Young readers in Carshalton win visit from top children’s author

Reading for pleasure brings children many rewards, but young readers at one lucky  library in Carshalton, Sutton are in for a real treat, after winning a UK-wide competition celebrating the first-ever Chatterbooks Week (11-18 October),via national charity The Reading Agency’s ever-growing network of Chatterbooks reading groups for children.

The competition asked Chatterbooks groups to write 250 words about why they would love to have an event with Jacqueline Wilson, author of many bestselling books including The Story of Tracy Beaker, Hetty Feather and Lily Alone, and official Chatterbooks patron.  Her 100th novel for children – Opal Plumstead – was published on 9 October.

The judges chose the Westcroft Book Buddies Chatterbooks group in Carshalton as first prize winners of a visit from Dame Jacqueline Wilson herself.

Lynne Taylor, Chatterbooks programme manager for The Reading Agency explains:

“The group’s enthusiasm was an inspiration: they had devised and taken part in special activities based on Jacqueline Wilson’s books, and written reviews and recommendations which they shared on the library’s Facebook page. They truly encapsulated the Chatterbooks ethos of sharing ideas and enjoying reading. I am delighted that Westcroft Book Buddies are the lucky winners of this fantastic competition,”

Councillor Jill Whitehead, Chair of the Environment and Neighbourhood Committee at Sutton Council said:

“I want to pass on my congratulations to the Westcroft Book Buddies. The group has done tremendously well to win a national competition. What a fantastic thrill it will be for them to have Jacqueline Wilson coming to visit. It will be so beneficial for these youngsters to hear about how she gets ideas and inspiration for her stories and hear all about her new book too.”

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