Tour

The Little Angel Theatre's production of Handa's Surprise will be on tour in October and November 2010. It will visit Crawley, Colchester, Harrow, Coventry, Nottingham, Manchester, Lancaster, Bath and London.Details will be in the what's on sections of www.littleangeltheatre.com and www.walker.co.uk (from mid September.)

SLA School Librarian of the Year 2010 – Announcement of the Honour List

"The SLA School Librarian of the Year Award celebrates the essential work that school
librarians are doing at a time when school libraries are being closed at an alarming rate.
We were impressed by the passion and dedication of the librarians we visited and the
innovative and inspirational ways in which they bring books and an enthusiasm for learning
into the heart of the school and into the lives of children. We had a hard job selecting a
short list and feel that everyone on the Honour list should be celebrated.” Ginette Doyle,
Chair of the Selection committee and Chair of the School Library Association.
The SLA School Librarian of the Year Award, created in 2004, aims to recognise the
excellent work that is carried out in our school libraries every day; helping students learn
how to learn, enthusing children and young people about books and reading and raising
achievement. It highlights and spreads best practice and innovation through celebrating
those whose work is outstanding.
This year there are six exceptional school librarians on the SLA School Librarian of the Year
Honour List.
two librarians from Scotland, one from the Isle of Bute.
Sue Bastone – Licensed Victuallers’ School, Ascot
Rebecca Jones – Malvern St James, Worcestshire
Shiona Lawson – Rothesay Academy, Isle of Bute
Denise Reed – Hurst Prep School, Hurstpierpoint, Sussex
Kevin Sheehan - Offerton School, Stockport
Duncan Wright - Stewart’s Melville College, Edinburgh
Their work will be celebrated at a ceremony held at London Zoo on International
School Library Day, 4th October when the SLA School Librarian of the Year 2010
will be announced.
Alasdair Darroch, Director of Softlink Europe and the main sponsor of the 2010 Award says:
“Softlink is extremely proud to be associated with supporting the School Librarian of the
Year Award for the third successive year. We recognise the important contribution
Librarians make to schools throughout the UK, inspiring the development of student literacy
whilst keeping their libraries at the heart of learning.”
Alan Hurcombe, Group MD Scholastic UK says: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the
School Librarian of the Year Award 2011. Helping schools to support their librarians and
promote the love of reading is a key part of what we do and this award gives us the
opportunity to celebrate and recognise the best work that happens in our schools on a daily
basis. Very many congratulations to the librarians who have made it to this year’s Honour
list.”

Summer Exhibition, The Illustration Cupboard

The Summer Exhibition:The Illustration Cupboard presents its summer exhibition featuring a selection of highlights from the 2010 catalogue. On show at the gallery will be artwork by world-famous illustrators such as the current Laureate Anthony Browne, Shirley Hughes, David McKee, Lauren Child, Emma Chichester Clark, Maurice Sendak and many others. Introducing a celestial theme, the spotlight will be thrown onto Jane Ray with a special display of her new Zodiac paintings, recently created and never exhibited before. These unique pieces are available for purchase alongside a corresponding short-run set of editions, each hand finished and signed by Jane Ray.
The Illustration Cupboard LLP22 Bury StSt James’sLondonSW1Y 6ALPreview on www.illustrationcupboard.com 9.30am – 6.00pm Monday to Friday11.00am – 5.00pm Saturday Summer Exhibition featuring Jane Ray’s Signs of the Zodiac 14 July – 14 August 2010

The Book Factor

PHOTOGRAPH SMALL GROUP James Pybis (winner of the BOOK FACTOR Book Blurb Competition) and Luke Gates (winner of the BOOK FACTOR cover design competition)With Liverpool’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Hazel Williams, Jonathan Rigby, Liverpool’s Young Lord Mayor and author Alan Gibbons.

Liverpool’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Hazel Williams, and the Young Lord Mayor, Jonathan Rigby, congratulated pupils from schools across the Alt Valley area, Liverpool for taking part in THE BOOK FACTOR, an innovative project that got more than 500 Liverpool children involved in creating a story that they wanted to read.
The Lord Mayor asked the young people individually if they had enjoyed the competition and was delighted when they all replied “yes” . She told the audience that, while learning to read is important, the key to success is to enjoy reading for pleasure. “Enjoy it and you are half way there,” she said. She added that she was extremely proud of the pupils’ achievements and that in years to come they would still feel a sense of pride in their writing. One of her own greatest personal achievements, she said, had been when her poem, "Ghouls of Hillsborough", was selected for a poetry anthology to help remember those who had died in the Hillsborough tragedy and to recognise what the people of Liverpool did to help.
James Pybis was the winner of the Book Blurb competition and he also thought of the title, THE DYING PHOTO. Alan Gibbons turned James’ idea into a story and Barrington Stoke published THE DYING PHOTO on 14 July. Luke Gates won the jacket design competition, coming up with the perfect design for artist Dylan Gibson to use as the cover.

Children's Book Show...Free School Workshops

The Children’s Book Show 2010 – Stories from Around the World an annual tour of children’s authors and illustrators from the UK and abroad. The theme for this, our 8th Bookshow, is Stories From Around the World, and we have an exciting line-up of award-winning artists to inspire school children with their enthusiasm and passion for stories.
This year is our biggest year yet. Through September, October and November, we have 12 authors and illustrators performing in 14 different theatres around the country.
Many of our authors and illustrators are already household names, some of them may be new to you, but all are among the most exciting artists writing and illustrating for children today.
FREE WORKSHOPSThis year we are delighted to be able to offer 70 FREE workshops to participating schools. This is an exciting opportunity for children to meet and work with an author or illustrator in their own classroom. And every child that takes part in a workshop will also receive their own personal copy of a book by the relevant author or illustrator, free to take home with them.
For information see http://www.thechildrensbookshow.com

Old Possum’s Children’s Poetry Competition 2010

Roger McGough is to chair the judging panel for a worldwide poetry competition for 7-11 year olds. The Competition is organised by the Children’s Poetry Bookshelf, a poetry book club for young people run by the Poetry Book Society. To link with National Poetry Day on Thursday 7 October, children will be asked to write a poem in English on the theme of ‘Home’.
Now in its fifth year, the competition is open to both individuals and schools. Cash prizes of £250 for first prize, £100 for second and £50 for third will be awarded, along with books and CPB memberships, in two age groups, 7-8 year-olds and 9-11 year-olds. Entries will be accepted from Friday 10 September, up until the closing date of Friday 15 October. The winners will be announced at a gala celebration in London in December.
The British Council partnership, now in its third year, will continue to encourage entries to the ‘International Learner category’ for children based outside the UK who are learning English as a foreign or second language.
The Old Possum’s Children’s Poetry Competition will encourage children to write poems of their own and help teachers to bring poetry alive in the classroom. A teacher’s guide to accompany the competition will be available to download from the Children’s Poetry Bookshelf website (http://www.childrenspoetrybookshelf.co.uk/) from early September, along with further information about the competition.

Puffin at 70 exhibition

Come to Seven Stories in Newcastle upon Tyne this summer and tell us, and everyone else, about your favourite Puffin book. Find out what inspires your favourite authors from Jeremy Strong andMichael Rosen to Anne Fine and Rick Riordan. Fill in your Puffin Passport and decide what you're going to read next. Email us pictures of your favourite places to read(info@sevenstories.org.uk) or join our Facebook group by searching Seven Stories, the Centre for Children’s Books and upload your pictures there to see them displayed in the exhibition.There’s Nuffin Like a Puffin will be an exhibition for all the family, with a mix of special Seven Stories interactive activities. These include dressing up as Stig of the Dump and drawing cave paintings in his dump, creating your own Michael Rosen inspired poetryusing rhyming stepping stones, and making your own spells with Meg and Mog in a magical cauldron. Why not create report cards of the demi gods with Percy Jackson,and watch Eoin Colfer’s Fairies, Farts and Flatulence American tour exclusive to SevenStories! You can even make up a tune on Mr Big's piano whilst watching how Ed Vere puts his picture books together. Whatever your age there’s something for everyone inthis new Seven Stories exhibition.

Early Years Programme, Scotland

Following consultation with stakeholders and with the support of the Scottish Government, Scottish Book Trust has developed a new book gifting programme which firmly links into Scottish educational and parenting policies. The core format of the programme – including 240,000 free packs of books for babies,toddlers, three year olds and Primary ones, and free Bookbug sessions (which in 2009-10 had audiences of over 170,000) – will stay the same, although some new benefits have beenintroduced including bespoke packs, improved parental guidance and an overall greenerprogramme under a brand new Scottish identity. Scottish Book Trust is confident that the improvements to the programme will strengthen its impact on children and parents,with the continued aim that more parents will be reading more often with www.scottishbooktrust.com/bookbug•

National Portrait Gallery

FREE FAMILY FUN AT THE
NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY
THIS SUMMER
The National Portrait Gallery have joined forces with award winning, picture book illustrator Tim Hopgood to create a free Family Trail to encourage children and their families to engage
with and get excited about portraiture this summer.
These free activities are part of the BP Portrait Award 2010 exhibition which runs from 24th June - 19th September with a special Moving Family Portraits event on Saturday 17th July.
Hopgood has been commissioned to create a set of original children’s characters that will appear at the entrance to the exhibition and on labels around the show highlighting paintings that are of particular interest to children. The twin characters are central to the Gallery’s free Family Trail which features a series of specially designed games and tours of the exhibition.
The Gallery has also asked Hopgood and two supporting animators to run the Gallery’s Moving Family Portraits event on Saturday 17th July, where children visiting the exhibition will be invited to experiment with drawing, painting or collage to create their own self portrait. The images will then be animated so that each portrait blends seamlessly with the next to create a film of continually changing faces of everyone who takes part on the day. The animation will be shown on the Gallery’s big screen at the end of the day.
Hopgood came to the attention of the gallery following the publication of his award-winning,
richly illustrated children’s books including, OUR BIG BLUE SOFA, A DOG CALLED ROD’
HERE COMES FRANKIE, WOW! SAID THE OWL and most recently TIP TAP WENT THE CRAB.
Jan Cullen, Family Programmes Manager at the National Portrait Gallery said: “We chose Tim Hopgood as we felt his style of illustration was fresh and appealing and would be a huge success with our target audience. We were impressed with his ideas on how families might engage with portraiture. He has been fantastic to work with and the results are amazing” Hopgood's unique illustrative style has bought a fresh approach to children’s picture books.
He has won numerous awards and accolades for his work including the coveted Booktrust Emerging Illustrator Award in 2008. Hopgood’s characters are being developed for a collection of merchandise, including badges and bags, for the Gallery. These, along with a collection of Hopgood’s children’s books, will be on sale during the exhibition.

Carnegie and Greenaway Medals

Neil Gaiman yesterday became the first author to win the Carnegie/Newbery Medal double - the awards are the most prestigious for children's books in the UK and US respectively, and both are judged by librarians - when he took the Carnegie for The Graveyard Book (Bloomsbury). Freya Blackwood won the Kate Greenaway Medal for Illustration, for Harry and Hopper (written by Margaret Wise, and published by Scholastic). You can read an interview with Freya Blackwood in the autumn edition of Carousel.

Comments

There will be a slight delay between your comment being typed and appearing on the comments section of this blog. This is because some idiots have used the comments for daft things and so all comments come now to me to press the yes or no button! enid stephenson

Bookshops: your recommendations

From Book Notes in the current edition of Carousel:

Many of you will have a favourite local bookshop, whether independent or part of a chain. But the whole trade is facing extraordinary challenges. Customers have got used to quite ridiculous price cuts where the latest best-selling title is sold for half the price printed on the jacket and whilst, in the short term, this leads to good sales for the few the effect on the whole trade is the very opposite...The Booksellers Association state that two independent bookshops closed per week during 2009. We would love to know about your own neighbourhood bookshop. Record shops have almost completely vanished and it would be appalling if bookshops followed suit. There are some excellent shops out there, so let's pass the word round. Please click on the comment button and let us know your favourite shop, and why. Thanks.

Libraries: your comments

From Book Notes in the current issue of Carousel:

In March the Government published their long-awaited "Modernisation Review" of public libraries. The Society of Chief Librarians also published their manifesto entitled "The Numbers". It appears that overall borrowings are down and there are increased mutterings about libraries being community centres, decreasing their book stock and increasing other non-book items. Tim Coates, formerly of Waterstones and now a vocal library campaigner says "All the thinking and all the immense power in the public library service is in the hands of people who are more interested in the mechanisms and agendas of national and local government than they are in books and reading". Libraries are changing, and need to change but it does seem that some of the changes are ill thought through. In our local Suffolk library, for instance, there is no need to ever talk to a librarian. Books can be ordered online (which I welcome), then you take them off the reserved shelf, check it out and indeed check it back in. What is your experience? Do let us know.

Top Puffin

Eoin Colfer's Artemis Fowl has been voted Puffin of Puffins in a nationwide poll, in which more than 10,000 votes were cast. It won 68% of the online vote, while Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory came in second with just 13%. The poll marked Puffin's 70th birthday and the relaunch of Puffin Modern Classics.

Libraries

Former poet laureate and chair of the MLA Sir Andrew Motion has described any move to cut library spending as "foolhardy". Concerns have grown over the future of library funding in the run up to the budget announcement on 22nd June, which is likely to include swingeing cuts across sectors in a bid to reduce some of the country's deficit.
While Motion acknowledged there was no "harm in society periodically asking itself which services should be publicly funded, and how they should be run", and that the sector was already planning to deliver "quality library services with less money", he stressed its overriding value.
There was a report on the Today Programme on 8 June about KPMG Consultancy's blueprint of how the public sector could be reformed. A spokesman for KPMG said that whilst libraries are hugely important in the national psyche - we all think libraries are important - there is a problem with libraries, they are not very much used and they are very expensive to run...we are not suggesting in this report that libraries should be closed down what we are saying is that libraries and other community facilities might be better off if they were run by the communities that value them rather than by the state.
Tim Coates on Newsnight (9 June) supporting libraries seemed to hint that there was too much management in the service...at least I think that was what he said.
I guess the KPMG report was meant to be controversial. Tim Coates did address their not much used line with this statistic "260 million books sold in bookshop and on line whereas 320 million are borrowed from public libraries". The main groups who used libraries were, surprise, surprise small children, young people with families and school children.

Joel Stewart

Award-winning illustrator and author Joel Stewart has been approached by Ragdoll Productions (In the Night Garden, Teletubbies) to develop a project for CBeebies.
Ragdoll Productions contacted Joel after apparently being enchanted by the 'filmic' feel of his work, which includes Dexter Bexley and the Big Blue Beastie and Have You Ever Seen a Sneep.
Still at a developmental stage, Abney & Teal, which centres on two friends, is a pre-school series aimed at children aged three and four.
The 52 x 11 mins animations combine CGI with real illustrations and puppets to recreate the handmade feel of traditional animation.
Stewart's latest book, Dexter Bexley and the Big Blue Beastie on the Road, will be published by Random House Children's Books in June.

Manchester Children's Books Festival

Manchester will host the Children’s Book Festival for the first time this summer from 1st-4th July, in partnership with local schools and libraries.
Michael Rosen will be joined by other authors and illustrators who will be introduced by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy.
For more information go to http://www.manchesterchildrensbookfestival.co.uk/

Nottingham and Angus Awards

The Nottingham Children's Book Award for 3-5yr olds has been won by Nick Sharratt with Foggy Foggy Forest

Angus Book Award 2010 the winner is Rachel Ward, for her novel Numbers published by Chicken House. Pupils, librarians, teachers and the four shortlisted authors gathered in Kirriemuir town hall on 18 May to present Rachel with her trophy, a replica of the Aberlemno Serpent Stone, and £500.

2010 Red House Children's Book Award

The gripping and imaginative futuristic thriller The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins has won the Red House Children's Book Award 2010.
Voted for solely by young readers from a shortlist drawn up by children'sbook groups across Britain, the award is celebrating its 30th birthday thisyear and is recognised by authors, parents and librarians as a key indicatorof which books are popular with children.
The Hunger Games (Scholastic) won both the older readers' category and overall prizes in the award, which is owned and coordinated by the Federation of Children's Book Groups.
Suzanne Collins's victory was announced at an awards luncheon held at theBirmingham Botanical Gardens, attended by 200 people, including more than 80children from across the country, all of whom were involved in the voting.Unfortunately, Suzanne was not able to attend the ceremony, but she sent the following statement:
"I'm thrilled that The Hunger Games has won the Red House Children's BookAward.The fact that The Hunger Games was chosen as a favourite among more than a thousand titles by young readers means a great deal to me, and it's an honour to accept this award, especially upon its 30th anniversary.Thank you, and may the odds be ever in your favour."
Two other category winners in the 30th annual award were also announced:Jeanne Willis and Adam Stower's laugh-out-loud funny picture book BottomsUp! (Puffin Books) has won the category for younger children, while Tanya Landman's fast-paced mystery story Mondays are Murder (Walker Books) hasclinched the younger readers' category.
An incredible 140,481 votes were cast by children and young adults all over the UK.

William Mayne

There has now appeared (20.5.10) an obit in The Independent by Nicholas Tucker which is very well worth reading. (see March blog entry)

Meet the Authors

Meet Our Authors is an exclusive series of authors’ events streamed live over the internet to provide young people, parents and teachers with the chance to get up close and personal with some of the world’s leading children’s writers. The programme is the first of its kind in the UK. Anyone can sign up to watch and it is completely free.
On 26 May at 11am, Julia Donaldson will talk to a live audience while being filmed and broadcast simultaneously over the internet to tens of thousands of viewers across Scotland. An astounding 65,000 children in more than 800 schools have already signed up to the event, which is supported by digital media including Facebook and YouTube featuring event information and exclusive video clips.
Julia Donaldson said: “I am terribly excited about this very special event! Not only will I be talking to a live audience in Glasgow, but I am also going to be interacting with tens of thousands of other children across Scotland who will be tuned in on their computers - either watching from their school or at home - and who will have opportunities to ask me questions directly. I have spoken to large audiences in the past but never to that many people so this will definitely be a memorable experience for me too!”
The series of live events forms the centrepiece of a two-year long programme that will feature household names including Michael Morpurgo, Philip Pullman, Eoin Colfer, Charlie Higson and Jacqueline Wilson. The first live broadcast took place on World Book Day in March with former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen, to which over 100,000 children logged on.
Jasmine Fassl, of the Scottish Book Trust, commented: “Julia has written many well-loved and best-selling children’s books and The Gruffalo has become something of a national institution for today’s young readers. Those logging on to see Julia in action are in for a big treat and will be taking part in an event that will shape the way in which authors interact with their readers in the future.”
Neil Lovatt, sales and marketing director of Scottish Friendly, sponsor of Meet Our Authors, said: “The phenomenal demand for this event is evidence that the passion for reading at an early age is as strong as ever. Scottish Friendly has worked closely with Scottish Book Trust for over 11 years to ensure that children even in the most rural areas have equal access to the work of leading authors. We’re excited to bring to life the world of reading and writing to thousands more children in a revolutionary and interactive way.”
Full details on ‘Meet Our Authors’, including forthcoming events and information on Twitter and YouTube links can be found at www.facebook.com/meetourauthors
To watch a preview of Julia Donaldson’s event go to www.facebook.com/meetourauthors
As part of the campaign, parents have the opportunity to win a Gruffalo trunki full of fantastic Gruffalo goodies. Competition details can be found at www.facebook.com/meetourauthors

Gruffalo at the Seaside

A Fairytale Holiday Camp with fancy dress, magical moments and family friendly mayhem! THE AWARD WINNINGCAMP BESTIVAL (30th, 31st July & 1st August 2010, Lulworth Castle, Dorset) A starry-eyed Rob da Bank says: 'Anyone with a child younger than 4 or 5 will know the story of The Gruffalo. We are over the moon to be able to announce that The Gruffalo, recently voted most beloved bedtime story by BBC Radio 2 listeners is coming to Camp Bestival! Adapted from Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler’s best selling book and performed by Tall Stories whose unique brand of physical story theatre has taken them around the world, the show will bring to life the amazing story of the clever Mouse’s journey through the forest as he beguiles the creatures who’d like to eat him with tales of his friend the Gruffalo’s terrible tusks and terrible claws, until he encounters the Gruffalo’s terrible teeth in his terrible jaws for himself. With two shows over the weekend, one on the main stage and another in the Little Big Top, you definitely don’t want to miss this irresistibly magical musical take on a classic that has sold out on tours across the UK and even on Broadway and is the perfect family entertainment. One not to miss! Bestival has already sold out and tickets are flying for Camp Bestival so make sure you get it together and come and join us at a fairytale castle by the sea for a weekend of magical mayhem and family fun! For all the latest news remember to keep checking www.campbestival.net -- Full Line Up So Far: Featuring: English National Ballet /// River Cottage Café /// Mr Tumble /// The East Lulworth Literary Institute /// Zippo's Festival Circus /// The House of Fairytales /// Let's Go Crazy /// Son et Lumiere /// Boutique Babysitting /// Freestyle Sports Park /// The Hip-Hop Shakespeare

The illustrations sold out within a few minutes of going on line ... but you can still see the exhibition in London, see earlier post.

BRANFORD BOASE AWARD: SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED

The 2010 shortlist for the Branford Boase Award is announced. The Award is given annually to the author of an outstanding debut novel for children.
The books on the shortlist are:
Devil’s Kiss by Sarwat Chadda, edited by Lindsey Heaven (Puffin)
Stolen by Lucy Christopher, edited by Imogen Cooper (Chicken House)
Life, Interrupted by Damian Kelleher, edited by Anne Clark (Piccadilly Press)
Guantanamo Boy by Anna Perera, edited by Shannon Park (Puffin)
Big and Clever by Dan Tunstall, edited by Ross Bradshaw (Five Leaves)
Numbers by Rachel Ward, edited by Imogen Copper (Chicken House)
Paradise Barn by Victor Watson, edited by Leonie Pratt (Catnip)
The Branford Boase Award was set up to encourage new writers and is given each year to the most promising work of fiction for children by a first time novelist. The Branford Boase also honours the editor of the winning title and highlights the importance of the editor in nurturing new talent.
The Branford Boase judging panel has an uncanny ability to pick future best-selling and critically acclaimed authors. Previous shortlisted and winning writers include Marcus Sedgwick, Meg Rosoff, Philip Reeve, Cathy Cassidy, Kevin Brooks, William Nicholson, Frank Cottrell Boyce, Mal Peet and Bali Rai.
So, the pressure is on for this year’s eminent judging panel: Helen Boyle, editor of tBk magazine, Tricia Adams, executive director of the School Library Association, John Newman, children’s buyer at the Newham Bookshop and Chair of the Booksellers Association’s Children’s Bookselling Group and B R Collins, author of The Traitor Game, winner of last year’s Branford Boase Award. The panel is chaired by Julia Eccleshare, children’s books editor of The Guardian.
Julia Eccleshare says: “This year’s shortlist has really impressed the judges. These engaging and accomplished novels are full of integrity and superb story telling. It is going to be difficult to pick a final winner.”
The winner of the award will be announced on July 14th at a ceremony in London. The winning author receives a cheque for £1,000 and both author and editor receive a unique, hand-crafted silver-inlaid box.

Just Read Campaign

"The objective of the Just Read Campaign is for every child in the UK to become a reader. This campaign is not about making children functionally literate. It goes beyond that. All the research shows that the child that reads for pleasure is more likely to achieve. Unfortunately, both the government’s own statistics and international research show that reading standards are not improving in the UK and that enjoyment of reading is declining.
Not every child comes from a reading home. Sometimes, these children are denied the cognitive, social and cultural advantages that reading for pleasure provides because their schools do not have a reading culture either.
These children are doubly let down."
For the full statement and to sign the petition go to www.justreadcampaign.co.uk
Carousel urges everyone to sign this petition and join this extremely worthwhile campaign.

Hackney Schools’ Short Novel Awards

Photograph taken on 12th May - Frank Cottrell Boyce with students from Petchey Academy in Hackney, London who won the best student presentation prize in the Hackney Schools’ Short Novel Awards for a detailed and original response to short novel published by Barrington Stoke. The event was organised to celebrate achievements of students taking part in a pioneering programme run by the Learning Trust in Hackney.

Winning readers – students from five secondary schools in Hackney have been taking part in ‘Literacy Intervention Toolkit’ (LIT), a pioneering programme, run by the Learning Trust, created to tackle low levels of literacy and to encourage reading for pleasure. By the end of the year most had read five Barrington Stoke short novels. The purpose of the event was to provide low level readers with the same opportunities as Gifted and Talented students. Petchey Academy won the prize for the best student presentation for their detailed and original response to Joanna Kenrick’s ’Mindset.’ They won cinema tickets for the Vue in the Angel.

At the end of the day the students voted for the book they wanted to win the Hackney Schools’ Short Novel Award. The winner was the gory Night Hunger by Alan Gibbons, followed closely by Frank Cottrell Boyce’s comedy read, Desirable.

Alan Gibbons comments:
"I am delighted to win this award. Anyone who can help young people develop the Reading habit is giving them a precious gift. Thanks to the young people of Hackney for this recognition."
Jodie Warner from The Learning Trust adds:
“The first Hackney Schools’ Short Novel Awards event has exceeded expectations, taking a group of students who have not often had a positive experience of reading and creating amongst them an excited buzz about books.”
Many thanks to Linklaters and Get Hackney Reading, whose support has provided each school with a set of books as well as the gift of a book to each student, personally signed to them by the author.

SUMMER HALF TERM FUN AT THE NATIONAL GALLERY

SUMMER HALF TERM Tuesday 1 to Saturday 5 June
For children aged 2 to 5 Magic Carpet storytelling 11.30am Join us and fly away on the magic carpet, which comes to land in front of a different painting each day. Storytelling sessions last half an hour.
For families with children aged 5 to 11 Free practical two-hour art workshops. 11am, repeated 2pm We’re going on a boar hunt (we’re not scared)!11am, repeated 2pm
The hunter in Diego Velázquez’s painting ‘La Tela Real’ is actually King Philip IV of Spain. With the help of artist ThomasGosebruch we will make a picture book about the big event. For all ages
Family Walk and Talk12.30–1.30pm Join us on a journey through the Gallery where we will walk, talk and bring paintings alive!
DON’T FORGET OUR FREE FAMILY SUNDAYS!
JUNE 2010 All sessions are free Every Sunday is Family Sunday at the National Gallery. Join us for a range of activities designed especially for families to enjoy and learn together.
For families with children aged 5 to 11 Free hands-on art workshops at 11am, repeated 2pm, every Sunday. Meet in the Education Centre Foyer (Orange Street entrance). Workshops last two hours.
Spectacular Journeys 20 June Travel into the distance and gain a new perspective in this drawing and paper construction workshop with artist Harriet Hill.
A World Within a World 13 June Join artist Sarah Tombs to discover a wonderful world within a painting – then create your own.
Marvellous Blooms 27 June Take a closer look at a fantastic floral painting in the National Gallery and make a colourful collage with artist Viyki Turnbull.
Colourful Perspectives 6 June Explore the excitement of colour and new perspectives for making your own art with artist Robin-Lee Hall.
For under-5s Magic Carpet storytelling Fly away on the magic carpet, which comes to land in front of a different painting each day. Each story ties in with the four workshop themes for this season. Suitable for children aged 2–5 years.10.30–11am and11.30am–12 noon every Sunday Meet in the Education Centre Foyer
More Gallery fun for all ages Family Walk and Talk 6 June12.30–1.30pm Meet in the Education Centre Foyer Join us on a journey through the collection where we will walk, talk and bring paintings alive!
Trails and audio tours Print out a trail from www.nationalgallery.org.uk/families and explore the Gallery, or discover more with a family audio tour (available every day from the Audio Guide Desks).
No need to book for workshops, talks or storytelling, but places are limited and allocated on arrival. Children must be accompanied by an adult to all events. For more information on National Gallery family events, please visit www.nationalgallery.org.uk/what or telephone 020 7747 2894/2885.

Gruffalo Exhibition

The Gruffalo and Friends
an exhibition of artwork by the internationally acclaimed children’s book illustrator, Axel Scheffler.
Wednesday 26th May – Sunday 6th June 2010. Free entry.
Daunt Bookshop, 83 Marylebone High St, London W1U 4QW

Axel will be dropping in to sign books on Sat 29th May from 10.30am – 12.30pm and 2.30pm – 4.30pm.

Featuring over 60 illustrations from books published throughout his career including; The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom, Stick Man, Mother Goose’s Nursery Rhymes, Tabby McTat, and many others; this is the first time so much of Axel’s original artwork will be on display and available for purchase.
Further information from www.imagesofdelight.com

Edinburgh Fringe Festival Just Macbeth

Just Macbeth
By Andy Griffiths
Bell Shakespeare’s Just Macbeth, directed by Wayne Harrison (Tap Dogs), is a really silly version of Shakespeare’s great big gory tragedy. It has got six funny but tragic actors, a garden gnome and a severed head that talks Shakespearean. Plus, there are witches, Wizz Fizz, ghosts, girl germs and weird Elizabethan things like soliloquies and sharp words and other things beginning with S.

An hilarious and irreverent take on one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays.

This family show is recommended for 7plus. It runs from Saturday 7 August to Sunday 29 August at 11am and lasts 90mins. Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street, Edinburgh. Box Office 0131 623 3030 http://www.assemblyfestival.com/

Anthony Browne on the Scottish Friendly Book Tour

Children’s Laureate and internationally celebrated author, Anthony Browne, will inspire primary school children from Fife to Moray during Scottish Book Trust’s forthcoming Scottish Friendly Children’s Book Tour.

The tour, which will take place from 9-14 May, begins with an exclusive family event held at the National Galleries in Edinburgh. Anthony will lead an interactive workshop where children will be encouraged to use their eyes, ears and imagination to create pictures and play his famous Shape Game.

The Children’s Laureate will then embark on a tour across Fife, Angus, Aberdeenshire and Moray to spread the wonders of reading, writing and drawing to local school children.

Anthony has penned nearly 40 titles including the visually stunning Gorilla (1983) and Voices in the Park (1998). Anthony has won numerous awards including the Kate Greenaway Medal twice as well as the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2000, which he was the first British illustrator to ever win.

The Scottish Friendly Children’s Book Tour is run by Scottish Book Trust, Scotland’s leading agency for the promotion of literature, reading and writing. The tour aims to give children across Scotland, even those in the most rural and remote areas, access to the best UK children’s authors. A dedicated Facebook page has been set up to keep fans up to date with the latest authors’ news and tours at www.facebook.com/Meet-Our-Authors

Authors against SATS

We are children’s authors and illustrators opposed to the SAT tests. Our campaign was founded in 1993. We believe that children’s understanding, empathy, imagination and creativity are developed best by reading whole books, not by doing comprehension exercises on short excerpts and not from ticking boxes or giving one word answers. It is our view that reading for pleasure is being squeezed by the relentless pressure of testing and we are particularly concerned that the SATs and the preparation for them are creating an atmosphere of anxiety around the reading of literature. Resources now being channelled into testing could and should be redirected towards libraries, the training of librarians and book provision.We support the boycott called by head teachers in the NUT and NAHT unions. There are no SAT tests in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. We deplore Government threats to use legal action against a form of action which will give children more time to learn and will not disrupt their education in any way.
Signatories:Michael Rosen, Alan Gibbons, Roger McGough, Cathy Cassidy, Bali Rai, Kevin Crossley-Holland, Darren Shan, Geraldine McCaughrean, Beverley Naidoo, Robert Swindells, Linda Newbery, Tom Palmer, Jean Ure, Mary Hooper, Tim Bowler, Sally Nicholls, Paul Geraghty, Lucy Coats, Fiona Dunbar, Tanya Landman, Bernard Ashley, Pippa Goodhart, Tony Mitton, Phiip Ardagh, Eleanor Updale, Malcolm Rose, Alan Corkish, Charlie Butler, Helena Pielichaty, Mary Hoffman, John Shelley, Sam Mills, ‘Mr Read’, Keren David, Tommy Donbavand, Jamila Gavin, Catherine Johnson, Jon Mayhew, Cliff McNish, Anne Cassidy, Jan Dean, Caroline Pitcher, Tabitha Suzuma, Ellen Renner, Elizabeth Kay, Anna Perera, Steve and Sue Weatherill, Nicola Morgan, Ann Bryant, Dennis Hamley, David Calcutt, Jane Ray, Chrissie Gittins, Tony Lindsay, Ros Asquith, Katy Evans-Bush, Heather Butler, Ronda Armitage, Cathy Cunning, Wendy French, Charles Lambert, Eva Salzman, Helena Nelson, John Hartley William, Ros Barber, Gwen Grant, John Siddique, Katherine Gallagher, Antony Dunn, Andrew Strong, Elizabeth Baines, Andy Seed, Isobel Dixon, R V Bailey, Frances Leviston, Anthony Williams, Christopher Reid, Philip Wells, Steve Skidmore, Anne Rouse, Naomi Foyle, Richard Rose, Pat Thomson, Steve Barlow, Yvonne Luna, Anne Cottringer. Contact Authors Against Sats organizer Alan Gibbons:aagibbons@blueyonder.co.uk

Summer Half Term at National Gallery

All sessions are free. Children must be accompanied to all events. No need to book, but places are limited and allocated on arrival.
For under-5s Magic Carpet storytellingTuesday 1 to Saturday 5 June 2010, 11.30am Meet in the Education Centre Foyer Join us and fly away on the magic carpet, which comes to land in front of a different painting each day. Storytelling sessions last half an hour and are suitable for children from 2 to 5 years old.
For families with children aged 5 to 11 Free hands-on art workshops for families. Meet in the Education Centre Foyer. We’re going on a boar hunt (we’re not scared)! Tuesday 1 to Saturday 5 June 2010 11am, repeated 2pm. Workshops last two hours.
The hunter in Diego Velazquez's painting ‘La Tela Real’ is actually King Philip IV of Spain. With the help of artist Thomas Gosebruch we will make a picture book about the big event. For all ages
Family Walk and TalkTuesday 1 to Saturday 5 June 2010 12.30–1.30pm Meet in the Education Centre Foyer Join us on a journey through the Gallery where we will walk, talk and bring paintings alive!
Don’t forget our regular Family Sundays. Join us for free activities or learn more about paintings with a range of family audio tours.
During workshops a picnic room is available for families in the Education Centre. For more information on National Gallery Family events, please visit www.nationalgallery.org.uk or telephone 020 7747 2894/2885. Rail: Charing Cross Tube: Charing Cross and Leicester Square Buses to Trafalgar Square: 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24, 29, 53, 88, 91, 139, 159, 176, 453 The National Gallery Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN

Greenaway/Carnegie Shortlists

Neil Gaiman and Chris Riddell's The Graveyard Book has become the first book in 30 years to be shortlisted for both of the most prestigious awards in children's publishing, the CILIP Carnegie Medal (children’s book) and the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal (illustrated book). It follows Peter Dickinson and Michael Foreman's City of Gold (1980), which went on to win the Carnegie. The Dave McKean-illustrated Crazy Hair, a second title with text by Gaiman, is also a Greenaway contender.

The full shortlists are:

CILIP Carnegie Medal

Laurie Halse Anderson, Chains (Bloomsbury)
Neil Gaiman, The Graveyard Book (illustrations by Chris Riddell, Bloomsbury)
Helen Grant, The Vanishing of Katerina Linden (Puffin)
Julie Hearn, Rowan the Strange (OUP)
Patrick Ness, The Ask and the Answer (Walker)
Terry Pratchett, Nation (Corgi)
Philip Reeve, Fever Crumb (Scholastic)
Marcus Sedgwick, Revolver (Orion)

CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal

Grahame Baker-Smith, Leon and the Place Between (Templar)
Freya Blackwood, Harry and Hopper (text by Margaret Wild, Scholastic)
Oliver Jeffers, The Great Paper Caper (HarperCollins)
Satoshi Kitamura, Millie's Marvellous Hat (Andersen)
Dave McKean, Crazy Hair (text by Neil Gaiman, Bloomsbury)
Chris Riddell, The Graveyard Book (text by Neil Gaiman, Bloomsbury)
David Roberts, The Dunderheads (text by Paul Fleischman, Walker)
Viviane Schwarz, There Are Cats in This Book (Walker)

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at BAFTA in central London on Thursday 24 June.

Scottish Book Trust Searches for Young Writing Talent

Scottish Book Trust is currently on the lookout for three enthusiastic young writers to take part in the Young Writers Awards.
Young people aged between 14 and 17 can apply for a rare opportunity to be mentored by award winning novelist and Scottish Book Trust’s Virtual Writer in Residence Catherine Forde (Sugarcoated, SKAARS, Firestarter) as well as to meet industry professionals, including a literary agent and London publisher Scholastic, who publish Philip Pullman’s Dark Materials Trilogy amongst others.
They will also have the chance to get their work published in a book alongside other Scottish writers in early 2011.
The budding authors need to submit a 2,000 word story by May 31st in order to be selected. Details on how to apply can be found at www.scottishbooktrust.com

Inappropriate books

Do visit this delicious website
http://curiouspages.blogspot.com/
to find recommended inappropriate books for kids

Brian Wildsmith Exhibition

The Master of Colour – Brian Wildsmith at 80. 24 March – 24 April 2010 The Illustrated Cupboard is delighted to host an exceptional exhibition of original artwork by one of the most influential book illustrators of the modern era. Brian Wildsmith changed the way picture books were produced and paved the way for much of the modern era of book illustration. This exhibition of his original published paintings and drawings is the first of its kind, with work on show for the very first time.Brian Wildsmith will be at the gallery on Tuesday 13th April signing books, and the exhibition runs until 24th April.

A warm welcome is extended to all. Original artwork from £1500
Limited signed giclée editions produced by Brian Wildsmith from £250

Signed books from £5.99
Preview and purchase on www.illustrationcupboard.com

The Illustration Cupboard LLPwww.illustrationcupboard.com +44 (0)207 976 172722 Bury StLondonSW1Y 6AL

Green Park Tube is nearby and if you are in London this is a treat not to be missed.

e books

The Booksellers Association is expressing concern that e books will be freely available through the library service. The gist of their argument is the lack of need to visit an actual library and the difficulty of securing the perminent downloading of the e book. I can't see why I should need to read an e book unless I was back packing somewhere...but I can see that this could be yet a further nail in both libaries and bookshops coffin.

William Mayne

I received an email from Val Bierman today asking if we had heard of the death of William Mayne. I hadn't and on checking via google found a Times death announcement today from the undertakers and a full account in The Darlington and Stockton Times on 25 March. This said that "An award-winning children's writer whose career was ruined (2004) when he was jailed for sex attacks on children has been found dead at his home in the Yorkshire Dales. William Mayne who was 82 was the author of more than 100 books and regarded as one of the leading children's authors of the 20th century".

I remember the Archbishop of Canterbury defending his books (if not the man) at the Oxford Literary Festival in 2005. And I also remember an author who knew him well feeling that the accusation was unsound. I know nothing of him other than his books but find it extraordinary that his death should be so roundly ignored by the national press.
enid stephenson

Hans Christian Andersen Award

The national committee of British IBBY announced that author David Almond from the United Kingdom and illustrator Jutta Bauer from Germany have been announced as winners of the 2010 Hans Christian Andersen Awards. Presented biennially by the International Board on Books for Young People, the awards are recognised as the most prestigious prizes in the children’s book world. They are awarded for the entire body of an author and illustrator’s work.

David and Jutta will receive their medals and diplomas at the international IBBY congress in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, in September.Each of IBBY’s national sections is allowed to nominate a single name for each of the awards and the winners were chosen by an international jury from nominations from twenty eight countries. Our nomination for the illustrator award was Michael Foreman.

David Almond is only the third British author to receive the Award in the more than fifty years that it has been presented. His predecessors were Eleanor Farjeon in 1956 and Aidan Chambers in 2002. He joins an illustrious roll-call of some of best known names of modern children’s literature from across the world, including Tove Jansson, Astrid Lindgren, Virginia Hamilton, Patricia Wrightson, Martin Waddell and Margaret Mahy.

David Almond has already won many awards in the United Kingdom and, the United States, including the Whitbread Children’s Book Award and the Carnegie Medal for Skellig, his first children’s book. He lives in Northeast England and many of his books are set in and around Felling, in Gateshead, where he grew up. In making the Award, the IBBY international jury recognised his "unique voice as a creator of magic realism"; and his sophisticated use of language that has a wide appeal and, "captures his young readers’ imagination" encouraging children "to read, think and be critical".

IBBY also awarded its biennial IBBY-Asahi Reading Promotion Awards, for projects run by groups judged to be making a lasting contribution to reading promotion for young people. Two organizations won the award this year: the Osu Children's Library Fund of Ghana, a Canadian-based charity that has built and stocked libraries in Ghana's capital and in more than 150 schools and villages in the country; and the Convenio de Cooperatión al Plan de Lectura de Medellín, Colombia, for its reading activities within the four poorest municipalities of that city.

Details of all the nominees for the Awards and the shortlists are available at http://www.ibby.org/t_blank. Further details of British IBBY from the Chair: Ann Lazim, annlazim@googlemail.com

Details of David Almond at http://www.davidalmond.com/

Muddle Earth on CBBC

In a landmark occasion for the channel, CBBC is to unveil its first ever in-house long-form animation series, Muddle Earth.
The 13x11 minute series follows the adventures of Randalf the wizard and his human apprentice Newt as they attempt to thwart the devious attempts of Dr Cuddles, an evil blue teddy bear, from taking over the land.
Aimed at six to nine year olds, the comedy-fantasy series features the vocal magic of Sir David Jason (Randalf), and music performed by the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra – another first for the Channel.
Muddle Earth is based on Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell's much-loved children's novel of the same name. An affectionate nod to Lord Of The Rings, it takes the heart of the eponymous world and runs with it in a series of hilarious epic adventures.
Complete with inept wizards, goblins, talking clocks, elves, sarcastic budgies and scheming fairies, the upside down world of Muddle Earth will transport the audience to an astonishing fantasy world they won't want to come back from.
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The series will be broadcast Monday to Friday, 3.50pm, BBC One until March 31.
A second 13x11 minute series is in production for broadcast in September 2010.

2010 Red House Children's Book Award

The full shortlist for the 2010 Red House Children's Book Award is as follows:
Books for Younger Children
A Very Strange Creature - Ronda Armitage and Layn Marlow (Orchard Books)Crunch Munch Dinosaur Lunch! - Paul Bright and Mike Terry (Little TigerPress) The Baby Dragon-Tamer - Jan Fearnley (Egmont Books) Bottoms Up! -Jeanne Willis and Adam Stower (Puffin Books)

Books for Younger ReadersAngel Cake - Cathy Cassidy (Puffin Books) Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The LastStraw - Jeff Kinney (Puffin Books) Mondays are Murder - Tanya Landman(Walker Books)

Books for Older ReadersThe Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins (Scholastic Children's Books) Ausländer -Paul Dowswell (Bloomsbury Children's Books) Love, Aubrey - Suzanne LaFleur(Puffin Books)

This Award is run by the Federation of Children's Book Groups.

Queen of Teen

Queen of Teen is now inviting nominations for this year's award, which will be presented at a glittering award ceremony in September 2010. Between 12th April and 14th June 2010, readers can nominate any female author for the award, and a shortlist based on these nominations will be announced on 21st June. Fans of each of the shortlisted authors will be invited to the awardceremony - held in the grounds of Queen of Teen HQ in leafy Surrey - wherethey will be able to mingle with their favourite writers, invitedjournalists and other special guests.

see their website at www.queenofteen.co.uk

Blue Peter Book of the Year

Frozen in Time by Ali Sparkes (OUP), has been named Blue Peter Book of the Year at this year's Blue Peter Book Awards. The novel, winner in the Book I Couldn't Put Down category, saw off competition from Dinkin Dings and Frightening Things by Guy Bass and Pete Williamson (Stripes - Most Fun Story with Pictures) and Why Eating Bogeys Is Good for You by Mitchell Symons (Red Fox - Best Book with Facts).

I'm really delighted that Frozen in Time has won...this is what I said in issue 41 of Carousel


Frozen in Time written by Ali Sparkes, OUP 978-0-19-272755-8 £5.99
Ben and Rachel are resigned to a quiet and dull summer spent with their absent minded uncle Jerome whilst their parents are off on tour. So in the best Enid Blyton tradition there are no interfering adults to spoil the fun. Whilst fooling around in the overgrown garden they find a hidden vault containing (wait for it) the frozen bodies of a girl and a boy. Rachel accidentally hits a button and the excitement begins. The story is mainly set in 2009 but with flashbacks to 1956 and 2007. Plots galore: spies, scientists and secrets. But this book is something more than an exciting read. The two frozen children, Polly and Freddy, wake up and have to face life in 2009 and Ali Sparkes cleverly shows the changes over fifty odd years in both speech and styles. This book will undoubtedly appeal to children but I think adults who were children during the fifties will find it fascinating too. enid stephenson