Around 50 nominations each for the Carnegie 2010 and Greenaway 2010 awards. Judging only by the fact that I recognise many of the authors and illustrators as well-established names, and that they are in competition on such substantial lists, these will be competitions of great quality.
I have just read one of the nominations – Pratchett’s Nation – and loved it. It might make an interesting comparison with Treasure Island: it has a deserted treasure island and a young male hero, but just about everything else is turned on its head.
Coincidentally I’ve also just read Michael Lockwood’s article ‘The Development of a Children’s Poet’ (needs OU login; link also on our course wiki) on Ted Hughes’s poetry for children. There are some stunning poems quoted in the article: I had no idea that Hughes was such a prolific writer for children.
We know on this course that literary quality is not the only dimension of interest in children’s literature ; but what a lot to enjoy. Now, if someone would please give me purchasing power?
6 responses so far ↓
Ally // November 7, 2009 at 5:13 pm |
I’m happy to see that Neil Gaiman’s ‘The Graveyard Book’ is on the list too. Such a good book. My daughter and I have listened to the audiobook a good few times before bed. If you’ve not had the chance to read it, I thoroughly recommend it.
Now I’ve got to find some time to read the Patrick Ness books. If only I could find my way through ‘Little Women’!
Christine // November 8, 2009 at 12:46 pm |
Thank you for the link to the Earth Moon page. Hughes’ comments on the imagination were profound. Like you, I had no idea that Hughes had written so much for children. I’ve just searched my local brick uni library and a lot of the books mentioned are on their shelves. Time to dust off my SCONUL card and make use of it.
cs783 // November 9, 2009 at 9:58 pm |
thanks, Ally. I’ll be doing some lurking in the bookshops. And Christine what a good reminder about our access to brick Uni libraries.
Blog ideology « EA300 Children's literature: a tutor's blog // November 12, 2009 at 5:17 pm |
[...] About ← Carnegie and Greenaway [...]
Kate // November 29, 2009 at 9:17 pm |
I found ‘Nation’ moving. I found the rage at the deaths of all his people convincing, and I loved the way he dealt with the clearing of all the bodies. And the turning upside down of the colonialist attitude dealt with those of us who were feeling smug. I wondered if it was so moving because I knew of Pratchett’s illness?
cs783 // November 29, 2009 at 9:27 pm |
Kate – It is so rich, isn’t it? There’s a link with Pullman, too, I thought, in the angry rejection of gods.