Malorie Blackman is the new Children's Laureate

The author of more than 50 books has pledged to continue predecessor Julia Donaldson's support for libraries
Malorie Blackman will be Waterstones Children's Laureate for 2013-15. She is the eighth writer to have been appointed to the position.
She said: 'I am honoured to have been chosen as the eighth Children’s Laureate. A love of books has opened so many doors for me. Stories have inspired me and taught me to aspire. I’ve been a professional author for over 20 years, so I feel now is the time to give something back. I hope to instil in every child I meet my love and enthusiasm for reading and stories.
'And as I would never have become an author if it hadn’t been for my local library as a child, I intend to continue Julia Donaldson’s amazing, indefatigable work advocating for our nation’s public library service.'
Waterstones managing director James Daunt said: 'This is a wonderful appointment. Malorie will bring her trademark energy to the role and be a great Children's Laureate. We at Waterstones will be proud to support her over the next two years.'
Malorie Blackman was honoured with an OBE for services to children's literature in 2008.

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