Shortlisted for Branford Boase Award 2019
A YA novel told from the perspective of someone with Down’s syndrome. A love story inspired by the author’s experiences alongside her severely autistic brother.
children's & YA recommendations on the go
© Klaus Flugge Prize
Things are going well for Flavia Z. Drago. A week ago she discovered her book Gustavo The Shy Ghost was No. 1 on the New York Times Children’s Bestseller list and now she has won the UK’s 2021 Klaus Flugge Prize for the most exciting and promising newcomer to children’s picture book illustration. Gustavo the Shy Ghost (Walker Books) is about a little ghost who, despite being so shy he is invisible to the other monsters, eventually finds a way to make friends.
Gustavo The Shy Ghost is just out in paperback but ACHUKA thinks picture books are always best in hardback.
Flavia was born and raised in Mexico City and her book takes inspiration from her favourite Mexican tradition, The Day of the Dead celebrations, particularly in its bright pink and orange palette. Sharp-eyed readers will spot references to other influences on Flavia, including horror films and books, and The Smiths.
She says that she sees herself in little Gustavo. “When I started work on the book, I didn’t notice how much I had in common with Gustavo, but as I got to understand him, I realised that telling this story was important for me because I wanted to show that being shy doesn’t mean that you don’t enjoy the company of people – or in this case, monsters! – it just means that you find it difficult to connect with others. Some of the things that happen to Gustavo are based on my own experiences. When I was in kindergarten – just like Gustavo – I sat by myself during lunch breaks, watching children play while being amazed by the fact that they seemed to be completely happy to talk and play with each other. The main difference between Gustavo and me, is that, sadly I cannot do the ghostly things like walking through walls, making objects fly, glowing in the dark or playing the violin. However, drawing became a way in which I could connect with others. In a sense our love for art has been the thing helping us both to connect with others.”
The judges loved the balance of fun and fright in the book, and admired Flavia’s superb control of pace and the composition of her illustrations. The winner of the 2020 prize, Eva Eland said: “There is so much to admire and enjoy in Flavia’s book. From the carefully selected colour palette of muted tones combined with bright orange and pink, to the myriad little details in the illustrations and her endearing and fun characters. Flavia has great control of many different facets of illustration and storytelling, including pacing, colour and a strong sense of design. She also has great drawing skills. She delivers a powerful and universal story, whilst maintaining a light-heartedness and a playful touch that will speak to many little children.” Fellow judge, Posy Simmonds summed up, “I love Gustavo, the Shy Ghost: it’s fresh, witty, well-paced and a visual treat.”
ACHUKA loves it too and we cannot wait for Flavia’s next picture book.
Check out this recent Meet An Illustrator feature:
https://www.achuka.co.uk/blog/meet-an-illustrator-28-flavia-z-drago/
The shortlist for the Klaus Flugge Prize was announced at midday on Wednesday 19 May). Established in 2016, the prize was set up to honour Klaus Flugge, founder of Andersen Press and an extremely influential figure in children’s picture books. It is awarded to the most promising and exciting newcomer to children’s picture book illustration.
From a longlist of twenty picture books by debut illustrators, the panel of judges comprising award-winning illustrator Posy Simmonds, Eva Eland (2020 Klaus Flugge Prize winner), Darryl Clifton (Illustration Programme Director at Camberwell College of Arts), Fleur Sinclair (owner of Sevenoaks Bookshop) and Mat Tobin of Oxford Brookes University, shortlisted five titles.
Child of Galaxies Charlotte Ager, written by Blake Nuto, editor Emily Ball, art director Lilly Gottwald (Flying Eye Books)
While You’re Sleeping John Broadley, written by Mick Jackson, editor Neil Dunnicliffe, designer Sarah Crookes (Pavilion) [An ACHUKA Book of the Day 15 Oct 2020]
Gustavo the Shy Ghost Flavia Z Drago, editors Tanya Rosie and Maria Tunney, art Director Anne-Louise Jones (Walker Books)
I’m Sticking with You Steve Small, written by Smriti Halls editor Helen Mackenzie Smith, designer Jane Buckley (Simon and Schuster) [An ACHUKA Book of the Day 13 May 2020]
My Red Hat Rachel Stubbs, editor Denise Johnstone-Burt, designer Charlie Moyler (Walker Books)
THE ILLUSTRATORS
Charlotte Ager graduated from Kingston University with a BA in Illustration Animation in 2017. She is drawn to the poetry in everyday experience and the ways in which people can create narrative in spaces, both real and imagined. She loves that drawing has the ability to be moving and soft but also utterly silly. Originally from the Isle of Wight, she now lives in London.
https://www.instagram.com/charlotte.ager/
John Broadley has been active in illustration and small press publishing since the mid 1990s. He works mostly in pen and ink and collage. His work has recently been used to decorate the interiors, menus and branding for Quo Vadis restaurant Soho. He has designed a range of packaging and ceramics for the Fine Cheese Company and also wine labels for Gabb Family, Berry Bros & Rudd, and Fortnum & Mason. John has illustrated several food and historically themed books, as well as many magazines.
https://www.instagram.com/john.broadley.77/
Flavia Z. Drago was born and raised in Mexico City. As a child, she wanted to be a mermaid. When that didn’t happen, she began her career as a graphic designer and a children’s book illustrator. She has an MA in Children’s Book Illustration from Cambridge School of Art and was shortlisted for the 2018 Sebastian Walker Award. She loves colours, textures, and shapes and enjoys creating them with different materials and a bit of digital sorcery. She lives between the UK and Mexico.
https://www.instagram.com/flavia_zdrago/
Steve Small has worked in animation for over thirty years as a director, designer, and animator and was BAFTA nominated for his animated sequences for the BBC drama Black Earth Rising. The work has varied from working on Disney features to designing and directing shorts, TV series, and commercials and he created the hugely successful Mr Bean animated series. Steve lives in London.
https://www.instagram.com/stevesmalluk/
Rachel Stubbs is a London-based illustrator who loves observing human behaviour and interaction. After studying illustration in Falmouth, Cornwall, she went on to work as a freelance illustrator before joining the Cambridge MA in children’s picture books to refresh her creative practice. Here she rediscovered the joy of drawing from life in her sketchbook, which has now become the foundation of all her work. Upon graduating from the MA, Rachel was awarded the Sebastian Walker Award for Illustration.
https://www.instagram.com/rachelstubbs_/
The shortlist for the Klaus Flugge Prize was announced at midday today (Wednesday 19 May). Established in 2016, the prize was set up to honour Klaus Flugge, founder of Andersen Press and an extremely influential figure in children’s picture books. It is awarded to the most promising and exciting newcomer to children’s picture book illustration.
From a longlist of twenty picture books by debut illustrators, the panel of judges comprising award-winning illustrator Posy Simmonds, Eva Eland (2020 Klaus Flugge Prize winner), Darryl Clifton (Illustration Programme Director at Camberwell College of Arts), Fleur Sinclair (owner of Sevenoaks Bookshop) and Mat Tobin of Oxford Brookes University, have shortlisted the following five titles.
Child of Galaxies Charlotte Ager, written by Blake Nuto, editor Emily Ball, art director Lilly Gottwald (Flying Eye Books)
While You’re Sleeping John Broadley, written by Mick Jackson, editor Neil Dunnicliffe, designer Sarah Crookes (Pavilion) [An ACHUKA Book of the Day 15 Oct 2020]
Gustavo the Shy Ghost Flavia Z Drago, editors Tanya Rosie and Maria Tunney, art Director Anne-Louise Jones (Walker Books)
I’m Sticking with You Steve Small, written by Smriti Halls editor Helen Mackenzie Smith, designer Jane Buckley (Simon and Schuster) [An ACHUKA Book of the Day 13 May 2020]
My Red Hat Rachel Stubbs, editor Denise Johnstone-Burt, designer Charlie Moyler (Walker Books)
THE ILLUSTRATORS
Charlotte Ager graduated from Kingston University with a BA in Illustration Animation in 2017. She is drawn to the poetry in everyday experience and the ways in which people can create narrative in spaces, both real and imagined. She loves that drawing has the ability to be moving and soft but also utterly silly. Originally from the Isle of Wight, she now lives in London.
https://www.instagram.com/charlotte.ager/
John Broadley has been active in illustration and small press publishing since the mid 1990s. He works mostly in pen and ink and collage. His work has recently been used to decorate the interiors, menus and branding for Quo Vadis restaurant Soho. He has designed a range of packaging and ceramics for the Fine Cheese Company and also wine labels for Gabb Family, Berry Bros & Rudd, and Fortnum & Mason. John has illustrated several food and historically themed books, as well as many magazines.
https://www.instagram.com/john.broadley.77/
Flavia Z. Drago was born and raised in Mexico City. As a child, she wanted to be a mermaid. When that didn’t happen, she began her career as a graphic designer and a children’s book illustrator. She has an MA in Children’s Book Illustration from Cambridge School of Art and was shortlisted for the 2018 Sebastian Walker Award. She loves colours, textures, and shapes and enjoys creating them with different materials and a bit of digital sorcery. She lives between the UK and Mexico.
https://www.instagram.com/flavia_zdrago/
Steve Small has worked in animation for over thirty years as a director, designer, and animator and was BAFTA nominated for his animated sequences for the BBC drama Black Earth Rising. The work has varied from working on Disney features to designing and directing shorts, TV series, and commercials and he created the hugely successful Mr Bean animated series. Steve lives in London.
https://www.instagram.com/stevesmalluk/
Rachel Stubbs is a London-based illustrator who loves observing human behaviour and interaction. After studying illustration in Falmouth, Cornwall, she went on to work as a freelance illustrator before joining the Cambridge MA in children’s picture books to refresh her creative practice. Here she rediscovered the joy of drawing from life in her sketchbook, which has now become the foundation of all her work. Upon graduating from the MA, Rachel was awarded the Sebastian Walker Award for Illustration.
https://www.instagram.com/rachelstubbs_/
Here are the nominations for the Carnegie and Greenaway Medals, as announced by CILIP today. These lists are always so extensive I always feel sympathy for those authors and illustrators who wake up to find their books not included.
Each nominated book is read by every member of the judging panel – which this year includes 14 children’s and youth librarians from CILIP’s Youth Libraries Group.
From these nominations, the judging panel will decide the long and shortlists and finally, the 2020 Medal winners.
All nominations published have received at least one nomination from a CILIP member or external body and have been checked and verified for their eligibility.
20 February 2020 Longlist announcement
19 March 2020 Shortlist announcement and Shadowing begins
1 – 10 June 2020 Shadowers’ Choice Awards voting open
17 June 2020 2020 Medal winners’ and Shadowers’ Choice announcement
Carnegie nominations:
Ahmed, Samira. Internment
Publisher: ATOM. ISBN: 9780349003344
Applebaum, Kirsty. The Middler
Publisher: Nosy Crow. ISBN: 9781788003452
Atta, Dean (author) Khullar, Anshika (illustrator). The Black Flamingo
Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books. ISBN: 9781444948585
Barr, Emily. The Girl Who Came Out of the Woods
Publisher: Penguin. ISBN: 9780241345221
Bates, Laura. The Burning
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s Books. ISBN: 9781471170201
Bilan, Jasbinder. Asha & the Spirit Bird
Publisher: Chicken House. ISBN: 9781911490197
Blackman, Malorie. Crossfire
Publisher: Penguin. ISBN: 9780241388433
Boyce, Frank Cottrell (author) Lenton, Steven (illustrator). Runaway Robot
Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books. ISBN: 9781509851775
Brahmachari, Sita. Where The River Runs Gold
Publisher: Orion Children’s Books. ISBN: 9781510105416
Bruton, Catherine. No Ballet Shoes in Syria
Publisher: Nosy Crow. ISBN: 9781788004503
Bunzl, Peter. Skycircus
Publisher: Usborne Books. ISBN: 9781474940658
Burton, Jessie (author) Barrett, Angela (illustrator). The Restless Girls
Publisher: Bloomsbury. ISBN: 9781408886915
Bushby, Aisha. A Pocketful of Stars
Publisher: Egmont. ISBN: 9781405293198
Butterworth, Jess. Swimming Against the Storm
Publisher: Orion Children’s Books. ISBN: 9781510105485
Carroll, Sarah. The Words That Fly Between Us
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s Books. ISBN: 9781471160646
Carthew, Natasha. Only The Ocean
Publisher: Bloomsbury. ISBN: 9781408868607
Coelho, Joseph (author) Judd, Kelly Louise (illustrator). A Year of Nature Poems
Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions. ISBN: 9781786035820
Collins, Orlagh. All the Invisible Things
Publisher: Bloomsbury. ISBN: 9781408888339
Crossan, Sarah. Toffee
Publisher: Bloomsbury. ISBN: 9781408868126
Darbon, Mel. Rosie Loves Jack
Publisher: Usborne Books. ISBN: 9781474937832
Dawson, Juno. Meat Market
Publisher: Quercus. ISBN: 9781786540386
de Waal, Kit. Becoming Dinah
Publisher: Orion Children’s Books. ISBN: 9781510105706
DiCamillo, Kate. Louisiana’s Way Home
Publisher: Walker Books. ISBN: 9781406384208
Dogar, Sharon. Monsters
Publisher: Andersen Press. ISBN: 9781783448029
Donnelly, Jennifer. Stepsister
Publisher: Hot Key Books. ISBN: 9781471407970
Drews, C.G.. The Boy Who Steals Houses
Publisher: Orchard. ISBN: 9781408349922
Durant, Alan. Clownfish
Publisher: Walker Books. ISBN: 9781406374629
Eagle, Judith (author) Geyer, Kim (illustrator).The Secret Starling
Publisher: Faber & Faber. ISBN: 9780571346301
Edge, Christopher. The Longest Night of Charlie Noon
Publisher: Nosy Crow. ISBN: 9781788004947
Fisher, Catherine. The Clockwork Crow
Publisher: Firefly Press. ISBN: 9781910080849
Foxlee, Karen. Lenny’s Book of Everything
Publisher: Pushkin Children’s Books. ISBN: 9781782692386
Gosling, Sharon. The Golden Butterfly
Publisher: Stripes. ISBN: 9781788950329
Green, Julia. The House of Light
Publisher: Oxford University Press. ISBN: 9780192771568
Green, Simon James. Alex in Wonderland
Publisher: Scholastic. ISBN: 9781407194240
Harrison, Michelle. A Pinch of Magic
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s Books. ISBN: 9781471124297
Harrold, A.F. (author) Gravett, Emily (illustrator).The Afterwards
Publisher: Bloomsbury. ISBN: 9781408894316
Jackson, Holly. A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder
Publisher: Electric Monkey. ISBN: 9781405293181
Jackson, Sharna. High Rise Mystery
Publisher: Knights Of Media. ISBN: 9781999642518
Jacobs, Jaco (author) Geldenhuys, Kobus (translator). A Good Night For Shooting Zombies
Publisher: Oneworld. ISBN: 9781786074508
James, Anna. Pages & Co (1): Tilly and the Bookwanderers
Publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books. ISBN: 9780008229863
James, Lauren. The Starlight Watchmaker
Publisher: Barrington Stoke. ISBN: 9781781128954
Jennings, Paul (author) Kelly, Geoff (illustrator). A Different Land
Publisher: Old Barn Books. ISBN: 9781910646496
Johnson, Catherine (author) Hickey, Katie (illustrator). Race to the Frozen North
Publisher: Barrington Stoke. ISBN: 9781781128404
Juckes, Sarah Ann. Outside
Publisher: Penguin. ISBN: 9780241330753
Kalhan, Savita. That Asian Kid
Publisher: Troika Books. ISBN: 9781909991972
Khan, Muhammad (author) Birdi, Amrit (illustrator). Kick the Moon
Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books. ISBN: 9781509874071
Khan, Rehan. A Tudor Turk
Publisher: HopeRoad. ISBN: 9781908446978
Lake, Nick. Nowhere on Earth
Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books. ISBN: 9781444940459
Lawrence, Patrice. Rose, Interrupted
Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books. ISBN: 9781444940657
Leonardo, Cory. Call Me Alastair
Publisher: Scholastic. ISBN: 9781407186719
Lewis, Gill. The Closest Thing to Flying
Publisher: Oxford University Press. ISBN: 9780192749482
Littleson, Lindsay. Guardians of the Wild Unicorns
Publisher: Floris Books. ISBN: 9781782505556
MacDibble, Bren. The Dog Runner
Publisher: Old Barn Books. ISBN: 9781910646489
McCombie, Karen. Little Bird Flies
Publisher: Nosy Crow. ISBN: 9780857639103
McGowan, Anthony. Lark
Publisher: Barrington Stoke. ISBN: 9781781128435
McKay, Hilary. The Skylarks’ War
Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books. ISBN: 9781509894949
Millwood Hargrave, Kiran. The Way Past Winter
Publisher: Chicken House. ISBN: 9781911077930
Ness, Patrick (author) Cai, Rovina (illustrator). And the Ocean Was Our Sky
Publisher: Walker Books. ISBN: 9781406383560
Newbery, Linda. The Key to Flambards
Publisher: David Fickling Books. ISBN: 9781788450041
Nielsen, Susin. No Fixed Address
Publisher: Andersen Press. ISBN: 9781783447213
Oppel, Kenneth. Inkling
Publisher: Walker Books. ISBN: 9781406380583
Owen, David. All the Lonely People
Publisher: ATOM. ISBN: 9780349003207
Palmer, Tom. Armistice Runner
Publisher: Barrington Stoke. ISBN: 9781781128251
Patrick, S.A.. A Darkness of Dragons
Publisher: Usborne Books. ISBN: 9781474945677
Peters, Helen. Anna at War
Publisher: Nosy Crow. ISBN: 9781788004718
Plummer, Rachel (author) Boppert, Helene (illustrator). Wain
Publisher: The Emma Press. ISBN: 9781910139479
Pollock, Tom. Heartstream
Publisher: Walker Books. ISBN: 9781406378184
Rahman, Yasmin. All the Things We Never Said
Publisher: Hot Key Books. ISBN: 9781471408298
Rai, Bali. Now or Never: A Dunkirk Story
Publisher: Scholastic. ISBN: 9781407191362
Rees, Celia. Glass Town Wars
Publisher: Pushkin Children’s Books. ISBN: 9781782692225
Reid, Louisa. Gloves Off
Publisher: Guppy Books. ISBN: 9781913101008
Ribay, Randy. Patron Saints of Nothing
Publisher: Stripes. ISBN: 9781788951548
Rundell, Katherine. The Good Thieves
Publisher: Bloomsbury. ISBN: 9781408854891
Rundell, Katherine (author) Williams, Kristjana S. (illustrator). Into the Jungle
Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books. ISBN: 9781509822317
Russo, Meredith. Birthday
Publisher: Usborne Books. ISBN: 9781474967419
Schaap, Annet (author) Watkinson, Laura (translator). Lampie and the Children of the Sea
Publisher: Pushkin Children’s Books. ISBN: 9781782692188
Schmidt, Gary D.. Pay Attention, Carter Jones
Publisher: Andersen Press. ISBN: 9781783448050
Scott, Libby & Westcott, Rebecca. Can You See Me?
Publisher: Scholastic. ISBN: 9781407195674
Sedgwick, Marcus (author) Sedgwick, Julian (author) Deacon, Alexis (illustrator). Voyages in the Underworld of Orpheus Black
Publisher: Walker Books. ISBN: 9781406357929
Shukla, Nikesh. The Boxer
Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books. ISBN: 9781444940695
Strange, Lucy. Our Castle by the Sea
Publisher: Chicken House. ISBN: 9781911077831
Sutcliffe, William. The Gifted, the Talented and Me
Publisher: Bloomsbury. ISBN: 9781408890219
Talley, Robin. Pulp
Publisher: HQ Young Adult. ISBN: 9781848457126
Taylor, Thomas. Malamander
Publisher: Walker Books. ISBN: 9781406386288
Thomas, Angie. On The Come Up
Publisher: Walker Books. ISBN: 9781406372168
Vick, Chris. Girl. Boy. Sea.
Publisher: Head of Zeus. ISBN: 9781789541373
Wheatle, Alex. Kerb Stain Boys
Publisher: Barrington Stoke. ISBN: 9781781128091
Williams, Marcia. Cloud Boy
Publisher: Walker Books. ISBN: 9781406381214
Williamson, Lisa. Paper Avalanche
Publisher: David Fickling Books. ISBN: 9781910989968
Winter, Tamsin. Jemima Small Versus the Universe
Publisher: Usborne Books. ISBN: 9781474927284
Wormell, Chris. The Magic Place
Publisher: David Fickling Books. ISBN: 9781788450157
Greenaway nominations:
Anderson, Laura Ellen. I Don’t Want to be Small
Publisher: Bloomsbury. ISBN: 9781408894071
Antony, Steve. Amazing
Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books. ISBN: 9781444944709
Arsenault, Isabelle (Illustrator) de Fombelle, Timothee (Author) Gordon, Sam (Translator).
Captain Rosalie
Publisher: Walker Books. ISBN: 9781406377101
Baker Smith, Grahame (Illustrator) Fraillon, Zana (Author). Wisp: A Story of Hope
Publisher: Orchard Books. ISBN: 9781408350102
Barrett, Angela (Illustrator) Burton, Jessie (Author). The Restless Girls
Publisher: Bloomsbury. ISBN: 9781408886915
Beardshaw, Rosalind (Illustrator) McQuinn, Anna (Author). Lulu’s First Day
Publisher: Alanna Max. ISBN: 9781907825217
Blankenaar, Dale (Illustrator) Durant, Alan (Author). Quill Soup
Publisher: Tiny Owl. ISBN: 9781910328408
Brooksbank, Angela (Illustrator) Atinuke (Author). B is for Baby
Publisher: Walker Books. ISBN: 9781406371086
Browne, Anthony. Little Frida
Publisher: Walker Books. ISBN: 9781406381221
Cai, Rovina (Illustrator) Ness, Patrick (Author). And the Ocean Was Our Sky
Publisher: Walker Books. ISBN: 9781406383560
Collins, Ross (Illustrator) Newson, Karl (Author). I am a Tiger
Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books. ISBN: 9781509855148
Collins, Ross. This is a Dog
Publisher: Nosy Crow. ISBN: 9781788005159
Davey, Owen. Fanatical About Frogs
Publisher: Flying Eye Books. ISBN: 9781912497058
de Moraes, Thiago. Myth Atlas
Publisher: Alison Green Books. ISBN: 9781407178134
de Moraes, Thiago (Illustrator) de Moraes, Ana (Author). The Night Bear
Publisher: Andersen Press. ISBN: 9781783447145
Deacon, Alexis (Illustrator) Sedgwick, Marcus (Author) Sedgwick, Julian (Author).
Voyages in the Underworld of Orpheus Black
Publisher: Walker Books. ISBN: 9781406357929
Egneus, Daniel (Illustrator) Meddour, Wendy (Author). Lubna and Pebble
Publisher: Oxford University Press. ISBN: 9780192771940
Eland, Eva. When Sadness Comes to Call
Publisher: Andersen Press. ISBN: 9781783447183
Field, Jim (Illustrator) Rachel Bright (Author). The Way Home For Wolf
Publisher: Orchard Books. ISBN: 9781408349205
Foreman, Michael (Illustrator) Morpurgo, Michael (Author). Poppy Field
Publisher: Scholastic. ISBN: 9781407181424
Gravett, Emily (Illustrator) Harrold, A.F. (Author). The Afterwards
Publisher: Bloomsbury. ISBN: 9781408894316
Haworth-Booth, Emily. The King Who Banned the Dark
Publisher: Pavilion Children’s Books. ISBN: 9781843653974
Hodgson, Jesse (Illustrator) Hofmeyr, Dianne (Author). Tiger Walk
Publisher: Otter-Barry Books. ISBN: 9781910959411
Hood, Morag. Brenda is a Sheep
Publisher: Two Hoots. ISBN: 9781509842964
Horacek, Petr (Illustrator) Dunbar, Joyce (Author). Grumpy Duck
Publisher: Walker Books. ISBN: 9781406378245
Impey, Martin (Illustrator) Riley, Christopher (Author). Where Once We Stood
Publisher: Harbour Moon Publishing. ISBN: 9781916062504
Khullar, Anshika (Illustrator) Atta, Dean (Author). The Black Flamingo
Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books. ISBN: 9781444948585
Kitamura, Satoshi. Hat Tricks
Publisher: Scallywag Press. ISBN: 9781912650026
Kuo, Fifi. I Can Fly
Publisher: Boxer Books. ISBN: 9781910716434
Lai, Remy. Pie in the Sky
Publisher: Walker Books. ISBN: 9781406389616
Leiper, Kate (Illustrator) Breslin, Theresa (Author). An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Castle Legends
Publisher: Floris Books. ISBN: 9781782505952
Lewis, Emma. Two Kings
Publisher: Tate Publishing. ISBN: 9781849765961
Litchfield, David (Illustrator) Almond, David (Author). War Is Over
Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books. ISBN: 9781444946574
McKean, Dave (Illustrator) Almond, David (Author). Joe Quinn’s Poltergeist
Publisher: Walker Books. ISBN: 9781406363197
Melville, Elena Arevalo. Umbrella
Publisher: Scallywag Press. ISBN: 9781912650019
Meserve, Jessica. What Clara Saw
Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books. ISBN: 9781509866595
Mistry, Poonam (Illustrator) Soundar, Chitra (Author). You’re Snug With Me
Publisher: Lantana Publishing. ISBN: 9781911373476
Mould, Chris (Illustrator) Hughes, Ted (Author). The Iron Man
Publisher: Faber & Faber. ISBN: 9780571348862
Naylor-Ballesteros, Chris. The Suitcase
Publisher: Nosy Crow. ISBN: 9781788004473
Nelson, Kadir (Illustrator) Alexander, Kwame (Author). Undefeated
Publisher: Andersen Press. ISBN: 9781783449286
Nomoco (Illustrator) Carter, James (Author). Once Upon A Raindrop
Publisher: Caterpillar Books. ISBN: 9781848577145
Packer, Neil (Illustrator) Frankopan, Peter (Author). The Silk Roads
Publisher: Bloomsbury. ISBN: 9781408889930
Percival, Tom. The Sea Saw
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s Books. ISBN: 9781471172441
Perkin, Jayde. Mum’s Jumper
Publisher: Book Island. ISBN: 9781911496137
Pinfold, Levi (Illustrator) Almond, David (Author). The Dam
Publisher: Walker Books. ISBN: 9781406304879
Preston-Gannon, Frann (Illustrator) Waters, Fiona (compiled by) (Author).
I Am the Seed That Grew the Tree – A Nature Poem for Every Day of the Year
Publisher: Nosy Crow in partnership with the National Trust. ISBN: 9780857637703
Radeva, Sabina. On the Origin of Species
Publisher: Puffin. ISBN: 9780141388502
Ray, Jane (Illustrator) Davies, Nicola (Author). Hummingbird
Publisher: Walker Books. ISBN: 9781406379273
Rayner, Catherine (Illustrator) Donaldson, Julia (Author). The Go-Away Bird
Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books. ISBN: 9781509843589
Renon, Delphine (Illustrator) Hottois, Karen (Author). Emmett and Caleb
Publisher: Book Island. ISBN: 9781911496106
Riddell, Chris (Illustrator) Rowling, J.K. (Author). The Tales of Beedle the Bard
Publisher: Bloomsbury. ISBN: 9781408898673
Ross, Tony. An Anty-War Story
Publisher: Andersen Press. ISBN: 9781783446100
Sanna, Francesca. Me and my Fear
Publisher: Flying Eye Books. ISBN: 9781911171539
Sarda, Julia (Illustrator) Bailey, Linda (Author). Mary and Frankenstein
Publisher: Andersen Press. ISBN: 9781783447633
Schwarz, Viviane. How to be on the Moon
Publisher: Walker Books. ISBN: 9781406379921
Sharif, Amin Hassanzadeh (Illustrator) Clayton, Sally Pomme (Author). The Phoenix of Persia
Publisher: Tiny Owl. ISBN: 9781910328439
Shoard, Emma (Illustrator) Peet, Mal (Author). Good Boy
Publisher: Barrington Stoke. ISBN: 9781781128527
Siemensma, Hanneke (Illustrator) Van der Hammen, Gijs (Author) Watkinson, Laura (Translator). Little Wise Wolf
Publisher: Book Island. ISBN: 9781911496120
Smith, Lane (Illustrator) John, Jory (Author). Giraffe Problems
Publisher: Walker Books. ISBN: 9781406383164
Tan, Shaun. Tales from the Inner City
Publisher: Walker Books. ISBN: 9781406383843
Todd-Stanton, Joe. A Mouse Called Julian
Publisher: Flying Eye Books. ISBN: 9781912497065
Trukhan, Ekaterina (Illustrator) Deutsch, Georgiana (Author). Perfectly Polite Penguins
Publisher: Little Tiger Press. ISBN: 9781788811279
Voigt, Marie. Red and the City
Publisher: Oxford University Press. ISBN: 9780192767745
Waters, Beth. Child of St Kilda
Publisher: Child’s Play. ISBN: 9781786281876
Willmore, Alex (Illustrator) Poskitt, Kjartan (Author). The Runaway Pea
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s Books. ISBN: 9781471175251
Wilson-Max, Ken. Astro Girl
Publisher: Otter-Barry Books. ISBN: 9781910959213
Woolf, Julia. Duck and Penguin Are Not Friends
Publisher: Andersen Press. ISBN: 9781783447831
Wormell, Chris. The Magic Place
Publisher: David Fickling Books. ISBN: 9781788450157
Wormell, Chris (Illustrator) Raman, Prinja (Author). Planetarium
Publisher: Big Picture Press. ISBN: 9781787411579
Yankey, Lindsey (Illustrator) Javaherbin, Mina (Author). My Grandma and Me
Publisher: Walker Books. ISBN: 9781406384949
Zommer, Yuval. The Big Book of Birds
Publisher: Thames & Hudson. ISBN: 9780500651513
This is the 20th anniversary year of this prestigious first (children’s) novel award, the presentation of which is always a highlight of the calendar. To mark the anniversary Henrietta Branford’s novel Fire, Bed and Bone is being reissued.
The shortlist for the 2019 Branford Boase Award (given annually to the author of an outstanding debut novel for children, and also honouring the editor of the book) was announced on Wednesday 1st May 2019.
It is twenty years since the Branford Boase Award was founded to commemorate author Henrietta Branford and influential Walker Books editor Wendy Boase and it is now recognised as one of the most important awards in children’s books with an impressive record in identifying outstanding authors at the start of their careers. Over its 20 year existence, winners and shortlisted authors include Siobhan Dowd, Meg Rosoff, Mal Peet, Philip Reeve, Frank Cottrell Boyce, Frances Hardinge, Patrick Ness and Marcus Sedgwick.
The complete shortlist list is as follows:
The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson, edited by Rebecca Hill and Becky Walker (Usborne)
The Train to Impossible Places by P.G. Bell, edited by Rebecca Hill and Becky Walker (Usborne)
Rosie Loves Jack by Mel Darbon, edited by Sarah Stewart (Usborne)
The Goose Road by Rowena House, edited by Mara Bergman (Walker Books)
I Am Thunder by Muhammad Khan, edited by Lucy Pearse (Macmillan)
Orphan Monster Spy by Matt Killeen, edited by Sarah Stewart and Kendra Levin (Usborne)
The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q Raúf, edited by Lena McCauley (Orion Children’s Books)
This year’s judges are
The panel is chaired by Julia Eccleshare, children’s director of the Hay Festival
The winner of the 2019 Branford Boase Award will be announced on Thursday 27th June at a ceremony in London. The winning author receives a cheque for £1,000 and both author and editor receive a unique, hand-crafted silver-inlaid box.
The Branford Boase Award is sponsored by Walker Books who have pledged new funding to ensure its future.
The longlist for the 2019 Branford Boase Award is announced today. This important award is celebrating its twentieth year. Set up in memory of author Henrietta Branford and her editor Wendy Boase, one of the founders of Walker Books, the Branford Boase Award is given annually to the author and editor of an outstanding debut novel for children and has highlighted many of the twenty-first century’s leading children’s authors at the start of their careers. Over its twenty year history winners and shortlisted authors have included Siobhan Dowd, Meg Rosoff, Mal Peet, Frank Cottrell Boyce and Patrick Ness as well as Frances Hardinge and Philip Reeve.
This year more than 40 books were submitted, twice as many as in its first year, and by two dozen different publishers; 20 have made it onto the longlist.
The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson, edited by Rebecca Hill and Becky Walker (Usborne)
Boy Underwater by Adam Baron, edited by Nick Lake and Sarah Hughes (HarperCollins)
The Train to Impossible Places by P.G. Bell, edited by Rebecca Hill and Becky Walker (Usborne)
Rosie Loves Jack by Mel Darbon, edited by Sarah Stewart (Usborne)
The Fandom by Anna Day, edited by Kesia Lupo (Chicken House)
Me Mam. Me Dad. Me by Malcolm Duffy, edited by Fiona Kennedy (Head of Zeus)
Twister by Juliette Forrest edited by Lauren Fortune (Scholastic)
Flight by Vanessa Harbour, edited by Janet Thomas (Firefly)
Brightstorm by Vashti Hardy, edited by Linas Alsenas (Scholastic)
The Goose Road by Rowena House, edited by Mara Bergman (Walker Books)
Pages & Co: Tilly and the Bookwanderers by Anna James, edited by Rachel Denwood and Sarah Hughes (HarperCollins)
The Mystery of the Colour Thief by Ewa Jozefkowicz, edited by Fiona Kennedy (Head of Zeus)
I Am Thunder by Muhammad Khan, edited by Lucy Pearse (Macmillan)
Orphan Monster Spy by Matt Killeen, edited by Sarah Stewart (Usborne)
The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q Raúf, edited by Lena McCauley (Orion Children’s Books)
On a Scale of One to Ten by Ceylan Scott edited by Rachel Leyshon (Chicken House)
Outwalkers by Fiona Shaw, edited by Bella Pearson and Anthony Hinton (David Fickling Books)
Sunflowers in February by Phyllida Shrimpton, edited Emma Matthewson (Hot Key)
Run Riot by Nikesh Shukla, edited by Emma Goldhawk (Hodder Children’s Books)
The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle by Victoria Williamson, edited by Jennie Skinner and Sally Polson (Floris Books)
This year’s award judges are
As usual, the panel is chaired by Julia Eccleshare, children’s director of the Hay Festival
The Branford Boase Award is sponsored by Walker Books who have pledged new funding to ensure its future. Jane Winterbotham, publishing director said: “Walker Books is delighted to continue its support for the Branford Boase Award. We hugely value the contribution the award has made in encouraging and highlighting new writing talent, as well as in recognising the role played by the editor in supporting writers at the start of their career. The award is an inspiring memorial to the work of gifted novelist Henrietta Branford and Walker’s founding editor, Wendy Boase, in whose names the award was established 20 years ago.”
The shortlist for the Award will be announced on 1st May 2019. The winner will be announced on 3rd July at a ceremony in London.
Walker Books have published a new edition of Henrietta Branford’s multi-award-winning book Fire, Bed and Bone. The story of the Peasants’ Revolt seen through the eyes of an old hunting dog, it gives a long-ago past an immediacy and freshness as it tells of working people’s struggle for survival in the face of cruelty by landlords and the church. Branford’s last book, it won the Guardian prize, a Smarties Award and was highly commended for the Carnegie Medal.
Young adult books reviewed by Fiona Noble:
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