BookTrust Storytime Prize shortlist announced

Six books have made the BookTrust Storytime Prize shortlist, after judges had a "tough job" selecting this year's nominees.

Managed in association with the CILIP Youth Libraries Group, the annual prize is in its second year, and celebrates the "best books for sharing with children".

The full shortlist comprises: B is for Baby by Atinuke, illustrated Angela Brooksbank (Walker Books); Go, Go, Pirate Boat by Katrina Charman, illustrated by Nick Sharratt (Bloomsbury); I Am A Tiger by Karl Newson illustrated by Ross Collins (Macmillan); My Hair by Hannah Lee, illustrated by Allen Fatimaharan (Faber Children's); This Is Owl by Libby Walden, illustrated by Jacqui Lee (Caterpillar Books); and1, 2, 3 Do the Dinosaur by Michelle Robinson, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw (Egmont).

BookTrust is working with Libraries Connected and National Shelf Service to launch a social media takeover from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. today (13th May), featuring librarians from the shortlist judging panel discussing each of the shortlisted books.

The panel includes librarians Jake Hope, Tricia Adams, Amy McKay and current Waterstones Children's laureate Cressida Cowell. She said: "It was a pleasure to judge this award which celebrates the best book for sharing—and great to do it with such distinguished group of librarians together with an expert in early years education.

"Just 10 minutes of reading together each day from the earliest age is hugely beneficial, not only for a child’s language development and understanding, but also for bonding. Some of my favourite memories as a parent are reading aloud to my children. As sharing stories is so crucial, it’s wonderful to have a prize that celebrates the quality of picture books currently being published. Happy reading, everyone."

The overall winner of the BookTrust Storytime Prize award will receive £5,000 and will be announced in November.

Diana Gerald, BookTrust c.e.o., said: “BookTrust set up this prize to give credit to the wonderful authors and illustrators that create the books which give families so much pleasure, before children can read themselves or even talk. These are the books that will have families cuddled up on the sofa creating memories that last a lifetime, creating bonds and helping with emotional wellbeing, empathy and character development. It’s always a tough job for the judges but what an incredible selection they have chosen!”