The Laugh Out Loud Book Awards 2024 – Meet the judges
Meet the judges
The Laugh Out Loud Book Awards are back! But who are the judges this year? Let’s find out more about them!
Michael Rosen
Michael Rosen, one of the best-known figures in the children’s book world, is renowned for his work as a poet, performer, broadcaster and scriptwriter. He lectures and teaches in universities on children’s literature, reading and writing. Michael is a familiar voice to BBC listeners and is currently presenting Word of Mouth, the magazine programme that looks at the English language and the way we use it. He visits schools with his one-man show to enthuse children with his passion for books and poetry. Michael has been a Lollies judge since the awards were created in 2016.
Archie Maddocks
Archie Maddocks is an Olivier award-nominated and Offie-winning screenwriter, playwright, and stand up comedian. He adapted Alex Wheatle’s Crongton Knights novels as the series CRONGTON for the BBC / New Pictures, and is currently working on the second series.
In the past, Archie has had work produced at the Bush Theatre, Lyric Hammersmith, Orange Tree Theatre, Royal Court, and in New York at the New Light Theatre. He has previously been part of the BBC Writers Room “London Voices” and in 2018 he was selected as part of the prestigious 4Screenwriting course. Archie was also named as Writer in Residence at BBC Radio Drama London Production. He’s had two radio plays produced for BBC DRAMA RADIO 4 (Blend in 2019 and Domino in 2020).
Alison Perry
Alison Perry is an author, podcaster and content creator who has built up a large community of parents since she first launched her mum blog in 2011.
Her #1 Apple Podcasts show Not Another Mummy Podcast has been one of the top parenting podcasts since 2017 and her 2022 book, OMG It’s Twins, helps parents with the rollercoaster of emotions and practical issues around having twins.
Over on Instagram, Alison’s content helps women in their 40s with confidence boosting tips and outfits. When she isn’t running around after her own twins and teenager, she is busy writing her first novel.
Sheila Wood
Sheila started her career as a Chartered Librarian in a school resource centre, then a central public library, and then switched to marketing children’s books in specialist children’s book suppliers to schools and public libraries.
She spent many years selecting and curating book collections for children’s reading for pleasure—selections of books children would want to read and enjoy. She believes introducing children to different formats and genres is fascinating and rewarding, and having fun while reading is really important!