‘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
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
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
“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.
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.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
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
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
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
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.
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.
Thursday, September 09, 2010
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."
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."
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, September 04, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
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.)
Friday, August 06, 2010
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.”
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.”
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
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 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
Friday, July 23, 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.
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.
Monday, July 19, 2010
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
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.
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
Puffin at 70 exhibition
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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.
Thursday, July 01, 2010
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•
Friday, June 25, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
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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
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