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John Kearns, the winner of the best newcomer award at the Foster's Edinburgh Comedy Awards, is to be on the judging panel the Roald Dahl Funny Prize.
Kearns will sit alongside former children's laureate Michael Rosen, columnist Marina Hyde, author Sarah McIntyre and one of last year's winners, Jamie Thompson.
The prize is given each year to two children's authors, for a book aimed at children under six, and a book aimed at children between seven and 14.
As with last year's prize, school children will be involved with the judging process, with 200 pupils selected to read the shortlisted titles, and their votes combined with the adult judges to pick the two winners.
Michael Rosen, the chair of the judges and the founder of the award, said: "We all know that 'reading for pleasure' has a huge effect on children's achievement. So this amazing team of judges are not just mucking about having a laugh (which they are doing, by the way); they are doing the seriously serious job of winkling out hysterically funny books which will give children the best reasons for wanting to read, to read more, to read more and more and more. It's tough job, but someone has to do it."
The shortlist will be released on 24th october, while the final winners will be announced on 24th October, with the winners each receiving £2,500.
The announcement marks Roald Dahl Day today (13th September).
http://www.thebookseller.com/news/reading-pleasure-boosts-school-results...