The Bookseller.com

8th September 2008

Poetry summit to raise profile

15.07.08 Benedicte Page

Chris Holifield, director of the Poetry Book Society, this week warned of “a problem with both the demand and the supply of children’s poetry” at a summit held yesterday (14th July) to address low levels of poetry reading among the young.

The summit, led by the National Literacy Trust, the Poetry Book Society and Macmillan Children’s Books, was held in the wake of recent UK Literacy Association research which highlighted low levels of poetry awareness among primary teachers. It was also pointed out at the event that Macmillan is currently the only major publisher with a dedicated children’s poetry list.

Jonathan Douglas, director of the National Literacy Trust, said: ”We want to bring together a unique group of people who are passionate about children’s poetry to scope potential collaborative action.”

Macmillan Children’s Books editorial director Gaby Morgan added: “We hope this summit will ultimately help raise the profile of children’s poetry with retailers and teachers. The message is that poetry is nothing to be scared of.”

Attendees included children’s poet laureate Michael Rosen as well as representatives from poetry, literacy and book publishing organisations.

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