Achuka Children’s Books UK http://www.achuka.co.uk - children’s book market in the UK, includes an author database, new publications, book prize information and an on-line magazine. A particular useful feature of this site is the arrangement of new children’s books by level. Full bibliographical details, front covers are display and an annotation assists the selection of stock.

Book Trust http://www.booktrust.org.uk - an independent, educational charity founded to promote the enjoyment of reading and books. It aims to encourage readers of all ages and cultures to discover and enjoy books. The Young Book Trust focuses on children’s reading and administers the Smarties Children’s Book award. Produces a wide range of information and publications.

Booktrust, BookHouse, 45 East Hill, London, SW18 2QZ Tel: 02085162977

Children’s Books UK http://www.ukchildrensbooks.co.uk - a guide to the on-line world of children’s books with lists of authors, illustrators and publishers with links to their Internet sites. A useful tool for the classroom and for children researching biographical information of their favourite authors and illustrators.

Federation of Children’s Books Groups http://www.fcbg.mcmail.com - a national, voluntary organisation concerned with children and their books and to promote enjoyment and interest in children’s books and reading. The organisation encourages the availability of a range of literature for all ages, from pre-school to teenage. Local book groups organise a variety of activities in their localities, often in conjunction with, or in support of, their local schools and libraries. Activities include bringing authors and illustrators to schools, story-telling sessions and other book related activities for children. A regular newsletter, annual children’s book award ‘Pick of the Year’, information about ‘National Share-a-Story month, information about conferences, events and activities, free book lists and the magazine ‘Carousel' are available. Annual professional membership is £25.00.

The Federation of Children’s Book Groups, 2 Bridge Wood View, Horsford, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS18 5PE Tel: 01132588910

National Literacy Trust http://www.literacytrust.org.uk – an independent charity dedicated to raising literacy standards for all age groups. The web site is both comprehensive and extensive and indicates how the Trust is involved directly with practical initiatives. Initiatives such as ‘Reading Is Fundamental in the UK http://www/rif.org.uk give children access to free books through local suppliers. Books and Borders enables children to visit their nearest Borders store once a term and each child receives a £5 voucher to spend on books. The Trust was the organiser of the ‘National Year of Reading’ and currently operating the ‘National Reading Campaign’. Scottish initiatives are well documented in this site and include a wide range of information on local initiatives. Publications include ‘Literacy Today’.

National Literacy Trust, Swire House, 59 Buckingham Gate, London, SW1E 6AJ Tel: 02078282435.

Scottish Book Trust http://www.scottishbooktrust.com - an organisation committed to the love of reading and books within Scotland and achieved through project work and publications. Training and outreach, children’s book information, book awards and events, best of books are all activities of the organisation. Administers the ‘Writers in Scotland’ which subsides about 2000 author events each year and maintains and publishes ‘The Writers’ Register.’ The site lists local authors registered with the scheme with a short biography, bibliography and an indication of the age range that they write for. The wide range of publications include ‘Shelf Life (£7.50 for 3 issues per annum) and ‘Words of Wonder’.

Scottish Book Trust, 137 Dundee Street, Edinburgh, EH11 1BG Tel: 0131 229 3663.

© East Dunbartonshire Council     Last updated 07/05/03