Shortlist announced for Derby Children’s Picture Book Award

Now in its third year Derby Children's Picture Book Award celebrates picture books that children can relate to and in which the diversity and challenges of modern life are represented. Teachers from three Derby primary schools, who were involved in the 2020 Award, selected the books from the original longlist of ten. The Festival invited children’s publishers to submit up to three books, published in 2020, which meet the criteria.

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)
• 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 for each class. The winner will be announced on 28 May 2021.

Di Smith, who devised and organises the Award: “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 said: “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, whilst 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. “

Jane Porter, one of the shortlisted authors was also the illustrator of last year’s Book Award winner, Brian The Brave. Jane is already committed to attending the 2021 Festival and has links with the city through her maternal grandparents.

Derby Book Festival has a strong programme of events for children, families and schools with Meet the Author events held at Derby Theatre and the University of Derby for both primary and secondary schools across the city.