Author Julia Donaldson Honored with a Damehood

Scholastic author Julia Donaldson was recently honored with a Damehood in King Charles’ Birthday Honours for her services to literature.

Donaldson has published with Scholastic for twenty years, releasing beloved books such as Zog, Stick Man and The Christmas Pine.

“Receiving this honour has been a very happy surprise,” said Dame Julia Donaldson. “It’s really gratifying to have children’s books recognised in this way. I’m so grateful for all the enthusiastic support I’ve had during my career from people in the book world - those in the very many libraries, schools and bookshops I’ve visited over the years, my wonderful illustrators, the publishers and literacy charities I’ve been involved with, and of course my readers. Going back further, perhaps my biggest debt of all is to the library which was in walking distance of my childhood home and the librarian who helped me discover the books and authors that I came to love. Without that place and person I probably would never have become a children’s writer - let alone a Dame! So I’m making a plea to the government for more libraries and more librarians in our communities and schools, so that the current generation of children can enjoy all the benefits that reading brings.”

The King’s Birthday Honours mark the extraordinary contributions and service of people across the UK. Donaldson was celebrated for her commitment to sharing stories through writing, performing and charity support.