Janet to judge book awards

Janet and youngsters take part in a pirate themed event at Alexandra Park as part of National Bookstart Day

OLDHAM’S Bookstart co-ordinator Janet Harrison has been chosen from hundreds of experts across the country to help judge a prestigious book awards.

The Booktrust Early Years Awards 2010 receives extensive national media coverage and Janet will join a panel which consists of Wendy Cooling MBE, a children’s book consultant, a TV/radio broadcaster — last year it was Radio One DJ Edith Bowman — and a health representative.

The awards celebrate books being published for babies, toddlers and pre-school children.

As Bookstart co-ordinator for Oldham Libraries, Janet encourages parents and carers to enjoy books with their children from an early an age.

Bookstart aims to provide a free pack of books to every baby in the UK, helping to create a love of reading for life.

Janet said: “Sharing books with babies and toddlers is a wonderful way to increase language skills and help them understand the world around them.

“Sharing a book together is fun and exciting and is a great way for parents to spend quality time with their children.

“Most importantly a love of books is a gift for life.”

Since taking up her post in 2006 Janet has gained a host of accolades and the service she provides has been recognised as a national model of good practice.

As a judge, she now has to read all the books entered for the prize — around 50 — before the judging meeting in London in June, and the awards ceremony in September.

Councillor John McCann, cabinet member for community services and housing, said: “The work Janet is doing with the borough’s youngsters and parents is outstanding and the invitation to sit on the judging panel is evidence of this.”