This year marks twenty years of the Waterstones Children’s Laureateship, a collection of inspirational individuals committed to promoting a love of reading, books and illustration.  To celebrate, Walker Books have compiled this very special anthology which is sure to be treasured by anyone with a love of children’s books.

Readers in the U.K. have benefitted from the expertise and enthusiasm of ten laureates since the programme’s inception including: Quentin Blake, Anne Fine, Michael Morpurgo, Jacqueline Wilson, Michael Rosen, Julia Donaldson, Anthony Browne, Malorie Blackman, Chris Riddell and, currently, Lauren Child. Each laureate came to the post with their own particular focus – illustrations, poetry, or drama to name a few alongside, of course, aiming to inspire children to read, read, read!

This beautiful book can be dipped into and enjoyed over several occasions. Inside there are stories (including a brand new one from Jacqueline Wilson), writing tips, ways to get drawing and personal anecdotes.

Book Boy and Book Boy Jr. were inspired to sharpen their drawing pencils and create their very own flying machines. Find other examples of some rather fantastical machines (and share your own) by following #ChildrensLaureate on Twitter.

I’ll also be sharing some of my children’s laureate memories over on Twitter, but I’d love you to comment on this post with some of yours!

If you know any aspiring writers and illustrators, or would like to introduce a child to some new authors, get them a copy of this book. One pound from each sale will also be donated to Book Trust who are committed to ensuring all children have a book to call their own.

Library Girl.

*Many thanks to Walker Books for sending me this title to review*