In 1999 the first Children’s Laureate, Quentin Blake, was appointed. Children’s Laureates are appointed for two years and work to promote children’s literature.  The aim is to recognise and highlight the importance of exceptional children's authors and in particular their role in creating the readers of tomorrow. Since Quentin Blake the laureates have been Anne Fine, Michael Morpurgo and Jacqueline Wilson. Michael Rosen, it was announced on Monday 11th June, will be the Children’s Laureate for 2007-2009.

On Tuesday 5th June Louise Ellis Barrett attended an event at which each Quentin Blake, Anne Fine, Michael Morpurgo and Jacqueline Wilson unveiled holographic portraits of themselves at the UnicornTheatre in London.  She writes:

At the unveiling ceremony, the four Laureates spoke to Guardian journalist Julia Eccleshare about what they portraits mean to them.  Jacqueline Wilson said that she would enjoy coming back to look at a younger version of herself when she is an old, old lady! Michael Morpurgo was relieved that the portrait hid his double chin; Anne Fine laughed as she said she looked like Snow White’s wicked stepmother, while Quentin Blake was quietly reflective. All four were engagingly surprised and pleased by these most unusual of portraits. The stunning images which appear to show the actual person floating behind a piece of Perspex on closer inspection reveal them to be reading a book, further adding to the spooky effect!

The four Laureates spoke about how proud they had been to be appointed to their role and how they intend to continue to work hard to promote children’s literature, books and reading. When questioned by some of the children present about their favourite books the laureates chose Jacky Daydream, Farm Boy, Stone Menagerie and Clown.

As for their heroes Quentin Blake chose a French artist and the character George Crookshanks from Dickens for “creating theatre in books.” Jacqueline Wilson chose Anne Frank and Charlotte Bronte for their courage. Michael Morpurgo said it would have to be Robert Louis Stevenson whose story telling skill he aspired to and whom he had managed to live longer than! Anne Fine chose Andrew Carnegie a man who set up more than 2,800 free libraries across the English speaking world and who inspired her ‘My Home Library’ website.

Report by Louise Ellis- Barrett

So, what do you call a group of Laureates? Why not post your suggestion in the forum?