BLOG BREAK Empathy, Diversity and Celebrity
Nick Cross presents his fortnightly selection of must-read blogs.
Celebrations are in order for two of our bloggers. Peter Bunzl's Cogheart has beat some impressive competition to win the excellently-named Awesome Book Award. Meanwhile, it's lovely to see K.M. Lockwood clinching a short story prize and even making it into the local media!
Talking of prizes, there's some sort of worldwide contest going on, where men kick balls around. I wouldn't know about such things, but luckily Dave Cousins has come to my rescue with a World Cup-themed blog post, including some nifty tie-ins to his Charlie Merrick book series.
Empathy Day is a new UK initiative focusing on using books as a tool to build understanding. Joanna Norland took her picture book text into her daughter's school, and found out how it could be used to help kids develop empathy with adults.
Staying on the theme of empathy (or lack of it), writer Lionel Shriver's been in the news again, with some ill-judged comments on diversity in publishing. Vanessa Harbour brings her usual insight and honesty to bear on the subject.
Would you write a book with your daughter? I can't imagine either of my daughters would be thrilled at the idea, but one mother/daughter pairing who definitely make it work is Perdita and Honor Cargill. Read their interview at Zoe Cookson's Madge Eekal Reviews.
Finally, although it's a few weeks after the fact, it's never too late to celebrate Allan Ahlberg's 80th birthday! Story Snug have a great round-up of his best picture books to enjoy.
Nick.
Feature image: Blog Break logo by Nick Cross
Nick also blogs for Notes from the Slushpile. His most recent blog post finds him walking a writing tightrope - Don't Look Down!
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