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.

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

Sophie's Day

By Sophie, Year 8, Manor High School, Wednesbury, West Midlands, UK

I had to get up early (5.30 am) to be ready in time for the train. We got a train from Tamebridge to Birmingham New Street, then caught the 7.45 am to Euston. We got to Euston at 9.20 am and caught a taxi to the Theatre.

When we went inside we looked at the names of the people who were going to be there (so we could look out for them later on). Just as we were going out we met Michael Morpurgo and his wife. At 11.00 am we met Michael Morpurgo officially and we got his autograph. We talked to him for a while and he told me that he used to have a dog that was a favourite of his that was called Sophie. He signed the book I have of his called 'The Wreck of the Zanzibar'.

Next we went upstairs to the Theatre Foyer and were presented with our certificates and 'goody bags' by Michael Morpurgo and Lois Beeson who was the Administrator of the event. This was very exciting. Just after that the famous people started to arrive and we were running round to try and get their autographs.

Then the Princess Royal arrived and we all gathered round and listened to the speeches. It was really interesting and exciting. You could feel the tension building up as it got nearer to the announcement. Quentin Blake was announced as the winner and gave an acceptance speech.

We then had dinner and 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.

We were one of the last to leave at about 3 pm. We then caught the tube to Oxford Circus and went to the BBC Experience which was brilliant. You could present the weather, edit Eastenders and make a radio programme. We had some tea and then caught the 7.15 pm train from Euston. We got to Birmingham at 8.50 pm and then had to wait until 9.30 pm for a train to Tamebridge. We eventually got home at 10.15 pm.

Alison's Day | Manor High School help judge the Laureate Award
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