Walker, Nosy Crow and Egmont shortlisted for Derby Children's Picture Book Award

Books published by Walker, Nosy Crow and Egmont have been shortlisted for this year's Derby Children's Picture Book Award.

Now in its third year, the award celebrates picture books that children "can relate to and in which the diversity and challenges of modern life are represented". Children's publishers were invited to to submit up to three books, published in 2020, which met the criteria, and teachers from three Derby primary schools selected the shortlist.

This year’s shortlist comprises The Boy Who Loved Everyone by Jane Porter and Maisie Paradise Shearring (Walker Books), All Kinds of Families by Sophy Henn (Egmont) and Super Milly and the Super School Day by Stephanie Clarkson and Gwen Millward (Nosy Crow)

Children in Years 2 and 3 from eight Derby schools will vote for their favourite book after reading them in class, in the summer term. Each school will receive several copies of the books. The winner will be announced on 28th May, during the Derby Book Festival, which will be held from 27th May to 5th June.

Di Smith, who devised and organises the award, said: “We had a very high standard of submissions for the award with 29 books from 13 publishers, which was amazing during lockdown. We have an excellent and varied shortlist of books which will give children the opportunity to see a window on their world and a mirror in which to see themselves.”

Hannah Evans, who teaches at Village Primary Academy and was involved with the award in 2020, said: “The award enables us to share stories and books that represent the children of our school and they love seeing characters that look like them or have similar names. Our staff have very much enjoyed exploring these beautiful stories and characters through the award and continue to share the passion of ensuring equality and inclusion within school literacy.”

Liz Fothergill, chair of Derby Book Festival, added: “One of the festival’s key aims is to inspire a new generation of readers to appreciate the joy that books and reading bring to our lives. The book award is central to this and, while we were sad to be unable to hold our 2020 festival, we were delighted that our 2020 book award took place and children were able to vote before the schools closed in March.

"This year we have three beautifully illustrated, thought-provoking and moving picture books which will both inspire a child and help them to understand the issues and challenges of today’s modern world. “

Derby Book Festival is funded by Arts Council England and the University of Derby, with additional sponsorship from local businesses.