BOOK WORLD NEWS

The Eleanor Farjeon Award 2003

Althea, Miriam, Anne Marley and Ann Lazim

The Eleanor Farjeon Award rewards outstanding achievement in children’s books. It is awarded to an individual in recognition of their distinguished contribution to the world of children’s books. The winner is chosen from nominations from members of the Children’s Book Circle – entries are not required. Last year’s winner was Philip Pullman for his ‘crusading advocacy’ of the children’s book world.

This year there were four people on the shortlist – (from left to right in the photograph) Althea Braithwaite, author and founder of Dinosaur Books who is celebrating 35 years in children’s books this year, Miriam Hodgson formerly of Egmont Children’s Books, Anne Marley – recognised for her work with YLG and also for her fundraising for libraries in St Lucia, and Ann Lazim of the Centre for Language in Primary Education.

And the winner was… Miriam Hodgson who according to Andrea Reece, is “one of the most respected children’s book editors ever”.