Anne Fine, prize-winning author of such titles as Madame Doubtfire and The Tulip Touch, was appointed the second U.K. Children's Laureate on May 16. Fine becomes the second Laureate, taking over from illustrator Quentin Blake.
The announcement and presentation of the Children's Laureate medal was made by the Poet Laureate, Andrew Motion, who applauded the creation of the post and the work of Blake, the first Laureate, for raising the profile of children's writers and readers in the U.K.
Fine's appointment comes in recognition of her wide-ranging and influential contribution to children's books over the past 20 years. The Children's Laureate is a two-year appointment with an honorarium of £10,000. The holder has no specific duties but is expected to promote the cause of children's books and readers to as wide an audience as possible. More information is available at www.childrenslaureate.org.uk.
