Picture books are being marginalised. I get the feeling children are being pushed away from picture books earlier and earlier and being told to look at proper books, which means books without pictures.

As adults, we've seen so much before that we often turn the pages of a picture book without really looking. Young children tend to look more carefully.

Inspiring passion in children for books, and the world of imagination and creativity fuelled by them, is a fundamental reason for why the Children's Laureate post exists.

Never forget that children are at the heart of everything we do. Respect them, listen to them, talk to them as equals, and care about them.