Literature Matters

Why not take a look at Literature Matters, British Council Literature Department's online magazine? The latest issue is all about Children's Literature.

The good news is that more books for children are being published and therefore in theory a wide range of diverse and exciting new titles should be making their way into the hands of young readers. However, when we asked writers for their views on the world of children's books, there were a number who had some serious misgivings about current trends; Julia Eccleshare, Michael Morpurgo and Anne Fine all had some strong words on what they feel is going wrong. Beverley Naidoo and Nicholas Tucker both have intriguing points to make on politics in children's literature while on a lighter note Louisa Young, aka Zizou Cordor, and her daughter Isabel discuss literary collaborations. Jan Mark rounds up some of the less high profile but very wonderful children's books just out, Karen Mountney talks about the monumental effort that goes into organising the children's programme at the Edinburgh International Book Festival while our regular section Writers Talk Books features some of our favourite teen authors scrutinising their own reading. We also have some great features on recent British Council literature events for young people. So, it's all here. And we hope that you will leave this issue of Literature Matters with a colourful insight into the world of children's literature.

The Big Picture
 

Two of the UK's leading experts on writing for children explore some of the highs and the lows in the world of children’s literature. Award winning writer Anne Fine suggests that all is not so rosy and voices some concern over the quality of writing for children. Meanwhile critic Nicholas Tucker tracks the development of political correctness in children’s literature.

Crossing Over

Crossover fever has hit the book world and suddenly there is more potential to broaden readership across genres. But Julia Eccleshare has some doubts about bridging the gap between adult and children’s fiction. Meanwhile, Louisa Young aka Zizou Corder has taken crossing over to a whole new level and talks about her successful literary collaboration with her daughter Isabel.

Out and About
 

Karen Mountney, Children’s Programme Director for the Edinburgh International Book Festival reveals the ins and outs of organising the 100s of children’s events that sit right at the heart of the book festival’s programme.

A Few Words from the Former Children's Laureate
 

In 2003 Michael Morpurgo was appointed children’s laureate, following hot on the heels of Quentin Blake and Anne Fine. Here he discusses the current state of literature and literacy within the classrooms in the UK – and it's not all good news.

The Big Issue
 

Beverley Naidoo and G. P. Taylor are two authors who do not shy away from tackling meaty issues in their fiction – race, religion and politics are just some of the subjects they have covered. Here they explore their own personal approach to tackling the big themes.

Writers Abroad
 

Novelist David Lee Stone and storyteller Elly Stuart are two professionals who have worked overseas on British Council projects. David Lee Stone explores the enthusiasm he found amongst Bulgarian teenagers while Elly Stuart writes about her experience in India.

Writers Talk Books
 

Four of our most brilliant writers for teenagers, Malorie Blackman, Kevin Brooks, Melvin Burgess and Matt Whyman talk about what they have been reading recently.

The Magic Pencil
  

The Magic Pencil, a British Council touring exhibition exploring the wonderful world of children’s book illustration has been seen in many countries around the globe. Here, Gail Ellis of the British Council in Paris discusses how the exhibition has been used as a lively and engaging tool in the teaching of English.

Julia Donaldson Talks Groilish
Writing a best-selling children’s book is even more complicated when you have to develop a new language to go with it. Julia Donaldson reveals how she invented Groilish – an idiosyncratic language featured in her new book The Giants and the Joneses.

Plat du Jour
Our regular fiction round-up this time focuses on writing for children. Jan Mark highlights some new fiction for children, focusing on some of the books that may have been over-looked.