Ofsted have made a really positive mention of school libraries, and the effect they have on literacy, in their latest report entitled: ‘Removing barriers to literacy’.  This is the extract, from paragraph 100. ‘The primary and secondary schools visited emphasised the school library as contributing markedly to improving literacy skills.  All the schools visited had well-resourced [...]

A new book award has been launched by Sheffield Librarian Paul Register, with the blessing of the great comic book writer Stan Lee.  This award is for the best graphic novels, and Paul says that  ’I have no doubt that these books will lead to discussions, debates and enjoyment across Sheffield’s schools – and across [...]

Caroline Roche, main editor of this website, was asked to write a piece for CILIP as a guest blogger about the reasons behind setting up the Heart website. You can read her passionate plea here.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has launched a new competition to encourage young people to have their say. Details at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/8257980/Dr-Rowan-Williams-Time-to-fight-for-the-write-to-be-heard.html Entry forms downloadable from : www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/3110

The world of children’s literature has seen the recent death of two well-known figures: Dick King-Smith and Elisabeth Beresford. You will find obituaries at the following links: Dick King-Smith obituary in the Guardian Dick King-Smith obituary in the Telegraph Dick King-Smith obituary in the Independent Elisabeth Beresford obituary in the Guardian Elisabeth Beresford obituary in [...]

Did you know that you can vote for the new Children’s Laureate?  Anthony Browne’s time of office is up, and nominations are now open for the new Laureate.  If you visit their website: http://www.childrenslaureate.org.uk/show/feature/Home/CL-Comp-2011  you can vote for who you think should be the next Laureate.  There is also a great competiton for under 14′s [...]