British IBBY has been successful in its bid to host the International Congress in 2012 making it another coup for London in the Olympic year. The bid was presented recently at the 30th International Congress in Macau.

It is anticpated that the event will attract over 1,000 writers, publishers, teachers and librarians interested in children's books and reading promotion. The Congress theme Translations and Migrations will provide scope for rich exploration of issues that impact across the globe, and will provide an opportunity to link with the Youth and Diversity theme of the Olympic cultural programme.

Further information from Nikki Gamble This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

IBBY's mission

• to promote international understanding through children's books
• to give children everywhere the opportunity to have access to books with high literary and artistic standards
• to encourage the publication and distribution of quality children's books, especially in developing countries
•  to provide support and training for those involved with children and children's literature
• to stimulate research and scholarly works in the field of children's literature

IBBY was established in Zurich, Switzerland in 1953. Today, it is composed of more than seventy National Sections all over the world. It represents countries with well-developed book publishing and literacy programmes, and other countries with only a few dedicated professionals who are doing pioneer work in children's book publishing and promotion.

Amongst its portfolio of activities IBBY awards the Hans Andersen Award, the most prestigious international award given for a writers' lifetime work. And the IBBY Asahi Reading Promotion Award, both of which are presented at the International Congress.

Further information from the IBBY website: www.ibby.org/