Testimonials

We think the Spark! Book Awards are amazing, but don't just take our word for it - read what some of our supporters have said.

"This is a bright Spark of an idea! The Kingston and Richmond Children’s Book Award will not only support teachers but children too! Research evidence shows teachers’ repertoires make a difference to child readers. So it’s time to share the magic and sparkle of reading - together! Do join in!"

TERESA CREMIN, THE OPEN UNIVERSITY

"As soon as we heard about the Spark! Book Awards we were on board. Reading for pleasure is the key to unlocking children’s potential and crucially, allows them to access a world beyond their imagination."

JOE PORTER, DARELL PRIMARY AND NURSERY SCHOOL

"Spark! The Kingston and Richmond Book Awards is an exciting initiative that I've no doubt will encourage a love of reading for pleasure amongst students, parents and teachers across both boroughs. Schemes like this enable children to learn about and connect with new authors, and celebrate reading and writing in a uniquely engaging way."

JENNIFER BELL, AUTHOR

"As a staff made up of voracious readers, we are very excited to take part in the Spark Book Award. This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy new and diverse children's literature with our pupils and provide a platform to share the magic of stories with one another."

SALLY BERLEMONT, GREEN LANE PRIMARY AND NURSERY SCHOOL

"I am absolutely delighted to support the first-ever Spark! Book Awards which will be chosen by the children of Kingston and Richmond. I think Spark! is a brilliant initiative. More than ever, at this strange and challenging time, we all need the life-changing power of stories. These awards will help bring together young readers and writers, and highlight some great new writing to both pupils and their teachers. I wish you all great success!"

SF SAID, AUTHOR

"The Spark reading awards is exactly what we need right now! A clever way of introducing our children to new authors and exciting stories as well as bringing together children across the many schools in Kingston and Richmond - and perhaps, even beyond!"

SOPHIE MCGEOCH, MEADLANDS PRIMARY SCHOOL

"The Spark! Book Awards is a brilliant initiative that will get children and teachers talking and thinking about the books they've loved reading, helping to build the sense of excitement around reading that we know is so important in creating readers for life. And it will be lots of fun!"

JAMES CLEMENTS, AUTHOR

"Meeting the young people and teachers of Kingston and Richmond, in school and library events, has convinced me that there is a huge passion for reading in these boroughs. I have no doubt, therefore, that the Spark! Book Awards will be a huge success."

TOM PALMER, AUTHOR

"I'm delighted to support The Spark Award for Kingston and Richmond Boroughs. Children should be exposed to the widest possible variety of books and be challenged and inspired by the best in contemporary children's fiction. That is the way to grow life-long readers."

CATH HOWE, AUTHOR

"Being part of the Spark! Awards has been such an honour. Mangoes was written for students, so to see students read and vote for my book has been both thrilling and humbling. A fantastic award."

KEREEN GETTEN, AUTHOR

"I’m hugely impressed by the amount of time and effort that’s gone into this. As a former teacher myself, I honestly don’t know how you did it! And the way you involve the children and they receive awards and just generally expand their love of books through other art forms is amazing."

LESLEY PARR, AUTHOR