Editorial 256
New term, new challenges
The new term has begun, and thoughts turn to means of encouraging reading for pleasure. This is particularly challenging as, according to a recent report by the National Literacy Trust, almost one in five (18.6%) children in England between the ages of five and eight do not have access to books at home.
According to the NLT, the percentage of children in this age group who do not have a book of their own at home has risen since before the pandemic by 1.9%, taking it to its highest point since 2019.
The rising cost of living is cited as a key reason for this increase, with 87% of parents saying they have less disposable income and 64% saying that the amount of money they have to spend on books for their child has decreased. Just over half (51%) say that books are simply too expensive.
With libraries under increased pressure, things are looking gloomy, though in Joseph Coelho we have a Children’s Laureate with the energy and determination to follow up the work of his predecessor Cressida Cowell and tackle this head on.
The Children’s Bookshow
This month sees the launch of the 2022 Children’s Bookshow and indeed celebrations for its 20th birthday. Over the past 20 years, the Children’s Bookshow has organised theatre performances by some of the world’s best loved and most highly respected writers and illustrators of children’s literature, giving young people access to the very best stories, poems and illustrations, from across the world.
Amongst the authors taking part this year are Valerie Bloom, Daniel Morden, Jon Agee, Kwame Alexander and François Place. They are performing in towns across England, the artists taking part giving free workshops in local schools for the children who attended. In their 20 years, the Children’s Bookshow has provided more than 700 free workshops and given away approaching 10,000 books. In gloomy times, it’s good to have something to celebrate. Find out more and book tickets.
KA-Boom! Make your way to Oxford, says Nicholas Tucker
Oxford’s lively Story Museum, situated in the heart of the city, is always worth a visit and particularly so now it is hosting its latest exhibition KA-Boom! The Art of Creating Comics. Running until March 2023, it breaks new ground with its emphasis on how comic strips are actually made. Older visitors are still allowed a nostalgic sight of once much-loved pre and immediately post-war comics, but for younger fans here is an opportunity to develop their own characters, think about likely plots and learn about drawing, colouring and lettering all on the big interactive screens laid out at every corner. Pen and paper is available too, with opportunities to fill in your own speech bubbles. On the walls, famous characters starting from Dennis the Menace and Minnie the Minx are shown in the early stages of their own creation. First met at the entrance to the exhibition, Octoboom the Octopus, created by nine-year-old Eddie Tilling at the Museum’s thriving monthly Comic Club, appears at the head of all these processes with his own take on what is below.
Keeping children interested and entertained at museums is never easy, but there is a real buzz at this exhibition, given even within a comparatively small space there is so much for them to try out for themselves in a medium always so ultimately child-pleasing in itself. Comic artist Neill Cameron, who helped devise the exhibition, is regularly there along with other artists and writers handing on their own tips. A range of master classes and interactive workshops are also on offer, from retelling traditional folk and fairy tales for younger visitors to writing your own story sessions for older ones.
The Story Museum also puts on a busy programme for schools and groups.
