Moat Brae unveils new programme of support for authors and illustrators

Moat Brae, the Birthplace of Peter Pan and Scotland’s National Centre for Children’s Books, has appointed a cohort of children’s book authors and illustrators to its new “Bookscovery” programme.

The project, which will see each creator supported to develop their approach to delivering children’s book events, will culminate in a symposium for other writers and illustrators, publishers, programmers, and literature organisations in November 2023.

It offers bursary support for six months, the chance to connect with children and young people as the work develops, and grant support to work with artists in other disciplines to help inform the development of “new and exciting” approaches to book events.

The appointed creators are:  Pamela Butchart, Amber Lee Dodd, Chae Strathie and Tom Morgan-Jones. Multi-sensory artist Kirstin Abraham also joins the programme to explore ways to connect children and young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities with books and story. Gaelic-language writer Gwen Bowie also joins with a project in that language.

Mairi Kidd of Moat Brae said: “In the recent Bookseller survey of authors, it chimed with us that there was specific mention of a lack of support for authors new to public speaking and audience engagement. We know that events are hugely important to many children’s book writers and illustrators in particular, and for some may in fact be their bread and butter. During the appointment process for ‘Bookscovery’ almost all interviewees shared with us their frustration that support and training does not exist for this important area of their activity.

“Even authors with significant experience commented that they have never been able to access training, or support for time to experiment and continue developing their approaches. We hope that our programme will create resources we can share more widely to help authors and illustrators everywhere feel supported in their work to inspire young readers.”

Bookscovery is funded by Creative Scotland and Comhairle nan Leabhraichean (The Gaelic Books Council). The programme is supported by The National Lottery funding through Creative Scotland.

Alan Bett, head of literature at Creative Scotland, said: “Most of us remember a moment in our childhood that inspired a love of reading and stories. With that in mind, Bookscovery aims to develop the skills that allow children’s authors and illustrators to connect with their readers. This will not only benefit those directly involved, but by sharing learnings with the broader children’s literature sector, will have a legacy for many artists and young audiences beyond this programme.

“Bookscovery is broad and inclusive. There is a focused strand on Gaelic language work and also sensory storytelling for those with profound and multiple learning disabilities. The programme will allow authors to inspire children and perhaps even the next generation of authors. The participating authors represent the high level of talent in Scotland and the innovation they bring to classrooms across the country will transform the way children engage with literature for the future.”