Kitamura says, “My books are probably most popular in Latin America, especially in Mexico and Colombia. But I think children’s literature, specifically picture books, is quite universal. I do not adjust my work for a particular audience in terms of countries, languages or cultural backgrounds. I do try to make my books as accessible as possible to younger readers although it does not mean to make them ‘simple.’ You can deliver quite complex ideas or concepts if you depict them correctly in both words and pictures, and that’s the essence of children’s literature.”

Read full piece >>> https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2020/04/18/books/satoshi-kitamura-children-literature/#.Xuhs4i2ZNn5

A seven-day online festival in partnership with Waterstones from 8 – 14 June for families to celebrate the power of imagination and Puffin’s 80th birthday – watch on Puffin Facebook and YouTube channels.

Join authors, illustrators and real Puffins for a week of events, travelling through Puffin’s 80 year history… Illustrator in Residence Nick Sharratt will be drawing dreams all week. 

Gianna Pollero-Payne, writing under her maiden name of Pollero, will have her first children’s book, Monster Doughnuts, published next summer, with two more to follow, with publishers Piccadilly Press, an imprint of Bonnier Books UK.

Read more >>> https://www.kentonline.co.uk/whats-on/news/monster-book-deal-for-first-time-childrens-author-227725/

Author webiste: https://www.giannapollero.com/

The School Library Association has announced that Walker Books will be funding 40 memberships for schools to join the SLA, as part of celebrations of their 40th anniversary.

Karen Lotz, Walker Group MD, said:  “For forty years, we at Walker have aspired to create a nurturing environment where our authors and illustrators can feel valued and inspired to create their very best work. We pride ourselves on the quality of the list our creators have produced and on the integrity of the program’s conception and execution, from editing and design to manufacturing.  The most critical step, however, is getting the right book to the right child at the right time.  We are deeply aware of the profound role that a school librarian has in building a safe environment and curating a high-quality collection where each child is able to discover a love of reading for themselves. In recognition of your invaluable partnership with Walker over the decades, and as a way of thanking the library and educator community, Walker Books are delighted to sponsor 40 free memberships to the School Library Association for one year. We really value everything you do and hope that this gesture allows 40 schools and numerous children to benefit from the many resources that this wonderful institution provides to its members.”

SLA CEO Alison Tarrant said: “It’s a wonderful birthday gift from Walker; and a lovely way for them to show their appreciation for all the brilliant work that school library staff do. We work to ensure every school is supported in their use of the school library and all the amazing work and activities which that encapsulates. This illustration of appreciation for the important work of school library staff is particularly appreciated during these uncertain times.”

The School Library Association is a membership charity supporting everyone involved in school libraries, whether they are a librarian, teacher, TA, PTA or Headteacher. We believe that every pupil is entitled to effective school library provision and the educational, emotional and developmental benefits that come with it. We are committed to supporting, promoting and sustaining high quality reading and learning opportunities for all in a diverse and changing world.

Membership covers all school staff, and includes

• a quarterly journal full of best practice articles, ideas, tips, and the latest digital and book reviews
• access to an advice line
• exclusive members-only resources and CPD
• discounts off SLA publications, training and the weekend course
• a mentoring service
• exclusive member benefits including competitions, give-aways and discounts

Applications are open to UK schools who haven’t previously been a member. Successful applicants will be picked at random except insofar as the SLA will aim to split them evenly between primary and secondary schools.

The deadline for applications is 12^th June 2020. Schools can apply here.

The Children’s Bookshow, a charity that inspires school children with a love of reading through an annual programme of theatre performances and in-school workshops with the very best authors and illustrators from around the world, is now working out how best to support teachers, children and parents in circumstances that prevent it carrying forward with its usual programmer of live events..

The plan is that the children who would have received a free book from the Bookshow, thanks to funding from the Unwin Trust, will still be able to do so once they are back in school. The team is contacting schools with high levels of deprivation to ensure that those children will be the first to receive their free books. During the summer term, free downloadable resources that celebrate the authors and illustrators with which the charity works will be available on the Children’s Bookshow website.

A new tour will take place in Spring 2021 (five performances) and autumn 2021 (ten performances).

Sian Williams, Founder and co-director of the Children’s Bookshow said: “Our motivation is knowing that our work makes a difference to children and witnessing how our unique programme helps nurture a love of reading. We work closely with teachers around the country who tell us that the Children’s Bookshow is a highlight of their school calendar. We are sorry to delay the autumn 2020 tour, but we need to make sure that dates work for all the schools, venues and artists involved. We plan to have five performances in spring 2021 and reschedule the remaining ten in autumn 2021. In the meanwhile we are finding ways to get the free books into the children’s hands.”

The 2020 Children’s Bookshow tour was due to kick off in late September with shows booked at: The Liverpool Playhouse, The Old Vic, London, Stafford Gatehouse, Exeter ‘s Northcott Theatre, The Lyceum in Crewe, Manchester’s Home theatre, The Theatre Royal in Newcastle, Ipswich’s New Wolsey Theatre, The Theatre Royal in Margate, The Warwick Arts Centre, The Elgiva Chesham (in collaboration with the Stephen Spender Trust), L’Institut Français in London, The Wolverhampton Grand and ending in late November at the Hull New Theatre.

Authors, poets and artists booked for these shows include Children’s Bookshow favourites:
Michael Rosen, Neil Layton, Val Bloom, Jo Empson, Alexis Deacon, Catherine Rayner and Rachel Rooney.

Making their first appearances with the Children’s Bookshow are: Yuval Zommer and from overseas, Sydney Smith, Kathrin Rohmann, Jorg Muhle and Marta Altes.

The Children’s Bookshow team is currently busy rearranging the shows and school visits. Check their website for updates:
https://thechildrensbookshow.com