Good literature is fundamental to young people’s development. We must not devalue itGood children’s literature is a serious business. Not serious as in boring or “improving”, but serious in attention and ambition, serious about beauty and wonder, about…
Origin story of Dennis the Menace’s jumper to be revealed
To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Beano’s longest-running character, comic strip The Epic Yarn of Awesomeness will tell the garment’s backstoryCruella de Vil was recently given a new backstory by Disney; the Wicked Witch of the West’s past was r…
Malorie Blackman: ‘Hope is the spark’
Malorie Blackman, the former children’s laureate, talks to Sian Cain about finishing her Noughts & Crosses series after 20 years, being namechecked by Stormzy and what inspired her to keep going through years of rejectionMalorie Blackman is used to…
Jill Murphy obituary
Author and illustrator of relatable yet magical children’s books, including The Worst Witch and Whatever Next!The children’s author and illustrator Jill Murphy, who has died of cancer aged 72, was loved across generations for picture books that capture…
Jill Murphy, children’s author and illustrator, dies aged 72
The writer was best known for the much-loved picture book Peace at Last and the Worst Witch series of novels ‘I just wanted to have a book on the shelf’ | Jill Murphy Beloved children’s author and illustrator Jill Murphy has died at the age of 72. Murp…
‘Thanks for your help, Sticky’: Michael Rosen on learning to walk again after Covid
His traumatic experience with coronavirus inspired the author’s new children’s book – about the ‘friend’ he leaned onIt was the tweet that let the world know Michael Rosen was back on form and on the mend. “My wheelchair days are over. Stick now. Stick…