Children’s Laureate: Not just for kids

Last week saw Julia Donaldson step down from her two-year reign as Children’s Laureate and pass the baton onto the much loved author Malorie Blackman, a decision that made most booklovers extremely happy. I for one was delighted with the decision. Having worked in the children’s department in Waterstones, I can confirm that Malorie Blackman is a favourite among parents and children alike and an author I will be recommending into my old age.

The role of Children’s Laureate is awarded once every two years, to a distinguished writer or illustrator of children’s literature to celebrate and acknowledge their outstanding achievement in their field. Among the plethora of talent that have previously received the title are the delights of Quentin Blake (1999-2001), Michael Morpurgo (2003-2005), Jacqueline Wilson (2005-2007) and other eminent and renowned figures.

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The thing about Blackman’s novels that intrigues me is that she doesn’t patronise, she doesn’t write for children in a way that underestimates them

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The idea was first suggested by the then Poet Laureate Ted Hughes and Morpugo as a chance not only to celebrate the immense talent and achievements but to raise the profile of children’s literature. These sentiments are something that I strongly agree with; encouraging children to read is one of the greatest things adults can do, and making a buzz and an excitement around authors that want to bring pleasure and enjoyment to children in this field is a fantastic idea.

I also believe and hope that it encourages adults to view children’s literature in a different way. I have found myself turning back to my childhood classics time and time again for inspiration and comfort, one of these being Malorie Blackman’s Noughts and Crosses series.

If you are not familiar with this series then you must have spent your teenage years under a rock, or even worse, reading Twilight. But seriously, Blackman’s series along with her other heartfelt and engaging stories such as Pig Heart Boy, and Cloud Busting are a joy for young and old readers alike. I may be potentially bias and I won’t lie, Noughts and Crosses is still my number one go-to recommendation in the teen fiction section, but I honestly believe that the honour of Children’s Laureate could not have gone to a better and more deserving children’s writer. The thing about Blackman’s novels that intrigues me is that she doesn’t patronise, she doesn’t write for children in a way that underestimates them. Instead she tests them, challenges them to think about important issues such as race, gender or social problems all framed around a beautiful and touching narrative. Malorie Blackman will always have a special place in my heart as Noughts and Crosses was the first novel to make me cry, and when I say cry, I mean weep, so I think it’s safe to say that I am happy with her new appointment.

Blackman will be taking over from the universally adored Julia Donaldson, creator of the ever popular Grufallo and Room on the Broom (both of which have been adapted into mini-movies which aired at Christmas – and they were both fabulous). Though her target audience is younger children of around pre-school age, her tales are a delight and can be enjoyed by all. Blackman and Donaldson write for different age groups, however I think that they are both equally exciting and demonstrate how amazing children’s literature can be. I make it no secret that I am an avid reader of children’s books and these two are up there among the best.

Blackman will have her position until 2015 when the committee will meet again to appoint a new talent to encourage more wonderful writing and celebrate how brilliant children’s fiction truly is. My money and eyes are already on David Walliams so watch this space…