As a children's book addict and advocate a recent conference with the title 'Something Old, Something New' had an important resonance for me. In my role as school librarian I am often trying to encourage children to read some of the old 'classics'. The fact that many of these are now being re-visited and re-written to make them accessible to the modern reader and the ways in which they retain their relevance and use for a modern child were the focus of the conference.
Whilst it is important that we remember the 'old classics' it is equally important that we find the books that will become classics of the future, for the next generation. Classic books exist in many guises and carry meaning in different ways for differing audiences. For me it is important that children enjoy books and stories for their intrinsic value, not just because they are told this is a classic.
With this in mind we have a packed edition of Armadillo, full of reviews for new books, some of which are re-issued or re-written classics; interviews with Kaye Umansky who is celebrating 21 years of Pongwiffy, and Cristy Burne a new author, winner of the Frances Lincoln Diverse Voices Award.
Accompanying this material there are reports from some recent events attended by Armadillo reviewers and some new innovations taking Armadillo forward under its new team -
Book Bites - an area for reviewers and readers to use for sharing innovative ways they have used books in school, at home or in any setting. Which part of the book has been the most useful? How have you used it to develop reading and other skills? What has been the audience? These are all the questions I hope we can answer so please, if you have suggestions, email them to the editor.
Competition Corner - I still have a number of books that I would love to give away so do please email me your great ideas for making a change, or your very own super heroes! Read Gwen Grant's review of 10 Things for inspiration!
Audio Books - a new areas reviewing and championing this undervalued resource.
Issue dates - notification of forthcoming editions of the magazine.
Continuing with the Something Old, Something New theme and in respect of the pace of change I too have embraced the twenty-first century and, with some guidance (thank you Doda), set up an Armadillo Blog. Please visit the blog and follow me to get a weekly update on all the news and developments from the exciting and fast moving world of children's literature. I hope to see many of you there!
Armadillo Magazine continues to strive to promote children's literature for children of all ages, through as many avenues as possible. I hope you enjoy this packed issue and look forward to any comments or contributions you would like to make.
Ed.