Two nods for Horslen on Branford Boase shortlist

Penguin Random House Children's publisher Ben Horslen has two nods on the shortlist for this year’s Branford Boase award for debut children’s writing. The shortlist also includes books from HarperCollins Children’s Books, David Fickling Books, Firefly Press and Nosy Crow.
 
The annual prize, now in its 16th year, is the only children’s book prize that honours the editor as well as the author.
 
There are six novels on this year’s shortlist, including PRH Children’s Stone Rider by David Hofmeyr, edited by Ben Horslen and Tig Wallace, and The Unlikely Adventures of Mabel Jones by Will Mabbitt, also edited by Horslen (illustrations by Ross Collins).
 
The other four books are: Aubrey and the Terrible Yoot by Horatio Clare, edited by Penny Thomas and with illustrations by Jane Matthews (Firefly Press); My Brother is a Superhero by David Solomons, edited by Kirsty Stansfield (Nosy Crow); Time Travelling with a Hamster by Ross Welford, edited by Nicholas Lake (HarperCollins Children’s Books); and The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson, edited by Bella Pearson (David Fickling Books).
 
Julia Eccleshare, chair of the judges, said the list includes books for young readers and teenagers, demonstrating how all areas of the children’s book market are “flourishing”.
 
“[The shortlist] reflects current trends and features some wildly inventive books that play with language and ideas; a time travel story; a book that explores a transgender teenager’s struggle with identity; a book about a parent’s depression,” she said. “They are all distinguished by the quality of the writing, the author’s ability to control plot and create character, and by an originality of approach.”
 
The winner will be announced on 7th July at a ceremony in London. The winning author will receive a cheque for £1,000 and both author and editor will be given a silver-inlaid box.
 
Last year, the 2015 Branford Boase Award was given to Rosie Rowell  and her editor Emily Thomas for Leopold Blue (Hot Key Books).