Talk and AGM - Children’s Book Club

“We are living in something of a golden age for children’s literature,” says Nash Robbins, who will be giving a talk along with his wife Cate Olson, at the AGM of the Lewes Children’s Book Club this week. The couple moved to England a few years ago to run the much-loved Much Ado Books shop in Alfriston, having previously run a similar concern in Marblehead, Massachusetts. The shop, which deals in both new and second-hand books, has a significant children’s section. “This upturn is not all about the Harry Potter books,” he continues, “though they are a big part of the story. Publishers have seen their success and are more prepared to put money into children’s books, and therefore better writers are getting involved. Right across the board we are seeing great children’s books coming out.” Much Ado also sells second-hand kids’ books, which are proving popular. “Often parents want their children to experience the books they enjoyed as youngsters."

The LCGC has been going for 30 years, and run events throughout the year for parents and children. This year the group is extremely busy as they have been allocated the task of arranging the annual National Children’s Book Group Conference, a huge national event, which will take place in Worth Abbey in Turner’s Hill, the nearest suitable venue to Lewes that they could find. Sarah Hunter, spokeswoman of the group, stresses the AGM is free to anyone interested in the group; those just interested in hearing Cate and Nash’s talk are welcome to leave straight afterwards. AG