Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Children's Book Award 2023 Shortlist Announcement
The Children’s Book Award is BACK!... and a blue-footed boobie, a blobfish and a secret inventor are all shortlisted for the Children’s Book Award 2023 – chosen and voted for entirely by children.
The Children’s Book Award 2023 shortlist has been announced, with children choosing their favourite books from the last year.
Who will win? Children nationwide are now invited to vote for their favourite of the ten shortlisted books. The deadline for online voting is 12 noon on Friday 12th May. The category winners and the author of the best children’s book published in the 2022 nomination period will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony which takes place in Central London on Saturday 10th June, and will be live-streamed..
The Children’s Book Award is the only national award for children’s books that is voted for entirely by children. It is owned and coordinated by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups and is highly respected by teachers, parents and librarians. It has brought acclaim and strong sales to past winners such as J.K. Rowling, Patrick Ness, Andy Stanton, Malorie Blackman, Anthony Horowitz and Michael Morpurgo, who has won a record four times. The award has often been the first to recognise the future stars of children’s fiction and has the ability to turn popular authors into bestsellers.
The full shortlist for the Children’s Book Award 2023 is as follows:
Books for Younger Children
Blobfish - written and illustrated by Olaf Falafel, published by Walker Books
My Rhinoceros - written and illustrated by Jon Agee, published by Scallywag Press
The Blue-Footed Booby - written and illustrated by Rob Biddulph, published by HarperCollins
Where Has all the Cake Gone? - written by Andrew Sanders and illustrated by Aysha Awwad, published by Macmillan Children’s Books
Books for Younger Readers
Leonora Bolt Secret Inventor - written by Lucy Brandt and illustrated by Gladys Jose, published by Puffin
Loki: A Bad God's Guide to Being Good - written and illustrated by Louie Stowell, published by Walker Books
Ollie Spark and the Accidental Adventure - written by Gillian Cross and illustrated by Alan Snow, published by David Fickling Books
Books for Older Readers
Dread Wood - written by Jennifer Killick, published by Farshore
The Light In Everything - written by Katya Balen, published by Bloomsbury
While The Storm Rages - written by Phil Earle, published by Andersen Press
Vote online here - www.fcbg.org.uk/childrens-book-award-2023
Sarah Stuffins, Children’s Book Award Coordinator says ‘The Children’s Book Award is back and the children have had a superb year’s worth of wonderful stories to choose from. It’s children who curate the children’s book industry – they choose the bestsellers and they’re a very particular audience who know exactly what they like. We’re thrilled to be showcasing their choices in this exciting shortlist that demonstrates both the high standards children demand in their books, as well as the superb talent and creativity in children’s books today.’