David Solomons wins Waterstones prize

Author David Solomons has won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2016 for his novel My Brother is a Superhero (Nosy Crow).

Florentyna Martin, Waterstones children’s buyer, said: “My Brother is a Superhero is that rare thing; a hugely funny book for young readers that is also rip-roaringly exciting. It is infused with the spirit of larger than life heroes and colourful comic book trivia that enthrals younger readers and delights superhero fans of all ages, yet at its heart is a touching relationship between siblings.”

Solomons won the best young fiction category for the book, and was up for the top prize against the two winners of the other category awards. Author and illustrator David Litchfield won the best illustrated book prize for The Bear and the Piano (Frances Lincoln), whilst Lisa Williamson picked up the best older fiction award for The Art of Being Normal (David Fickling Books).

James Daunt, m.d. of Waterstones, said: “The quality of the books on the shortlists this year was exceptional, reflecting the vibrant health of the children’s book market. That our winners were all first books, and each from a flourishing independent publisher, reflects how blessed we are currently by the breadth of creative talent in this country.”

As category winners, Solomons, Litchfield and Williamson each received a cheque for £2,000 with Solomons, as the overall winner, receiving an additional £3,000.

The Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, now in its 12th year, is voted for by Waterstones booksellers, who will now promote the books across the retail chain’s stores.