Yesterday evening, the shortlist for the Costa Book Awards were announced. Congratulations to all of the following authors, who were selected for the Costa Children’s Book Award:

The Colour of the Sun by David Almond

Davie, a young boy who is coming to terms with the death of his father, hears that a boy in the neighbourhood has been murdered. Turning away from the gossip, he sets out on a journey in search of the killer.

Judges comments: “One of the most beautiful, transcendent books in the competition.”

 

 Bone Talk by Candy Gourlay

This young adult story is told from the point of view of a young Filipino boy named Samkad. It is set in the highlands in the Philippines in 1899, after the Americans have invaded.

Judges comments: “A powerful, complex and fascinating coming-of-age novel.”

 

Orphan Monster Spy by Matt Killeen

This is a young adult story set in Nazi Germany. We follow the journey of 15 year old Sarah, who has been recently orphaned, on her road to becoming a spy.

Judges comments: “A compelling, darkly thrilling debut – tense, cinematic and brilliant.”

 

Skylarks’ War by Hilary McKay

This story is set during World War 1, and follows the adventures of Clarry, her brother Peter and their cousin Rupert. The three children normally spend their summers in Cornwall together, but all that changes when Rupert goes off to fight at the front.

Judges comments: “Chime, resonance and sparkle – a truly great read.”

 

 

The shortlisted books for the Blue Peter Book Award 2019 were also announced earlier this month.

Here are the books that were chosen for the “Best Story” category:

The Clockwork Crow by  Catherine Fisher

This is a gothic Christmas story about an orphan called Seren, who receives a mysterious parcel on her way to her new home in Wales. The parcel contains a clockwork crow, which comes to life when it is wound up. Both Seren and Crow begin a wonderful adventure together.

 

The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q Rauf

This story is told through the eyes of a child, who introduces us to Ahmet, a 9 year old Syrian refugee, who is now sitting at what was the empty desk in the classroom. The narrator and his classmates are curious about where Ahmet has come from and they decide to make it their mission to become his friends.

 

The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson

This is a story which is based on the Baba Yaga folktale. Twelve year old Marinka is destined to follow in the footsteps of her grandmother (Baba Yaga), guiding spirits between this world and the next. However, she longs for a normal life where she can make friends with the living.

 

And these books were chosen for the “Best Book With Facts” category:

The Element in the Room: Investigating the Atomic Ingredients that Make Up Your Home by Mike Barfield

Professor Astro Cat’s Human Body Odyssey by Dr. Dominic Walliman & Ben Newman

The Colours of History : How Colours Shaped the World by Clive Gifford

 

The winners will be announced on World Book Day (7th March 2019). Good luck to all involved.