‘One of the most beloved writers of all time’: the genius of Joan Aiken at 100
From Willoughby Chase to Black Hearts in Battersea, Joan Aiken’s tales of plucky orphans surviving in industrial Britain are a keystone of children’s literature
The Guardian view on celebrity books: call them by their names
Keira Knightley and Jamie Oliver are the latest stars to write children’s books, but too often famous names hide the talents of ghostwriters
Topsy and Tim creator Jean Adamson dies aged 96
The writer and illustrator behind more than 150 beloved children’s books sold over 25m copies worldwide
John Marsden, author of Tomorrow, When the War Began, dies aged 74
Marsden’s death was confirmed in a letter from one of two schools he founded saying: ‘He died at his desk in his home, doing what he loved, writing’
The best children’s and YA books of 2024
From a boy on a snowy midnight adventure to a gothic family caper via a young offender inspired by poetry, our critics pick their favourite titles of the year
‘It can feel quite mysterious’: Alan Garner on writing, folklore and experiencing time slips in the Pennines
At 90, the author reflects on his friendship with Alan Turing, quantum realities and how his grandfather inspired his latest book
The Borrowers review – Arrietty and co’s awfully wordy adventure
With a cumbersome script and no sense of danger or atmosphere, this production loses its way
Well Done, Mummy Penguin review – Antarctic antics warm the heart
This is a sprightly adaptation of Chris Haughton’s popular book, adding circus skills, projections and BSL
The best children’s books of 2024
Get lost in a fox’s quest; plus snowman magic, a wily genie and cookery from around the world
Cillian Murphy as Voldemort? Everything we know about HBO’s Harry Potter TV show
Details are beginning to emerge about the ‘decade-long’ adaptation of JK Rowling’s books – with some starry actors reportedly in negotiations
The best graphic novels of 2024
Arthurian legend, dark family secrets, monsters, princesses and a Russian detective in this year’s picks
How I brought a Jewish wartime refugee’s lost fairytale back to life
Ulrich Boschwitz, who wrote the recently rediscovered thriller The Passenger, left another gift behind him when his life was tragically cut short. I had the honour of reinterpreting it for today’s children
It’s heartbreaking so few children read for pleasure – and sad to know the reasons why
When people face financial pressure and child poverty is so high, it’s hard to prioritise family reading, says Guardian columnist Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett
‘Relax your rules, let them pick what they want’: 10 page-turners to get kids reading
A report this month revealed fewer children than ever read for pleasure. From spooky tales to choose-your-own-adventure fantasy epics, here are 10 irresistible titles
Novelist Maggie O’Farrell: ‘Children don’t just need butterflies and rainbows’
The Hamnet author talks about bringing her bestselling Shakespeare novel to the screen, working with Paul Mescal, and how her speech disorder inspired her latest children’s book