Who’s your Favourite Ever Children’s Author? Vote Now and get 4 Free Resource Packs
Our selection of educators and celebrity authors reveal the children's writers they love the most…
- by Teachwire
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
What would the world of children’s literature look like without the imposing turrets of Hogwarts looming over it?
How many hilarious and empowering, brilliantly illustrated stories that kids love today simply wouldn’t exist if the authors hadn’t themselves been raised on a diet of Dahl and Blake?
And does Enid Blyton still have something relevant to say to young people?
Books for junior readers have certainly come a long way since John Newbury published A Little Pretty Pocket-Book (widely believed to be the first title specifically aimed at giving enjoyment to children) in 1744; and many amazing writers have had an important part to play in that journey. But who do you think has made the most significant contribution to the ‘golden age’?
This is precisely the question being asked for the Teachers’ Choice category in this year’s Teach Primary Book Awards – and to say ‘thank you’ for taking part, everyone who votes will receive four free downloadable resource packs, including lesson plans, activity sheets, assembly ideas and more, based around some of the most well-loved children’s books and characters in the canon: Paddington, James and the Giant Peach, Mary Poppins and Harry Potter.
We asked some of our favourite novelists and educationalists for their nominations as ‘most influential children’s author’ – you can read their suggestions below; and cast your own vote by clicking here and either choosing from the shortlist, or adding a name of your own.
The results will be shared in the next issue of Teach Reading and Writing magazine, out in April, as well as online – watch this space!
Jon Mayhew
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Author
“What a difficult question! How can I choose just one author when there are so many great influences to contend with? I grew up loving fantasy books – Tolkien, Diana Wynne Jones and Lloyd Alexander were some of my favourites.
If I had to choose just one author though, I’d go for Ursula Le Guin, who created the most glorious, immersive fantasy worlds – packed with so much detail so it felt completely believable. I wanted to go to the School of Magic on Roke, with the same intensity that children of today want to go to school at Hogwarts!”
Dan Freedman
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Vice-chancellor of The University of Buckingham
“This will destroy any academic credibility I may have; but my nomination is Enid Blyton. I have adored reading and writing since the age of three – and no single writer has given me more unalloyed pleasure in my life than Enid Blyton.
The absolute delight of going to bed early with a torch and reading under the bedclothes her Famous Five books, the Adventure series or The Ring O’Bells Mystery has never been surpassed – and if I had a mug of hot chocolate by my bedside and a packet of pear drops under the sheets, my bliss was complete.
Are her stories still relevant to the children of today, with tales of going off on holiday by steam train to random aunts in mysterious country locations? Of course not. But her sense of adventure, and skill at crafting a story that is innocent and delightful at the same time, are immortal.”
Cressida Cowell
Author
“What a difficult question! How can I choose just one author when there are so many great influences to contend with? I grew up loving fantasy books – Tolkien, Diana Wynne Jones and Lloyd Alexander were some of my favourites.
If I had to choose just one author though, I’d go for Ursula Le Guin, who created the most glorious, immersive fantasy worlds – packed with so much detail so it felt completely believable. I wanted to go to the School of Magic on Roke, with the same intensity that children of today want to go to school at Hogwarts!”
Dan Freedman
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Senior associate, the Education Endowment Foundation
“Katherine Rundell is a tremendous author. Reading her exciting, complex and emotionally charged stories with my daughter has been thrilling.
From the bleak, breakneck drama of Wolf Wilder, to the dramatic journey and return of The Explorer, Rundell hasn’t yet failed to inspire my eldest – and for me, it has been a delight to accompany her on the ride.”
Anthony Seldon
Vice-chancellor of The University of Buckingham
“This will destroy any academic credibility I may have; but my nomination is Enid Blyton. I have adored reading and writing since the age of three – and no single writer has given me more unalloyed pleasure in my life than Enid Blyton.
The absolute delight of going to bed early with a torch and reading under the bedclothes her Famous Five books, the Adventure series or The Ring O’Bells Mystery has never been surpassed – and if I had a mug of hot chocolate by my bedside and a packet of pear drops under the sheets, my bliss was complete.
Are her stories still relevant to the children of today, with tales of going off on holiday by steam train to random aunts in mysterious country locations? Of course not. But her sense of adventure, and skill at crafting a story that is innocent and delightful at the same time, are immortal.”
Cressida Cowell
Author
“What a difficult question! How can I choose just one author when there are so many great influences to contend with? I grew up loving fantasy books – Tolkien, Diana Wynne Jones and Lloyd Alexander were some of my favourites.
If I had to choose just one author though, I’d go for Ursula Le Guin, who created the most glorious, immersive fantasy worlds – packed with so much detail so it felt completely believable. I wanted to go to the School of Magic on Roke, with the same intensity that children of today want to go to school at Hogwarts!”
Dan Freedman
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Author
“I’d vote for Jacqueline Wilson. Her books are so widely read and cover such a wide range of genres. Whenever I visit schools to run workshops or talk about reading, almost all of the children have heard of or read a book by her.
Vicky Angel is such a clever study of grief and guilt, as is The Cat Mummy. She’s a children’s author who is devoted to her audience.”
Alex Quigley
Senior associate, the Education Endowment Foundation
“Katherine Rundell is a tremendous author. Reading her exciting, complex and emotionally charged stories with my daughter has been thrilling.
From the bleak, breakneck drama of Wolf Wilder, to the dramatic journey and return of The Explorer, Rundell hasn’t yet failed to inspire my eldest – and for me, it has been a delight to accompany her on the ride.”
Anthony Seldon
Vice-chancellor of The University of Buckingham
“This will destroy any academic credibility I may have; but my nomination is Enid Blyton. I have adored reading and writing since the age of three – and no single writer has given me more unalloyed pleasure in my life than Enid Blyton.
The absolute delight of going to bed early with a torch and reading under the bedclothes her Famous Five books, the Adventure series or The Ring O’Bells Mystery has never been surpassed – and if I had a mug of hot chocolate by my bedside and a packet of pear drops under the sheets, my bliss was complete.
Are her stories still relevant to the children of today, with tales of going off on holiday by steam train to random aunts in mysterious country locations? Of course not. But her sense of adventure, and skill at crafting a story that is innocent and delightful at the same time, are immortal.”
Cressida Cowell
Author
“What a difficult question! How can I choose just one author when there are so many great influences to contend with? I grew up loving fantasy books – Tolkien, Diana Wynne Jones and Lloyd Alexander were some of my favourites.
If I had to choose just one author though, I’d go for Ursula Le Guin, who created the most glorious, immersive fantasy worlds – packed with so much detail so it felt completely believable. I wanted to go to the School of Magic on Roke, with the same intensity that children of today want to go to school at Hogwarts!”
Dan Freedman
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Author
“I’d vote for Jacqueline Wilson. Her books are so widely read and cover such a wide range of genres. Whenever I visit schools to run workshops or talk about reading, almost all of the children have heard of or read a book by her.
Vicky Angel is such a clever study of grief and guilt, as is The Cat Mummy. She’s a children’s author who is devoted to her audience.”
Alex Quigley
Senior associate, the Education Endowment Foundation
“Katherine Rundell is a tremendous author. Reading her exciting, complex and emotionally charged stories with my daughter has been thrilling.
From the bleak, breakneck drama of Wolf Wilder, to the dramatic journey and return of The Explorer, Rundell hasn’t yet failed to inspire my eldest – and for me, it has been a delight to accompany her on the ride.”
Anthony Seldon
Vice-chancellor of The University of Buckingham
“This will destroy any academic credibility I may have; but my nomination is Enid Blyton. I have adored reading and writing since the age of three – and no single writer has given me more unalloyed pleasure in my life than Enid Blyton.
The absolute delight of going to bed early with a torch and reading under the bedclothes her Famous Five books, the Adventure series or The Ring O’Bells Mystery has never been surpassed – and if I had a mug of hot chocolate by my bedside and a packet of pear drops under the sheets, my bliss was complete.
Are her stories still relevant to the children of today, with tales of going off on holiday by steam train to random aunts in mysterious country locations? Of course not. But her sense of adventure, and skill at crafting a story that is innocent and delightful at the same time, are immortal.”
Cressida Cowell
Author
“What a difficult question! How can I choose just one author when there are so many great influences to contend with? I grew up loving fantasy books – Tolkien, Diana Wynne Jones and Lloyd Alexander were some of my favourites.
If I had to choose just one author though, I’d go for Ursula Le Guin, who created the most glorious, immersive fantasy worlds – packed with so much detail so it felt completely believable. I wanted to go to the School of Magic on Roke, with the same intensity that children of today want to go to school at Hogwarts!”
Dan Freedman
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Author
“What a difficult question! How can I choose just one author when there are so many great influences to contend with? I grew up loving fantasy books – Tolkien, Diana Wynne Jones and Lloyd Alexander were some of my favourites.
If I had to choose just one author though, I’d go for Ursula Le Guin, who created the most glorious, immersive fantasy worlds – packed with so much detail so it felt completely believable. I wanted to go to the School of Magic on Roke, with the same intensity that children of today want to go to school at Hogwarts!”
Dan Freedman
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Author
“I’d vote for Jacqueline Wilson. Her books are so widely read and cover such a wide range of genres. Whenever I visit schools to run workshops or talk about reading, almost all of the children have heard of or read a book by her.
Vicky Angel is such a clever study of grief and guilt, as is The Cat Mummy. She’s a children’s author who is devoted to her audience.”
Alex Quigley
Senior associate, the Education Endowment Foundation
“Katherine Rundell is a tremendous author. Reading her exciting, complex and emotionally charged stories with my daughter has been thrilling.
From the bleak, breakneck drama of Wolf Wilder, to the dramatic journey and return of The Explorer, Rundell hasn’t yet failed to inspire my eldest – and for me, it has been a delight to accompany her on the ride.”
Anthony Seldon
Vice-chancellor of The University of Buckingham
“This will destroy any academic credibility I may have; but my nomination is Enid Blyton. I have adored reading and writing since the age of three – and no single writer has given me more unalloyed pleasure in my life than Enid Blyton.
The absolute delight of going to bed early with a torch and reading under the bedclothes her Famous Five books, the Adventure series or The Ring O’Bells Mystery has never been surpassed – and if I had a mug of hot chocolate by my bedside and a packet of pear drops under the sheets, my bliss was complete.
Are her stories still relevant to the children of today, with tales of going off on holiday by steam train to random aunts in mysterious country locations? Of course not. But her sense of adventure, and skill at crafting a story that is innocent and delightful at the same time, are immortal.”
Cressida Cowell
Author
“What a difficult question! How can I choose just one author when there are so many great influences to contend with? I grew up loving fantasy books – Tolkien, Diana Wynne Jones and Lloyd Alexander were some of my favourites.
If I had to choose just one author though, I’d go for Ursula Le Guin, who created the most glorious, immersive fantasy worlds – packed with so much detail so it felt completely believable. I wanted to go to the School of Magic on Roke, with the same intensity that children of today want to go to school at Hogwarts!”
Dan Freedman
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Vice-chancellor of The University of Buckingham
“This will destroy any academic credibility I may have; but my nomination is Enid Blyton. I have adored reading and writing since the age of three – and no single writer has given me more unalloyed pleasure in my life than Enid Blyton.
The absolute delight of going to bed early with a torch and reading under the bedclothes her Famous Five books, the Adventure series or The Ring O’Bells Mystery has never been surpassed – and if I had a mug of hot chocolate by my bedside and a packet of pear drops under the sheets, my bliss was complete.
Are her stories still relevant to the children of today, with tales of going off on holiday by steam train to random aunts in mysterious country locations? Of course not. But her sense of adventure, and skill at crafting a story that is innocent and delightful at the same time, are immortal.”
Cressida Cowell
Author
“What a difficult question! How can I choose just one author when there are so many great influences to contend with? I grew up loving fantasy books – Tolkien, Diana Wynne Jones and Lloyd Alexander were some of my favourites.
If I had to choose just one author though, I’d go for Ursula Le Guin, who created the most glorious, immersive fantasy worlds – packed with so much detail so it felt completely believable. I wanted to go to the School of Magic on Roke, with the same intensity that children of today want to go to school at Hogwarts!”
Dan Freedman
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Author
“I’d vote for Jacqueline Wilson. Her books are so widely read and cover such a wide range of genres. Whenever I visit schools to run workshops or talk about reading, almost all of the children have heard of or read a book by her.
Vicky Angel is such a clever study of grief and guilt, as is The Cat Mummy. She’s a children’s author who is devoted to her audience.”
Alex Quigley
Senior associate, the Education Endowment Foundation
“Katherine Rundell is a tremendous author. Reading her exciting, complex and emotionally charged stories with my daughter has been thrilling.
From the bleak, breakneck drama of Wolf Wilder, to the dramatic journey and return of The Explorer, Rundell hasn’t yet failed to inspire my eldest – and for me, it has been a delight to accompany her on the ride.”
Anthony Seldon
Vice-chancellor of The University of Buckingham
“This will destroy any academic credibility I may have; but my nomination is Enid Blyton. I have adored reading and writing since the age of three – and no single writer has given me more unalloyed pleasure in my life than Enid Blyton.
The absolute delight of going to bed early with a torch and reading under the bedclothes her Famous Five books, the Adventure series or The Ring O’Bells Mystery has never been surpassed – and if I had a mug of hot chocolate by my bedside and a packet of pear drops under the sheets, my bliss was complete.
Are her stories still relevant to the children of today, with tales of going off on holiday by steam train to random aunts in mysterious country locations? Of course not. But her sense of adventure, and skill at crafting a story that is innocent and delightful at the same time, are immortal.”
Cressida Cowell
Author
“What a difficult question! How can I choose just one author when there are so many great influences to contend with? I grew up loving fantasy books – Tolkien, Diana Wynne Jones and Lloyd Alexander were some of my favourites.
If I had to choose just one author though, I’d go for Ursula Le Guin, who created the most glorious, immersive fantasy worlds – packed with so much detail so it felt completely believable. I wanted to go to the School of Magic on Roke, with the same intensity that children of today want to go to school at Hogwarts!”
Dan Freedman
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Senior associate, the Education Endowment Foundation
“Katherine Rundell is a tremendous author. Reading her exciting, complex and emotionally charged stories with my daughter has been thrilling.
From the bleak, breakneck drama of Wolf Wilder, to the dramatic journey and return of The Explorer, Rundell hasn’t yet failed to inspire my eldest – and for me, it has been a delight to accompany her on the ride.”
Anthony Seldon
Vice-chancellor of The University of Buckingham
“This will destroy any academic credibility I may have; but my nomination is Enid Blyton. I have adored reading and writing since the age of three – and no single writer has given me more unalloyed pleasure in my life than Enid Blyton.
The absolute delight of going to bed early with a torch and reading under the bedclothes her Famous Five books, the Adventure series or The Ring O’Bells Mystery has never been surpassed – and if I had a mug of hot chocolate by my bedside and a packet of pear drops under the sheets, my bliss was complete.
Are her stories still relevant to the children of today, with tales of going off on holiday by steam train to random aunts in mysterious country locations? Of course not. But her sense of adventure, and skill at crafting a story that is innocent and delightful at the same time, are immortal.”
Cressida Cowell
Author
“What a difficult question! How can I choose just one author when there are so many great influences to contend with? I grew up loving fantasy books – Tolkien, Diana Wynne Jones and Lloyd Alexander were some of my favourites.
If I had to choose just one author though, I’d go for Ursula Le Guin, who created the most glorious, immersive fantasy worlds – packed with so much detail so it felt completely believable. I wanted to go to the School of Magic on Roke, with the same intensity that children of today want to go to school at Hogwarts!”
Dan Freedman
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Author
“I’d vote for Jacqueline Wilson. Her books are so widely read and cover such a wide range of genres. Whenever I visit schools to run workshops or talk about reading, almost all of the children have heard of or read a book by her.
Vicky Angel is such a clever study of grief and guilt, as is The Cat Mummy. She’s a children’s author who is devoted to her audience.”
Alex Quigley
Senior associate, the Education Endowment Foundation
“Katherine Rundell is a tremendous author. Reading her exciting, complex and emotionally charged stories with my daughter has been thrilling.
From the bleak, breakneck drama of Wolf Wilder, to the dramatic journey and return of The Explorer, Rundell hasn’t yet failed to inspire my eldest – and for me, it has been a delight to accompany her on the ride.”
Anthony Seldon
Vice-chancellor of The University of Buckingham
“This will destroy any academic credibility I may have; but my nomination is Enid Blyton. I have adored reading and writing since the age of three – and no single writer has given me more unalloyed pleasure in my life than Enid Blyton.
The absolute delight of going to bed early with a torch and reading under the bedclothes her Famous Five books, the Adventure series or The Ring O’Bells Mystery has never been surpassed – and if I had a mug of hot chocolate by my bedside and a packet of pear drops under the sheets, my bliss was complete.
Are her stories still relevant to the children of today, with tales of going off on holiday by steam train to random aunts in mysterious country locations? Of course not. But her sense of adventure, and skill at crafting a story that is innocent and delightful at the same time, are immortal.”
Cressida Cowell
Author
“What a difficult question! How can I choose just one author when there are so many great influences to contend with? I grew up loving fantasy books – Tolkien, Diana Wynne Jones and Lloyd Alexander were some of my favourites.
If I had to choose just one author though, I’d go for Ursula Le Guin, who created the most glorious, immersive fantasy worlds – packed with so much detail so it felt completely believable. I wanted to go to the School of Magic on Roke, with the same intensity that children of today want to go to school at Hogwarts!”
Dan Freedman
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Senior associate, the Education Endowment Foundation
“Katherine Rundell is a tremendous author. Reading her exciting, complex and emotionally charged stories with my daughter has been thrilling.
From the bleak, breakneck drama of Wolf Wilder, to the dramatic journey and return of The Explorer, Rundell hasn’t yet failed to inspire my eldest – and for me, it has been a delight to accompany her on the ride.”
Anthony Seldon
Vice-chancellor of The University of Buckingham
“This will destroy any academic credibility I may have; but my nomination is Enid Blyton. I have adored reading and writing since the age of three – and no single writer has given me more unalloyed pleasure in my life than Enid Blyton.
The absolute delight of going to bed early with a torch and reading under the bedclothes her Famous Five books, the Adventure series or The Ring O’Bells Mystery has never been surpassed – and if I had a mug of hot chocolate by my bedside and a packet of pear drops under the sheets, my bliss was complete.
Are her stories still relevant to the children of today, with tales of going off on holiday by steam train to random aunts in mysterious country locations? Of course not. But her sense of adventure, and skill at crafting a story that is innocent and delightful at the same time, are immortal.”
Cressida Cowell
Author
“What a difficult question! How can I choose just one author when there are so many great influences to contend with? I grew up loving fantasy books – Tolkien, Diana Wynne Jones and Lloyd Alexander were some of my favourites.
If I had to choose just one author though, I’d go for Ursula Le Guin, who created the most glorious, immersive fantasy worlds – packed with so much detail so it felt completely believable. I wanted to go to the School of Magic on Roke, with the same intensity that children of today want to go to school at Hogwarts!”
Dan Freedman
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Author
“I’d vote for Jacqueline Wilson. Her books are so widely read and cover such a wide range of genres. Whenever I visit schools to run workshops or talk about reading, almost all of the children have heard of or read a book by her.
Vicky Angel is such a clever study of grief and guilt, as is The Cat Mummy. She’s a children’s author who is devoted to her audience.”
Alex Quigley
Senior associate, the Education Endowment Foundation
“Katherine Rundell is a tremendous author. Reading her exciting, complex and emotionally charged stories with my daughter has been thrilling.
From the bleak, breakneck drama of Wolf Wilder, to the dramatic journey and return of The Explorer, Rundell hasn’t yet failed to inspire my eldest – and for me, it has been a delight to accompany her on the ride.”
Anthony Seldon
Vice-chancellor of The University of Buckingham
“This will destroy any academic credibility I may have; but my nomination is Enid Blyton. I have adored reading and writing since the age of three – and no single writer has given me more unalloyed pleasure in my life than Enid Blyton.
The absolute delight of going to bed early with a torch and reading under the bedclothes her Famous Five books, the Adventure series or The Ring O’Bells Mystery has never been surpassed – and if I had a mug of hot chocolate by my bedside and a packet of pear drops under the sheets, my bliss was complete.
Are her stories still relevant to the children of today, with tales of going off on holiday by steam train to random aunts in mysterious country locations? Of course not. But her sense of adventure, and skill at crafting a story that is innocent and delightful at the same time, are immortal.”
Cressida Cowell
Author
“What a difficult question! How can I choose just one author when there are so many great influences to contend with? I grew up loving fantasy books – Tolkien, Diana Wynne Jones and Lloyd Alexander were some of my favourites.
If I had to choose just one author though, I’d go for Ursula Le Guin, who created the most glorious, immersive fantasy worlds – packed with so much detail so it felt completely believable. I wanted to go to the School of Magic on Roke, with the same intensity that children of today want to go to school at Hogwarts!”
Dan Freedman
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Author
“What a difficult question! How can I choose just one author when there are so many great influences to contend with? I grew up loving fantasy books – Tolkien, Diana Wynne Jones and Lloyd Alexander were some of my favourites.
If I had to choose just one author though, I’d go for Ursula Le Guin, who created the most glorious, immersive fantasy worlds – packed with so much detail so it felt completely believable. I wanted to go to the School of Magic on Roke, with the same intensity that children of today want to go to school at Hogwarts!”
Dan Freedman
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Senior associate, the Education Endowment Foundation
“Katherine Rundell is a tremendous author. Reading her exciting, complex and emotionally charged stories with my daughter has been thrilling.
From the bleak, breakneck drama of Wolf Wilder, to the dramatic journey and return of The Explorer, Rundell hasn’t yet failed to inspire my eldest – and for me, it has been a delight to accompany her on the ride.”
Anthony Seldon
Vice-chancellor of The University of Buckingham
“This will destroy any academic credibility I may have; but my nomination is Enid Blyton. I have adored reading and writing since the age of three – and no single writer has given me more unalloyed pleasure in my life than Enid Blyton.
The absolute delight of going to bed early with a torch and reading under the bedclothes her Famous Five books, the Adventure series or The Ring O’Bells Mystery has never been surpassed – and if I had a mug of hot chocolate by my bedside and a packet of pear drops under the sheets, my bliss was complete.
Are her stories still relevant to the children of today, with tales of going off on holiday by steam train to random aunts in mysterious country locations? Of course not. But her sense of adventure, and skill at crafting a story that is innocent and delightful at the same time, are immortal.”
Cressida Cowell
Author
“What a difficult question! How can I choose just one author when there are so many great influences to contend with? I grew up loving fantasy books – Tolkien, Diana Wynne Jones and Lloyd Alexander were some of my favourites.
If I had to choose just one author though, I’d go for Ursula Le Guin, who created the most glorious, immersive fantasy worlds – packed with so much detail so it felt completely believable. I wanted to go to the School of Magic on Roke, with the same intensity that children of today want to go to school at Hogwarts!”
Dan Freedman
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Author
“I’d vote for Jacqueline Wilson. Her books are so widely read and cover such a wide range of genres. Whenever I visit schools to run workshops or talk about reading, almost all of the children have heard of or read a book by her.
Vicky Angel is such a clever study of grief and guilt, as is The Cat Mummy. She’s a children’s author who is devoted to her audience.”
Alex Quigley
Senior associate, the Education Endowment Foundation
“Katherine Rundell is a tremendous author. Reading her exciting, complex and emotionally charged stories with my daughter has been thrilling.
From the bleak, breakneck drama of Wolf Wilder, to the dramatic journey and return of The Explorer, Rundell hasn’t yet failed to inspire my eldest – and for me, it has been a delight to accompany her on the ride.”
Anthony Seldon
Vice-chancellor of The University of Buckingham
“This will destroy any academic credibility I may have; but my nomination is Enid Blyton. I have adored reading and writing since the age of three – and no single writer has given me more unalloyed pleasure in my life than Enid Blyton.
The absolute delight of going to bed early with a torch and reading under the bedclothes her Famous Five books, the Adventure series or The Ring O’Bells Mystery has never been surpassed – and if I had a mug of hot chocolate by my bedside and a packet of pear drops under the sheets, my bliss was complete.
Are her stories still relevant to the children of today, with tales of going off on holiday by steam train to random aunts in mysterious country locations? Of course not. But her sense of adventure, and skill at crafting a story that is innocent and delightful at the same time, are immortal.”
Cressida Cowell
Author
“What a difficult question! How can I choose just one author when there are so many great influences to contend with? I grew up loving fantasy books – Tolkien, Diana Wynne Jones and Lloyd Alexander were some of my favourites.
If I had to choose just one author though, I’d go for Ursula Le Guin, who created the most glorious, immersive fantasy worlds – packed with so much detail so it felt completely believable. I wanted to go to the School of Magic on Roke, with the same intensity that children of today want to go to school at Hogwarts!”
Dan Freedman
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Vice-chancellor of The University of Buckingham
“This will destroy any academic credibility I may have; but my nomination is Enid Blyton. I have adored reading and writing since the age of three – and no single writer has given me more unalloyed pleasure in my life than Enid Blyton.
The absolute delight of going to bed early with a torch and reading under the bedclothes her Famous Five books, the Adventure series or The Ring O’Bells Mystery has never been surpassed – and if I had a mug of hot chocolate by my bedside and a packet of pear drops under the sheets, my bliss was complete.
Are her stories still relevant to the children of today, with tales of going off on holiday by steam train to random aunts in mysterious country locations? Of course not. But her sense of adventure, and skill at crafting a story that is innocent and delightful at the same time, are immortal.”
Cressida Cowell
Author
“What a difficult question! How can I choose just one author when there are so many great influences to contend with? I grew up loving fantasy books – Tolkien, Diana Wynne Jones and Lloyd Alexander were some of my favourites.
If I had to choose just one author though, I’d go for Ursula Le Guin, who created the most glorious, immersive fantasy worlds – packed with so much detail so it felt completely believable. I wanted to go to the School of Magic on Roke, with the same intensity that children of today want to go to school at Hogwarts!”
Dan Freedman
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Senior associate, the Education Endowment Foundation
“Katherine Rundell is a tremendous author. Reading her exciting, complex and emotionally charged stories with my daughter has been thrilling.
From the bleak, breakneck drama of Wolf Wilder, to the dramatic journey and return of The Explorer, Rundell hasn’t yet failed to inspire my eldest – and for me, it has been a delight to accompany her on the ride.”
Anthony Seldon
Vice-chancellor of The University of Buckingham
“This will destroy any academic credibility I may have; but my nomination is Enid Blyton. I have adored reading and writing since the age of three – and no single writer has given me more unalloyed pleasure in my life than Enid Blyton.
The absolute delight of going to bed early with a torch and reading under the bedclothes her Famous Five books, the Adventure series or The Ring O’Bells Mystery has never been surpassed – and if I had a mug of hot chocolate by my bedside and a packet of pear drops under the sheets, my bliss was complete.
Are her stories still relevant to the children of today, with tales of going off on holiday by steam train to random aunts in mysterious country locations? Of course not. But her sense of adventure, and skill at crafting a story that is innocent and delightful at the same time, are immortal.”
Cressida Cowell
Author
“What a difficult question! How can I choose just one author when there are so many great influences to contend with? I grew up loving fantasy books – Tolkien, Diana Wynne Jones and Lloyd Alexander were some of my favourites.
If I had to choose just one author though, I’d go for Ursula Le Guin, who created the most glorious, immersive fantasy worlds – packed with so much detail so it felt completely believable. I wanted to go to the School of Magic on Roke, with the same intensity that children of today want to go to school at Hogwarts!”
Dan Freedman
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Author
“I’d vote for Jacqueline Wilson. Her books are so widely read and cover such a wide range of genres. Whenever I visit schools to run workshops or talk about reading, almost all of the children have heard of or read a book by her.
Vicky Angel is such a clever study of grief and guilt, as is The Cat Mummy. She’s a children’s author who is devoted to her audience.”
Alex Quigley
Senior associate, the Education Endowment Foundation
“Katherine Rundell is a tremendous author. Reading her exciting, complex and emotionally charged stories with my daughter has been thrilling.
From the bleak, breakneck drama of Wolf Wilder, to the dramatic journey and return of The Explorer, Rundell hasn’t yet failed to inspire my eldest – and for me, it has been a delight to accompany her on the ride.”
Anthony Seldon
Vice-chancellor of The University of Buckingham
“This will destroy any academic credibility I may have; but my nomination is Enid Blyton. I have adored reading and writing since the age of three – and no single writer has given me more unalloyed pleasure in my life than Enid Blyton.
The absolute delight of going to bed early with a torch and reading under the bedclothes her Famous Five books, the Adventure series or The Ring O’Bells Mystery has never been surpassed – and if I had a mug of hot chocolate by my bedside and a packet of pear drops under the sheets, my bliss was complete.
Are her stories still relevant to the children of today, with tales of going off on holiday by steam train to random aunts in mysterious country locations? Of course not. But her sense of adventure, and skill at crafting a story that is innocent and delightful at the same time, are immortal.”
Cressida Cowell
Author
“What a difficult question! How can I choose just one author when there are so many great influences to contend with? I grew up loving fantasy books – Tolkien, Diana Wynne Jones and Lloyd Alexander were some of my favourites.
If I had to choose just one author though, I’d go for Ursula Le Guin, who created the most glorious, immersive fantasy worlds – packed with so much detail so it felt completely believable. I wanted to go to the School of Magic on Roke, with the same intensity that children of today want to go to school at Hogwarts!”
Dan Freedman
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Vice-chancellor of The University of Buckingham
“This will destroy any academic credibility I may have; but my nomination is Enid Blyton. I have adored reading and writing since the age of three – and no single writer has given me more unalloyed pleasure in my life than Enid Blyton.
The absolute delight of going to bed early with a torch and reading under the bedclothes her Famous Five books, the Adventure series or The Ring O’Bells Mystery has never been surpassed – and if I had a mug of hot chocolate by my bedside and a packet of pear drops under the sheets, my bliss was complete.
Are her stories still relevant to the children of today, with tales of going off on holiday by steam train to random aunts in mysterious country locations? Of course not. But her sense of adventure, and skill at crafting a story that is innocent and delightful at the same time, are immortal.”
Cressida Cowell
Author
“What a difficult question! How can I choose just one author when there are so many great influences to contend with? I grew up loving fantasy books – Tolkien, Diana Wynne Jones and Lloyd Alexander were some of my favourites.
If I had to choose just one author though, I’d go for Ursula Le Guin, who created the most glorious, immersive fantasy worlds – packed with so much detail so it felt completely believable. I wanted to go to the School of Magic on Roke, with the same intensity that children of today want to go to school at Hogwarts!”
Dan Freedman
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Senior associate, the Education Endowment Foundation
“Katherine Rundell is a tremendous author. Reading her exciting, complex and emotionally charged stories with my daughter has been thrilling.
From the bleak, breakneck drama of Wolf Wilder, to the dramatic journey and return of The Explorer, Rundell hasn’t yet failed to inspire my eldest – and for me, it has been a delight to accompany her on the ride.”
Anthony Seldon
Vice-chancellor of The University of Buckingham
“This will destroy any academic credibility I may have; but my nomination is Enid Blyton. I have adored reading and writing since the age of three – and no single writer has given me more unalloyed pleasure in my life than Enid Blyton.
The absolute delight of going to bed early with a torch and reading under the bedclothes her Famous Five books, the Adventure series or The Ring O’Bells Mystery has never been surpassed – and if I had a mug of hot chocolate by my bedside and a packet of pear drops under the sheets, my bliss was complete.
Are her stories still relevant to the children of today, with tales of going off on holiday by steam train to random aunts in mysterious country locations? Of course not. But her sense of adventure, and skill at crafting a story that is innocent and delightful at the same time, are immortal.”
Cressida Cowell
Author
“What a difficult question! How can I choose just one author when there are so many great influences to contend with? I grew up loving fantasy books – Tolkien, Diana Wynne Jones and Lloyd Alexander were some of my favourites.
If I had to choose just one author though, I’d go for Ursula Le Guin, who created the most glorious, immersive fantasy worlds – packed with so much detail so it felt completely believable. I wanted to go to the School of Magic on Roke, with the same intensity that children of today want to go to school at Hogwarts!”
Dan Freedman
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Author
“I’d vote for Jacqueline Wilson. Her books are so widely read and cover such a wide range of genres. Whenever I visit schools to run workshops or talk about reading, almost all of the children have heard of or read a book by her.
Vicky Angel is such a clever study of grief and guilt, as is The Cat Mummy. She’s a children’s author who is devoted to her audience.”
Alex Quigley
Senior associate, the Education Endowment Foundation
“Katherine Rundell is a tremendous author. Reading her exciting, complex and emotionally charged stories with my daughter has been thrilling.
From the bleak, breakneck drama of Wolf Wilder, to the dramatic journey and return of The Explorer, Rundell hasn’t yet failed to inspire my eldest – and for me, it has been a delight to accompany her on the ride.”
Anthony Seldon
Vice-chancellor of The University of Buckingham
“This will destroy any academic credibility I may have; but my nomination is Enid Blyton. I have adored reading and writing since the age of three – and no single writer has given me more unalloyed pleasure in my life than Enid Blyton.
The absolute delight of going to bed early with a torch and reading under the bedclothes her Famous Five books, the Adventure series or The Ring O’Bells Mystery has never been surpassed – and if I had a mug of hot chocolate by my bedside and a packet of pear drops under the sheets, my bliss was complete.
Are her stories still relevant to the children of today, with tales of going off on holiday by steam train to random aunts in mysterious country locations? Of course not. But her sense of adventure, and skill at crafting a story that is innocent and delightful at the same time, are immortal.”
Cressida Cowell
Author
“What a difficult question! How can I choose just one author when there are so many great influences to contend with? I grew up loving fantasy books – Tolkien, Diana Wynne Jones and Lloyd Alexander were some of my favourites.
If I had to choose just one author though, I’d go for Ursula Le Guin, who created the most glorious, immersive fantasy worlds – packed with so much detail so it felt completely believable. I wanted to go to the School of Magic on Roke, with the same intensity that children of today want to go to school at Hogwarts!”
Dan Freedman
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Author
“What a difficult question! How can I choose just one author when there are so many great influences to contend with? I grew up loving fantasy books – Tolkien, Diana Wynne Jones and Lloyd Alexander were some of my favourites.
If I had to choose just one author though, I’d go for Ursula Le Guin, who created the most glorious, immersive fantasy worlds – packed with so much detail so it felt completely believable. I wanted to go to the School of Magic on Roke, with the same intensity that children of today want to go to school at Hogwarts!”
Dan Freedman
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Vice-chancellor of The University of Buckingham
“This will destroy any academic credibility I may have; but my nomination is Enid Blyton. I have adored reading and writing since the age of three – and no single writer has given me more unalloyed pleasure in my life than Enid Blyton.
The absolute delight of going to bed early with a torch and reading under the bedclothes her Famous Five books, the Adventure series or The Ring O’Bells Mystery has never been surpassed – and if I had a mug of hot chocolate by my bedside and a packet of pear drops under the sheets, my bliss was complete.
Are her stories still relevant to the children of today, with tales of going off on holiday by steam train to random aunts in mysterious country locations? Of course not. But her sense of adventure, and skill at crafting a story that is innocent and delightful at the same time, are immortal.”
Cressida Cowell
Author
“What a difficult question! How can I choose just one author when there are so many great influences to contend with? I grew up loving fantasy books – Tolkien, Diana Wynne Jones and Lloyd Alexander were some of my favourites.
If I had to choose just one author though, I’d go for Ursula Le Guin, who created the most glorious, immersive fantasy worlds – packed with so much detail so it felt completely believable. I wanted to go to the School of Magic on Roke, with the same intensity that children of today want to go to school at Hogwarts!”
Dan Freedman
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Senior associate, the Education Endowment Foundation
“Katherine Rundell is a tremendous author. Reading her exciting, complex and emotionally charged stories with my daughter has been thrilling.
From the bleak, breakneck drama of Wolf Wilder, to the dramatic journey and return of The Explorer, Rundell hasn’t yet failed to inspire my eldest – and for me, it has been a delight to accompany her on the ride.”
Anthony Seldon
Vice-chancellor of The University of Buckingham
“This will destroy any academic credibility I may have; but my nomination is Enid Blyton. I have adored reading and writing since the age of three – and no single writer has given me more unalloyed pleasure in my life than Enid Blyton.
The absolute delight of going to bed early with a torch and reading under the bedclothes her Famous Five books, the Adventure series or The Ring O’Bells Mystery has never been surpassed – and if I had a mug of hot chocolate by my bedside and a packet of pear drops under the sheets, my bliss was complete.
Are her stories still relevant to the children of today, with tales of going off on holiday by steam train to random aunts in mysterious country locations? Of course not. But her sense of adventure, and skill at crafting a story that is innocent and delightful at the same time, are immortal.”
Cressida Cowell
Author
“What a difficult question! How can I choose just one author when there are so many great influences to contend with? I grew up loving fantasy books – Tolkien, Diana Wynne Jones and Lloyd Alexander were some of my favourites.
If I had to choose just one author though, I’d go for Ursula Le Guin, who created the most glorious, immersive fantasy worlds – packed with so much detail so it felt completely believable. I wanted to go to the School of Magic on Roke, with the same intensity that children of today want to go to school at Hogwarts!”
Dan Freedman
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Author
“I’d vote for Jacqueline Wilson. Her books are so widely read and cover such a wide range of genres. Whenever I visit schools to run workshops or talk about reading, almost all of the children have heard of or read a book by her.
Vicky Angel is such a clever study of grief and guilt, as is The Cat Mummy. She’s a children’s author who is devoted to her audience.”
Alex Quigley
Senior associate, the Education Endowment Foundation
“Katherine Rundell is a tremendous author. Reading her exciting, complex and emotionally charged stories with my daughter has been thrilling.
From the bleak, breakneck drama of Wolf Wilder, to the dramatic journey and return of The Explorer, Rundell hasn’t yet failed to inspire my eldest – and for me, it has been a delight to accompany her on the ride.”
Anthony Seldon
Vice-chancellor of The University of Buckingham
“This will destroy any academic credibility I may have; but my nomination is Enid Blyton. I have adored reading and writing since the age of three – and no single writer has given me more unalloyed pleasure in my life than Enid Blyton.
The absolute delight of going to bed early with a torch and reading under the bedclothes her Famous Five books, the Adventure series or The Ring O’Bells Mystery has never been surpassed – and if I had a mug of hot chocolate by my bedside and a packet of pear drops under the sheets, my bliss was complete.
Are her stories still relevant to the children of today, with tales of going off on holiday by steam train to random aunts in mysterious country locations? Of course not. But her sense of adventure, and skill at crafting a story that is innocent and delightful at the same time, are immortal.”
Cressida Cowell
Author
“What a difficult question! How can I choose just one author when there are so many great influences to contend with? I grew up loving fantasy books – Tolkien, Diana Wynne Jones and Lloyd Alexander were some of my favourites.
If I had to choose just one author though, I’d go for Ursula Le Guin, who created the most glorious, immersive fantasy worlds – packed with so much detail so it felt completely believable. I wanted to go to the School of Magic on Roke, with the same intensity that children of today want to go to school at Hogwarts!”
Dan Freedman
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Author
“What a difficult question! How can I choose just one author when there are so many great influences to contend with? I grew up loving fantasy books – Tolkien, Diana Wynne Jones and Lloyd Alexander were some of my favourites.
If I had to choose just one author though, I’d go for Ursula Le Guin, who created the most glorious, immersive fantasy worlds – packed with so much detail so it felt completely believable. I wanted to go to the School of Magic on Roke, with the same intensity that children of today want to go to school at Hogwarts!”
Dan Freedman
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Vice-chancellor of The University of Buckingham
“This will destroy any academic credibility I may have; but my nomination is Enid Blyton. I have adored reading and writing since the age of three – and no single writer has given me more unalloyed pleasure in my life than Enid Blyton.
The absolute delight of going to bed early with a torch and reading under the bedclothes her Famous Five books, the Adventure series or The Ring O’Bells Mystery has never been surpassed – and if I had a mug of hot chocolate by my bedside and a packet of pear drops under the sheets, my bliss was complete.
Are her stories still relevant to the children of today, with tales of going off on holiday by steam train to random aunts in mysterious country locations? Of course not. But her sense of adventure, and skill at crafting a story that is innocent and delightful at the same time, are immortal.”
Cressida Cowell
Author
“What a difficult question! How can I choose just one author when there are so many great influences to contend with? I grew up loving fantasy books – Tolkien, Diana Wynne Jones and Lloyd Alexander were some of my favourites.
If I had to choose just one author though, I’d go for Ursula Le Guin, who created the most glorious, immersive fantasy worlds – packed with so much detail so it felt completely believable. I wanted to go to the School of Magic on Roke, with the same intensity that children of today want to go to school at Hogwarts!”
Dan Freedman
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Senior associate, the Education Endowment Foundation
“Katherine Rundell is a tremendous author. Reading her exciting, complex and emotionally charged stories with my daughter has been thrilling.
From the bleak, breakneck drama of Wolf Wilder, to the dramatic journey and return of The Explorer, Rundell hasn’t yet failed to inspire my eldest – and for me, it has been a delight to accompany her on the ride.”
Anthony Seldon
Vice-chancellor of The University of Buckingham
“This will destroy any academic credibility I may have; but my nomination is Enid Blyton. I have adored reading and writing since the age of three – and no single writer has given me more unalloyed pleasure in my life than Enid Blyton.
The absolute delight of going to bed early with a torch and reading under the bedclothes her Famous Five books, the Adventure series or The Ring O’Bells Mystery has never been surpassed – and if I had a mug of hot chocolate by my bedside and a packet of pear drops under the sheets, my bliss was complete.
Are her stories still relevant to the children of today, with tales of going off on holiday by steam train to random aunts in mysterious country locations? Of course not. But her sense of adventure, and skill at crafting a story that is innocent and delightful at the same time, are immortal.”
Cressida Cowell
Author
“What a difficult question! How can I choose just one author when there are so many great influences to contend with? I grew up loving fantasy books – Tolkien, Diana Wynne Jones and Lloyd Alexander were some of my favourites.
If I had to choose just one author though, I’d go for Ursula Le Guin, who created the most glorious, immersive fantasy worlds – packed with so much detail so it felt completely believable. I wanted to go to the School of Magic on Roke, with the same intensity that children of today want to go to school at Hogwarts!”
Dan Freedman
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
Author
“I’d vote for Jacqueline Wilson. Her books are so widely read and cover such a wide range of genres. Whenever I visit schools to run workshops or talk about reading, almost all of the children have heard of or read a book by her.
Vicky Angel is such a clever study of grief and guilt, as is The Cat Mummy. She’s a children’s author who is devoted to her audience.”
Alex Quigley
Senior associate, the Education Endowment Foundation
“Katherine Rundell is a tremendous author. Reading her exciting, complex and emotionally charged stories with my daughter has been thrilling.
From the bleak, breakneck drama of Wolf Wilder, to the dramatic journey and return of The Explorer, Rundell hasn’t yet failed to inspire my eldest – and for me, it has been a delight to accompany her on the ride.”
Anthony Seldon
Vice-chancellor of The University of Buckingham
“This will destroy any academic credibility I may have; but my nomination is Enid Blyton. I have adored reading and writing since the age of three – and no single writer has given me more unalloyed pleasure in my life than Enid Blyton.
The absolute delight of going to bed early with a torch and reading under the bedclothes her Famous Five books, the Adventure series or The Ring O’Bells Mystery has never been surpassed – and if I had a mug of hot chocolate by my bedside and a packet of pear drops under the sheets, my bliss was complete.
Are her stories still relevant to the children of today, with tales of going off on holiday by steam train to random aunts in mysterious country locations? Of course not. But her sense of adventure, and skill at crafting a story that is innocent and delightful at the same time, are immortal.”
Cressida Cowell
Author
“What a difficult question! How can I choose just one author when there are so many great influences to contend with? I grew up loving fantasy books – Tolkien, Diana Wynne Jones and Lloyd Alexander were some of my favourites.
If I had to choose just one author though, I’d go for Ursula Le Guin, who created the most glorious, immersive fantasy worlds – packed with so much detail so it felt completely believable. I wanted to go to the School of Magic on Roke, with the same intensity that children of today want to go to school at Hogwarts!”
Dan Freedman
Author
“Roald Dahl is so special because when I younger and didn’t believe I had the time, capacity or concentration to be able to read and finish a book for pleasure, his stories were the antidote to my wall of indifference.
They brim with mischief and humour and showed me that it was possible to enjoy reading – not because teachers or parents wanted me to, but because the book was simply too brilliant to put down.”
Ade Edmondson
Actor, comedian and author
“Norton Juster was certainly the most influential children’s author to me. I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth as a nine-year-old and being simply agog that words could be so funny. He more or less explained how jokes were written.
The passage where the market stalls selling words get tipped over, and suddenly all the words get jumbled up – ‘Done what you’ve looked!’ – it made me understand how language works and how enjoyable it can be.”
Who gets your vote for best children’s author ever? Cast your vote in the Teachers’ Choice Award category of the Teach Primary book awards here and receive four inspirational resource packs.
