Quentin Blake has been named the first UK Children's Laureate.
He received the award from HRH the Princess Royal at a ceremony in London on May 10th 1999.

Sophie and Alison from Manor High School, Wednesbury, West Midlands were there to give us an exclusive report on the event.

[ Alison ] [ Sophie ] [ Authors' advice to young writers ] [ How Manor High School judged the award ] [ Manor High's Book pages ]

"When the time came for the award to be presented, I found myself feeling quite nervous! As Quentin Blake, Anne Fine and Peter Dickinson went on-stage to meet HRH The Princess Royal, I could almost see the tension in the room." More from Alison.

"Just as we were discussing who to try and find next for an autograph the Princess came and talked to us. I was really nervous but I think I answered her questions sensibly." More from Sophie.

EXCLUSIVE to Kids on the Net -- Advice to young writers from Quentin Blake, the new Laureate, shortlisted authors Anne Fine and Peter Dickinson, plus Malorie Blackman, Joan Aiken, Val Biro and lots of other famous authors at the ceremony. Also advice from Jacqueline Wilson and Helen Cresswell.

But what will the Children's Laureate really mean to children? Kids on the Net asked the students from the Manor High School, Wednesbury, West Midlands, UK, to explain how they helped to judge this award.

Read Manor High School's books pages: Information on well-known authors plus a book quiz to try your reading knowledge