Looking for the Nations' Supreme Storyteller

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Those brilliant folks on the World Book Day team have started their search for the Nations' Supreme Storyteller. Now I KNOW we have so many gifted, energetic and absolutely mesmerising storytellers out there. So perhaps you'd like to get involved and nominate your favourite for this amazing competition. Rather than explain the details myself, here's the information straight from the World Book Day people themselves:

BESTSELLING CHILDREN’S AUTHORS LEAD SEARCH
FOR NATION’S SUPREME STORYTELLER
  • Francesca Simon and Lauren Child launch ‘Storytelling Superstar’ 2013
 
Once upon a time, two of the country’s best-loved children’s writers set off on an adventure to find the top storytellers in the land…
Mega-selling creator of Horrid Henry, Francesca Simon and Lauren Child, acclaimed author of the Ruby Redfort and Clarice Bean books, have joined forces for this year’s World Book Day to find the UK and Ireland's Storytelling Superstar for 2013.
The pair, who have kept millions of youngsters entertained and delighted with their stories, are now on the hunt for children, mums, dads, siblings, grandparents, babysitters, teachers, booksellers or librarians – or anyone else – who make reading aloud thrilling and fun for a young audience.
Francesca and Lauren are urging people to submit videos of the most skilled and passionate storytellers in action. It’s simple to take part – just visit the special Storytelling Superstar page at www.worldbookday.com and follow the instructions to send in or upload a short clip of yourself or your nominee performing an extract from a favourite children’s book. Entries close on Monday 11 February.
The winner will be the person who shows the special panel of judges that they can bring stories to life in the most imaginative ways – from acting out characters, putting on different voices and filming in unusual locations, to dressing up and using props or playing games with the words to get others joining in the performance.
Francesca Simon said, “All children love being told a story, and a good storyteller can really bring characters to life and transport his or her listeners into a different world. Telling stories is a wonderful way of stimulating children's imaginations, helping them to understand themselves and others and to become avid readers."
Lauren Child added, “There are so many wonderful storytellers hidden away in the country’s homes, schools and libraries and I’m delighted to be a part of celebrating their exceptional talents as a Storytelling Superstar judge. We’re looking forward to being inspired by people’s entries and seeing how the nation creates excitement around story time.”
The 2013 Storytelling Superstar will be unveiled to the nation on World Book Day (7 March) and receive a year’s worth of children’s books from National Book Tokens*.
Francesca and Lauren will be joined on the judging panel by The Reading Agency’s Chief Executive, Miranda McKearney, OBE. She said, “Children who love reading have a better chance in life, so inspiring them to love stories is really important. I’m delighted to be helping recognise the Storytelling Superstars who are doing that inspirational work, at home and in the community.
“As well as people from all walks of life, who spend part of their day sharing books with children, I hope lots of librarians will enter the competition – every day, there are hundreds of storytelling sessions in libraries, doing a vital job in helping children experience the power of stories, and develop their language skills.”
World Book Day is celebrated in more than 100 countries worldwide with a main aim in UK and Ireland to encourage children to explore the pleasures of books and reading.
School children are entitled to receive a World Book Day £1 Book Token (or equivalent €1.50 Book Token in Ireland) which can be exchanged for one of eight specially published World Book Day £1 Books, including Alfie’s Shop by Shirley Hughes, The Diamond Brothers in… Two of Diamonds by Anthony Horowitz and The Chocolate Box Girls: Bittersweet by Cathy Cassidy – as well as new titles from Francesca and Lauren**.
Older readers will meanwhile be able to access exclusive new digital-only content from popular teen writers via a brand new app for iOS and Android powered by teen social reading and writing community, Movellas.
Visit www.worldbookday.com for more information, the latest news and to subscribe to the free monthly World Book Day e-newsletter.
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For further information please contact Fiona Bruce or Emma Wall at Consolidated PR on 020 7781 2300 or email worldbookday@consolidatedpr.com
Notes to Editors *Prize is equivalent to £250 National Book Tokens (maximum).
About World Book Day World Book Day was designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading, and is marked in over 100 countries around the globe.
World Book Day is a partnership of publishers, booksellers and interested parties who work together to promote books and reading for the personal enrichment and enjoyment of all.  A main aim of World Book Day in the UK and Ireland is to encourage children to explore the pleasures of books and reading by providing them with the opportunity to have a book of their own. World Book Day is sponsored by National Book Tokens.
To mark the day, school children are entitled to receive a World Book Day £1 Book Token (or equivalent €1.50 Book Token in Ireland). The £1 Book Token can be exchanged for one of eight specially published World Book Day £1 Books, or is redeemable against any book or audio book of their choice costing £2.99 or more at a participating bookshop or book club. The World Book Day £1 Book Token will be valid from 25 February to 24 March 2013.

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