Authors turn on World Book Day for choosing too many works by celebrities

Angry writers complain that stars’ stories are giving a ‘false impression’ of children’s literature today

TOP children’s authors have criticised World Book Day for picking titles by a “clutch of celebrities” for next year’s event.

In a post online, David Almond, author of Skellig , wrote that “the nation’s children are being short-changed” by the decision to include four celebrity names among the 10 chosen books.

The celebrity authors are comedian Julian Clary, Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain, sports presenter Clare Balding and Tom Fletcher, of the band Mcfly.

Mr Almond, who contributed a book for this year’s World Book Day event, told The Daily Telegraph: “There’s nothing wrong with celebrities writing books, but an organisation like World Book Day should be giving a good idea of what children’s literature is today, and this doesn’t at all.

“It gives a false impression of what it is to write a book.”

He added that it was “important to give due respect to children’s culture and creativity, and to take it seriously”.

Australian Andy Griffiths, and lesserknown British authors Pamela Butchart and Kes Gray are also part of the promotion, alongside a Marvel Avengers title.

Commenting on Mr Almond’s Facebook post, Anthony Mcgowan, author of books including The Knife That Killed Me, Hellbent and Mortal Coil, wrote that the list had “incensed” him.

“I could have nominated 50 better writers who could have done with a little boost. What were they thinking?” he said.

Joanne Harris, the Chocolat author, also weighed in. Writing on her blog she said: “The current spate of celebrity (and often ghostwritten) children’s books is having a detrimental effect, not just on children’s publishing, but on the reputation of children’s writing, and even on literacy in general.

“Celebrity authors are the equivalent of the Mcdonald’s Happy Meal. OK once in a while, perhaps, but not the everyday, varied diet a healthy child needs to flourish and grow.”

In a statement Kirsten Grant, World Book Day director, said: “There are lots of hugely loved authors and brands on the list, from Mr Men to Paddington, to the Oi! series, as well as fabulous newer stars like Pamela Butchart – and yes, there are celebrity writers on the list (who have written their own books), but if they are the catalyst to encouraging a non-reader to pick up a book and start a nationwide conversation about reading, then everyone will be better off.”

World Book Day, on March 1, is run by a charity which sends £1 tokens to children to be spent either on the promotional titles or to reduce the price of other books.