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Seeking Optimism Amid Crisis? Look to the Young Heroes Battling Alien Threats | Alexander Hurst
Recently, I found myself ruminating on the idea of extraterrestrial beings resembling slugs that infiltrate humans through their ears to take control of their minds, ultimately aiming for global supremacy. This notion could potentially explain many of the troubling issues we face today. It also reminded me of the children’s fantasy series, Animorphs, particularly when…
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Dog Man: The Musical review – Dav Pilkey’s beloved canine hero steals the scene in a tail-wagging performance
If you are not a parent of a primary school-aged child, you might be unfamiliar with “Dog Man,” a popular series of graphic novels by Dav Pilkey. The story follows a cop who, after suffering a severe injury, has the head of his dog attached to his body, resulting in a unique crime-fighting hybrid of…
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“Discover the Joy of Picture Books: A Better Use of Your Time than Social Media | Joel Snape”
There are numerous reasons why one might hesitate to engage with picture books. Unlike traditional novels, such as “A Tale of Two Cities,” which can be checked off a reading list or discussed in book clubs, picture books often lack the same prestige or cultural significance as works like “Middlemarch” or “The Odyssey.” Consequently, they…
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Raymond Briggs’s Collection Available for Purchase at Nearby Oxfam Store
The extensive personal library of Raymond Briggs, the esteemed British author and cartoonist known for iconic works like The Snowman and Fungus the Bogeyman, has been made available for purchase at Oxfam’s bookshop in Hove, East Sussex, as well as online. Following his passing at the age of 88 in 2022, over 1,000 volumes from…
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The Guardian’s Perspective on Patrice Lawrence: A Contemporary Champion for Children’s Literature | Editorial
In 2017, a significant controversy emerged when the Carnegie Medal, renowned as the UK’s oldest and most esteemed award for children’s literature, featured a longlist devoid of minority ethnic authors. This occurred despite the nominations of notable writers such as Malorie Blackman, known for her work on “Noughts & Crosses,” and Patrice Lawrence, acclaimed for…
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“New Children’s Laureate Patrice Lawrence Reflects on the Overlooked Diversity in Children’s Literature”
Upon receiving the call to become the next children’s laureate in the UK, Patrice Lawrence’s initial reaction was one of disbelief. “I was in absolute shock,” she recalled with a laugh. Now, she is starting to come to terms with the significance of joining an esteemed group that includes notable figures like Jacqueline Wilson, Quentin…
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Patrice Lawrence appointed as the latest laureate for children’s literature
Patrice Lawrence has been appointed as the new Waterstones Children’s Laureate, with plans to leverage her position to emphasize the role of reading in fostering community connections during challenging times. Lawrence, an acclaimed author recognized for her young adult novels such as “Orangeboy” and “Needle,” takes over the laureateship from Frank Cottrell-Boyce. The transition was…
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Top Picks for Toys and Gifts for Seven-Year-Olds, Curated by Parents and Children
Choosing gifts for seven-year-olds can be a daunting task due to the vast array of options available. This challenge often arises as children at this age begin to express their own personalities and develop greater independence. Many kids can engage in play, whether alone or with friends, without the need for constant adult supervision. According…
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Highlights of the Latest Picture Books and Novels for Kids and Teens
My Dad Can by Stephen Lightbown, illustrated by Claire Sahara Lemp, Quarto, £7.99 – In this vibrant and imaginative picture book, Iris’s father has the remarkable ability to transform into any creature she envisions, including dinosaurs and unicorns. While some people focus on his wheelchair and underestimate his capabilities, the story celebrates the boundless creativity…
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70 Exceptional Reads to Enjoy This Summer
A middle-aged author revisits his alma mater to conduct a pivotal interview with his 90-year-old mentor, an esteemed intellectual. However, his broken phone prevents him from recording the session, leading to a sense of anxiety as he grapples with this technological failure. This disquieting start ushers in a narrative filled with profound reflections on themes…
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Diana Evans Triumphs at Jhalak Prose Prize, Celebrating Joy and Inspiration
Diana Evans has been awarded the Jhalak Prose Prize for her nonfiction work, I Want to Talk to You, which delves into themes including Jean Rhys, Toni Morrison, and reflections on the COVID-19 lockdowns and the British monarchy. The announcement was made during a reception on Wednesday evening, where the Guardian’s reviewer, Alex Clark, praised…
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Behind the Magic: The Untold Stories of the Real Children Who Inspired Beloved Fictional Characters
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For many years, I held a deep affection for certain children, unaware that they were real individuals. I can vividly recall the enchantment I experienced upon encountering the photographs that confirmed their existence: a young boy dressed in a version of hunting attire, posing triumphantly; a dark-haired girl with a slightly askew gaze, her expression…
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The Guardian’s Perspective on the UK’s Inaugural Illustration Hub: Celebrating Visual Literacy and the Delight of Imagery | Editorial
In Lewis Carroll’s classic tale, Alice expresses her dissatisfaction with the absence of visual elements and dialogue in literature. When one thinks of Alice, the iconic engravings by John Tenniel typically come to mind. Similarly, Roald Dahl’s beloved character, the BFG, is forever linked to Sir Quentin Blake’s distinctive portrayal, while the cherished Gruffalo owes…
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“Norwegian Children’s Literature Boldly Addresses Taboo Subjects, from IVF to Incest”
Anna Fiske, a Swedish-born author residing in Norway, reflects on her unexpected reputation as a courageous writer and illustrator, particularly after receiving death threats for her 2019 book. “I simply present things as they are,” she comments, revealing her surprise at being labeled brave. Fiske’s work is geared toward children and does not delve into…
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“Exploring the Playful Side of Narrative: Insights from Children’s Illustrators”
Set within an expansive 17th-century industrial site in Clerkenwell, London, the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration is poised to launch next month, claiming the title of the largest facility dedicated to illustration globally. This innovative establishment aims to serve as a permanent national hub for an art form that influences a wide array of areas,…