Who we are
The Children’s Book Circle is a lively discussion forum for people involved in children’s books. Regular meetings provide the perfect environment in which to exchange ideas with others who have a professional interest in children’s books.
Founded in 1962 as an informal association of children’s book editors, the CBC has expanded to embrace anyone with a professional interest in children’s books - publishers, librarians, authors, illustrators, teachers, booksellers and agents.
The CBC meets regularly at a variety of venues. Speaker meetings are addressed by invited guests, and topics focus on current and controversial issues relevant to the world of children’s books. Audience participation is encouraged. There is always discussion and the chance for everyone to voice their opinion. Recent meetings have included a panel on marketing to children with Annie Eaton from Random House, Mark Bradley from EA Games, and Matt Bochenski from Toxic Magazine, and a discussion on the current state of the children’s book business with Kate Wilson of Scholastic.
In addition to regular meetings, members have the opportunity to vote for the recipient of the Eleanor Farjeon Award, given annually for an outstanding contribution to the world of children’s books. The list of past winners reads like a Who’s Who of children’s books – Margaret Meek, Shirley Hughes, Eileen Colwell, Kaye Webb, Philip Pullman, Miriam Hodgson, and Malorie Blackman. The Eleanor Farjeon award ceremony and reception is generally held in October.
The Patrick Hardy lecture is delivered each year by a distinguished speaker on a relevant topic of their choice. The overall theme of the lecture is ‘excellence in children’s books’. Past speakers have included Michael Rosen, Julia Eccleshare, Margaret Meek, Jan Mark, Anne Fine, David Almond, Anthony Horowitz and most recently, Meg Rosoff. The lecture is usually held in November.
Other highlights include the summer party, which offers members a chance to pit their wits against each other in a challenging quiz on children’s books.
The Children’s Book Circle is a not-for-profit organisation and is run entirely by volunteers.