August Book Blog – 9 Children’s Laureates
The role of Children’s Laureate is awarded once every two years to an individual who is considered to have made a
significant and lasting contribution to the world of children’s books. The Laureate receives £15,000 and a specially
designed silver medal.
Chris Riddell
2015 – 2017
Chris Riddell is the current Laureate and has illustrated over 100 children’s books. He admits that he only started
writing books so that he would have more books to illustrate! He has written books for children of all ages, many of
which have an element of the surreal and show signs of Riddell’s sense of humour.
The Emporer of Absurdia (Age 3 and above) is one of the many fantastic picture books Chris Riddell has written and
illustrated. It tells the story of a small boy who tumbles out of bed one day into a crazy dreamland of wardrobe
monsters, dragons and skies full of snoring fish!
Malorie Blackman 2013 – 2015
Malorie Blackman planned to be an English teacher but then ended up training as systems programmer and came to
writing later in her life. Her first book was published in 1990 and since then she has written over 70 books and has
received many awards for her writing.
Noble Conflict (Age 11 and above) was published at the beginning of Malorie Blackman’s two years as Children’s
Laureate. The reader meets Kaspar who has grown up in a society based on peace and harmony. A group of rebels
seem to be plotting to destroy the peace but as Kaspar learns more about the rebels he begins to understand that
things are not as they seem.
Julia Donaldson 2011 – 2013
Julia is well known for her ability to create engaging stories featuring rhyme, rhythm and repetition. Her most
famous book is probably The Gruffalo which has been made into an animation for television. She has written over
100 books for children and teenagers even though she didn’t set out to become a writer.
Cave Baby (age 3 and above) is a rhyming story about a baby who enjoys painting. His mum and dad aren’t happy
when he paints the walls of the cave adding spots, stripes and squiggles to the drawings his mum has created. In the
middle of the night a mammoth takes Cave Baby on an exciting adventure to somewhere where his artistic talents
are appreciated.
Anthony Browne 2009 – 2011
Anthony Browne published his first book in 1976, since then he has created over 40 titles which he has written and
created the illustrations for. His books often feature gorillas, he is fascinated by their strength and gentleness. The
illustrations he creates for his books are often as thought provoking as the text.
My Dad (Age 5 and above) is a witty and hilarious tribute to Dads everywhere. Delightful illustrations combine with
text that celebrates everything that is fantastic about dads.
Michael Rosen 2007 – 2009
Michael Rosen started writing poetry when he was twelve years old, creating satirical poems about people he
knew. Since then he has written a wealth of books for children including non-fiction, novels, picture books. He has
also retold classics and stories from other cultures as well as writing poetry.
Centrally Heated knickers is a collection of 100 poems about science and technology. You will meet weird and
wonderful martians, woolly saucepans and find out about centrally heated knickers.
Jacqueline Wilson 2005 – 2007
Jacqueline Wilson has written many books for children. Her understanding of modern childhood together with her
sense of humour, have made her an extremely popular author.
Glubbslyme is not just an ordinary toad. Rebecca finds him just after she has had a row with her best friend Sarah.
Hopefully Glubbslyme’s ability to talk and work magic will help Rebecca and Sarah become friends again.
Michael Morpurgo 2003 – 2005
Michael Morpurgo’s stories have been transformed into plays, films and television series’. He used his laureateship
to remind people of the power of stories and that literature should come before literacy.
Kensuke’s Kingdom is the tale of an exceptional friendship which survives beyond the boundaries of culture and
language. Michael is swept over board from the boat he is travelling on with his parents and is washed up on what
he assumes is a deserted island. When food and water begin to be delivered to him he realises he is not alone.
Anne Fine 2001 – 2003
Anne has always enjoyed reading and feels that this is what helped her to become a writer. Her books often raise
questions about social issues as family situations interest her, she also enjoys funny books and adds humour to her
writing.
Flour Babies is the story of an unusual school project. The boys in class 4C are given bags of flour which they must
take care of for three weeks ensuring they do not get lost or dirty. Simon becomes attached to his flour baby and
soon begins to appreciate some of the sacrifices his mother has made for him as a single parent.
Quentin Blake 1991 – 2001
Quentin Blake had his first drawings published when he was just 16. Since then he has worked in collaboration with
many authors but he is probably best known for his partnership with Roald Dahl. As well as providing illustrations
for the books of other authors he is also highly acclaimed author in his own right.
Mister Magnolia is a nonsense rhyme in picture book format. The verse has energy and humour of the verse which is
a treat to read aloud. We meet Mr Magnolia who has many things, such as an old trumpet that goes rooty-toot and
some very fat owls learning to hoot, but only has one boot. Then one day a mysterious parcel arrives...
We could only include one title from each Laureate in this blog but all of the Laureates have produced a wealth of
books for children. Choose a Laureate from the list and check them out at your nearest library or book shop!