The Book Worm Times
Roald Dahl Funny Prize Shortlist is Revealed!
Founded by and chaired by children's laureate Michael Rosen the Roald Dahl Funny Prize honours children's books that truly make us laugh out loud. In fact the judges, including Roald Dahl's granddaughter and author in her own right - Sophie, have promised that every title on the two shortlists are 'properly tears-in-eyes, wheezing, sneezing, snorting funny!'.
The shortlist for children aged six and under:
The shortlist for children aged seven to fourteen:
The winner of each category will receive £2500, which will be presented at an awards ceremony in London on the 13th November.
Check out more info on the Roald Dahl Shortlist here!
Back to top Added: 10th September 2008
Books In Space!!
There's a new book in town, well space shall we say!
The cover of the children's book, George's Secret Key to the Universe by Lucy and Stephen Hawking is actually going to be blasted into space on October 12th 2008!
The book cover will be signed by Lucy Hawking and printed by Stephen Hawking. The covers journey will start in Cambridge then via Russia onto Kazakhstan then finally reaching it's destination at the International Space Station (ISS), which orbits 220 miles from the Earth's surface.
Back to top Added: 3rd September 2008
Shortlist Announced!
The Booktrust Teenage Prize shortlist has been announced!
The Shorlist is as below;
The winner, who will be announced on November 18, will receive a cheque for £2,500 and a trophy. Previous winners include Marcus Sedgwick for My Swordhand is Singing, and Mark Haddon for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time.
For more details on the shortlist visit www.guardian.co.uk/books/2008/sep/01/booktrust.teenage.prize.com
Back to top Added: 2nd September 2008
Groundbreaking!!
Puffin books has launched the Young Bond alternate reality game, The Shadow War. This is groundbreaking news as it is the first alternate reality game made specifically for children around books.
The launch precedes publication of the fifth book in Charlie Hogson's best-selling Young Bond sereis, By Royal Command, on 3rd September 2008
It is a gripping interactive online game which will put Young Bond fans in the shoes of a British SIS agent, or a Soviet OGPU Spy!
Start your mission at www.youngbond.com
Back to top Added: 28th August 2008
Potter Crazy!
Even though the film release has been delayed until July 2009 - Take a look at the sneak preview of the trailer!.
It's Harry Potter's 6th year at Howart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and we have got a trailer of the film for you!
Harry discovers an old black book mysteriously marked "This book is the property of the Half-Blood Prince" and knowing Harry he can't resist a little peak! He then starts to learn a lot more about Lord Voldemort's dark past!
Experience the magic for yourself at www.harrypotter.warnerbros.co.uk
Back to top Added: 12th August 2008
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
Due to be released on the 12th September 2008, "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" is a must see!
Adapted from John Boyne's critically-acclaimed best-selling novel, "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" is an unforgettable story seen through the innocent eyes of Bruno, the eight-year-old son of the Commandant at a concentration camp, whose forbidden friendship with a Jewish boy on the other side of the camp fence has startling and unexpected consequences.
From British director Mark Herman (Little Voice, Brassed Off) and featuring an impressive cast including David Thewlis (Harry Potter), Vera Farmiga (The Departed) and Rupert Friend (Pride and Prejudice).
Be sure to book your cinema ticket for this outstanding film!
Have a glimpse at the trailer here www.premierpr-online.co.uk
Back to top Added: 13th August 2008
CITV Launch Book Club!
ITV has made a great move by supporting the National Year of Reading campaign by launching a new children's TV programme and book club!!
A 13 part series to be shown on CITV in December will be called 'Bookaboo!'. They will be made up of 10 minute episodes and will feature a celebrity who will read a picture book.
'Bookaboo' will be accompanied by the 'Bookaboo' Book Club.
The producer of 'Bookaboo' - Lucy Goodman is hoping by launching this great series will inspire confidence in children and parents to read together.
So don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for the start date and time and tune in!!
For more info on the CITV book Club log on to www.thebookseller.com
Back to top Added: 06th August 2008
Best of all time!
If you were asked who were your best-loved writers of all time, who would you say?
Well a survey has been conducted to mark the 2008 Costa Book Awards and the amazing and well loved Enid Blyton topped the chart - beating authors such as Charles Dickens, Shakespeare and Jane Austen!
Enid Blyton was the creator of the well know Famous Five and Noddy. She sadly died in 1968 after penning an astonishing 700 stories! A spokesperson from the Enid Blyton Estate said "Her storytelling is timeless and this result confirms her books are still firm favourites".
Enid Blyton was followed closely by Roald Dahl and with the Roald Dahl day fast approaching why not pruchase your book here!
Back to top Added: 19th August 2008
Free Fun In Edinburgh!
It's sometimes hard deciding what to spend your pocket money on over the summer holidays. But what if here at Red House we told you we knew where you can have loads of fun for free! YES FREE!
This summer, starting on the 9th August there's the Edinburgh International Book Festival taking place and they have activities galore!
There's the new hands on 'Activity Corner' for all children up to the age of 11. They have got half hour sessions for babies and under 3's, consisting of songs and rhymes.
Also for all ages of children there's the chance to hear some inspirational storytelling this will take place twice everyday!
For the older child, there's the chance to take part in some creative workshops and hot teen author events!.
So log on to www.edbookfest.co.uk and get more info on many more events!
Back to top Added: 29th July 2008
RHCBA Winners!
WOW! What an event!
The Red House Children's Book Awards certainly added the WOW factor to this year's Hay Festival.
There were ten short-listed nominees but there could only be one overall winner. The two category winners were; Penguin by Polly Dunbar and Ottoline and the Yellow Cat by Chris Riddell.
But (drum roll please), the overall winner was Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy, who, for his hard work and sheer brilliance won the Red House Children's Book Award Silver Tree which they are the custodian of for a year and an engraved silver acorn which is theirs to keep.
What an achievement!
Well done to all the nominees,whether it was illustrators or authors, who each receives a portfolio of writing & artwork created by the children and inspired by their book.
You can now start nominating for the Red House Childrens Book Award 2009! So get your thinking caps on and make yourself part of it!
Back to top Added: 2nd June 2008
Vote for your Queen of Teen!
The limos are booked, the throne is polished and for the first time ever, one lucky author will be crowned the ultimate Queen of Teen!
But who will it be?
Well, out of all the entries you guys sent to the Teen of Queen Competition, which gave you the opportunity to nominate the female author you felt most deserved this prestigious award, a shortlist of ten finalists have finally been announced as:
- Meg cabot
- Cathy Cassidy
- Lisa Clark
- Grace Dent
- Cathy Hopkins
- Sarra Manning
- Karen McCombie
- Joanna Nadin
- Louise Rennison
- Jacqueline Wilson
Remember, if you sent in a nomination you'll have been entered into the competition that will give ten lucky girls the chance to win a place at the super-glamorous coronation ceremony on Monday September 29th 2008 as well as spending time in a limousine with their winning author.
Back to top Added: 15th July 2008
Children's Book Picks Up Peta Europe Award
Group Declares The Great Escape an 'Animal-Friendly' Page-Turner
London - In recognition of her commitment to promoting animal protection, children's author Natalie Haynes has earned a PETA Europe Proggy Award for the Best Animal-Friendly Children's Book for The Great Escape. Haynes has been presented with a glossy certificate and is featured on PETA Europe's website PETA.org.uk. The group's annual Proggy Awards ("Proggy" stands for "progress") recognise animal-friendly achievements in commerce and culture.
The Great Escape is the perfect choice for children and teens. Its adventurous and compassionate storyline sees Millie - the main character - turn vegetarian and anti-vivisection after encountering a PETA table. Millie then rescues cats from a laboratory while helping her dad clean windows nearby. Natalie Haynes is a columnist at The Times newspaper, a UK television personality and a stand-up comedian.
"The Great Escape is a real page-turner for young people and adults alike", says PETA Europe's Alexia Weeks. "Natalie Haynes teaches kindness and compassion with this exciting tale of animal rescue, and she's the clear winner for the Best Animal-Friendly Children's Book."
Almost 20 Proggy Awards have been given out this year. The other winners include a chocolate company, high-street fashion chains, and independent producers and marketers of vegan foods and cruelty-free personal-care products.
Back to top Added: 28th May 2008
Brand New Comic Alert!
Red House has a top tip for animation lovers - there's a brand new comic on the block - and if you're a fan of Philip Pullman too then the coming of the DFC is a double whammy of excitement!
As soon as Random House announced news of the DFC back in February, tongues have been wagging all over the place! Hot gossip surrounding its release is that Philip Pullman is currently working on a weekly strip entitled The Adventures of John Blake, set to be animated by John Aggs. There is however a veil of secrecy over any further details - only to be cast off when the first comics are delivered through letterboxes all over the UK on Friday 30th May.
The full colour DFC will be supported by the innovative DFC website. Although currently only a holding page, the website will open to reveal an exciting world of interactivity, including a fantastic creative comic maker!
Back to top Added: 12th March 2008
New Bonus Material!
Wow!! If you're looking for a book packed with action and suspense, then look no further!
What makes Snakehead so incredible is that Anthony Horowitz himself researched so many of the topics that he covers in the book. How many authors would speak to NASA, in order to help them write their first chapter?!
From his first book Stormbreaker (also released as a graphic novel) to the most recent edition Snakehead, the Alex Rider series is page after page of thrilling adventure that is too good to be missed!
Our conclusion? Get your hands on the entire series to date and then watch this space! Who knows what else is in store for Alex...
Back to top Added: 11th April 2008
Shortlist Announced!
Yes, the cat is most definitely out of the bag, and Red House couldn't be happier. The Red House Children's Book Awards shortlist has been announced and is everything we could have hoped for and more. In fact it's the best news we've had all year!
This year's shortlist contains a dazzling breadth of subject matter and genres ranging from Benjamin Zephaniah's hard-hitting contemporary novel Teacher's Dead about the murder of a teacher by two of his pupils to last summer's fantasy blockbuster, Skulduggery Pleasant by newcomer Derek Landy.
And that's not forgetting the great titles aimed at younger children. Including The Tear Thief, Chris Riddell's lavish Ottoline and the Yellow Cat and The Perfumed Pirates of Perfidy.
So why are the Red House Children's Book Awards so special? Because they are the only national children's book awards chosen exclusively by children at every stage of the process, meaning they're not just important, but also unpredictable and the one that all authors want to win!
Whatever your age, you can be sure there's a book in the shortlist you'll love. Vote for your favourite one now by visiting RHBCA
Voting closes on the 12thMay 2008.
Back to top Added: 20th Febuary 2008
The World Celebrates
Hooray! and yay! Its nearly world book day!
The 6th of March 2008 marks the day when everyone everywhere will be encouraged to celebrate books and the joy they give to children and adults all over the world.
If your school's signed up for World Book Day, chances are your teacher will be handing out National Book Tokens very soon. And we can assure you these are worth hanging on to! Each token is worth £1 and entitles the holder to a fabulous book of the same price, from a range specially published in honour of World Book Day.
The range of books available spans all age groups and includes, among others, the exciting titles: Adventure According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney, Jane Blonde The Perfect Spylet by Jill Marshall and CHERUB: Dark Sun by Robert Muchamore.
If however, when the 6th rolls around you find yourself without the precious book tokens, never fear! This month, place any order with Red House and you'll receive one of the World Book Day books completely for free! Incredible.
Back to top Added: 12th Febuary 2008
Three Cheers for Dame Jacqueline Wilson!
Hip-hip-hooray! Award-winning author, Jacqueline Wilson, creator of an abundance of Red House favourites, including The Story of Tracey Beaker, Jacky Daydream and Illustrated Mum, has been awarded the title 'Dame' in this year's Honours List for her outstanding contribution to children's literature.
An Honours List is created by the Queen, in consultation with the Prime Minister, every year, and serves to give recognition to those who have used their life to do something special.
Red House feels that Jacqueline, having worked hard to publish 90 books, which in sum have sold more than 20 million copies, is most deserving of this title. Apart from being original and enjoyable, Dame Wilson's realistic stories about children facing problems such as abuse, divorce and homelessness have served as a source of support and inspiration to children all over Britain.
Congratulations Jacqueline! Keep up the good work. For as long as you write books, we will continue to read them.
Jacqueline Wilson's latest title, My Sister Jodie, is available on pre-order from Red House now!
Back to top Added: 14th January 2008
What Makes A Perfect World?
The Christmas holidays are nearly upon us and whilst we know that a considerable amount of your time will be spent scoffing mince pies, wrapping presents and watching festive TV, we suspect that you may have a few hours to spare...
Red House to the rescue! We have found the perfect thing to fill those desolate, school-free hours - an exciting writing competition! In their search to discover the best teenage writing talent in the UK and Ireland, The Guardian and Piccadilly Press Limited have teamed up to organise The Perfect World competition.
What better time to consider those who are less fortunate and imagine how perfect the world would be without war, disease and famine? Perhaps you've found a flaw in another person's perception of a perfect world and would like to write about the reality of that seemingly idyllic existence. You could even take the opportunity to imagine the perfect world from the point of view of your pet dog or a wild animal!
A distinguished panel of judges, including Channel 4's presenter Jon Snow, will assess each competition entry. The best eight to ten stories received will then be published the following year as a book called 'The Perfect World?' What a fabulous prize! But hurry, entries must be in by the 4th of January 2008.
Back to top Added: 29th November 2007
The Golden Compass
When Red House heard the news that The Golden Compass, the film adaptation of the first book in Philip Pullman's thrilling trilogy, His Dark Materials, was due be released on the 7th December, we let out a little scream!
If successful, The Golden Compass (the adaptation of Northern Lights) will be followed up by film adaptations of the second and third books in the series, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass. And with a star-studded cast that includes Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig, the odds of this happening look very good indeed!
For a sneak preview of what's to come, visit Red House now and snap up your copy of the The Golden Compass Trilogy before the multi-million dollar movie is released! These books not only feature Pullman's thrilling text, but are also adorned with full colour images from the set of the film, The Golden Compass.
And if that isn't enough to feed the hungry minds of Philip Pullman fans, Red House can also offer you a stunning luxury, large-format edition of the His Dark Materials trilogy. Perfect for collectors everywhere.
Back to top Added: 20th November 2007
Tales of Terror
Boo! Mwah-ha-ha... It's nearly Halloween! Here at Red House we've already dug out the torches and mum's old bed sheets (shhh...don't tell her) in preparation for some spooky story telling and we suggest you do the same!
Visit the Halloween section of our web site for a whole host of terrifying tales to get you in the mood for a frighteningly good time on the last day of the month.
Also - if you'd like an extra spooky treat - we've tracked down some scary events that are happening this October at heritage sites all over the country. Visit Haunted Heritage for more information on Spooky Days Out.
Red House's top tip is Spooky Stories at Jewel Tower, London. This spine-tingling session of after-dark story telling takes place on Saturday 27th October at 5pm. Attend if you dare...
Back to top Added: 10th October 2007
New Jacqueline Wilson
This month Red House is happy to bring you Kiss, the latest title from Jacqueline Wilson. Billed as 'moving' and 'compelling', Jacqueline's new book delicately handles issues surrounding sexuality.
Then story tells of Sylvie and Carl who have been friends since they were tiny children. Sylvie has always believed that one day they'd end up married to each other. But as they become teenagers, things are starting to change. Sylvie can tell her plans for the future are going to be affected, but can she guess at the true reasons behind it all?
Red House Reader Reviewer, Lucy Howlett says, "I really think everyone from 13 to 15 should read this book, and take in its message."
Back to top Added: 8th October 2007
Red House Goes Green
This month Red House is asking you to save our planet!
With fears of global warming becoming ever more a reality, Red House is on a mission to convince all our fellow bookworms, that’s you by the way, to grab a recycling bin and an energy bulb and save our planet!
Obviously we realise this is a big ask - and we don’t expect you to manage it alone – so, the Red House team has been on the case, searching book shelves far and wide, to find you a selection of books that will guide you on your mission to save planet earth.
You can find them in the ‘Our Planet’ category. Just visit the Green House, er… we mean Red House home page. Good luck!Back to top Added: 28th September 2007
Bath Festival
The Bath Festival of Children’s Literature is a 10-day celebration of children’s books and reading, and will feature the most amazing collection of authors, illustrators and storytellers in the world…ever! Well, according to us anyway.
This exciting event takes place on the 21st-30th September in various exciting locations around Bath, including The Guildhall, The Assembly Rooms, The Mission Theatre, Bath Forum, Bath Pavilion and Bath Central Library.
Each day of the festival will provide opportunities for you kids to meet your favourite authors as well as hear readings by them. Yes, yes, they’ll all be there: Jacqueline Wilson, Anthony Horowitz, Eoin Colfer, Lauren Child, Garth Nix, Julia Donaldson, to name but a few. We’re so excited we can hardly contain ourselves!Back to top Added: 28th September 2007
News Just In!
Filming has almost started on the new film, Fantastic Mr Fox.
This early Roald Dahl adventure is being directed by the very talented film maker Wes Anderson, who has said that this stop-motion animation will take about a year to make!
It has been reported that Mr George Clooney himself is playing Mr Fox and apparently the horrid farmers, Boggis, Bunce and Bean look absolutely amazing, as does the film set.
The film is due to be released late 2009, but to keep you going until then why not revisit some of Roald Dahl's classic novels? Hopefully the time will fly by!
Back to top Added: 3rd June 2008
A Winning Team!
We at Redhouse would like to say a big Congratulations to writer Jenny Downham and editor David Flickering for winning The Branford Boase Award with the excellent story 'Before I Die'. Both heart breaking and life-affirming, this book is a beautifully crafted narrative about a young girls pledge to fit a life time of experiences into the few weeks before she dies.
The annual Branford Boase Award was first set up in memory of the outstanding children's writer Henrietta Branford and the gifted editor, Wendy Boase and is now awarded to the first-time novelists and editors of outstanding debut novels written for children, seven year-olds and upwards, highlighting the importance of the editor in nurturing new authors.
The day was a great celebration with Philip Pullman presenting the awards and prize that included a £1000 cheque for the winning author and a handcrafted hardwood box in the shape of a book, inlaid in silver with the Branford Boase logo for both author and editor. The ceremony also saw the attendance of a glittering line up of past winners, including Meg Rosoff and Mal Peet, both of whom have gone on to win the Carnegie medal.
On hearing the good news Jenny Downham's reaction was: "I am deeply moved to have won the Branford Boase Award. For any children's novelist whose first book is out there in the world, but whose next is still only half-realised, it provides an enormous confidence boost. She also had fond praise for David Flicking, describing him as "a sensitive and energetic champion".
For David Fickling, it was his second victory in a row, after also winning last years prize with 'A Swift Pure Cry' by Siobhan Dowd, but expressed the achievement as "a great honour" and described Jenny Downham and her book as an "absolute wonder and Jenny herself a real writer. You could say she sprang into our midst like Athena from the head of Zeus, at any rate, one moment she wasn't there and then suddenly there she was on our children's book Mount Olympus!"
But Jenny Downham and David Flicking were not the only winners of the day, six talented young writers were also awarded, winning the Henrietta Branford Writing Competition
For more information about the Awards visit The Branford Boase Awards website.
Back to top Added: 15th July 2008
YoungMinds are calling on you!
YoungMinds is the leading children's mental health charity and they are calling on you to choose the shortlist for it's prestigious annual book award.
YoungMinds has relaunched the award for 2008 and it's presented to the book, for ages 12 and above, which helps young people cope with the challenges of growing up.
You will be invited to give your views on the plot and also the characters. The six favourites will form the award shortlist, from which the winner be selected..
The deadline for all reviews and nominations is the 1st September 2008, which means you have the whole of the summer holidays to start reading!! The Unicorn Theatre in London will hold the award ceremony on the 17th November 2008, where the winner will be announced.
The following books are not on the longlist but are great for dealing with life whilst in your teenage years! Looking at Alaska , Teenage Health Freak and The Complete Mates Dates
Back to top Added: 26th June 2008
Paddington Gets His First Passport!!
A party was held this week to celebrate Paddington Bear's 50th birthday and the publication of Paddington Here and Now, I can imagine that he received presents galore! The most special present had to be the presentation of his papers by the peruvian Ambassador, H E Ricardo Luna, these were greatly received by Paddingtons' amanuensis, Michael Bond.
The books have sold 35 million copies in 40 different languages, and the Ambassador is hoping that they will shortly be published in Peru - from where Paddington set sail as a stowaway!
Buy Paddington Bear books here and save £8.00!
Back to top Added: 12th June 2008
How will you be celebrating Roald Dahl Day?
On the 13th of September it is officially Roald Dahl Day throughout the world!
Roald Dahl died in 1990. But if he had lived for the 13th of September this year it would have been his 92nd birthday! Unfortunately he physically won't be here to see in this great day, but his presence will be well and truly felt amongst all the fun events and celebrations that will be taking place all throughout the country.
There will be parties, jokes, dancing, reading stories and all sorts of other stuff to celebrate the World's No. 1 Storyteller. No matter where you are in the country, there is sure to be one of the major events happening near you!
But even if you are unable to make it to a party, you can still join in with the celebration by visiting www.show.me.com and taking part in the Roald Dahl Day Challenge, so remember to keep your eyes peeled for other Roald Dahl fans marking the Big Day!
For more information about this special day, to sign up for the Roald Dahl Day newsletter and to get ideas to help you organize your very own SCRUMDIDDLLYUMPTIOUS Roald Dahl Day event, visit the official Roald Dahl Day Website
Have a fab Roald Dahl Day!
Back to top Added: 17th July 2008
National Year of Reading
2008 brings us the National Year of Reading, but wait! That's not just story books and novels, it's also poems, raps and song lyrics!
This July the National Year of Reading wants to celebrate poetry and lyrics as well as your usual books and why not, we are!
There have been many events going on around the country since April and will be continuing until Dec the 8th. So go along to the events and enter your poems and raps into their competitions, listen to poetry readings and teenagers can even join in the 'Poetry Slam' or pay a visit to the 'Lyric Lounge'.
For all these events and more check out the National Year of Reading website.
Back to top Added: 15th July 2008
