Otley Street Nursery, Skipton.

I enjoyed a day at Otley Street Nursery last month and the children here are listening quietly to a story. Later they sang some nursery rhymes very loudly!

Rackham, Dulac and Robinson

Looking forward to seeing this exhibition at the V&A this month! (Illustration by Charles Robinson)

The nativity play.

Merry Christmas!

The Essential Speaking and Listening

This is a great book which I illustrated for the author, Lyn Dawes. "Talk is the medium through which children learn; and yet children may not realise why their contributions to classroom talk are so important. This book provides teachers with resources for developing children's understanding of speaking and listening, and their skills in using talk for learning."

Philip Pullman

I'm looking froward to hearing a lecture by Philip Pullman, to celebrate 40 years of the Open University tomorrow!

Early reader!

Here is beautiful photograph sent to me of little Tom absorbed in Pickle and the Box. <

Great news!

In a major breakthrough, Culture Secretary Andy Burnham has responded to public pressure and called an inquiry into Wirral Council’s decision to close 11 of its 24 libraries. This is the result of public pressure. As I was born on the Wirral, I am particularly pleased to hear this news from Alan Gibbons. So keep campaigning and come to the conference! (See previous post "Campaign for the book")

Alan Gummerson

I have admired Alan Gummerson's work for years and it was great to see his exhibition at Dean Clough yesterday. It included prints, drawings, paintings, ceramics, bronzes and assemblages (one of which I bought!). The exhibition is at Dean Clough (Viaduct Theatre, Crossley Gallery) Halifax, from Saturday 4th April to Sunday 10th May 2009 from 9:30am until 5:00pm.

Doggy Downloads

I love dogs but not the downloads they leave in my garden and on our little street. Please feel free to download my polite notice and display it where dog owners can see it!

My books in India!

I received this lovely picture of children in an Indian orphanage with some of my books. My daughter and her friend have been helping out there where the 64 children are being, fed, clothed, educated, and cared for by Rev. Ratnam and his wife. They depend wholly on fundraising for this great work and donations can easily be made by checking the website: www.missionfortheruralpeople.org

Campaign for the Book

A conference to discuss the Campaign for the Book will be held in Birmingham on the 27th June 2009. This is the coupon I drew for Alan Gibbons (aagibbons@blueyonder.co.uk) who is doing so much for the cause ...despite the recent cuts in the Wirral. Shame on them.

Book Ahead

As part of the Book Ahead initiative I have visited several libraries in North Yorkshire this year. The children in Pickering Library were in good voice and have just finished singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star in this picture!