Cover stories: More trouble for Blair, Great Ormond Street contest, Cilla Black

The PM surely has enough troublemakers to contend with without Helena Kennedy QC announcing a new book on "the failures and achievements of the present government" in areas such as criminal justice, civil liberties and women's rights. One suspects the woman once mooted as Labour's Lord Chancellor (a job she made clear she'd abolish) now sees more to bury than praise about Emperor Tony, even if his wife is an old friend. This is Kennedy's second book (Eve Was Framed, her first, still sells well). Her editor at Chatto, Alison Samuel, describes it as "hugely important". Let's hope it doesn't damage the standing of Gail Rebuck, big chief at Random House, and a Tony crony.

* Great Ormond Street Hospital is marking its 150th birthday with an online writing contest for children. Launched on 24 September and running until 14 January, the Children's Writing Prize has as its brief "to cheer up a child in hospital", with a story of up to 500 words on a hospital experience. Five prizes will be awarded in each of two age groups (six to 10; and 11 to 16). Judges include Jacqueline Wilson, Philip Pullman and John Craven. More details from loachg@GOSH.nhs.uk

* Surprise, surprise! Our Cilla has followed her friend Dale Winton to Random House for "her first memoir". The signing, with Ebury Press, follows a year of negotiation with Black's son and manager, Robert Willis. Next autumn's publication will mark her 40th year in showbiz.