New website encourages kids to read

A brand new website aimed at providing children, parents, teachers and librarians with access to a wealth of information on literature has been launched thanks to funding by the Scottish Arts Council.

Braw.org.uk includes around 900 books with a database searchable by author, title and genre. Braw manager Anna Gibbons said: 'Our website has been designed to be a perfect central location for visitors to find out about good quality contemporary Scottish children's authors and illustrators and their books.

Parents will find advice about reading with children, kids can learn about their favourite authors and illustrators, and schools can access information about innovative and imaginative reading and writing initiatives.' Braw also has a book club and children will be able to post their own reviews and make their own recommendations online.

Although the site has been developed and funded in Scotland (for the uninitiated, 'Braw' means 'very good' or 'excellent') it is open to all. Scottish and Scottish-based authors predominate but these include some of the best-known names writing in English today, like Alexander McCall Smith, creator of the popular 'No.1 Ladies Detective Agency' series and, of course 'Harry Potter' author JK Rowling. Other award-winning authors featured include Rennie McCowan and Alison Prince.

Each author listing gives a potted biography of the writer and a guide to the age groups most likely to be interested in their books.

The site drew praise from Theresa Breslin, the Carnegie Medal-winning Scottish children's author, who said: 'I regularly attend events at schools and libraries across the country and, indeed, around the globe, and am often asked where people can find more information on Scottish children's literature.

As such, I think the Braw website will be a terrific resource for adults and children both at home and abroad.'

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