‘I’m parking my guilt’: confessions of a celebrity children’s book ghost writer

As an author whose own books never find their way to supermarket shelves, it’s frustrating work – but it puts food on my family’s tableOnce a rare species, celebrity authored children’s books have become stalwarts of supermarket books aisles. Perfect for a grandparent hunting a last-minute Christmas gift, or a parent looking for something that will appeal to a child reluctant to read, books by stars have become the go-to for many. Those buying them might have it in the back of their minds that these “authors” might not have done much of the writing. But that doesn’t matter, does it? As long as the kids are reading, that’s what counts.For children’s authors who do write their own stuff, it’s a little galling. They’d give their hind teeth for a spot on that shelf – and surely they are no less deserving of exposure and recognition. As a writer of children’s fiction, I’ve been known to turn a shade of green, too. But I’m conflicted, because in addition to writing original and mostly unrecognised books for young readers, I also work as a ghost writer. Continue reading... Continue reading at 'The Guardian'

[ The Guardian | 2022-12-16 10:41:27 UTC ]
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Children’s Books Edition: PRH’s ‘Banned Wagon’ Rolls Sunday

As Banned Books Week opens its October 1 to 7 run, Penguin Random House is taking some of the most attacked books on the road. By Porter Anderson, Editor-in-Chief | @Porter_Anderson Taking the Fight on the Road t Frankfurter Buchmesse (October 18 to 22), programming on tap in many parts of the... Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2023-09-30 01:09:21 UTC ]
More news stories like this | News stories tagged with: #post children #books edition #porter anderson #largest book #frankfurter buchmesse #penguin random house #books week


Children need to see themselves in books. Enter Young, Black & Lit.

What if you went to the bookstore and saw no one on the shelves who looked like you? One couple is addressing that deficit for young Black children, supporting literacy and identity. Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor

[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2023-09-29 13:58:26 UTC ]
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Children’s Books Edition: L’École des Loisirs’ New ‘House of Stories’

The Paris bookstore Chantelivre, owned by publisher L’École des Loisirs, has opened a 'House of Stories' where kids engage with narratives. The post Children’s Books Edition: L’École des Loisirs’ New ‘House of Stories’ appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2023-09-29 12:25:13 UTC ]
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Debut novel by Millie Bobby Brown reignites debate over ghostwritten celebrity books

Publishing figures defend Stranger Things star’s book, Nineteen Steps, after this week’s publication ignites criticism on social mediaThe publication of Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown’s debut novel has reignited a debate over ghostwritten celebrity books.Brown’s Nineteen Steps, inspired... Continue reading at The Guardian

[ The Guardian | 2023-09-14 10:56:45 UTC ]
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Drew Barrymore is dropped as National Book Awards host amid writers' strike controversy

The National Book Foundation has rescinded Drew Barrymore's invitation to host the National Book Awards while her show tapes amid the Hollywood strikes. Continue reading at Los Angeles Times

[ Los Angeles Times | 2023-09-12 23:23:20 UTC ]
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12 Of The Best New Children’s Books Out September 2023

September children’s book releases include many lovely books about activism, community, hope, and celebrating identity. Continue reading at Book Riot

[ Book Riot | 2023-09-08 10:32:00 UTC ]
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New Stephen Hawking children’s book to be published next year

You and the Universe, adapted from his posthumous 2020 Earth Day message, will bring the late physicist’s ‘extraordinary work to life for readers of all ages’A new children’s picture book by Stephen Hawking is due to be published six years after the theoretical physicist’s death.You and the... Continue reading at The Guardian

[ The Guardian | 2023-08-04 12:26:34 UTC ]
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12 Of The Best New Children’s Books Out August 2023

Check out these great August children's book releases, like Make a Move, Sunny Park by Jessica Kim and River of Mariposas by Mirelle Ortega. Continue reading at Book Riot

[ Book Riot | 2023-08-04 10:31:00 UTC ]
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10 Books to Make You a Better Writer

Seasoned author and writing mentor Beth Kempton shares 10 books that will improve your craft. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2023-08-03 04:00:00 UTC ]
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2023 In Memoriam: Children’s Book Creators and Publishers Remembered

See our tributes to children’s authors, illustrators, and publishers we have lost this year. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2023-08-01 04:00:00 UTC ]
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Arthur children’s book faces potential Florida ban over claim it ‘damaged souls’

School district member files challenge to Arthur’s Birthday, 1989 book by Marc Brown, which is among 45 titles pending reviewA title in the Arthur children’s book series is facing a potential ban after a conservative activist claimed that it “damaged souls”.On 12 July, Bruce Friedman, a member... Continue reading at The Guardian

[ The Guardian | 2023-07-28 16:22:54 UTC ]
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Bruce Handy on Becoming a Children’s Picture Book Author in His 60s

“Writing for kids had long been an ambition of mine, but until recently I didn’t know it had long been an ambition.” Continue reading at The New York Times

[ The New York Times | 2023-07-28 09:00:25 UTC ]
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Bruce Handy on Becoming a Children’s Picture Book Author in His 60s

“Writing for kids had long been an ambition of mine, but until recently I didn’t know it had long been an ambition.” Continue reading at The New York Times

[ The New York Times | 2023-07-28 09:00:24 UTC ]
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Children's Author Becomes a 'Loudmouth' for Banned Books

Author Leah Johnson isn't simply speaking up against censorship—she's putting banned books into people's hands, and will open Loudmouth Books in Indianapolis in late September. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2023-07-20 04:00:00 UTC ]
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Yes, it can be very stressful to publish a book, and young writers need more support.

An April report by the UK-based publishing site, The Bookseller, showed that more than half of the debut authors they surveyed said the experience of publishing a book adversely affected their mental health. Further reporting from The Guardian reveals that (some) publishers have quickly... Continue reading at Literrary Hub

[ Literrary Hub | 2023-07-19 19:03:31 UTC ]
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Elliott Bay Book Co. Celebrates 50 Years in Seattle

Known for its soaring rafters and walls of staff picks on every flavor, Seattle’s Elliott Bay turned 50 years old this June—just a year after an ownership change. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2023-07-14 04:00:00 UTC ]
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12 Of The Best New Children’s Books Out July 2023

New children’s book releases include clever nonfiction picture books, thrilling middle grade fantasies, and more. Continue reading at Book Riot

[ Book Riot | 2023-07-07 10:32:00 UTC ]
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Children’s Books About Race and the National Spelling Bee

MacNolia Cox speaks only one sentence in a picture book about her trip to the 1936 national spelling bee. Zaila Avant-garde, the 2021 champ, writes volumes. Continue reading at The New York Times

[ The New York Times | 2023-07-07 09:00:29 UTC ]
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12 Of The Best New Children’s Books Out June 2023

Get ready for the summer with these 12 June children's book releases, including Hawaiian fantasy Lei and the Fire Goddess by Malia Maunakea. Continue reading at Book Riot

[ Book Riot | 2023-06-07 10:34:00 UTC ]
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CI2023: Trends in the Children’s Book Market

Circana's Brenna Connor assessed “The State of the Children’s Book Market” for Children’s Institute 2023 in Milwaukee, speaking about transformations, troubles, and growth opportunities across the children’s, middle grade, and YA sectors. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2023-06-07 04:00:00 UTC ]
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