Thursday, April 26, 2007

Booktrust's Big Picture seminar at the London Book Fair



There's so much going on at Booktrust currently - major new book gifting projects for children in care, children arriving at school and at secondary school; campaigns to promote picture books and the short story; the challenge issued to Get London Reading; the appointment in June of a new Children's Laureate - I am deeply impressed by the energy and dedication of the Booktrust team.

After seven very enjoyable and engrossing years here I've decided to step down as Director in September, feeling that new skills are needed to lead the organisation through its next phase of development, but I hope to remain connected. Currently I'm working up plans for a project to explore the creative opportunities that the digital age offers to writers and readers, working with the FLO (Friendly Literature Officers group on an event in June on Leadership and Diversity in literature development, and am involved in planning another Booktrust education scheme to promote writing as a life skill. There's lots to do - but time to marvel at how much goes on at Book House these days to help people of all ages and cultures to discover and enjoy reading.