Kelpies shortlist features magic, dinosaurs and runaway shadows

Three stories showcasing “the finest new Scottish children’s writing” have been revealed on the Kelpies Prize shortlist.

Kate Bolden’s tale of a race against time 'Lottie Larkin’s Magical Mishap' is up against 'David and the Surprisingly Smart-o-saurus' by Debbie Cannon about an 11-year-old boy’s meeting with a dinosaur. Emily Ilet’s story about sisterhood and friendship, 'The Girl Who Lost Her Shadow', is also shortlisted for the prize which includes a publishing deal with the organiser, Edinburgh indie Floris Books.

This year the authors were asked to submit stories for two different categories, Kelpies (for children between eight and 12) and Kelpie’s Edge (for those aged from 11 to 14).

Senior commissioning editor for Floris Books, Eleanor Collins, revealed the award has grown in popularity over the last 13 years. She said: “The Kelpies Prize continues to build as a major award for writing for children. Once again this year we have had more entries than ever before. The judging process was extremely difficult due to the high standard of work submitted, and we are delighted with our strong shortlist for 2017.”

The prize will be announced at a ceremony at the Edinburgh International Book Festival on 23rd August. The winning author will receive a £2,000 cash prize and a publishing contract with Floris Books’ Kelpies imprint.

Floris Books launched the Kelpies Prize in 2004 with support from the Scottish Arts Council, now Creative Scotland, to encourage and reward new Scottish writing for children.