The winner of Oscar’s Book Prize 2018 is There’s a Pig Up My Nose.
The £5,000 award is shared between author John Dougherty and illustrator Laura Hughes.
Their winning book tells the heart-warming, funny story of Nathalie, a little girl who suddenly gets a pig stuck up her nose, and the efforts of her class mates as they try to lure it back out.
The wit and charm of the story and its accompanying illustrations won the hearts of the jury, which included presenter Katie Derham, Julia Eccleshare, children’s director of the Hay Festival and Brigitte Ricou-Bellan, UK director of books at Amazon.
The inspiration for the book came to Dougherty when he worked as a primary school teacher.
Julia Eccleshare praised the winner: “The surprise comes right at the start, and what a wonderfully dotty premise to begin a story with, about problem-solving in the classroom. Brilliantly structured too.”
Oscar’s Book Prize 2018 was awarded by HRH Princess Eugenie during a ceremony at St James’s Palace. She stepped in to present the award in place of HRH Princess Beatrice, Royal Patron of Oscar’s Book Prize, who was held up on work duties in New York.
Below is a selection of images from the awards ceremony at St James's Palace on May 14, 2018
Winners of Oscar's Book Prize 2018: Writer John Dougherty and illustrater Laura Hughes. Image: Dave Benett
HRH Princess Eugenie at the Oscar's Book Prize 2018 awards ceremony. Image: Dave Benett
James Ashton, founder of Oscar's Book Prize and Oscar's father, speaking at the awards ceremony. Image: Dave Benett
Oscar's Book Prize 2018 winner John Dougherty with prize judge and BBC presenter Katie Derham. Image: Dave Benett
Oscar's Book Prize 2018 winning illustrator Laura Hughes, HRH Princess Eugenie and Sarah, Duchess of York. Image: Dave Benett
Oscar's Book Prize 2018 judge and BBC presenter Katie Derham. Image: Dave Benett
Alice Ashton, Oscar's little sister, Viveka Alvestrand, co-founder of Oscar's Book Prize, with HRH Princess Eugenie and Sarah, Duchess of York. Image: Dave Benett