World Book Day is a great charity, that celebrates authors, illustrators, books and (most importantly) reading. It is designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading, and marked in over 100 countries all over the world. We are big fans, and have written about the fantastic website before here. The site is jammed full of activity sheets, colouring pages, Story-craft a section with tips on writing stories from children’s authors, World Book Day TV, online games, author interviews, Storytime online where authors and stars read stories for kids, and amongst other goodies, a Parents bookfinder, and various competitions.
Below is an interesting Storycraft youtube video from Malorie Blackman (who holds the position of Children’s Laureate for 2013 to 2015) answering … How do you structure a story?
As were in the mood we also wanted to share the love for the World Book Day illustrator of the year (2014), Alex T Smith. Read on to be inspired, and find out more about this talented man who has a love of tiny cute dogs and a passion for breton t-shirts.
Alex T. Smith was born in 1985 and has drawn and written stories since he could hold a pencil. After considering several career options (space traveler, cake maker, professional rabbit), Alex decided to train to do the job he’d wanted to do since he was five – a children’s books illustrator.
Alex graduated with a 1st Class Hons degree in Illustration and, having won second place in the Macmillan Prize for Children’s Picture Book Illustration in his final year, began working on his first commission as he put his degree show up!
Since then Alex has gone on to write and illustrate his own books – many of which have won prizes and have been read on TV during the Bedtime Hour on CBeebies, as well as illustrating books for several different authors.
Alex is also the creator of the CLAUDE series for early readers.CLAUDE in the City was selected for the Richard and Judy Children’s Book Club 2011 and was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize in 2012.
When not working, Alex enjoys doodling in his sketchbook, reading, people-watching and eavesdropping. He is also a big fan of cake and a nice cup of tea and a sit down. He lives with and under the constant ‘supervision’ of his canine companions – two very tiny, very naughty chihuahuas (Coco and Mr. Bongo) and an ancient and very bossy Yorkshire terrier, Lucy Locket.
Via the wonderful Tipnut blog, where there are more book plate printables for you … happy writing, reading and World Book Day. ( Oh! and a thank you to Ethical Superstore who helped me track these down). xo
1. http://orangeyoulucky.blogspot.co.uk/2010/05/happy-
2. http://orangeyoulucky.blogspot.ca/2012/08/back-to-school-
3. http://mowillemsdoodles.blogspot.co.uk/2007/12/little-gift.html
4. http://lulabird-blog.blogspot.co.uk/2010/06/little-pressie-from-lulabird.
5. http://www.myhomelibrary.org/plate2.php?
5a. http://www.myhomelibrary.org/plate2.php?name=Gwen_Millward&n=1&ext=jpg&size=wow&dpi=150&back=2
Creative Bus Stop 