What a Wonderful Celebration!

What an honour it was for me to take part in the celebration event for the Pupil Library Assistant Awards of 2023! 

Every year, pupil library assistants are nominated for this prestigious prize…and an event is held in London to showcase the work of all the fabulous finalists. Authors are given a very special role and asked to champion individual finalists. I was thrilled to be invited to champion the stunning work of Zeinab Sabri who did an absolutely amazing job.

Other authors asked to champion finalists were Jo Cotterill, Eve Ainsworth, Steve Tasane, Philip Ardagh, Laura Mucha, Frances Hardinge, Jane Elson and Sufiya Ahmed. You can see our cheery faces in the photos…alongside the fabulous key note speaker, the brilliant Steve Cole.

It was an afternoon spent celebrating young readers and all they do to keep their school libraries at the heart of the school. I was so moved by their stories and so inspired by them and the wonderful librarians and teachers who support their work.

So here’s a special shout out to all young librarians wherever they are. Your work matters. Your enthusiasm for your libraries shines through. And we are so grateful for all you do to share your love of reading! So keep up the wonderful work!

Happy Secret Breaking to you all!