Teachers and pupils across the country love the great titles that we provide every term. But who are the people that keep those brand-new Badger Learning Books coming by the boxful every year? We caught up with Kerry from our Book Collections Development Team and Danny from the Publishing Team to learn what it takes to source suitable titles for teachers.

Badger Team

Hi Kerry and Danny, could you tell us a little about what your role at Badger Learning involves?

Danny:I’m a senior editor, based with the publishing team in Stevenage, where we work with educational professionals to establish what new books and resources they need. Sometimes, we’ll receive requests for specific products from teachers or via our telesales department who converse with schools daily This helps us create a brief for authors with the relevant information they’ll need, such as dates, reading and interest ages, word counts and so on. Then we’ll make a decision on who will write that particular story or series, based on the scripts that we get back. I also listen to new story ideas pitched by authors, liaise with illustrators and designers, proofread and more – I’ve accumulated a long list of jobs in eight years!

Kerry: My job is really varied too – a lot goes into ensuring we select the best possible titles for our Reading Boxes. I’m the Senior Book Collections Manager within the Development Team – we spend several hours assessing every book to ensure that it’s suitable for a Badger Learning Box. We’ll consider things like subject, content and age-appropriateness – and we turn down far more than we select – so there’s no drop in the quality and suitability that we’re known for. I’m in regular contact with publishers, including our own, to keep our knowledge up-to-date and ensure we’re able to provide the best and most recent titles for schools.

Danny and ET)

What do you like best about being part of the Badger Learning team?

Kerry: I enjoy exploring new ideas for our book collections and creating fun, inviting selections that children will want to read, remember and maybe pass on to friends. It’s great when adults appreciate the books too – I’m frequently talking to teachers and sharing ideas which is always rewarding and’ gives me real insight and feedback ‘from the coal face’ so to speak, which I always share and discuss with the team. I’m lucky to work with a passionate team that cares so much about the content and quality of writing and putting the right books into children’s hands, it makes everyday a pleasure to come to work.

Danny: For me, it’s working with authors, artists and designers. I really enjoy working with creative humans, especially funny people who can mix work and play to create a happy working relationship. And to see a series progress from a small scribble or email into a mighty book collection is a joy.

Thanks Kerry and Danny!

To learn more about the teams that work tirelessly to provide resources to primary and secondary schools that encourage and develop literacy skills and help teachers, contact us.