Its Official ...

... we have a new Children's Laureate for 2011-2013 and it is Julia Donaldson.

A hushed expectation greeted Viv Bird of the Book Trust as she took to the podium to make the first speech of the event this morning in London's Kings Cross.

Yet the audience were not to be let off lightly, first there were the speeches to listen too, from Ed Vaizey, minister for culture to representatives from sponsor's Waterstones, the Publisher's Association and the last Children's Laureate Anthony Browne, until Floella Benjamin, chair of the Laureate selection panel, herself a children's author of over 20 books and strong campaigner for children's book and human rights, took to the podium and ... welcomed all her 'playschool babies.' Floella delivered her own moving and interesting speech before revealing that Julia had been the choice of the panel to take on the role of Children's Laureate for the next two years.

We heard, from each speaker, how important books and reading are, particularly in the current climate with library closures and competition for children's attention with new technologies. Despite this we were assured that reading remains a fundamental cornerstone of every child's education and that Julia plans to reinforce this, after she recovers from the awe she feels. Explaining that she was impressed by Anthony Browne's effort to tour Scotland, visiting six schools in a week, she plans, as the first Scottish based Laureate, to better that whilst also promoting reading for children throughout the UK. Her primary aims, she explained, will be to bring books and reading to children through drama and music as well as furthering the work done with deaf children, being partially deaf herself.

An exciting two years await Julia and the team at Armadillo wish her all the best whilst looking forward to her work and initiatives in her new role. we too will be continuing to work to further the importance of children's reading and ensure libraries in the community and our schools remain open for all.

It is with news galore that I write my blog post today and trying to decide where to start is not easy!

First I must tell you about the launch of Perform-a-Poem, the first e-safe

website for children's poetry performances. The launch took place at the National Theatre in London on 3rd November. This was the brainchild of Michael Rosen whilst Children's Laureate and he has now been able to see his ideas become a reality. At the launch Michael said “I’m hoping that Perform-A-Poem will give an opportunity for children and teachers to experiment and play with poetry in an exciting way. All poems have a voice; sometimes this voice is best heard silently, but most poems enjoy being spoken and performed, because this is how we get to feel a poem.”

Secondly there was the launch of P for Poland photographed by Prodeepta Das and written by Agnieszka Mrowczynska. This wonderful book is a great addition to a series that Prodeepta is building up and introduces children in a very accessible way to countries of the world that they may be less than familiar with. Thanks to the Polish Institute in London for an interesting insight into Polish Culture and a lovely, intimate evening.

Next is the announcement of the winners of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize.

Morag Charlwood attended this event on behalf of Armadillo and her report, along with many others, will feature in the December edition of the magazine. In the meantime however congratulations go to Sam Lloyd whose Mr Pusskins Best in Show won the under six prize and Philip Ardagh whose Grubtown Tales:

Stinking Rich and Just Plain Stinky won him the prize in the 7-14 category. These and all the books on the shortlist were wonderful and I hope the prize continues to go from strength to strength.

This week I will be in the audience as Geraldine McCaughrean and Philip Reeve talk about their new novels; finding time to prepare the December edition of Armadillo Magazine and getting together all the wonderful Christmas books that I have been sent ready to provide all my Blog readers with some ideas for some fantastic Christmas gift ideas! So as they say, Watch This Space...!

Anthony Browne - Children's Laureate 2009-2011

"Completely chuffed" was Anthony Browne’s first reaction on being offered the position of Children’s Laureate for 2009-2011. The questions of whether his head had grown too large for the medal or if size seven feet were going to be big enough to fill the gap left by Michael Rosen and his converse trainers typify the modest and self-effacing nature of Anthony Browne.

Having begun the morning by forgetting his speech Anthony did not have the best start to the day however he was entertaining and insightful. The pleasure he clearly feels at being appointed laureate was clear. The assembled press, librarians, booksellers among others were thrilled with the news and toasted Anthony’s success as well as the continuing importance and relevance of the role.

Over the last ten years we have had writers, an illustrator and a poet, the circle now returns to the illustrator and one who is determined to ensure that picture books and the ‘shape game’ become an integral part of the psyche of the nation. I for one will be supporting Anthony’s efforts 110%. I hope that everyone with any interest in children’s reading, development and future will do the same.

Congratulations to Anthony, thank you to all the sponsors of the Children’s Laureate for a wonderful celebration and let us hope that this ever-important role continues for a very long time.

Thanks to Mary Hoffman for donating the pictures after my camera died on me!