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Children’s Laureate 2011

June 8, 2011 By 2 Comments

 

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Whilst I personally, have no children, it is always good to find authors who are passionate about children being offered the best opportunities possible, to explore and increase their interest in literature and the written word.

The Children’s Laureat, is the public face of this ongoing campaign and initiative, and the author chosen to take on the mantle of this prestigious post in 2011, I am sure is going to be eminently suitable for the position and a great champion for the cause of children’s literacy.

Julia Donaldson, is probably best known for her book ‘The Gruffalo‘, voted most favourite children’s book of 2010. But that is only just scratching the surface of this remarkable person, who works tirelessly in all areas of children’s arts, drama, music and reading, in an effort to encourage children of all abilities, to enjoy reading and to grow in confidence.

Julia, is also the patron of a charity called Artlink Central which puts artists, musicians and storytellers into schools, hospitals, prisons and community spaces to work with children and adults and help them develop their talent and creativity.

Julia’s website reflects her love of children in all aspects of the arts and literature. It is written and presented in such a fun, colourful and bold way, that it can be easily understood and interpreted by the young and aspiring readers and performers who visit.

Julia has already made her voice heard, in her condemnation of the government’s planned library closures. In a straight talking interview with Anita Singh, from The Telegraph, on June 8th 2011, her first full day in the role of Children’s Laureate, the headline: ‘Ditch the Internet And Visit Your Library Instead‘, sets the tone for the article.

“For children, it is vital they can visit libraries and speak to expert librarians who can help them discover their taste in books. I think it’s rubbish when children do their homework on the internet. Half the time they just print out a whole lot of bumph they don’t understand. Doing their own research is much better than churning out stuff from the internet.”

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The role of Children’s Laureate, is awarded once every two years, to a writer or illustrator of children’s books, to celebrate outstanding achievement in their field.

The role of Children’s Laureate covers the UK and was first created in 1999. The nominations for the position are considered by a panel of judges selected from all aspects of the literary world, with the panel being changed every two years, when the position is up for re-election.

The position is awarded with an attached bursary of £15,000.

 

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Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize 2011

March 13, 2011 By 2 Comments

Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize, is an annual award, now in it’s seventh year and celebrates new talent in children’s writing.

The award winner is voted for by booksellers across the country and all authors are eligible, who write for children in the 7 – 13 age group and have written no more than 2 fiction titles.

The award carries a £5,000 cash prize for the winner and in 2011 was presented by the current Children’s Laureate, Anthony Browne.

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The winner of the award, in February 2011, is Sita Brahmachari, for her book ‘Artichoke Hearts’

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Synopsis

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Twelve-year-old Mira comes from a chaotic, artistic and outspoken family where it’s not always easy to be heard.

As her beloved Nana Josie’s health declines, Mira begins to discover the secrets of those around her, and also starts to keep some of her own.

She is drawn to mysterious Jide, a boy who is clearly hiding a troubled past and has grown hardened layers – like those of an artichoke – around his heart.

As Mira is experiencing grief for the first time, she is also discovering the wondrous and often mystical world around her.

An incredibly insightful, honest novel exploring the delicate balance, and often injustice, of life and death – but at its heart is a celebration of friendship, culture – and life.

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About The Author:

Sita Brahmachari, was born in Derby, England, of an Indian father who is a doctor and an English mother, a nurse.

‘Artichoke Hearts’ is her debut novel, however, with a BA in English Literature and a MA in Arts Education, her numerous projects and writing commissions have been produced widely in venues both in the UK and US.

‘Artichoke Hearts’ is a story based on the real-life experience of her mother-in-laws death from cancer. It deals with death and grief in a way that children can understand and offers a positive portrayal of the relationship between grandchildren and their grandparents.

Sita, lives with husband and family in North London.

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I don’t generally read children’s or YA books, but ‘Artichoke Hearts’ has had such rave reviews, from readers of all age groups, that this will definitely be another addition to my TBR mountain. I’m sure it will be quite an emotional read, although tempered with more than a little humour, as is any book which addresses areas of a child’s emotional development.

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IBW Book Of The Year Award For Children – 2010

November 9, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The IBW Books Of The Year Award, is a newly launched competition, as part of  The Independent Booksellers Week.

The IBW itself, will be entering it’s fourth season in 2011 and more independent bookshops than ever, are expected to take part, with events taking place all around the country.

The IBW Book Of The Year Award for children’s books, is chosen from a shortlist of twelve books,  selected by a judging panel of independent booksellers, from nominations put forward by publishers.

Participating bookshops showcase the short-listed titles in special promotions that run throughout Independent Booksellers Week, with voting taking place from May until the end of August. Winners are selected by independent bookshop customers who cast postcard or email votes for their favourite books.

The winning author receives a prize of National Book Tokens and a framed certificate, which is presented to them, at a prize giving ceremony, in their favourite independent bookshop, in the autumn.

The winner of IBW Book Of The Year Award For Children is:

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‘Running Wild’ by Michael Morpurgo

When 10-year-old Will’s father dies in the Iraq war, his mother surprises him with a trip to Indonesia. But little could she have known what awaited them both there.

At first Will knows that something is wrong is when Oona, the elephant he is riding along the beach, begins to spook. Then, suddenly, she takes off into the jungle with Will on her back. And that’s when Will sees the wave come crashing in! With his mother almost certainly drowned, with nothing to cling on to but an elephant and nothing to help him but the clothes on his back, Will faces a terrifying future. But maybe the jungle and Oona the elephant, can help him!

An epic and heart-rending jungle adventure.

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Michael Morpurgo said the following of IBW and the bookshops involved:

‘To write a book well you have to love doing it, to be passionate about writing. To publish a book well you have to love doing it, to be passionate about editing it and designing it. To sell a book, you have to love everything about books, to know them and to be passionate about them.’


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IBW Book Of The Year Award For Adults – 2010

November 9, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The IBW Books Of The Year Award, is a newly launched competition, as part of  The Independent Booksellers Week.

The IBW itself, will be entering it’s fourth season in 2011 and more independent bookshops than ever, are expected to take part, with events taking place all around the country.

The IBW Book Of The Year Award for adult books, is chosen from a shortlist of ten books,  selected by a judging panel of independent booksellers, from nominations put forward by publishers.

Participating bookshops showcase the short-listed titles in special promotions that run throughout Independent Booksellers Week, with voting taking place from May until the end of August. Winners are selected by independent bookshop customers who cast postcard or email votes for their favourite books.

The winning author receives a prize of National Book Tokens and a framed certificate, which is presented to them, at a prize giving ceremony, in their favourite independent bookshop, in the autumn.

The winner of IBW Book Of The Year Award For Adults is:

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‘Wolf Hall’ by Hilary Mantel

“Lock Cromwell in a deep dungeon in the morning,’ says Thomas More, ‘and when you come back that night he’ll be sitting on a plush cushion eating larks’ tongues, and all the gaolers will owe him money.’

England, the 1520s. Henry VIII is on the throne, but has no heir. Cardinal Wolsey is his chief advisor, charged with securing the divorce the pope refuses to grant.

Into this atmosphere of distrust and need comes Thomas Cromwell, first as Wolsey’s clerk, and later his successor.

Cromwell is a wholly original man: the son of a brutal blacksmith, a political genius, a briber, a charmer, a bully, a man with a delicate and deadly expertise in manipulating people and events. Ruthless in pursuit of his own interests, he is as ambitious in his wider politics as he is for himself. His reforming agenda is carried out in the grip of a self-interested parliament and a king who fluctuates between romantic passions and murderous rages”

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Hilary Mantel said the following of IBW and the bookshops involved:

‘Six months before Wolf Hall was launched I spoke about it in public for the first time at a meeting of independent booksellers, and the enthusiasm gave me a real lift  – it was the first indication that the book was poised for success. Wolf Hall has brought me fans who have never read my books before, and also readers who don’t normally go for historical fiction. The support of individual booksellers has been very important in creating that outreach, and over my writing years I’ve become increasingly aware that a well-run independent bookshop can influence and inspire readers in the area it serves. Now that choice and variety for the reader has dwindled, and a few books dominate the market, the taste and discrimination of independent booksellers are more important than ever in maintaining a lively reading culture.’


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CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2010

October 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

CILIP is the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals and is the leading professional body for librarians, information specialists and knowledge managers.

It annually awards the Kate Greenaway Medal, to an outstanding  illustrator of a book for children and young people.

The winning illustrator receives a golden medal, along with £500 worth of books, which they donate to a library of their choice.

Since 2000, the winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal has also been awarded the £5000 Colin Mears Award.

Colin Mears, a Worthing based accountant and children’s book collector, left a bequest providing every Greenaway winner with a cash award as well as the coveted Medal.

The Kate Greenaway Medal was established in 1955, for distinguished illustration in a book for children. It is named after the popular nineteenth century artist known for her fine children’s illustrations and designs.

The 2010 Kate Greenway Medal, has been awarded to illustrator Freya Blackwood, for her 2009 book,  ‘Harry & Hopper’.

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Synopsis:

Harry and his dog Hopper have done everything together, ever since Hopper was a jumpy little puppy.
But one day the unthinkable happens: when Harry comes home from school, Hopper isn’t there to greet him.
Hopper will never be there again, but Harry isn’t ready to let him go..
About The Author:

Freya lives with her daughter, in Orange, New South Wales, Australia, the same town where she grew up, although she was actually born in Edinburgh UK.  They live in a great little 1940s house and Freya works illustrating stories in a studio in her backyard.

They live close to her grandmother, and parents, of whom her mother is a painter and jeweller, and her father is an architect. Her grandfather was a painter as well, so Freya and her brother grew up in a household interested in colours, shapes, textures and all things visual.

After graduating from the University of Technology in Sydney, with a degree in Visual Communications, she worked in the film industry as a production assistant, runner and effects technician.
In 2002 she started illustrating picture books. She loves creating characters, giving them emotions and their own small world to live in. She also enjoys the designing and problem solving involved in the creation of a picture book. Some of her books have been translated into other languages.

The text for “Harry & Hopper” was written by Australian author Margaret Wild, who is well known for telling stories for children, that confront sensitive topics.

Freya’s drawings are incredible, click here to view just a sample of them.

I have always wanted to paint and draw, but rather than having ‘Two Left Feet’, as the saying goes, I am sure that I have ‘Two Left Hands’, so I think that this will always remain an unfulfilled dream!!!

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CILIP Carnegie Medal 2010

October 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

CILIP is the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals and is the leading professional body for librarians, information specialists and knowledge managers.

It annually awards the Carnegie Medal, to the writer of an outstanding book for children.

The author receives a golden medal, along with £500 worth of books, which they must donate to a library of their choice.

The award was established  in 1936, in memory of the great Scottish-born philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919).

Carnegie was a self-made industrialist who made his fortune in steel in the USA. His experience of using a library as a child led him to resolve that

“if ever wealth came to me that it should be used to establish free libraries.”

Carnegie set up more than 2800 libraries across the English speaking world and, by the time of his death, over half the library authorities in Great Britain had Carnegie libraries.

The 2010 Carnegie Medal, has been awarded to author Neil Gaiman, for his 2008  “The Graveyard Book”

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Synopsis

When a baby escapes a murderer intent on killing the entire family, who would have thought it would find safety and security in the local graveyard?

Brought up by the resident ghosts, ghouls and spectres, Bod has an eccentric childhood learning about life from the dead.

But for Bod there is also the danger of the murderer still looking for him – after all, he is the last remaining member of the family.

A stunningly original novel deftly constructed over eight chapters, featuring every second year of Bod’s life, from babyhood to adolescence. Will Bod survive to be a man?

About the author

Neil Gaiman was born and raised in England, but  now lives near Minneapolis, Minnesota.

He has long been recognised as one of the top writers in modern comics, as well as writing books for readers of all ages.

Neil has been listed in Dictionary of Literary Biography: v. 188 (Dicionary of literary biography) as one of the top ten living post-modern writers, and is a prolific creator of works of prose, poetry, film, journalism, comics, song lyrics, and drama, including an episode in the sixth series of Dr. Who, due to be screened in 2011.

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The Crime Writers’ Association Dagger Awards – CWA Debut Dagger 2010

September 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The CWA Dagger Awards are the longest established literary awards in the UK and celebrate the best in crime writing.

The CWA was founded in 1953, by John Creasey MBE, a prolific crime writer, who passed away in 1973.

In 2010, the CWA, is currently chaired by Tom Harper, a successful author, best known for his historical novels

Only British publishers can submit entries for the awards, although it is possible for a single entry to win an award in more than one category, as the same book can be submitted in any and all relevant categories. Any submissions must have been published in English and in the UK, within a defined period of time.

THE CWA – DEBUT DAGGER AWARD 2010

Winner:    Patrick Eden:  ‘A Place Of Dying’

Quotes About Romantic FictionThe Debut Dagger is a new-writing competition open to anyone writing in the English language who has not yet had a novel published commercially.

The award carries £500 individual prize money, and is awarded based on the merits of the opening section, of an as yet uncompleted work.

Patrick Eden:

Lives in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and earned his BA in Information Management from Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh. Descended from a mix of Yorkshire, Irish and Russian ancestry, Patrick knew from an early age that he wanted to be a writer, as he had grown up in a home where storytelling held a fundamental place in family life.

Although he does not watch television, Patrick is a devoted listener of Radios 4 and 7. His interests include theatre, cinema, history, mythology, psychology and science. His favourite author is James Herbert.

Patrick was one of the 4 UK writers, in the final shortlist of 12, for this award, with the judges describing his entry as:-

“Compelling and emotive with strong characterisation.”

“In a small American town, a boy’s murder rips away the mask of civilised behaviour from the population revealing the ugly face of prejudice and simmering hate. Deep seated grudges and a violent power struggle are behind the rapid social breakdown threatening to leave behind it only death and lawlessness.”




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The Crime Writers’ Association Dagger Awards – CWA Dagger In The Library Award 2010

August 17, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The CWA Dagger Awards are the longest established literary awards in the UK and celebrate the best in crime writing.

The CWA was founded in 1953, by John Creasey MBE, a prolific crime writer, who passed away in 1973.

In 2010, the CWA, is currently chaired by Tom Harper, a successful author, best known for his historical novels

Only British publishers can submit entries for the awards, although it is possible for a single entry to win an award in more than one category, as the same book can be submitted in any and all relevant categories. Any submissions must have been published in English and in the UK, within a defined period of time.

THE CWA – DAGGER IN THE LIBRARY AWARD 2010

Winner: – Diana Norman (AKA) Ariana Franklin

Authors for this annual award, are nominated by UK libraries and readers’ groups, with judging by a panel of librarians. It is awarded to, “the author of crime fiction, whose work is currently giving the greatest enjoyment to library users”.

The award carries  £1,500 in individual prize money for the author, together with a £300 cash prize for a participating library’s readers’ group

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‘A murderous Procession’ is the author’s latest book.

Synopsis:-

Adelia is back in this thrilling fourth installment of the Mistress of the Art of Death series

In 1176, King Henry II sends his ten-year-old daughter, Joanna, to Palermo to marry William II of Sicily. War on the Continent and outbreaks of plague make it an especially dangerous journey, so the king selects as his daughter’s companion the woman he trusts most: Adelia Aguilar, his mistress of the art of death. As a medical doctor and native of Sicily, it will be Adelia’s job to travel with the princess and safeguarding her health until the wedding. [Read more...]

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The Lost Man Booker Prize

August 2, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The Lost Man Booker Prize, was a ‘one-off’ award, the winner being announced in May 2010.

The award was the culmination of events, which resulted in fiction authors of 1970, missing out on being recognised and nominated for a Booker Prize, in that year.

The presentation of The Booker Prize, was moved from April to November, which together with the prize ceasing to be  awarded retrospectively, but switching to recognise the best novel in the year of publication, caused the ensuing chaos, which has taken 40 years to reach a conclusion.

Sadly, after such a long period of time, the prize has had to be awarded posthumously, to Liverpool born author J.G. (Jim) Farrell, for his novel ‘Troubles’. This was the first book in the ‘Empire Trilogy’ which dealt with the political and human consequences of British Colonial Rule.

Ironically, the second book in the series ‘The Siege Of Krishnapur’, had already laid claim to The Booker Prize of 1973, which happily was within the author’s lifetime.

The third book in the trilogy was titled ‘The Singapore Grip’.

“Finding” The Lost Booker Prize, meant that J.G. Farrell, was one of only three writers to date, to win The Booker Prize, twice.

Synopsis Of: ‘Troubles’

Troubles By J.G. Farrell

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Major Brendan Archer travels to Ireland – to the Majestic Hotel and to the fiancee he acquired on a rash afternoon’s leave three years ago. Despite her many letters, the lady herself proves elusive, and the Major’s engagement is short-lived. But he is unable to detach himself from the alluring discomforts of the crumbling hotel. Ensconced in the dim and shabby splendour of the Palm Court, surrounded by gently decaying old ladies and proliferating cats, the Major passes the summer. So hypnotic are the faded charms of the Majestic, the Major is almost unaware of the gathering storm. But this is Ireland in 1919 – and the struggle for independence is about to explode with brutal force. [Read more...]

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The Joan Hessayon Award 2010

July 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

American author Joan Hessayon was  a long time member of the RNA (Romantic Novelists Association) and a great supporter of the New Writers’ Scheme.

The Joan Hessayon Award is given yearly, to a new writer, whose first published work has been through the RNA’s New Writers’ Scheme.

The award is sponsored by Joan Hessayon’s husband, Dr. David Hessayon, in memory of his late wife.

The RNA is a professional writing association and aims to encourage new talent in the writing of romantic novels. These novels can be contemporary or historical, so long as they reflect all aspects of love and life.

The Joan Hessayon Award for 2010, was given to debut novelist Lucy King, for her novel ‘Bought: Damsel In Distress’

Synopsis:

Bought: Damsel In Distress, Lucy King, Joan Hessayon Award

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Billionaire’s bid.
Luke Harrison is always in control. But ever since he bid for the chance to save a green-bikinied beauty he’s felt his self-possession slipping away.

Blind date.
Independent Emily does not want rescuing – until Luke, a smouldering knight in shining armour, swoops in on his private jet and starts to change her mind!

Secret baby?
Neither is prepared for the heat between them as Emily unbuttons her steely-eyed billionaire, or for when their no-strings fling leads to pleasure beyond their imagining. [Read more...]

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