The Bookseller.com

18th May 2008

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Hodder backs Famous Five competition

07.05.08 Anna Richardson

The Disney Channel is launching a children’s writing competition with Hodder Children's Books to celebrate the launch of the new Famous Five TV series, "Famous 5 on the Case", which launched this week (5th May).

The competition will encourage children to write their own Famous Five story, with the winning entry being produced as a limited edition book and audio podcast. Children will receive the opening sentence, which they need to develop into a work of their own, using the original books and the new TV show as inspiration. Entries will be judged by a panel including Cressida Cowell, author of the Hiccup the Viking books; Jon Lee, former S Club 7 star and the voice of Max in “Famous Five: On The Case”; Steve Aranguren, vice president of global original programming at Disney Channels Worldwide; and Jeff Norton, director of brand development at Chorion.

Margaret Conroy, publisher at Hodder Children’s Books said: “The enduring popularity of the original Famous Five books is testament to the quality of the stories. The 'Famous 5 on the Case' stories inherit - like the characters in the TV series - the qualities of their 'parents', and bring a new audience to the world of the Famous Five. As publishing partner in the competition, we hope to see that audience developing storytelling skills through their own writing."

The competition closes on 31st July, with winners notified in September.

Childrens Media Anna Richardson Hodder Famous Five