To tickle the funny bone

May 15, 2008

Michael Rosen has announced a new award for children’s books in honour of one of the funniest writers of them all. The Children’s Laureate, who sees himself as the ‘ambassador for fun’ believes that funny books should be rewarded. Authors who use humour in their stories, poetry or fiction will be eligible for The Roald Dahl Prize.

Rosen says that humour is often overlooked in children’s book awards and it is time to be acknowledged. Young adult titles are in the running, with two categories: titles for littlies under six, and those for readers aged between seven and fourteen.

A shortlist will be announced on the third annual Roald Dahl Day on 13 September, with the winners receiving their prizes in November. The judging panel, chaired by Rosen, consists of Dahl’s grand-daughter Sophie, comedian Dara O’Briain and illustrator Chris Riddell.

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