Enfield bookworms hunt for all-time children's classic

11:22am Monday 17th November 2008

YOUNG bookworms will leave no page unturned as they scour the shelves of Enfield’s libraries to find the best-loved children’s book.

As part of the National Year of Reading schoolgoers aged between 9-12 will participate in the Children’s Book Award programme by promoting their favourite novel as well as one chosen by their school.

Nominated pupils from the borough’s 13 participating schools will give three-minute presentations championing their selections at Palmers Green Library on Wednesday to help make a shortlist that will be put to the public vote.

It will see loved classics like Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory written by national treasure Roald Dahl go head to head with new authors such as Harry Potter creator JK Rowling to establish which author has captured young hearts and minds.

Programme organiser Lucy Love said: "Our award has sustained reading interest over a number of months with children selecting and reading books in school and at home. As we build up to the final next year excitement is mounting."

Acclaimed children’s book illustrator, Jane Ray, the patron for book awards, will visit the Broomfield Lane library and lead a range of activities such storyboard animation.

Councillor Jon Kaye, cabinet member for leisure, culture and Olympics, said, "This is a marvellous reading event keeping children interested in so many ways and for such a sustained period.

"While it is fun, it is also developing and harnessing skills in our young people – critical faculties, public speaking, reading and opinion forming. Let’s not forget that these young people are our writers and readers of the future and I hope many will be inspired by the Enfield Children’s Book Award."

All entries must be submitted by March 7, 2009, and the winner will be announced two weeks later at the Intimate Theatre in Palmers Green.