Malorie Blackman is the new Children’s Laureate

We are thrilled to hear that Malorie Blackman has been appointed the new Children’s Laureate. The role of Children’s Laureate is awarded once every two years to an eminent writer or illustrator of children’s books to celebrate outstanding achievement in their field. They receive a bursary of £15,000 and a specially designed and inscribed silver medal. It’s a special job for one of the country’s very best children’s writers or illustrators and gives them a chance to speak up for young readers.

Malorie takes over from Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson, who nominated Malorie for the role. Previous children’s laureates include Jacqueline Wilson, Anne Fine, Michael Rosen, Anthony Browne and Michael Morpurgo.

Malorie’s best known books for young adults are the multi award-winning Noughts & Crosses series, but she has also written young adult novels, picture books, short stories and readers for early, and more confident readers. In addition, she writes television scripts and stage plays.

We can’t wait to see Malorie at her event at this year’s Telegraph Bath Children’s Literature Festival where she’ll be discussing her latest novel, Noble Conflict, set in a dystopian future where violent war has destroyed much of the world. See her in action on Friday 4 October at the Guildhall.

This year’s festival runs from Friday 27 September to Sunday 6 October, with priority booking opening on 21 June and general booking from 1 July. Visit our Friend’s page for more information on how you can enjoy priority booking simply by becoming a friend of the festival. Check the website on Monday 10 June to see the full listings!