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Golden Age of Children's Books?

Liz Pichon, author of Tom Gates and Zanib Mian, author of newly-published Planet Omar, take part in a look at the choice and quality of books on offer to young readers.

Liz Pichon on her creation Tom Gates, the hugely popular series of books for young readers now on stage.

Zanib Mian is the author of a new book about a Muslim family, Planet Omar - Accidental Trouble Magnet. Last year a report found that only 1% of children's books featured a main protagonist of colour. Alongside commentator and blogger Darren Chetty she considers whether that picture is changing - and whether any change will last.

One in three books sold is aimed at children. Is this a golden age for children's books? Celebrity authors such as David Walliams are clocking up huge sales but what is the range and quality of all the books on offer? Children's book experts Dawn Finch and Imogen Russell Williams discuss.

Presenter: Kirsty Lang
Producer: Sarah Johnson

Available now

28 minutes

Liz Pichon

Main image: Liz Pichon

Tour information and dates:

Zanib Mian

Zanib Mian's book is Planet Omar:听 Accidental Trouble Magnet听

Recommendations

Book critic Imogen Russell Williams recommends:

Bloom by Nicola Skinner
The Good Thieves by Katherine Rundell

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  • Fri 19 Apr 2019 19:15

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