Party at the Palace

Today's the day for 2000 lucky British kids. A Palace spokesperson puts it impeccably: "The Queen will be holding a special children's party at Buckingham Palace for Her Majesty's 80th birthday to celebrate children's literature and the magic of books." BBC TV will broadcast the post-tea frolics after the football match! Now for one of Coxsoft Art's regular quibbles. Where would children's literature be without all those artists - illustrators and animators - who breathe life into characters like Postman Pat or Noddy? "Up the creek without a paddle" is the honest answer. Anyone can write a story for kids - I've done it myself -, but it takes real talent to visualize a character that kids want to see.