The shortlist for Picture Books to Shout About: West Sussex Children’s Picture Book Award 2019 – 2020 was revealed last week. West Sussex Schools Library Service have been running the award for the past 6 years to promote reading for enjoyment and help develop children’s visual literacy, critical thinking and listening and speaking skills. Children in participating schools have until 14th February 2020 to vote for their favourite picture book. The winner will be announced on 5th March 2020 which is World Book Day. There are 5 shortlisted picture books.
Mrs Blackhat by Mick Inkpen and Chloe Inkpen
This hilarious picture book is written in rhyme and tells the story of a witch who likes everything to be black.
Clem and Crab by Fiona Lumbers
Clem discovers Crab tangled up in a plastic bag at the bottom of her bucket, after she has collected objects from the beach. A picture book story with a strong environmental message. It shows how small actions can make a big difference.
Be More Bernard by Simon Philip and Kate Hindley
This is a picture book story about a disco loving bunny who encourages us all to chase our dreams and embrace our differences.
Lubna and Pebble by Wendy Meddour & Daniel Egnéus
A powerful story about a refugee child called Luba and the pebble that she found on the beach when she arrived in the middle of the night with her father.
I am a Tiger by Karl Newson
This is an amusing story about a feisty little mouse who has big ideas. It will encourage children to use their imaginations and be who they want to be.
East Sussex Libraries are also running a Children’s Book Award in 2020 and more details about this award will be available on their website shortly.
For secondary schools the Amazing Book Awards are not running this year, but will be back in September 2020. And voting is underway in the Southern Schools Book Award. These are the shortlisted books.
The Island by M.A. Bennett
When students from the prestigious Osney School are stranded on an island after a plane crash, a battle for survival begins.
Moonrise by Sarah Crossan
Ed is on death row and his execution date has been set, prompting his brother Joe to visit him.
Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow by Siobhan Curham
Poverty, mental illness, refugees, bullying are all themes touched on in this dual narrative story.
Me Mam. Me Dad. Me. by Malcom Duffy
A coming of age drama which tackles domestic abuse.
The Survival Game by Nicky Singer
A dystopian novel in which two characters journey to safety in a world devastated by global warming and climate change.
The winner of the Southern Schools Book Awards will be revealed at a ceremony in February 2020 .