CLPE wins Eleanor Farjeon Award

The Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE) has won the Eleanor Farjeon Award for its "outstanding contribution to the world of children’s books".

CLPE chief executive Louise Johns-Shepherd accepted the award on the charity’s behalf at a ceremony in London on 12th February.

"Eleanor Farjeon was such a champion of children and of books and we are so honoured to have our work recognised by this prestigious award. Children’s literature is the absolute heart of all our work at CLPE where we support children to become literate and to develop a love of reading and writing in their homes, in schools and in libraries. Receiving this recognition will help us to do even more for children, in more places and with more books," Johns-Shepherd said.

CLPE achievements include "Reflecting Realities", the first study on diversity in children’s books, CLiPPA, the only award for children’s poetry, the Literacy Library, a space with 23,000 children’s books located in CLPE's London centre, and many others.

Christabel McKinley, co-chair of prize organiser the Children’s Book Circle, said: "This year we wanted to honour the scope and ambition that the CLPE has demonstrated in their pursuit of improving literacy for all children. The holistic approach they have taken–providing a wealth of resources for both children and educators through relevant research, tailored training and their beautiful new library–has proved ingenious and demonstrably effective. It is with great pleasure that we would like to recognise the commitment the CLPE has already made to furthering child literacy, and we look forward to watching the transformative results of their work continue."

Previous winners include Philip Pullman, Michael Rosen, Shirley Hughes and Malorie Blackman.