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Ever wonder what clever, new books are springing up overseas? Here's a picture book I can't wait for.
The Paper Dolls, by Julia Donaldson, Pan Macmillan, 32 pages, 2012. A little girl takes her paper dolls on a fantastical adventure through the house and into the garden. First they escape the clutches of a toy dinosaur, then an oven-glove crocodile and finally a real pair of scissors. A charming picture book by UK's Children's Laureate and debut illustrator Rebecca Cobb. Donaldson is the author of the wildly popular The Gruffalo and my all-time favorite Room on a Broom.
0 Comments on Wishing from Afar as of 12/14/2012 11:16:00 AM
I’m still gathering my thoughts from the wonderful experience that was the IBBY Congress in London Thursday to Sunday 23-26 August. Four days of inspirational speakers and meeting kindred spirits from all over the world. I’ve now added a selection of photographs to our Flickr – you can see them here. I haven’t quite finished tagging and describing yet, but I’m getting there… and here is a smaller selection for you to enjoy on the blog – again, I’ve numbered them so that I can come back and label them!
A London children’s theatre company Theatre Peckham helped the Opening Ceremony go with a swing with their delightful performance of an extract from the theatre adaptation of Kate DiCamillo’s The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. Then fuelled with a piece of Wally’s delicious 25th birthday cake (but where was he? Answer: everywhere, in the guise of the very game Imperial College staff!), we headed back to the auditorium for our first plenary session – and what a line up! Three UK Children’s Laureates – the current reigning Julia Donaldson and two of her predeceesors, Michael Morpurgo and Anthony Browne.
Each spoke about what particular passions they had brought to their role as laureate: Michael described how he and poet Ted Hughes had first come up with the idea, and how Hughes had been instrumental in making it all happen; Anthony played the ‘shape game’ and showed how it appears everywhere in his work and outside it; and Julia talked of the three areas close to her heart: enhancing children’s experience of reading through drama; keeping libraries open (a big issue in the UK); and promoting stories for and about deaf children.
Julia and her husband Malcolm, on guitar, then showcased some examples of what theatre can do to enhance literacy, from the chorus of a very fast Italian pasta song written while on holiday in Siena, Italy, to a virtuoso performance of The Gruffalo in French, German and (its most recent language) Scots. In between, we were treated to the song that inspired Julia’s book A Squash and a Squeeze with audience participation… and I say treated, well, it was a real treat for me as I got to be the hen! Thanks to Australian author Susanne Gervay (yes, that was one of my top thrills of IBBY, meeting Susanne in person…), you will shortly be able to see it on Flickr too – don’t laugh too much!!
Well, that was just the first few hours of the Congress – I will certainly be writing more about it over the coming weeks. In the meantime, hello to all those PaperTigers friends I got to meet for the first time in real life – Shirin Adl, Candy Gourlay, Dashdondog Jamba; and to old friends and new. I’ll now be dreaming of IBBY Mexico 2014… In the meantime, head on over to Flickr and enjoy my photos – and much better ones on the official IBBY Congress 2012′s photostream.
0 Comments on Some photographs from the IBBY Congress, London 2012 as of 1/1/1900
Congratulations to: Alison Lester and Boori Monty Pryor who are the recipients of the inaugural Australian Children’s Laureate.
It’s an exciting time for Australian children’s literature at the moment. There’s the National Year of Reading in 2012, Centre for Youth Literature’s 21st Birthday in 2012 and the inaugural Australian Children’s Laureate.
The inaugural Pop Up Festival of Stories took place on July 9th and 10th and has been declared “an astonishing success”! Visitor numbers exceeded expectations as over six thousand children, with their families and friends, flocked to London, UK, to revel in the fun of the first ever Pop Up Festival of Stories – a free two-day festival for kids, celebrating the fun of reading. The festival was the finale to the Pop Up Schools Programme which gave almost 3,000 children aged three to 14 from 8 schools the chance to explore books and meet authors and illustrators at exciting host venues in the London area.
Dylan Calder, Pop Up’s Director, said: “Pop Up exceeded all our expectations. We set out to create a free literature event that was both accessible and extraordinary, that children from all kinds of backgrounds could enjoy and be part of…We’re already starting to plan for 2012 and beyond…and we’ll soon be announcing an extension of our programme.”
Author Philip Ardagh on the ceiling in his House of Illusions
Sara Montgomery, Acting Head of Guardian Books which ran a hugely successful pop-up children’s bookshop at the festival, said: “The Guardian is delighted to have been associated with the Pop Up Festival of Stories. It featured a great line-up of authors, which resulted in queues around the corner for signings at the Guardian Bookshop on several occasions. The Guardian Book Doctor, featuring the Guardian’s children’s books editor Julia Eccleshare, was a hit, with no shortage of ‘patients’ requesting their book recommendation diagnoses over the two hours she was in session. Sales were robust, and being part of the festival was valuable exposure for the Guardian Bookshop and the recently-launched children’s books website.”
Former UK Children’s LaureateMichael Rosen described the festival as “A fantastic time for fun, creativity and pure pleasure for children and adults alike.”
Former Children's Laureate Michael Rosen and author/illustrator Hervé Tullet
Last week it was announced that there would be a change of name for the role of children's book champion--the new incumbent (to be announced in June) will now be known as the Waterstone's Children's Laureate. I'm not really sure how I feel about this. We do live in a world of sponsored literary prizes--the Costa Book Awards spring to mind, as does the Man Booker. But doesn't putting a commercial logo on a post such as that of a laureate diminish its effectiveness and raise doubts as to its future impartiality?
The children's laureate should be, above all, an ambassador for children's books. Each of the six holders of the post so far has highlighted different areas of concern--the latest, Anthony Browne, has concentrated his two years on showing the vital part illustrators and picture books in general play in the education of children. But is a chain-bookstore branded ambassador going to be welcomed by, forinstance, independent booksellers? Kate Agnew, (of the indie Children's Bookshop in Muswell Hill) has warned that the laureateship might be marginalised by such a move. "It could be seen as a trade thing rather than as an ambassadorial role," she said to The Bookseller last week. That, I feel, would be very a very unfortunate outcome indeed.
But we do live in a world of financial cuts. The current government grant for the laureateship has been halved and compromises have had to be made. Waterstone's have been major supporters of the laureateship ever since its inception, and the new branding is 'payback' for their loyalty in a time when every penny spent by a company has to show a result. They themselves say that they will be 'upweighting' (a word I have never seen used before, but still...) their activities around the role, and will promote heavily. Indies will get a 'non-Waterstone's logo to use. In principle it could all work out just fine.
I do think though, that the new Children's Laureate (sorry, I mean WCL), will have to be very strong-minded--and be prepared to fight their corner and not be pushed around. More than ever now, we need someone highly visible and vocal to stand up and speak for children's books, for libraries and school libraries, for reading in general--and against the cultural policies of the Government of the day if necessary. I hope the Children's Laureate Steering Group will bear this in mind when they are making their choice--and I trust that Waterstone's will give our new champion--whoever he or she is--all the support they need and deserve, free of any strings or caveats.
9 Comments on The Noble Art of Laureateship - Lucy Coats, last added: 4/27/2011
Agree with much of what you say, Lucy, but as well as AMBASSADORIAL the post is an HONOUR which ought to be awarded for LITERARY/ARTISTIC merit. I'm afraid that commercial considerations might enter into the decision rather more than they have up to now. Who knows? But the really interesting question is: WHITHER WATERSTONE'S and what happens to the Laureateship if it goes to the wall? We must all hope that doesn't happen for all sorts of reasons..,
Yes, Adele--I should have said that. It is indeed an honour as well. And you're quite right to ask the question about whither Waterstone's too. I hoped someone might--I think we do need to have this discussion.
Kath--I think the 'powers that be' on the committee hadn't much choice but to agree, given the financial constraints they are now under.
I think the laureat 'role' has always been a kind of honor role. Given for works done so to speak. The fact that one or two of them used it as a platform was, I think, a plus. I fear though that the 'laureatship' is not really a kind of 'champion' of children's lit and all issues relating to it. WE ACTUALLY need someone whose role is to be a spokeperson for us and I don't think we have it and I don't think we can expect it of the 'laureat' who's been given this honour for their work. How do we get such a SPOKESPERSON? That's the question.
I share your reservations, Lucy. The laureateship for adult poetry was always an honour, it would be odd to have a corporate sponsor for it. The children's laureateship has so far been given to authors who have a strong body of work of literary merit behind them and have got to the prize-winning stage of their career. But Waterstone's doesn't deal in bodies of work, they deal in the brand new, and good books go O/P because Waterstone's won't stock and promote them. If they sponsor the laureateship and several of the laureate's books are O/P, for example (which would be quite normal, look at Doris Lessing just before she won the Nobel), that would make no sense. And yes - whither Waterstone's? Very good question. How come they have cash to flash on this kind of thing anyway? And how much longer will they have it?
A very worrying move. What if the laureate wants to make a big issue of supporting independent bookshops, or public libraries? Will they be allowed to do so? Will Waterstone's be given the inside track on supporting the laureate's books? On hosting the events that are part of the laureate's commitment?
And how come the Poet Laureate isn't also being rebranded? I quite like the sound of the "Bloodaxe Poet Laureate" - to be remunerated in the traditional manner, with two crates of Diet Coke and a slap-up meal at Nando's.
oh dear, oh dear - it doesn't sit well, does it, Lucy? But did we notice that Waterstones were the sole sponsors of the 2009-11 Children's Laureate award?
Anne, I agree, perhaps we should go back to the BookTrust for a SPOKESPERSON?
One way to get a spokesman would be to elect a chairman of the SAS - not to boss us around, but to be a trusted representative for contact with the media.
I read today that Wstone's may be safe in the arms of Tim Wstone and a Russian Oligarch who loves books. Good for them if so...would hate to lose the chain.
Siobhán is the author of more than 20 books for children and teenagers, including Sisters… no way!, a truly double-sided tale of reluctant stepsisters, which won the Bisto Book of the Year, the leading annual children’s book award in Ireland. She recently set up a new children’s imprint Little Island, which will be translating a range of foreign books for older children and teenagers, so we will be watching them eagerly; and she has also just completed six years as the M.I.E. Poetry Ireland writer-in-residence at the Marino Institute of Education in Dublin.
Andrew Motion, chair of the selection panel, awarded Anthony Browne with his medal in front of 180 guests at Paramount, Centre Point.
Andrew Motion said:
‘Anthony Browne is an absolutely distinctive and extraordinarily skilful artist – someone whose work entrances children, and has influenced an entire generation of illustrators. His pictures and stories give deep and immediate pleasures, while also insisting that we – children and adults – return to them – and when we return, we have a gradually-expanding sense of discovery. It is a great pleasure to be able to recognise the achievement of Anthony’s work by celebrating his appointment as Children’s Laureate.’
Anthony Browne responded:
‘I hope to encourage more children to discover and love reading, but I want to focus particularly on the appreciation of picture books, and the reading of both pictures and words. Picture books are for everybody at any age, not books to be left behind as we grow older. The best ones leave a tantalising gap between the pictures and the words, a gap that is filled by the reader’s imagination, adding so much to the excitement of reading a book.’
To watch a video of Anthony Browne at the announcement click here.
0 Comments on Acclaimed Author and Illustrator Anthony Browne Named As New Children’s Laureate In The U.K. For 2009 - 2011 as of 1/1/1900
In case you haven't heard yet, the newly announced Children's Laureate is picture book Author & Illustrator Anthony Browne. He will hold the post for the next 2 years. He is most famous for his Gorilla books. I did a blog all about himand his work a while ago, after I heard him give a really interesting talk.
The Children's Laureate is a relatively recent idea, begun in 1999, and Anthony Browne is only the 6th so far. He takes over from Michael Rosen.
I got to do this surreptitious sketch of Micheal Rosen when he happened to be sitting in front of me at a conference:
The Children's Laureate's role is to be an ambassador for children's books, in whichever way takes their fancy. It will be interesting to see what an illustrator chooses to emphasise. The only other illustrator was the very first laureate, the legendary Quentin Blake:
All we know so far is that, unsurprisingly, Anthony Browne intends to use his time to focus on the appreciation of picture books.
"Picture books are for everybody at any age, not books to be left behind as we grow older," he said.
I couldn't agree more!
4 Comments on Illustrator Becomes Children's Laureate!, last added: 6/15/2009
I love picture books for all ages, in fact I'd buy a book for it's pictures rather than the story. I did that with Posy Simmonds' but ened up enjoying the story too! - Double bonus! I want more picture books for adults that aren't just sci-fi comics!
I do find some graphic novels very visually interesting, but they can be extremely mysogenistic and violent at times. We women need to get writing them instead!
Anthony Browne says 'Every time we create something we play the shape game – every time we write a story or draw a picture or compose a piece of music we are playing it. We are taking something that we have seen or experienced and transforming it into a story… it’s the essence of creativity.'
I’m delighted it’s the essence because (taking his shape game rather loosely) it’s how I spend my day… seeing a sentence, experiencing its downfalls and trying to transform and shape it differently. I’m no longer a ‘writer’ but a ‘revisioner’, spending more time ‘revisioning’ than writing. It’s more constructive than editing, which seems a very harsh and blunt action, sort of like chopping off a head with a guillotine. ‘Revisioning’ is more mellow… the idea of finding another vision in what you’ve written, appealing. Other people might call it time wasting. I’m a rubbish plotter that’s why I have to ‘revision’. Actually a friend said politely, you’re an organic writer. Organic writing means the story is constantly changing. We’ve had this debate often… the plotters and non-plotters.
The reaction to Gillian’s post this week on Elmore Leonard’s Ten Rules of Writing shows how many opinions there are on how we should write and how we should edit. I’ve a penchant for puerile things… the ellipses, the word ‘suddenly’ and exclamation marks. How many times haven’t I put in those exclamation marks and ‘revisioned’ them out again, then ‘revisioned’ them back in? My people always speak in a high state of tension that can only be suggested by exclamations!!!
But seriously what I really wanted to say was congratulations to Anthony Browne! I think he’ll make a fine Children’s Laureate. It’s about time picture books get a look in again. Quentin Blake was a long time ago.
Anthony Horowitz was quoted as saying. ‘We don’t need a spokesperson to be the person representing children’s books. Children will come and listen to a writer whose books they like. They don’t need a government agency or a medal that says ‘laureate’ to continue that.’ I think Horowitz has missed the point entirely. No, children don’t need a Laureate in his sense… it’s not about children listening to a writer whose books they like.
A Children’s Laureate re-creates excitement for every kind of book… not just his own. And we need a Children’s Laureate like Anthony Browne who will do for drawing and seeing things in pictures, what Michael Rosen did for the joy of words and poetry. Anthony Browne’s books make no concession to what we expect to find in a picture book… they deal in mysterious nuances of the ordinary and not so ordinary… a world children connect with. The fact that they love his work shows their highly developed sense of visual discernment. Visual discernment is what it’s all about when the chosen Children’s Laureate is an illustrator. It’s about opening up a world that children will be able to access and share. And there can be no greater pleasure than sharing a book with a child.
PS. Come on, Charlie, now can you supply us with more details of what went on behind those closed doors?
PPS. I missed my yoga class this morning because I was so busy ‘revisioning’ this post and it still has a rubbish plot!
6 Comments on Revisioning - Dianne Hofmeyr, last added: 6/13/2009
I've tried both - plotting and non-plotting a story. Still don't know which works best, but I guess that's the point. We should never stop learning and trying to be better writers.
Of course some very well-known writers disagree (just like some don't see the point in a Children's Laureate). I went to see a crime writer I admire very much, Håkan Nesser, speak a few months ago and he disagrees. He says his first book is as good as his last. Oh to be so confident!
PS. Come on, Charlie, now can you supply us with more details of what went on behind those closed doors?
Sorry, we were sworn to secrecy. (Something about having our tongue torn out by its roots - ouch!) I can reveal however that it was a bit like this... http://jameskennedy.com/2009/03/06/america-emulate-this-man/
I'm exhausted Charlie! I feel I've been going around in a washing machine and then done a tumble dry as well. I read an extract of the book too... equally brilliant, exhausting, excessive and bizarre. How does he keep up the pace?
Well here's some fantastic news--Anthony Browne has been named the new UK Children's Laureate! I adore Anthony Browne's books, and I applaud what he has to say about picture books in general:"Picture books are for everybody at any age, not books to be left behind as we grow older......We have in Britain some of the best picture book makers in the world, and I want to see their books appreciated
0 Comments on Anthony Browne named new Children's Laureate (UK) as of 6/9/2009 10:11:00 PM
One of the most interesting innovations within children’s literature in Britain in the last decade has been the introduction of the post of Children’s Laureate. The idea, I understand, was hatched in a conversation between Michael Morpurgo and Ted Hughes, then Poet Laureate (and a fine children’s writer to boot). The role of the Poet Laureate, who is appointed by the monarch, goes back a little further, to the reign of Charles II and John Dryden – or possibly Charles I and Ben Jonson, depending how you count it. Jonson, typically, arranged to be paid with a butt of sherry (that’s 700 bottles!), and this tradition continues today. No such luck for the Children’s Laureate – though there’s a useful cheque that goes with the job. And – well, at least the Children’s Laureate isn’t required to praise the efforts of the latest member of the royal family who thinks that writing a picture book is Easy, or to write mellifluous verses on the occasion of some blue-blooded sprog’s first day at school. Humility has its advantages.
The Children’s Laureate post rotates biennially, and there have been five so far: Quentin Blake (1999-2001), Anne Fine (2001-2003), Michael Morpurgo (2003-2005), Jacqueline Wilson (2005-7) and Michael Rosen (2007-2009). I think that represents a pretty good mix of genres and age ranges, though they’ve each approached the job quite differently. But what is that job? Mostly, I think, to keep the profile of children’s books as high as possible, in a world where they’re often neglected or seen as something ‘less’ than books for adults, where the National Curriculum has led to a culture of teaching snippets rather than whole books, where libraries are a soft target in any round of spending cuts, and where children face a range of alternative digital allurements. That sounds very negative, but it’s not all a rearguard action. The Laureate should also be a positive example of what it means to be a children’s writer, and all the holders so far have a great track record of producing books that are both popular with children and highly respected by their peers. Ambassadorship, campaigning and getting your views across are all important, but personally I hope that whoever gets the job this time round won’t stop writing for the duration.
Why am I writing about this? No, no – I’m not on the shortlist, don’t worry! But I do have the honour of being one of the panel that will choose the next Laureate, from a shortlist supplied by children and adults across the country. Right now I’m reading furiously (and delightedly), and in due course I’ll be travelling to a Secret Location for the meeting. I believe the announcement won’t be made officially until June, so there will be a period of bursting-to-say ahead of me, for we panellists have sworn an oath of secrecy. For the one who gabs, the Big Red Scissor Man awaits.
Wish me luck, ABBA readers!
0 Comments on A Lorra Lorra Laureates - Charlie Butler as of 1/1/1900
That'll be three months then of fellow authors getting you very drunk and then shouting 'Who's the Laureate?' when you least expect it. Makes up for not having a butt of sack, I suppose.
Here in the US we have a "National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature". The Library of Congress chooses, and while Jon Scieszka is a wonderful choice, your process sounds more fun!
This sounds a fine honour indeed, Charlie. I hope you won't mind my little whimper at 'children face a range of alternative digital allurements.' Some of those allurements may turn out to be the literature of the future!
Aline and I have much to tell about our fantastic trip to the Bologna Children’s Book Fair at the beginning of this month. There really is no better event to take the pulse of the children’s book publishing world: and what a world that is!
We’ve met so many interesting people and enjoyed putting faces to names of organisations and publishers; we’ve attended inspiring presentations; and have been dazzled by the quality and endlessly varied styles of the illustrations we’ve come across, both in the books we have browsed through and as part of the fair’s special exhibits. The overall impression was of immense industry – people in deep discussion, buying and selling rights; looking through artists’ portfolios; rushing between presentations – what a buzz!
Over the next few weeks, Aline and I will be posting on a variety of topics. In the meantime, here are some of the highlights for us, in no particular order:
Looking at the proofs for Ed Young’s new book, Wabi Sabi (written by Mark Reibstein);
Meeting librarians from all over the world at a session organised by the IFLA (International Federation of Libraries Associations and Institutions) – so lively that we were asked to be quiet…! – and hearing IBBY President and Canadian Groundwood Books publisher, Patricia Aldana’s presentation entitled “Books as Mirrors”;
Attending the launch of the International Youth Library’s White Ravens 2008 catalog;
Listening to poets Michael Rosen (UK Children’s Laureate) and Jorge Lujan’s contributions to a panel titled “Poetry Break: Poetry in Children’s Books”;
Attending the award-presentation of the Bologna Raggazzi “New Horizons” Award to Chennai-based Tara Publishing, for the hand-made book The Nightlife of Trees, and watching how the book came into being;
Hearing illustrators Robert Ingpen and Paul O. Zelinsky talk about their contributions to the book Artist to Artist: 23 Major Illustrators Talk to Children About Their Art (the proceeds of which go to the Eric Carl Museum of Picture Book Art.)…
Well, I could just keep going – and I will. And so will Aline: so keep coming back as the full picture unfolds…
0 Comments on Bologna Children’s Book Fair! as of 1/1/1900
Corinne said, on 4/13/2008 9:22:00 PM
Wow Marjorie - sounds like you and Aline had a fabulous time! I look forward to hearing more.
Janet said, on 4/14/2008 9:43:00 AM
What a feast! I would love to hear more about about Tara Publishing and “watching how the book came into being.”
Marjorie said, on 4/14/2008 9:48:00 AM
Well, you won’t need to hold your breath for very long on that one as I know Aline is all ready to post about Tara Books…
And yes, thank you, Corinne, it was a fantastic experience. Italian friends I was visiting in Rome afterwards told me that the Italian Press had reported that the standard of the books on show this year was particularly high and I can only agree with them.
Okay, that subject line is a big lie. There is no Canadian Children's Laureate. But doesn't it seem like we could use one?
Last month American children's writer Jon Scieszka (author of The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs and The Time Warp Trio series among others) was named the first National Ambassador for Children’s Books in the USA.
This is basically a new world version of the UK Children’s Laureate and makes me wonder yet again, when are we going to get a Children's Laureate to call our own?
Scieszka's latest book is called Smash! Crash! and is the start of a new series called Trucktown which looks set to start revving toddler engines. (Does Scieszka really rhyme with Fresca or did I dream that?) Check out his literacy website at www.guyssread.com where you can download jazzy GUYS READ bookmarks and find recommended titles.
But back to us. Up here in Canada. Laureate-less. Well, not entirely. We have a very good Poet Laureate in John Steffler, but I do think it's time we had some representation for one of our most significant group of readers.
Now let me think who I would nominate should anyone ask. Hmm, how about Sarah Ellis? She's already won about every prize going and in addition to writing fantastic children's books herself has done valiant service in the field as both a librarian and critic.
Other suggestions? And anyone know who we could be pestering about this and how?
0 Comments on Canadian Children's Laureate Announced as of 1/1/1990
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Congratulations to: Alison Lester and Boori Monty Pryor who are the recipients of the inaugural Australian Children’s Laureate.
The inaugural 
the chance to explore books and meet authors and illustrators at exciting host venues in the London area.
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Agree with much of what you say, Lucy, but as well as AMBASSADORIAL the post is an HONOUR which ought to be awarded for LITERARY/ARTISTIC merit. I'm afraid that commercial considerations might enter into the decision rather more than they have up to now. Who knows? But the really interesting question is: WHITHER WATERSTONE'S and what happens to the Laureateship if it goes to the wall? We must all hope that doesn't happen for all sorts of reasons..,
Golly, I missed this. And who decides? Who has had the power to agree to a corporate semi-takeover like this, I wonder?
Yes, Adele--I should have said that. It is indeed an honour as well. And you're quite right to ask the question about whither Waterstone's too. I hoped someone might--I think we do need to have this discussion.
Kath--I think the 'powers that be' on the committee hadn't much choice but to agree, given the financial constraints they are now under.
I think the laureat 'role' has always been a kind of honor role. Given for works done so to speak. The fact that one or two of them used it as a platform was, I think, a plus. I fear though that the 'laureatship' is not really a kind of 'champion' of children's lit and all issues relating to it. WE ACTUALLY need someone whose role is to be a spokeperson for us and I don't think we have it and I don't think we can expect it of the 'laureat' who's been given this honour for their work.
How do we get such a SPOKESPERSON? That's the question.
I share your reservations, Lucy. The laureateship for adult poetry was always an honour, it would be odd to have a corporate sponsor for it. The children's laureateship has so far been given to authors who have a strong body of work of literary merit behind them and have got to the prize-winning stage of their career. But Waterstone's doesn't deal in bodies of work, they deal in the brand new, and good books go O/P because Waterstone's won't stock and promote them. If they sponsor the laureateship and several of the laureate's books are O/P, for example (which would be quite normal, look at Doris Lessing just before she won the Nobel), that would make no sense.
And yes - whither Waterstone's? Very good question. How come they have cash to flash on this kind of thing anyway? And how much longer will they have it?
A very worrying move. What if the laureate wants to make a big issue of supporting independent bookshops, or public libraries? Will they be allowed to do so? Will Waterstone's be given the inside track on supporting the laureate's books? On hosting the events that are part of the laureate's commitment?
And how come the Poet Laureate isn't also being rebranded? I quite like the sound of the "Bloodaxe Poet Laureate" - to be remunerated in the traditional manner, with two crates of Diet Coke and a slap-up meal at Nando's.
oh dear, oh dear - it doesn't sit well, does it, Lucy? But did we notice that Waterstones were the sole sponsors of the 2009-11 Children's Laureate award?
Anne, I agree, perhaps we should go back to the BookTrust for a SPOKESPERSON?
One way to get a spokesman would be to elect a chairman of the SAS - not to boss us around, but to be a trusted representative for contact with the media.
I read today that Wstone's may be safe in the arms of Tim Wstone and a Russian Oligarch who loves books. Good for them if so...would hate to lose the chain.