It’s time to meet our third judge! Introducing Lisa de Meyer of Amazon.co.uk, who gives us her expert industry opinion on all things picture books.
Find out which stories Lisa used to recreate, who she is discovering picture books with now, and what she thinks it is that the very best books for young children offer.
Thanks so much, Lisa.
What is your earliest or best memory of reading a book as a young child?
I loved reading as a child and I was one of those children who would always have their head in a book. When I was very young, I vividly remember reading Shirley Hughes’ Alfie and Annie Rose books with my parents. I could recite parts off by heart and, with my younger sister, would recreate Alfie and Annie Rose’s adventures at home.
Reading The Night Before Christmas and The Jolly Christmas Postman were also magical memories in the run up to Christmas.
The Big Alfie and Annie Rose Storybook by Shirley Hughes (Red Fox)
Who was your favourite person to read with as a child? Who do you read picture books with now?
My parents and grandparents. I love reading with my daughter, who is nearly two years old, and introducing her to all the characters I used to read about, such as Peter Rabbit, Elmer and Paddington, as well as discovering new books together. The Paper Dolls by Julia Donaldson and The Girls, by Lauren Ace are her current favourites.
The Girls by Lauren Ace and Jenny Lovlie (Caterpillar Books)