Book Reviewing

As OLA's Carnegie shadowers are busily reading and reviewing books on the Carnegie Medal shortlist, a timely article by two children's book reviewers, who share their expert tips. Read Philip Ardagh's and Linda Buckley-Archer's advice.
Read OLA shadowers' reviews.

Vote for your favourite Harry Potter character

Bloomsbury Publishing is launching a worldwide search to find the most favourite character from the Harry Potter books. Visitors can vote on their website. If your favourite character is missing from the list of 40 names, then you can add your favourite.
The poll runs until 26 August and the winning character will be announced on 30 August.
Children under 13 years of age must have the consent of their parent or guardian to vote.

Festival of Illustration

Blackwell's Bookshop in Oxford is holding a Festival of Illustration this weekend.
There are family events on Saturday, plus an evening event on Friday for adults, tickets are free.
Friday:
7pm Festival of Illustration Panel Discussion: “What is Reading?”
Saturday:
11 am - Tony Ross and David McKee
1.30pm - Chris Wormell
3 pm - Katie Cleminson
5 pm - An Event for Adults David McKee and Mini Grey
Further Information from Blackwell's Bookshop

Girls Heart Books

This is a new blog by writers who all write girls' fiction, from age 8 up to older teens, over 30 authors!
Every day there's a new post (including weekends) from a different author, including Susie Day, Leila Rasheed, Cathy Cassidy, Karen McCombie, Liz Kessler, Cathy Hopkins and our 'own' (former OLA pupil) Jo Cotterill.
Read more at http://girlsheartbooks.com/

Carnegie Tea

Over 100 Carnegie Shadowers from schools in Abingdon met at Larkmead School to discuss first reactions to the six titles shortlisted for the prestigious Carnegie Medal. After the all-important refreshments the mixed school groups found themselves playing a kind of pass-the-parcel game, which encouraged each of the to talk about the covers, blurbs and openings of the books. At this early stage they each voted for the one they thought would win - results here soon.

The CILIP Carnegie Medal Shortlist 2011:
BRESLIN, THERESA PRISONER OF THE INQUISITION
McCAUGHREAN GERALDINE THE DEATH DEFYING PEPPER ROUX
NESS, PATRICK MONSTERS OF MEN
ROSOFF, MEG THE BRIDE'S FAREWELL
SEDGWICK, MARCUS WHITE CROW
WALLACE, JASON OUT OF SHADOWS