This week The Bookseller announced that Jamie Smart’s World Book Day title, Bunny vs Monkey: Total Chaos! was the most popular choice for the UK’s schoolchildren for the second week running, giving Jamie his second consecutive Top 50 Official number one! It's a remarkable achievement and we couldn't be more excited to have Jamie Smart join us to discuss the enormous rise in popularity of graphic novels at the SLA Conference in Winchester this June.
Jamie will be delivering a live Bunny vs Monkey draw-along in a keynote session that will explore the enormous potential of graphic novels and comics to engage reluctant readers. After the keynote, Jamie will join fellow author-illustrator Gary Northfield (Julius Zebra) and YA author and Netflix Heartstopper story consultant, Wren James for an exciting panel discussion about why comics and graphic novels matter and how they are changing the reading landscape.
We are delighted to announce that this panel will be chaired by UK Comics Laureate, Bobby Joseph!
Bobby Joseph became the first person of colour to be appointed the UK’s comics laureate in 2023. A former secondary school teacher, Bobby has long believed that comics are a gateway to literacy and learning, and has used comics in the classroom to build subject knowledge and to engage students who may struggle with traditional literacy.
As part of the National Year of Reading 2026, Bobby has recently launched the Comics Laureate Library Reading List 2026–2027. Supported by Arts Council England, the list celebrates representation and accessibility, featuring a diverse range of creators including writers and artists of colour, LGBTQ+ storytellers, and voices that reflect the rich cultural fabric of the UK and beyond.
Bobby said: "I'm thrilled to join the School Library Association in exploring the impact that comics and graphic novels can provide in building a richer, more inclusive reading landscape. From an educator's standpoint, I hope that the Comics Laureate Library Reading List 2026–2027 becomes a valuable tool to encourage younger readers that comics and graphic novels are an exciting gateway to ignite a lifelong love of reading."
Thanks to the generosity of some supporters and sponsors, including Bunny vs Monkey and Phoenix comic publisher David Fickling Books, we have a limited number of free conference places available now! We have seven funded tickets up for grabs to attend the 2026 Annual Conference:
- 5 tickets available for any SLA members, courtesy of David Fickling Books and e-Platform
- 2 tickets for any SLA members who are also existing Softlink customers, funded by Softlink
Each funded place covers the full conference weekend, including coffee breaks and lunch on both days. Please note: travel, accommodation and Friday night dinner are not included. The deadline to apply is Friday 13th March. Apply now and we'll aim to let you know by Monday 16th March whether you have secured a place.
As well as our graphic novel panelists, we're welcoming an incredible line-up of authors to the conference this year including Jacqueline Wilson, Matt Goodfellow, Sophie Anderson, Catherine Johnson and 2026 Carnegie Medal-nominated authors, Nicola Garrard and Tasneem Abdur-Rashid.
Highlights will include a panel discussion on what it means to be a reader with several key voices from across the sector, including Jonathan Douglas CBE, CEO of the National Literacy Trust, and a panel discussion led by school librarian and debut children’s author, Lucas Maxwell focusing on building vibrant reading communities. Topics explored throughout the programme will include Media and Information Literacy, censorship, and supporting SEND and wellbeing through the school library.
Find out more and book your place: www.sla.org.uk/conference