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News
Nasen Children's Book Awards 2009:
The Inclusive Children's Book Award (administered by nasen) recognises children's books which feature inclusive storylines or images.
The 2009 winner was Running on the Cracks by Julia Donaldson (published by Egmont). The other two shortlisted titles were Zelah Green, Queen of Clean by Vanessa Curtis (also published by Egmont) and Dandylion by Lizzie Finlay (published by Red Fox). Read on for a full report on this year's award.
Find out more about the Nasen Book Awards 2009
ITV Signed Stories:
ITV's Signed Stories website is a wonderful resource for every parent/carer and child! A growing collection of the most popular children's books to enjoy together online, complete with BSL signs, animation and even a few rather famous voices. This new site is backed by stage, screen, sporting and literary icons, and sponsored by some of the UK biggest publishers.
London Book Fair event celebrates diversity in books:
On Tuesday 21 April 2009 at the London Book Fair, children from the Frank Barnes School joined actress/comedian Francesca Martinez and children's book writers and and illustrators (including Axel Scheffler, Julia Donaldson and Jane Ray) to urge the book world to include more positive images of disabled and deaf children.
It was all part of a lively and uplifting event, hosted by Francesca Martinez and organised by Alex Strick and Booktrust. However it wasn't just about posing for photos. The children also played an integral role in the seminar itself, teaching the audience eight British Sign Language signs, so that the whole room could subsequently sign enthusiastically along to a reading of Nick Sharratt's Shark in the Park book. The children then talked about why it is important to them to be 'seen' in books, and the need for more disabled artists and writers. The seminar also included powerful presentations from the education and publishing sectors, followed by an outline of Booktrust's work in this field and other key initiatives and resources.
Don't miss the next Equal Measures event - at the London Book Fair April 2010. For more details email: alex.strick@booktrust.org.uk.
Articles and Resources
Read about disability in books from the perspective of the people who matter most - children. Booktrust consulted children through the Roald Dahl Foundation's Quentin Blake Award, and you can read their views and a full report on the project here.
Shona Philips, librarian at the Royal Blind School, has been highly commended in the SLA School Librarian of the Year Awards. She tells Madelyn Travis how she has transformed the library to cater for pupils with a range of special needs.
...Find out how Shona Philips has transformed the library
Unlocking the enjoyment of reading by Zara Todd 'My own experiences have taught me the importance of choosing the right book'. Find out more - read Zara's article.
Are We Nearly There Yet? by Alexandra Strick 'The world around us has always been structured to suit what we consider the 'norm', often excluding anyone who does not fit that 'norm'.'
Read 'Are we nearly there yet?' by Alexandra Strick
Guidelines: Books should fully reflect the diverse social society in which we live. Read these guidelines for authors and illustrators who want to include positive images of disability in their work.
Read guidelines for authors and illustrators
Conditions that affect reading
There are many conditions that can affect reading, from ADHD to Dyslexia. Read more about the conditions that affect reading.
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