Press Release - Jonathan Stroud as FCBG’s Inaugural Patron

Federation of Children’s Book Groups announces Jonathan Stroud as its inaugural patron 

The Federation of Children’s Book Groups is delighted to announce that Jonathan Stroud is to become their inaugural patron. As patron, Jonathan will champion the FCBG and raise awareness of its work bringing children and books together.

Jonathan says “I’m honoured and delighted to become the inaugural patron of the Federation of Children’s Book Groups in this, the National Year of Reading. For almost 60 years, the FCBG has been at the forefront of championing children’s reading in the UK. Its commitment to authors, illustrators, librarians, teachers and – most importantly – to young readers themselves is second to none. I have witnessed this invaluable work throughout my life. My connection to the FCBG started as a child, when my mother was a member of one of the earliest book groups, in St Albans. Ever since, as an author and as a parent, I have benefited from the passion, guidance and commitment of FCBG members across the country. It is a privilege to deepen this connection today and I look forward to working with the FCBG to help share the joy of reading for everyone.”

Jane Etheridge, Chair of the Federation of Children’s Book Groups, says “We are thrilled to have Jonathan as our patron. Jonathan shares our aims and has a close personal connection with the FCBG, so he was the perfect choice when we created this role. We look forward to working with Jonathan in this National Year of Reading and beyond to promote reading for pleasure.”

Jonathan is kicking off his patronage via two high-profile appearances: he’ll be presenting a keynote speech at the FCBG’s annual conference in Reading in April and he’ll be doing an author/patron event at the first Wantage Children’s Book Festival in May.

Notes for Editors 

The Federation of Children’s Book Groups www.fcbg.org.uk is a national voluntary self-funded

organisation whose aim is to promote enjoyment and interest in children’s books and reading and to encourage the availability of books for children of all ages, from first picture books to young adult.

Our groups around the country, whose members include parents and carers, teachers and librarians, along with our individual, school, and professional members, all want to nurture a love of reading through the sharing of books with children. We have strong national links with children’s publishers, authors, illustrators and all organisations who support our aim of encouraging children to enjoy, read and share books and stories.

Jonathan Stroud is the author of three internationally bestselling series: the award-winning Bartimaeus books, which have been published in 36 languages; the critically acclaimed Lockwood & Co., which has been turned into a No. 1 hit Netflix series; and the adventures of the outlaws Scarlett and Browne.

His other novels include Buried Fire, The Leap, The Last Siege and Heroes of the Valley. Jonathan lives in Hertfordshire with his wife and three children.

X: @JonathanAStroud
Instagram: @Jonathan.Stroud
Facebook: @JonathanStroudAuthor
Website: www.jonathanstroud.com

For more information please contact:
Jane Etheridge, FCBG Chair chair@fcbg.org.uk

Or

Jess Stockwell, FCBG Publicity Co-ordinator publicity@fcbg.org.uk
Instagram: @fcbg_news
Threads: @fcbg_news
Facebook: @fcbgnews
Website: www.fcbg.org.uk