‘Reading’s in danger’: Frank Cottrell-Boyce on books, kids – and the explosive power of Heidi
![‘Reading’s in danger’: Frank Cottrell-Boyce on books, kids – and the explosive power of Heidi](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/87621c306aaf43e3de2e7a41b5c8e98350dd9657/460_230_2160_1296/master/2160.jpg?width=460&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=7d02168898787c9cb38392a2b57e896c)
He has written hit films like 24 Hour Party People and cooked up the Queen’s Olympic skydive. But now, having been crowned Children’s Laureate, he’s on a mission to show kids that books will change their lives
Frank Cottrell-Boyce doesn’t believe in pessimism. Even being announced as the UK’s brand-new children’s laureate in the week when all eyes are focused on Westminster and the polling booths makes him hopeful that people will turn to a cheerier story in search of relief, meaning he can leap into the classic “and finally” spot on news bulletins. “I’m happy to be that skateboarding duck,” he grins as he chats over Zoom from his home on Merseyside.
But to be chipper is not merely a function of his temperament, as his speech at the acceptance of the title made clear. Quoting William Beveridge, whose groundbreaking report laid the foundations for the modern welfare state, Cottrell-Boyce insisted that “scratch a pessimist and you’ll find a defender of privilege”; and it’s his intention, during his two-year tenure, to demonstrate that making children’s lives better by increasing their access to books, reading and what he calls “the apparatus of happiness” is critical to the prospects of the generations to come – and that the cost of ignoring that is unthinkable.
Continue reading...Date: |
Filter
-
ABC News - Entertainment
It's considered the first American novel, but this 1789 book isn't quite summer beach reading
Critics have long debated which books qualify as a ‘Great American Novel -
CBS News - Top stories
The best beach reads for 4th of July weekend
Kick back, relax and lose yourself in one of the best and most engrossing summer beach reads of 2024. -
ESPN - Sports
Lehmann backs Germany vs. 'team of kids' Spain
Former Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has said he fancies the Euro 2024 hosts' chances against "inexperienced" Spain in their quarterfinal clash on Friday -
CBS News - Top stories
How to talk to kids about climate change
Recent studies show that kids are increasingly becoming concerned about the effects of climate change. Elizabeth Bagley, the managing director at Project Drawdown, joins CBS News with tips on how to talk to children about the future of the planet.Climate -
The Guardian - World
‘Once in a lifetime event’: rare chance to see explosion on dwarf star 3,000 light years away
T Coronae Borealis, or the Blaze Star, was last seen in 1946 and will be visible again some time between now and September. Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcastIn what is being called a “once-in-a-lifetime ... -
The Guardian - World
‘Dangerous’ Gakpo’s growing goal threat propels Netherlands at Euros
Former Dutch player of the year is level in the Golden Boot race and offers his national side a true cutting edge. Andre Ratiu was having a decent tournament until he got to Munich and was made to look a dud by Cody Gakpo. The full-back, with his ... -
ABC News - Health
Blazing hot surfaces are a danger for catastrophic burn injuries in the urban desert Southwest
Sizzling sidewalks and unshaded playgrounds are a danger for catastrophic burn injuries as air temperatures reach new summer highs in desert cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas -
NBC News - Top stories
Hurricane Beryl lashes Jamaica with 140 mph winds and dangerous storm surge
Beryl lashed Jamaica with strong winds and storm surge and strong waves as the Category 4 hurricane brushed the southern coast of the island Wednesday, officials said. -
Yahoo Sports - Sports
😱 World Cup Danger? The Stadiums in the United States Are MUCH Smaller
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in Spanish here. Let us know in the comments what you think of this translation.There is no doubt...World Cup -
CBS News - Top stories
How to talk to your kids about climate anxiety, according to an expert
Elizabeth Bagley shares tips for parents on how to navigate tricky conversations about climate change with their children.Climate
More from The Guardian
-
The Guardian - World
General election 2024: UK awaits exit poll as millions cast votes across country – latest live news
Exit poll at 10pm BST to give indication of election outcome ahead of overnight vote counts. UK general election results 2024: live trackerWhat time will we know who won? Guide to the nightEven if nothing much happens, in news terms, on polling ...United Kingdom -
The Guardian - World
Final pleas, postal vote delays and dogs: British voters go to the polls
Party leaders make last-minute appeals to electorate as Labour heavily tipped to win overwhelming majority. UK election live – latest updatesLive tracker: UK general election results 2024Under bright, blustery skies across most of the UK, British ... -
The Guardian - World
UK general election: how does it work, when are the results and why does it matter to the world?
A complete guide to the how Britain votes for its government and the prime minister is decided. UK general election live: latest updatesLive tracker: UK general election results 2024The UK general election takes place on 4 July. Here we look at ...United Kingdom -
The Guardian - World
Trump calls Biden ‘broken-down’ and claims he quit 2024 race in leaked video
Clip obtained by Daily Beast shows ex-president sitting in golf cart, holding cash, as he discusses presidential debate. “A broken-down pile of crap” on the verge of “quitting the race” was Donald Trump’s summation of Joe Biden in a ...Joe Biden -
The Guardian - World
Relatives of India crush victims accuse authorities of leaving people to die
Family members and eyewitnesses say they had to dig in mud to find survivors and some of the more than 120 killed. Relatives of victims of the deadly crowd crush during a Hindu religious gathering in northern India have accused the authorities of ...