Writers & Illustrators
Here is a growing list of writers and illustrators who have all chosen to be Reading Champions.
In addition to their profiles many of them have provided useful insights and recommendations for getting the most out of books.
Teresa was born in Syracuse, New York and for as far back as she can remember, making pictures and telling stories have been her favourite things to do. Since 1993 she has illustrated picture and story books for children and young adults, and in 1995 she moved from the USA to Scotland. She now lives in Glasgow, where she continues to illustrate and to write for young people. She loves travelling and trips to India, Bali, Mexico, Spain and Ireland have all inspired her work.
I'm a Reading Champion because I believe everyone should experience the buzz of a book that can't be put down until it is finished. Once that book comes to life in one's mind, it is there always, as inspiring and comforting as an old friend who can be visited again and again.
You can find Teresa's website here www.teresaflavin.com
To hear more from Teresa, click here
Jamie Jauncey lives on the edge of the Highlands where his latest novel The Witness (Young Picador, August 2007) takes place. It's a thriller set in the not–too–distant future, when people are fighting over who owns the land.
Over the years I've written for all ages, but now (for the next few books anyway) I'm going to concentrate on writing what my friend James Robertson describes as 'really grown–up books for young adults'. When I'm not writing I play the piano in The Funky String Band.
I'm a Reading Champion because I believe that reading good books helps people to know who they are, to understand the world around them, and to tell the difference between right and wrong. And it's the most fun I can think of!
You can find Jamie's website here www.jamesjauncey.com
To hear more from Jamie, click here
Joan grew up in Canada, but now lives with her family and two cats in Newport–on–Tay in the Kingdom of Fife. Her house is on a hill overlooking the River Tay. Joan writes poetry and stories which have been published in the UK and America. In January 2007, Questors, her first novel for older children will be published.
I am a Reading Champion because books are THE one sure joy in an uncertain world. They've always been as much a part of my life as food and sleep, my other two favourite things – my other two essential things. There are all sorts of good reasons why we need books, need stories, but the main one is, we die inside without them.
You can find Joans website here – www.joanlennon.co.uk
To hear more from Joan, click here
Lynne was born and brought up in Canada, but she now lives in Glasgow with her husband and two children. She loves books, and as a trained illustrator she is as interested in the pictures as the words. But it is as a writer that Lynne is now established, with early readers like Jack's Bed and Pip Likes Snow. Many of her ideas arise from observing her own children, and from those she meets during her workshops in schools and libraries.
I'm a Reading Champion because there is nothing more satisfying than a good story well told. Mine was a wordy family (we're fairly hopeless at numbers) and I grew up surrounded by books of all sorts. Since having children of my own, I've rediscovered a great passion for picture books, and have certain illustrators I love. When I'm writing my own stories I imagine how the right illustrator could bring my words to life.
To hear more from Lynne, click here
Julie is a new children's writer who has recently published her first picture book, "Michelle in: Crabbit Comes to Stay" illustrated by Ritchie Collins (Starlet Publishing Ltd.). The story has a strong anti–bullying message and Julie regularly visits schools and nurseries, reading and performing her story with the help of some colourful hand–made puppets.
I am a Reading Champion because I see the pleasure my children get from a story. I like to read with them and act out certain stories with them. I love to hear them laugh out loud. I love to see them devour a new book and tell me all about it. It is a tool that helps me to see them grow, as they learn to read and understand.
To hear more from Julie, click here
Janey Louise Jones first published her Princess Poppy stories herself, but the scale of their success led to a major contract with Random House Children's Books. The Princess Poppy books reflect Janey's sensitivity to the complexities of childhood, and the way in which those experiences shape the kind of adults we eventually become. Poppy lives in Honeypot Hill, surrounded by her family and friends, in a world where she can make mistakes knowing that those around will guide her and forgive her.
I'm a Reading Champion because I enjoy nothing more than books, stories and words and would like to share that passion.
To find out more the Princess Poppy books, log on to www.princesspoppy.com
There are Jacqueline Wilson fans throughout the world. In the UK alone, her readers have bought over 20 million copies of her novels, and she is the most borrowed author in British libraries – and that includes writers for adults! She writes at least two new books every year, tours extensively and she is currently the Children's Laureate.
Jacqueline's books speak directly to her readers. Children empathise with her characters, and often comment that her stories might have been written especially for them. She is not afraid of writing about difficult situations – homelessness, depression, divorce, bullying – but always within the context of a fast–paced, accessible story. First and foremost, she writes about people, and especially children. She never dodges the realities of their lives, but in doing so, she celebrates their courage and resourcefulness, and the importance of good friends, trust and loyalty.
Those lucky enough to have met her won't forget her – apart from a remarkable array of rings in which she delights, she has one of the most infectious smiles in the world of children's books.
I'm a reading champion because I've been a bookworm since I was 6 years old. I still have a book a day habit. Books delight, entertain and inform – they're the most magical way of enriching our lives. I'd like every parent and carer to read aloud to their children and get them hooked on books for life.
To find out more about Jacqueline Wilson and her books, visit www.childrenslaureate.org and www.kidsatrandomhouse.co.uk/jacquelinewilson/
Julia Donaldson lives in Glasgow and is one of the UK's most popular children's writers. Best known for her classic picture book, The Gruffalo – brilliantly illustrated by Axel Scheffler – she has written many other best–selling and award–winning books, including Room on the Broom, Charlie Cook's Favourite Book, The Gruffalo's Child and for older readers, The Giants and Joneses. All Julia's books are fantastic fun to read aloud and just right to read together.
I am a Reading Champion because when you're reading a book you feel you are inside the book and when you've finished reading it you feel the book is inside you; these are both wonderful feelings.
To hear more from Julia, click here
Nowadays, Moira Munro lives in Glasgow, but she grew up in France and remembers her local library there with great fondness – although she thinks libraries today are better than ever.
Moira has written and illustrated two brilliant books about Hamish the Bear and she is also the illustrator of the entertaining and educational Our Wonderful World books (Keppel Publishing).
I am a Reading Champion because there are thousands of books out there on the shelves that give me a buzz, and as long as I have my eyesight I will never be bored. Reading fiction is the best entertainment for me, whether it's deeply satisfying or totally superficially fun: I love being thrown into other people's worlds.
I'd be a miserable person without non–fiction books: whenever I wonder what to do about something, I get answers from mulling over books. You can walk to your library, and discover an author from the other side of the world, whose ideas change your life. How good is that? My idea of heaven is what I call "peace and quiet": sitting comfortably with a cup of tea, a good book, and no thought of doing anything else.
To hear more from Moira, click here
Wendy is a children's book consultant, having been a teacher for many years. She is also Senior Consultant to Bookstart, the national scheme to encourage parents to join their local library and share books with their children. Wendy has edited many story and poetry anthologies, including All the Colours of the Earth which is included in the Great Books section of this website.
I'm a Reading Champion because reading makes for a richer life as well as making us laugh and cry.
To hear more from Wendy, click here
Martin is a doctor, and a writer and storyteller in Gaelic and English. He lives in Edinburgh.
I'm a Reading Champion because reading has taken me to so many exciting, moving worlds. I feel very privileged to have visited them and wish to encourage others to make their own journeys.
To hear more from Martin, click here
Judy is a profesional storyteller and writer, drawing on vast knowledge of traditional stories from all over the world. Her History of Scotland for Children, illustrated by Sally J Collins, is a Scottish bestseller and she is almost always on the road, telling stories to children in schools and libraries throughout the country.
"I'm a reading champion because everyone NEEDS reading– to enter the magic of books– to surf the net – to get that text message– to have fun and to find out amazing things."
To hear more from Judy, click here
Tom writes for adults – poems, novels and short stories – and he is also the Arts Development Officer for Caithness. He clearly remembers being read to as a child by mum, dad, aunts, uncles and friends and his favourite place to read was in bed at night.
The first book he remembers reading by himself was Dr Seuss The Cat in the Hat and his all time favourite childhood read was Robinson Crusoe. He is as keen on reading nowadays as he ever was, but would love more time to read.
"I'm a Reading Champion because I love books. I read them, write them and own them, but most of all I enjoy them."
Elizabeth is a writer who divides her time between homes in Edinburgh and London. For much of her life, she has lived abroad, and she has a particular love of Africa, drawing on her experiences there for her latest novel, The Garbage King.
"I'm a Reading Champion because if I've got to choose between reading and doing practically anything else, I nearly always choose reading."
To hear more from Elizabeth, click here
Over half a million books written by Viv were borrowed in UK libraries last year. She has written books for babies, toddlers, primary school children and secondary school teenagers – and when she's not writing she's visiting schools with her storytelling and story writing workshops.
Her story writing workshops are especially popular because she does all the writing while the children think up the ideas.
"I'm a Reading Champion because I really do believe that the right books can be the best kind of family – they can warm you, educate you, feed your mind, take you places you've never been and be your best friends and entertainment. And by 'the right book' I mean the right book for you at the moment of reading it – NOT as prescribed by outside authorities!"
To hear more from Vivian, click here
It was with great sadness that we learnt of Pat's death in August 2006. She was a great champion of the Read Together initiative, passionate about reading and writing, and a wonderful friend to many people in the world of books.
Pat loved Scotland. She was fascinated by its history, its people and its landscape. Her Glenmellish books reflect that great enthusiasm for and knowledge of Scotland – and her ability to tell a cracking story.
For those who knew her, and for the many children she met through her work in schools and libraries in Scotland, Pat will always be remembered as one of the great Reading Champions.
Here is what Pat had to say about being a reading champion.
"I'm a Reading Champion because Adventure is what I like and books are a way of having fantastic adventures in your imagination so that when it comes to real life you've had loads of practice – which helps you deal better with whatever happens to you and gives you great idea for actual adventures."
To hear more from Pat, click here
Franzeska is a writer and puppeteer – and puppets do play an important role in some of her stories! She also teaches part time.
"I'm a Reading Champion because I'm a writer – and the only way to become a writer is to READ. And once you're a writer, the only way to become a better writer is to READ. Also, books are often the safest yet most exciting places around!"
To hear more from Franzeska, click here
Mairi's books about Katie Morag and her family have become international bestsellers. Children all over the world delight in the adventures of the wee red–headed girl on her Scottish island home.
Mairi is quite an adventurer herself and has lived in lots of different places throughout Scotland.
"I am a Reading Champion because my favourite hiding place is in a book. Nobody can find me there. I like that."
Nicola's first novel for teenagers, Mondays are Red, was greeted with great enthusiasm when it was published and she is now very busy with a whole range of new writing ideas.
Her second novel, Fleshmarket, is a tense thriller set in Edinburgh around the time the Old Town hosted such colourful personalities as Burke and Hare is now available. It's definitely not for the faint–hearted!
"I'm a Reading Champion because reading opens new worlds – of knowledge and pleasure; I also believe that reading widely is the key to having an open mind – and an open, enquiring mind is the best gift we can give children to carry into adult life."
To hear more from Nicola, click here
Johnny has been a merchant seaman, an ice cream van driver and a stand–up comedian – but now he's a writer. His Yo! Diary! books are a huge hit with teenagers.
"I'm a reading champion because a world without books is like chips without ketchup."
STOP PRESS!
Yo! Diary!, Jonathan's hugely popular book about a group of teenagers, has been televised. You can watch it on Wednesdays on BBC1 at 4.30pm.
I've been an Art teacher, potter, craftworker – and now I write and illustrate books for children. I had 6 children, can't do Maths, love cats, music, food, gardening, books and people who make me laugh.
"I'm a Reading Champion because opening a book is always like setting out on an adventure, and reading an old book again is like meeting a good old friend. My own little life just isn't enough for me."
Theresa has always loved reading books – she worked for many years as a librarian and, as a published writer, visits libraries all over the world talking about her books and ideas. One of her novels – Whispers in the Graveyard – is about a boy called Sol who can't read or write, but who works very hard to hide the fact.
It won the Carnegie Medal – one of the most prestigious prizes for children's books in the world. It made people think and talk about what it must be like not to be able to read. All Theresa's novels make you think. And some of them make you laugh too!
"I'm a Reading Champion because books are by far the bestest."
Alan is a Geordie who left grammar school at 16 and joined the Merchant Navy. He has sailed as deck officer, trawlerman and able seaman. After National Service in the RAF, he studied at Manchester and Edinburgh Universities and went to teach English in the northern Highlands.
This is the setting of several of his books. Later he went to teach in Galloway and Hamilton, where he now lives. He enjoys hill walking, wildlife, Scottish country dancing and any day without rain.
Alan is the author of Harry and the Wrinklies, amongst many other titles. The sequel – Harry and the Treasure of Eddie Carver – is to be published late in 2003.
"I am a Reading Champion because it can start children on a lifetime of delight and knowledge."
Cathy has always loved reading and writing – she launched her children's book career in style when she won the Kathleen Fidler Award! She was inspired to write for children when her daughter was badly bullied at school, and many of her books have characters who are in trouble for some reason or another. She has always read to her children – and has just announced the arrival of her first grandchild.
"The books we read as children stay with us for the rest of our lives, so I think it's important to get into the habit of reading as early as possible. What you learn as a child you pass on to your children."
To hear more from Catherine, click here
Scoular has been a freelance writer and illustrator since 1986. He has written and illustrated all kinds of books – from joke books to puzzle books, from story books to history books, one of which – 1314 and all that – is all about Scotland.
He's a very popular visitor to schools, telling stories and illustrating them as he goes along.
"I'm a Reading Champion because reading gives your brain a wonderful work–out."
Robert writes for children and adults, screenplays for films and videos, and plays for the theatre. As well as being a writer, he works at Edinburgh College of Art, and when he's not there, or at his word–processor writing, his interests include languages, travel, golf, tennis and going for long thoughtful walks.
"I'm a Reading Champion because I think sharing a good story with children, especially your own children, is one of the greatest pleasures in life!"
Rewarding!
Exciting!
Adventurous!
Delightful!
I have written poetry since I was at school and published several collections, but it was only when I became a father and was away from my own children in Africa (I've always liked to travel) that I started writing for children.
I've always loved reading to my kids; now I can appreciate even more how talented so many children's writers are.
"I'm a Reading Champion because I love sharing my favourite books with my friends. (We're all Reading Champions!)"
Margaret used to be a teacher, but gave it up because she didn't like sums. She has written over sixty books for children aged 5 to 12 – and some children's verse. Margaret likes reading and writing, but not arithmetic.
She plays the piano very badly, which is useful for scaring the crows out of her garden. She lives in an old mill near St Andrews with her husband, John, a collection of teddy bears, and a multi coloured dinosaur called Spike. She has two, very sensible, grown–up children. When Margaret grows up, she's going to be sensible too. Probably.
"I'm a Reading Champion because reading feeds your imagination, and can take you anywhere in the universe from the comfort of your own armchair."
Frank has been a writer and illustrator of books for children for many years but he's always thinking of different things he'd like to do and 2003 looks like being a very busy year for him. In the summer Puffin publishes the first in a series for readers aged 10 years upwards.
Entitled Eyetooth it is about the secret last refuge of the vampires. Also, the BBC has commissioned his children's sitcom series proposal, The Intergalactic Kitchen (inspired by his books) so he'll be busy with that this year.
"I'm a Reading Champion because books are booster rockets for the imagination."
Alison lives and works on the island of Arran. She writes for people of all ages. Amongst her most recent books is an historical murder mystery – Oranges and Murder, and a very funny story about an unappreciated rabbit – Boojer. One of her best–known novels is about Kerry, a girl who is so desperate to help homeless people in Glasgow that she lands herself and her family in terrible trouble – The Sherwood Hero.
"I'm a Reading Champion because I can't bear to think of anyone missing out on all that fun."
Diana is a writer of novels and poetry. She writes for a wide age–range, from picture books to novels for older readers. One of her most popular books is Harvey Angell, all about a mysterious electrician who wants to install happiness in people's lives. You Can't Kiss it Better, her latest novel, is all about a group of children who are tired of being fostered. They want a permanent home.
"I'm a Reading Chamption because.... well, because mostly I've failed at other important things in life like love, making money, driving a car etc etc., but I champion the reading of books because books have brought me adventure, dreams, escape, delight, an understanding of other people, a way of jumping centuries, a comfort in hard times and because books are my best friends."
Joan's books are read by young people throughout the world. Amongst her many books, the Kevin and Sadie series set in Northern Ireland is perhaps her best known, still bestsellers after more than 30 years! But she continues to write books with wonderful storylines, some set in Scotland, and others in Russia, Spain and Eastern Europe.
"I'm a Reading Champion because I want to help children to find their way to the magical and enriching world of books."
Matthew was born Dundee in 1968. He has been writing in Scots since the age of fifteen. He is the author of the sci–fi thriller But n Ben A–Go–Go and is involved as a schools officer in the children's Scots Language imprint, Itchy Coo. He likes reading biographies, watching Blackadder re–runs and gaun tae the fitbaw. Matthew lives in Biggar.
"I am a Reading Champion because when I was wee nobody taught me how to read in Scots and now that I'm a Scots Language Reading Champion I want to help as many young people as possible to read in this special Scottish language."
Jo's Harry Potter novels have become bestsellers the world over. Parents have been intrigued by the books which have so dominated the lives of their children – some of whom weren't previously considered very confident readers.
So they have made time to read them for themselves and discovered that the world of children's books isn't one they have outgrown.
"I'm a Reading Champion because it's the simplest and most magical thing to turn a page and be transported to a whole new world; see things through someone else's eyes; and learn something you couldn't find out any other way."
Andrew writes The Rory Stories, a delightful series of picture books about wee Rory and his dog, Scruff McDuff. He's a Dad who loves reading with his three children. Andrew lives in Dumfries and Galloway.
"Imagine a world without books, that's why I'm a Reading Champion."
Karen has written books for young people of all ages – fiction and non–fiction. ' I spent my early childhood in a log cabin, living in the wild woods of Quebec. It was a wonderful, wild childhood and I try to get some sense of wonder into everything I write. My first novel, Raspberries on the Yangtze, was based on my childhood.
"I'm a Reading Champion because books are magical doorways into many kinds of different world. All you have to do is open the first page and you can be anywhere you like."
To hear more from Karen, click here
Linda has written many books for children including the stunning picture book, What Colour is Love? Her latest series of picture books are about a cuddly Scottish character called Hamish McHaggis and his friends, a Hedgehog, a Pine marten and an Osprey. Her educational books are used in schools all over the world to help children learn to read.
"I'm a Reading Champion because without books how would we escape? Books let you move outside your own life to experience so many different things. They can give you an understanding and insight into other people, how they live and deal with problems and joys in their lives, but they can also let you fly off into the realms of fantasy."
To hear more from Linda, click here
Clare is an actor and writer and has a great reputation too for her drama workshops with children. You may have seen her on TV on Rab C Nesbitt, on screen in Carla's Song or heard her on the radio on The Women of No Consequence. Most recently she wrote episodes of High Road, and Stacey Stone, BBC1's comedy show for teenagers.
"I'm a Reading Champion because I think books are fantastic ad I always finish one and immediately start another."
To hear more from Clare, click here
She recently published the highly acclaimed The Opposite of Chocolate for teenagers, and is currently working on a sequel to Exodus, a powerful novel set in the future.
"I'm a Reading Champion because a book is one of the most powerful things on this planet. Books are dynamic. They can change your life. They changed mine. They were magic carpets – they took me into other lives, opening up all sorts of other worlds and possibilities, other ways of seeing and being. A book is a whole world you can hold in your hand."
To hear more from Julie, click here
Ann is an author, a lecturer and a publisher. Many of you will be familiar with Vlad the Drac, a very funny story she wrote about a tiny vampire with dreams of being a film star.
"I'm a Reading Champion because I think reading is the most wonderful way to enhance your life and grow as a person. Whole worlds open up to you and you expand your horizons in different ways."
To hear more from Ann, click here
Top
