The National Literacy Trust’s On The Shelf auction offers the unique chance to name a character in a bestselling author’s future book. The auction, which will close at midnight on 30 March, features a host of brilliant authors who span children’s, young adult and adult fiction.
The authors will feature the winning bidder, or their friend or family member, in a forthcoming publication. Among the list of participating authors are:
- Former Children’s Laureate Malorie Blackman
- Charlie and Lola creator Lauren Child
- Author and illustrator of the How to Train Your Dragon series Cressida Cowell
- Chocolat author Joanne Harris
- Comedian, actor and young adult author Charlie Higson
- Olympic medallist Sir Chris Hoy and co-writer Joanna Nadin
- Man Booker Prize shortlisted author David Mitchell
- Award-winning children’s writer Michael Morpurgo
- Tom Gates creator Liz Pichon
- Horrid Henry creator Francesca Simon
- Literary powerhouse Barbara Taylor Bradford
- Bestselling novelist Joanna Trollope
The auction also offers original artwork from:
- Creator of The Gruffalo, Axel Scheffler
- Steve Antony, author and illustrator of the award-winning Please Mr Panda and The Queen’s Hat picture books
- Children’s picture book author and illustrator, Daisy Hirst
The proceeds raised will support a new initiative by the National Literacy Trust to transform school libraries across the UK, supplying them with a collection of diverse modern literature coupled with training for teachers to engage a new generation of pupils with books and reading.
Bestselling author Joanna Trollope, who is giving fans the chance to become a named character in her next novel, said:
“What could be more exciting for a book lover than to have their name immortalised in print? I am thrilled to be able to offer the chance to be part of my next book to help the National Literacy Trust’s campaign to transform school libraries.”
