The winners of the annual non-fiction book awards run by the School Library Association (SLA) have been announced. These awards are designed to support school libraries, reinforce the importance of non-fiction and highlight the high standard of resources available.

Each year the judges pick their winners from three age categories (0-7, 7-12, 12+) and an overall winner. Chris Brown, Chair of the judges said “Among the books submitted for the Awards we found an abundance of superb books, covering a broad range of subjects. As Judges we found this to be a really difficult year in arriving at a reasonable number of titles for our shortlists, and an even greater challenge in making final decisions. It is so gratifying to see so many publishers producing high-quality information-based books for young readers.”

The awards also include the Children’s Choice winners. Between May and early November, schools were able to cast their vote for their favourite Information Book from the shortlisted titles. The SLA and their sponsors were keen that schools, libraries, book groups and reading groups should have a say in the final decision.

Winners ages 0-7

     

Judges Choice – Fabulous Frogs by Martin Jenkins & Tim Hopgood (ill.) (Walker Books)

     

Children’s Choice – The Usborne Big Book of Colours by Felicity Brooks et al. and Sophia Touliatou (ill.) (Usborne)

 

Winner ages 7-12

 

Judges Choice and Children’s Choice – If…by David J. Smith and Steve Adams (ill.) (Wayland)

This book was also chosen as the Children’s Choice overall winner

 

Winner ages 12+

 

Judges Choice and Children’s Choice – The National Theatre: All About Theatre by Marina McIntyre et al. (Walker Books)

This book was also chosen as the Judges Choice overall winner