'Both Enid Blyton and JK Rowling have proved that if children find a book, series or author they love, they'll read – regardless of what their parents think about it'
The fabulously funny author of books including Two Weeks With the Queen, Misery Guts and the trilogy Once, Then and Now, gives his top tips for writing short storiesRead Saving Ms Fosdyke, a short story by Morris Gleitzman
Listen to Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker reading from Oliver Jeffers's new picture book, The Hueys in the New Jumper, then download your very own Huey to customise. Send in your Hueys and we'll feature them in a special Hueys gallery
Months before his death, the children's author met director Netia Jones to discuss opera versions of his famous stories. She relives an extraordinary year
'There are a great many positive stories about moving house, especially if the house has something very special about it like being very old, harbouring a secret or having a wonderful horse/dog/cat next door!'
Helen Moss, author of the Adventure Island series of books, is kicking off a competition, Operation Diamond, here on the Guardian children's books site. She explains how a real life treasure trove inspired the mystery behind the first book in the series, and sets the first question in her blog-and-clue trail