David Solomons may have won this year’s children’s book prize , but he follows a long line of successful Jewish children’s authors. Here’s our top ten – be sure to add yours, as ours is entirely subjective.
1) Judith Kerr
The author of When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit has to take top spot on our list. She’s not only known for her books for slightly older children (the gripping real-life tales of how she swapped London for Berlin), but for the most brilliant picture books, including the classic The Tiger Who Came To Tea and the adventures of Mog the cat.
2) Judy Blume
The American is still loved by children, young adults and grown-ups (especially women), who gained so much from her wonderful, uncondescending books and novels. And there are so many of them too – including Forever, Blubber and the classic Are you There God, it’s me, Margaret.
3) Louis Sacher
The first man on our list is an award-winning writer whose works, including Holes and the Wayside School series, are always witty and poignant.
4) Francesca Simon
She may be an expert in Medieval Studies, but the American – who’s based in London – made her name by creating a very naughty boy and his angelic brother. The author of the hugely successful Horrid Henry books has seen them be turned into a television series and even a film.
5) Michael Rosen
The novelist and poet has written so many great children’s books that it’s difficult to pick out just a few. However, probably his most famous is We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, while his Sad Book is beautiful (and oh, so sad).
6) Jane Yolen
She’s been described as the Hans Christian Anderson of America, and, although Yolen is best known for The Devil’s Arithmetic, about the Holocaust, her range includes titles for all ages, including the lovely How Dinosaurs Say Goodnight and Sister Emily’s Lightship.
7) Andy Stanton
A generation of children have fallen in love with Mr Gum, courtesy of Stanton and his zany humour.
8) David Baddiel
He may be a relative newbie to the children’s book market, but the British comedian’s books have become instant successes, with The Parent Agency and The Person Controller tapping into the same fan base as David Walliams.
9) Meg Rosoff
Another British-based American, Rosoff’s books (including How I Live Now) are hugely successful with the young adult market. She recently wrote her first adult book, Jonathan Unleashed.
10) Daniel Handler
You may not recognise his name immediately, but you’ll know his books, because Handler is the man behind Lemony Snicket and a whole series of unfortunate events – a 13-book series which is dark, funny and hugely successful.
Honourable mentions must go to Carol Snyder , Sylvia A Rouss (for all Sammy Spider’s adventures) Keren David (particularly for her latest book, This is Not a Love Story, which has a Jewish theme), and Joe Craig . Although he may not be instantly recognisable to British audiences, Ezra Jack Keats must also be included, especially for introducing multiculturalism into children’s books through his classic story The Snowy Day.
