In a world where it is getting harder to get children (especially boys) to read, this can only be good. That such authors as Tim Lott and JeannetteWinterson have joined the forum surely means children’s literature will gain the respect it deserves.

This misses the point. Respect was never the problem at least not with the target audience: children. Teachers and parents may be fooled into believing that some books are more worthy or educational than others, or that the winner of a literary prize may prove more attractive to young minds than one who has spent a career trying merely to entertain. But it is unlikely that the children would agree.

In an education system dominated by targets and assessments, the idea of reading stories for fun has become alien and slightly reprehensible, and replaced by such concepts as “issues”, “classics” and “social awareness”.

The feeling seems to be that “non-educational” reading (graphic novels, horror, manga) should not be encouraged as if stories in themselves don’t matter, or the enjoyment, whatever the perceived quality of the prose, were not enough in itself.

If we want our children to read, we need to change this attitude. Reading should be an escape from the pressures of education.

I am not saying we should scorn this new wave. A good writer should be capable of writing in any genre and for any age. But young readers vote with their feet, regardless of reputation. The books for which they vote are wonderful stories first and foremost, to be enjoyed on any level. We, the parents and educators, should offer fervent thanks to the likes of Darren Shan, Terry Pratchett, Eoin Colfer, KA Applegate, and of course JK Rowling for bringing our children back to books and making stories matter again.

Joanne Harris will be speaking at the Bath Festival of Children’s Literature tomorrow. See bathkidslitfest.co.uk

Joanne Harris

is the author of ‘Chocolat’ and other novels