Early Life and Education
Frank Cottrell-Boyce, the newly crowned Waterstones Children’s Laureate for 2024-2026, was born in Liverpool and studied English at Oxford University. His journey into the world of literature began as a television critic for Living Marxism magazine and evolved through writing episodes for popular British TV series such as Coronation Street and Brookside.
Film and Screenwriting Career
Cottrell-Boyce’s early success came through his collaborations with director Michael Winterbottom. His screenplay for the film Forget About Me in 1990 marked the start of a fruitful partnership, which continued with Butterfly Kiss (1995), Welcome to Sarajevo (1997), and other notable films. He also wrote screenplays for films like Revenger’s Tragedy, Millions, and Grow Your Own, showcasing his versatility and command over various genres.
Transition to Children’s Literature
In 2004, Cottrell-Boyce transitioned into children’s literature with the publication of Millions, based on his own screenplay. The book won the 2004 Carnegie Medal and set the stage for further literary achievements. His second novel, Framed, was shortlisted for both the 2005 Carnegie Medal and the Whitbread Children’s Book of the Year Award. Other celebrated works include Cosmic, shortlisted for the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, and Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth, shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal.
Recent Achievements and Future Plans
Frank Cottrell-Boyce has continued to influence children’s literature, most recently receiving the esteemed title of Waterstones Children’s Laureate. During his two-year tenure, he aims to spark a national discussion on the transformative power of books and reading in children’s lives. Through his campaign ‘Reading Rights: Books Build a Brighter Future,’ Cottrell-Boyce plans to address the pressing issues of child poverty and literacy, emphasizing the need for urgent action to prevent losing a generation of young readers.
