Richard and Judy boost children's books

Richard and Judy are expected to help boost the sales of eight children's authors following the announcement of the writers who have been selected for their Children's Book Club.

The TV presenters' first book club, which started in 2004, is believed to be the best form of sales publicity available for any author.

According to Bookseller magazine, 1 in 50 book sales was as a result of their show in 2004.

Novels such as Labyrinth by Kate Mosse and Star of the Sea by Joseph O'Connor have become bestsellers after being reviewed on their Channel 4 show.

The pair have chosen eight children's titles with the help of school pupils from around the country, and they are expected to have to have a similar effect on sales when their new show airs tomorrow as part of Channel 4's Lost For Words season.

Amanda Ross, the programme's executive producer, commented: "Child literacy is a vital issue. We've deliberately chosen entertaining books to make getting to grips with reading fun."

The full list of books chosen by Richard and Judy:

For five and over: Claire Freedman and Ben Cort - Aliens Love Underpants
For five and over: Sally Grindley and Lindsey Gardiner - Poppy and Max and the Fashion Show
For seven and over: Andrew Cope - Spy Dog
For seven and over: Betty G. Birney -The World According to Humphrey
For nine and over: Mark Walden - H.I.V.E. Higher Institute of Villainous Education
For nine and over: Derek Landy - Skulduggery Pleasant
For fluent readers: Sophie McKenzie - Girl, Missing
For fluent readers: Robert Muchamore - The Recruit