Almond wins Eleanor Farjeon

Skellig author David Almond has won the Eleanor Farjeon Award 2013.

The award, now in its 47th year, is voted for by members of the Children's Book Circle.

CBC co-chair Rachel Kellahar said: "The Award is intended to recognise those who have provided an outstanding contribution to children's literature and he is an exceptionally worthy winner. As well as being a brilliant and well-loved author, David is a passionate advocate of the value of writing for children and its power to enrich our society."

Almond said he was "really moved" by the award. "It comes from the heart of the children's book world, a place of great creativity, optimism and endeavour, a world in which people genuinely believe that books and all forms of arts can and do change people's lives. I am proud to be part of it."

Almond's stellar career has included winning The Carnegie Medal, two Whitbread Prizes and the Hans Christian Andersen Award. His work, which includes novels Skellig, My Name is Mina and The Boy Who Swam with Piranhas, has been translated into over 40 languages.

Previous winners of the Eleanor Farjeon Award include Quentin Blake (2012), Seven Stories (2010) and current children's laureate Malorie Blackman (2005).

The Children's Book Circle is an informal association for anyone with a professional interest in children's books and includes publishers, librarians, authors and illustrators.