Cowell and Adeola among judges for Oscar’s Book Prize

Cressida Cowell, former Children’s Laureate and author of How to Train Your Dragon (Hodder Children’s Books), and Dapo Adeola, named Illustrator of the Year 2022 at The British Books Awards, have joined the judging panel for the Oscar’s Book Prize 2023.

Alongside Cowell and Adeoloa will be two-time Oscar’s Book Prize winner Benji Davies, UK books country manager at Amazon Lisa de Meyer and Viveka Alvestrand, who co-founded the literary award in memory of her son.

Now celebrating its 10th year, the £10,000 prize seeks to find the best illustrated book for young children and was launched by James Ashton and Viveka Alvestrand in memory of their son Oscar, who was three-and-a-half when he died from a heart condition in December 2012. Previous winners include Chris Haughton for his book Maybe… (Walker) and Ed Vere for How to Be a Lion (Puffin). 

Cowell said: “Being so passionate about children’s literature and the excitement and inspiration it can bring to children, I am so looking forward to unearthing some new magic while we choose the next breakout picture book. I know all too well the hard work and dedication it takes to create a great picture book, which look deceptively simple, but capturing the imagination and excitement of children and their families takes enormous skill.”

Ashton, the prize’s chairman and co-founder, said: “If I think about how simply our prize began, reaching 10 years is a milestone of which everyone involved should be proud. We couldn’t have got this far without the support of authors, illustrators, publishers, sponsors and judges and I hope for 2023 we can showcase another brilliant book for parents to share with their children.”

Oscar’s Book Prize is supported by Amazon Books and the Evening Standard. Its patron is HRH Princess Beatrice. 

Adding to the comments, Amazon’s De Meyer said: “We always look forward to this time of year where we get to support Oscar’s Book Prize in championing the creative talent behind books for children. Some of my most precious times with my two-year-old have revolved around reading, especially at bedtime, and I am thrilled to be part of this very special judging panel. For young children (and parents, too), picture books are a pathway into adventure, learning and creativity, and Amazon is proud to support the search for the nation’s next favourite bedtime story.”

Submissions  for Oscar’s Book Prize closed in January and the shortlist will be revealed in April, before the winner is announced in May 2023.