The Children’s Book Award is the only national award voted for solely by children from start to finish. Over 1,000 new books are submitted to be read and reviewed by local Testing Groups across the country. When the shortlists are announced voting opens on the website for any child or school to participate in. Usually over 150,000 total votes are cast in the process. Website: http://childrensbookaward.org.uk
| Younger Children and Overall Winner: Octopus Shocktopus! written by Peter Bently and illustrated by Steven Lenton (Nosy Crow) ISBN: 978-1788002684 A brilliantly bonkers story about an octopus who lives on the roof. When a giant octopus arrives, the children LOVE their new friend; he makes the perfect slide and is fantastic at football! But some of the grown-ups aren’t so pleased. Will they drive him away . . . or will they realise just how helpful an octopus can be? A warm and witty rhyming story about welcoming newcomers. |  |
| Younger Readers: The Highland Falcon Thief, written by M G Leonard and Sam Sedgman and illustrated by Elisa Paganelli, (Macmillan) ISBN: 978-1529013061 A breathless train journey full of deceptions, puzzles and clues to solve. Harrison Beck and his Uncle Nat are enjoying the final journey of the Highland Falcon, Britain’s most famous steam train. But when a precious jewel goes missing, Harrison and his new friend Lenny find themselves at the centre of the investigation. Thrilling and hugely entertaining |  |
| Older Readers When The World Was Ours, written by Liz Kessler, (Simon and Schuster) ISBN: 978-1471196812 Elsa, Leo and Max have always been best friends, a special team of three. Then the Nazis come. Leo and Elsa run for their lives, taking two very different paths across Europe. And Max, once their closest friend, now becomes the enemy as he is drawn into the Hitler Youth. Based on a true story, written with passion, this is both heart-warming and heart-breaking in equal measure |  |
