OBP 2022: Winner Party Pictures
Just a ‘snapshot’ (somebody stop us) from the wonderful award ceremony on Tuesday. See if you can spot our judges, shortlist, special guests and more!
Congratulations to Chris and our shortlist once again - and huge thanks to all for coming (and submitting such amazing books in the first place!).
Photos courtesy of Tom Pilston, with many thanks.
A special reading of Maybe... by Chris Haughton
We’re so thrilled for this year’s winner Chris Haughton!
We’ve heard from the judges and our Patron HRH Princess Beatrice about what makes this book so special, but the very best way to appreciate it is to read it for yourself. As such, we’re delighted to present a very special reading of Maybe… below. Huge thanks to our panel and Patron for making this possible!
We hope you enjoy the reading (and of course, Maybe… itself) as much as we all have. Congratulations to Chris - and to all at Walker Books - for this vibrant, roar-some winner! Now, let’s talk about mangoes…
Copyright information:
Copyright © 2021 Chris Haughton
MAYBE… by Chris Haughton
Reproduced by permission of Walker Books Ltd, London, SE11 5HJ
Film courtesy of Gray Creative Ltd, with many thanks!
Watch our judges talk about OBP 2022's winner: Maybe... by Chris Haughton!
Our Judges had a LOT to say about Maybe… (and who can blame them?). Please watch below for our Judges’ take on this vibrant, funny masterpiece! Enjoy!
Oscar's Book Prize 2022: Winner Revealed!
Princess Beatrice reveals the winner of Oscar’s Book Prize 2022
London, UK, 18 May 2022: HRH Princess Beatrice announced the winner of this year’s Oscar’s Book Prize at an awards ceremony in central London yesterday evening. The award, supported by Amazon, the National Literacy Trust and the Evening Standard, crowned Maybe…, by the multi-talented author and illustrator Chris Haughton, as the winner, topping the shortlist of magical stories to take home the £10,000 literary prize.
Maybe…by Chris Haughton (Walker Books)
The Dublin-born author and illustrator has produced several much-loved children’s books in the last decade, including the best-selling A Bit Lost and Oh No, George!
Upon winning, Chris Haughton said: “It’s an honour to be chosen as the winner for this year’s Oscar’s Book Prize, and a privilege to be held in such high regard amongst a shortlist of incredible authors and illustrators, all of whom deserve the award as much as me. This is an award that celebrates and highlights the joy that comes from children’s stories, and one I shall cherish.”
Photo courtesy of Tom Pilston
Maybe… (Walker Books) is a cautionary tale about three little monkeys and transports readers on a journey of vicarious mischief as boundaries are pushed and lessons are learned. Maybe is one of six books which were shortlisted for this year’s Prize, with the other’s including Barbara Throws a Wobbler by Nadia Shireen (Puffin, PRH Children's), The Pet: Cautionary Tales for Children and Grown-ups by Catherine Emmett and David Tazzyman (Macmillan Children's Books), The Duck Who Didn't Like Water by Steve Small (Simon & Schuster Children’s Books), The Fire Fox by Alexandra Page and Stef Murphy (Two Hoots, Macmillan Children’s Books) and I'm Sticking With You Too by Smriti Halls and Steve Small (Simon & Schuster Children’s Books).
Many of this year’s judging panel joined the award ceremony held at The Ivy Club in central London, including singer-songwriter, Sophie Ellis-Bextor alongside her mother and two-time author, Janet Ellis. The pair were joined by the former Children's Laureate and award-winning illustrator, Chris Riddell, rapper, actor, comedian and children’s author, Ben Bailey Smith (Doc Brown), Amazon’s UK Books Country Manager, Lisa De Meyer and the Prize co-founder, Viveka Alvestrand.
HRH Princess Beatrice said: “This year’s winning book is a stunning blend of imaginative storytelling with playful illustration. The amount of vibrancy expressed in the story - from characterization to humour - is also a stand-out example of how much power pictures - and relatively few words - have to convey a story. I’m proud to be a long-standing patron of Oscar’s Book Prize and have had the privilege of witnessing this award shine a light on so many amazing books over the years.”
Photo courtesy of Tom Pilston
The award, now in its ninth year, was set up by James Ashton and Viveka Alvestrand to celebrate magical stories and encourage parents to take time to share books with their young children. It is named in memory of their son Oscar, who was three-and-a-half when he died from an undiagnosed heart condition in December 2012.
James Ashton, the prize's chairman and co-founder, said: “Young children need bright and engaging stories to escape into and our judges felt Chris’s work enables that brilliantly. He is a worthy winner of our £10,000 prize and it has been great to celebrate his success at an in-person event once again.”
For more information about the prize and this year’s winning book, please visit www.oscarsbookprize.co.uk and to view the full shortlisted books on Amazon, please visit www.amazon.co.uk/obp22.
>ENDS<
For further enquiries, please contact:
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About Oscar’s Book Prize
Oscar’s Book Prize is an annual prize for the best under-fives book of the year. It champions magical storytelling by authors and illustrators, best shared between young children and their parents.
It is awarded in memory of book-loving Oscar Ashton, who died in 2012 of an undiagnosed heart condition aged three and a half. Founded by his parents and supported by Amazon, the Evening Standard and the National Literacy Trust, the Prize has been running since 2014.
For news and all other information please visit www.oscarsbookprize.co.uk, follow @oscarsbookprize on Instagram or Twitter, or find Oscar’s Book Prize on Facebook.
About Amazon.co.uk
Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalised recommendations, Prime, Fulfilment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, and Alexa are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit www.amazon.co.uk/about and follow @AmazonNewsUK
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About the National Literacy Trust
Our mission is to improve the reading, writing, speaking and listening skills of those who need it most, giving them the best possible chance of success in school, work and life. We run Literacy Hubs and campaigns in communities where low levels of literacy and social mobility are seriously impacting people’s lives. We support schools and early years settings to deliver outstanding literacy provision, and we campaign to make literacy a priority for politicians, businesses and parents.
Our research and analysis make us the leading authority on literacy and drive our interventions. Literacy is a vital element of action against poverty and our work changes children and young people’s life stories. Our new site Words for Life provides simple, fun and educational activities for children and young people aged 0-24 to support learning at home and help them feel more confident.
Visit literacytrust.org.uk to find out more, donate or sign up for our free email newsletter. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About the London Evening Standard
The London Evening Standard is the only quality free daily newspaper in the UK. An iconic London brand, the Standard’s paper, website and apps keep the capital up-to-date on the latest news, business, sport, features and entertainment. The Evening Standard is famous for its campaigning to improve life in the capital. Campaigns have included the Dispossessed Campaign, which raised over £14 million to tackle poverty and inequality and Get London Reading, a campaign to raise literacy levels for children in the capital.
The Shortlist edit: part 2
Oscar by Chris Riddell
It’s the final countdown! One more day to go until we find out who our Judges chose as the winner of OBP 2022! The calibre of this year’s shortlist has made that an almost impossible task.- we always think our judges have the best and most difficult job in the world!
Speaking of that, while the comments within the OBP judging meetings remain entirely confidential - there is a loophole. Well, there is when one of the judges is an award-winning illustrator who likes to document a meeting with drawings…
As such, if you ever wondered what an OBP judging meeting is like, here’s a sneak peek, courtesy of the incorrigibly enthusiastic pencil of Chris Riddell…
Opinions strictly illustrator’s own, of course…
(and in case you haven’t already, please scroll down for the next post to look at what the judges all said on each book!)
We cannot disclose what said wobbler was about: and of course there are no tantrums at all within OBP judging meetings (and definitely none to do with a lack of dragons)
Smriti and Steve might not want to write Ben Bailey Smith into their next book, but then again…
Just a fire fox and a chicken, squirrel and bear to go and we’d have the full shortlist…
A duck who doesn’t like water…
The Shortlist Edit: Part 1
Now that you’ve met our shortlist, it’s high time we talked more about the brilliant books that they’ve created! And who better to do that than our wonderful judging panel themselves?
Please watch below for the judges’ soundbites on each book in turn. If you haven't read them already - now’s the time to grab a copy of each of our stupendous six and see what you think of the judges’ comments.
Thanks so much again to our brilliant panel for such amazing care and consideration. All of the submitted books were wonderful, and choosing just six is a Herculean task!!!
Chris Riddell on Barbara Throws A Wobbler by Nadia Shireen (Puffin)
Viveka Alvestrand on The Pet by Catherine Emmett and David Tazzyman (Macmillan Children’s Books)
Janet Ellis on The Fire Fox by Alexandra Page and Stef Murphy (Macmillan Children’s Books, Two Hoots)
Ben Bailey Smith on The Duck Who Didn’t Like Water by Steve Small (Simon & Schuster)
Lisa de Meyer on I’m Sticking with You Too by Smriti Halls and Steve Small (Simon & Schuster)
Viveka Alvestrand on Maybe… by Chris Haughton
Good luck, everyone!!!! Just a few days left until we find out which of these incredible six books will win! Stay tuned next week for more news…and some extra illustrations…
Meet the Shortlist: Smriti Halls and Steve Small
With just FIVE days to go until we announce the OBP2022 WINNER - it’s high time to introduce you to our final shortlistees. We’re absolutely thrilled to have Smriti Halls and Steve Small on our shortlist for the second year running - this time for their new book I’m Sticking with You, Too - which introduces a new friend to Bear and Squirrel’s enduring friendship.
I’m Sticking with You, Too
Please read on for Smriti and Steve’s Q&As - and find out about all sorts of things about multiple nominations (for both Smriti and Steve!), wardrobes, music and a very flamboyant chicken…
Smriti’s Answers:
Did you have a favourite picture book as a child? If so, what was it?
I had several favourites including a beautiful Hans Christian Andersen treasury and a brilliant Richard Scarry nursery rhyme collection that I still have… and still love.
What do you think the best thing about picture books is?
For me, it’s that magical shared space that the interplay of words and pictures create for a child and an adult reader to enjoy together. A space where time stands still and where some of the most treasured of childhood memories are made. I also love the way that picture books demand to be read aloud, over and over, and often become so beloved that they are known by heart.
What’s the best thing about THIS book?
The music!! I live in a house bursting with music and music-makers - at any given time there are instruments of all shapes and sizes and all sorts of melodies and harmonies competing to be heard - everything from opera to Oasis and from Bach to Britney. Sometimes it’s less than melodious but when it comes together... it’s some kind of wonderful. This book is a celebration of the joyful, eclectic harmony that the music of true friendship is – occasionally offbeat, but always unique, uplifting and brilliant. It’s a reminder that when new members join our band, there’s still space for everyone to be themselves… and to flap their own feathers and sing their own song.
We were lucky enough to meet Bear and Squirrel last year when they were shortlisted for Oscar’s Book Prize in 2021! Can you tell us a little bit more about their new friend?
Chicken is entirely and fabulously herself…. flamboyant, plucky, optimistic, sociable and independent. I think the other two find her enthusiasm a little overwhelming at first, but what’s great about Bear and Squirrel is that while they’re good at getting things a bit wrong, they’re even better at putting them right again.
Did you have a favourite character to write?
You can’t ask that! It would be like choosing a favourite child! Honestly, I loved writing all three characters, but what I enjoyed most was writing the dynamics, the tension, the tenderness and, critically, creating the balance between this little trio.
Please tell us what makes you most excited about being on the OBP shortlist:
I can’t quite believe that I’ve made it onto the OBP shortlist for a third time. I love this award which carries a child at its heart – something that’s immediately evident in each year’s shortlist where the books are unfailingly child-centred and such a JOY. I’m honoured and delighted.
Steve’s Answers:
Did you have a favourite picture book as a child? If so, what was it?
I had many favourites. I liked the two-book set of Dean’s gift books of Nursery Rhymes and Fairy Tales by Janet and Anne Grahame Johnstone.
What do you think the best thing about picture books is?
They are the wardrobe in your room that opens into another world where you can instantly meet your latest friends. Hmm... Sounds like a good idea for a story.
What’s the best thing about THIS book?
When I was a kid, I had a best friend that lived near me. Eventually we got to know another kid who joined in when we went out to play. But it was different somehow. Trying to accommodate three people’s opinions and styles, we would occasionally hit bumps in the road that our young minds were not best equipped to deal with. All good training ground for future life skills, and a great way to start to get to know yourself a bit better as well as learning to make room for others too, but it’s funny how in these times, even simple things seem complex. This book takes a fun and light-hearted look at this territory and explores that unusual thing that can happen when you are young, and you make a friend, even though you’ve already got one.
We were lucky enough to meet Bear and Squirrel last year when they were shortlisted for Oscar’s Book Prize in 2021! Can you tell us a little bit more about their new friend?
Smriti saw some sketches I hadn’t used in I’m Sticking With You and suggested we introduce her into the next chapter. Smriti then wrote about this marvellously bold, happy and charismatic Chicken who was determined to be Bear and Squirrel’s new friend. I really enjoyed illustration her and showing how this plucky ( sorry, couldn’t resist) soul wins their hearts.
Did you have a favourite character to draw?
Hm. That’s a tough one. Chicken is bursting with personality, Squirrel likes everything in its place but has a genuine fun side, and Bear is your evergreen gentle Giant. As much as a love them all equally, and as much as I (so much) enjoyed revisiting Bear and Squirrel, Chicken won me over in this book.
Please tell us what makes you most excited about being on the OBP shortlist:
Doodle below!
Meet the Shortlist: Catherine Emmett and David Tazzyman
Here’s a Friday lunchtime treat indeed: the chance to meet our fifth (and penultimate!) shortlistees! We were delighted to find out more about Catherine and David, author and illustrator of the riotously funny and subversive - and truly cautionary - tale The Pet!
Catherine has sent us her thoughts as a video - please see below to enjoy. David’s Q&A also follows below, complete with many gorgeous illustrations.
Have a read and a watch to find out their favourite things about picture books, this book, a chocolate-loving Alsatian, and much, much more!
Thank you so much David and Catherine!
Catherine’s Q&A:
Catherine Emmett
David Tazzyman
David’s Q&A:
Did you have a favourite picture book as a child? If so, what was it?
We didn’t have many picture books in my house as a child. I grew up in a working class house in the 1970’s and picture books were (according to my mum) an extravagance working class people could barely afford. We had a Richard Scarry book that I absolutely loved, I remember spending hours studying the illustrations. We also had all the Mr Men books, I was obsessed with them, Roger Hargreaves was genius. We went to our local library every week, I remember a couple of Dave McKee books that I enjoyed looking at but the book that I marvelled at every time we visited was Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, I was mesmerised by it, I thought it magical, I still do. Now as an adult I see the many layers to it that I didn’t back then, the profound way in which it dealt with a boy coping with anger through his wild imagination. The art is iconic and peerless.
What do you think the best thing about picture books is?
The pictures! They make those early books so accessible and appealing to kids even before they can read themselves. They invite kids to pick them up and look inside, they speak their language and say to them, you’re welcome here, this is for you, come on jump in.
What’s the best thing about THIS book?
The Pet, A Cautionary Tale For Children and Grown Ups is the best script for a picture book that I’ve been offered. I said yes to it immediately. When Macmillan then told me I had to do a couple of ‘test’ character illustrations before I was offered the contract I panicked, ignored what they told me I needed to do and spent 2 weeks doing the big pet shop double page spread that had all the main characters and a chaotic menagerie of pets including Gus the gorilla. I was desperate not to let this script slip through my fingers! I think Catherine’s writing is superb; funny, clever, brilliantly constructed with sublime rhyme. The story is also slightly dark and brave (in these modern times) with the main character being a spoilt, demanding, unsympathetic little boy who gets taught a lesson by his prize pet. There is a great twist at the end too that genuinely surprises the audience. Not many picture books do this.
Image courtesy of David Tazzyman, Macmillan Children’s Books
I also love the endpapers. I asked the year 3 children at our local primary school to eachdraw a picture of their favourite pet and the results are wonderful; they’re the best illustrations in the book! The kids absolutely love the fact they are actual published illustrators and so do I!
Did you have a favourite character to draw?
Doris the pet shop owner was my favourite character to draw. I had a grin on my face the whole time I was designing her, I do love a tabard! I imagined her as this slightly eccentric animal loving lady who’s pet shop is almost an extension of her house. I found it funny that she was very protective of the animals in respect to potential new owners (Digby) but was ultimately bribable. I also loved creating the mice that have their own sub narrative throughout the book. You might have to reread to spot them! I really like doing things like this as it adds another layer of interest beyond the story itself. I hope to encourage those personal games and connections like counting the mice or making up daft stories about what they’re getting up to, they’re the kind of things that keep me and my kids coming back to a book again and again. It also amuses me that they are the only ‘wild’ animals in the book!
Courtesy of David Tazzyman / Macmillan Children’s Books
Did you have a lot of pets when you were little?
We had a lovely Alsatian called Billy who I adored. He was a chocolate treat connoisseur, if you threw a ‘doggy’ choc up in the air for him he would ignore it but if you chucked him a Cadbury’s chocolate button he’d jump & catch it mid-air! He didn’t like bees much.
Please tell us what makes you most excited about being on the OBP shortlist:
I love the fact that Oscars Book Prize is dedicated to celebrating just picture books. I think it really helps to showcase the importance of illustration in children’s publishing and the depth of illustration talent that is out there. This is the first time a picture book I’ve been involved with has been shortlisted for a major award and the fact that this is also Oscars makes it super exciting for me. I’m really proud of The Pet and hope that being shortlisted might help more children discover it and if we win we may get another Cautionary Tale commissioned!
Meet the shortlist: Steve Small (on The Duck Who Didn't Like Water)
We can’t believe it, but it’s time to look at our fourth shortlistee already! Please meet the multi-talented author and illustrator Steve Small, who graces the OBP shortlist for the second year in a row - and TWICE! He’ll discuss his other nomination, I’m Sticking with You Too (with Smriti Halls) in the coming weeks. For now., he talks to us about his incredible first solo book, literary sidekicks, and a very rainy camping trip! Thanks so much, Steve!
The Duck Who Didn’t like Water (Simon & Schuster)
This book has a brilliant double act – do you have a favourite picture book sidekick from when you were little?
Thanks! Nice of you to say. What a good question. I think it has to be Eeyore. I was fascinated by how unexpectedly morose this wonderful donkey was. I had never seen much attention being given to someone with this reluctant and hideaway personality, and yet each story set in A A Milne’s Hundred Acre Wood that featured Eeyore, was all the richer for his bracingly taciturn presence.
The duck really doesn’t like water – is there anything surprising that you don’t like?
Cars and Velcro.
How did you come up with this story?
A peek inside The Duck Who Didn’t Like Water courtesy of Steve Small and Simon and Schuster
I loved hill walking when I was younger. When I was in my mid-twenties, I once pitched a tent at night in the Black Mountains in Wales and woke up on a wet morning to find puddles outside everywhere and one small one inside my tent too. My tent was only just drier than outside. I went away to ( of all things) get some water to boil on my stove for some tea and came back to find a Duck walking into my tent.
As the years went by, I forgot about it and then found myself thinking about that duck when I was doodling about three years ago.
What do you think is the best thing about this book?
I think it looks at the idea of how to share our time with someone who might sometimes have different views and, I hope, playfully examines the art of compromise and the importance of flexibility. Plus, there’s a Frog that says Ribbit a lot which always gets a chuckle out of me.
Please tell us what makes you most excited about being on the OBP shortlist TWICE this year!
Phew.
Making books is still very new to me and has a certain ‘pinch me, am I dreaming this’ quality. I have always loved picture books. But they were always rather like admiring your neighbour’s amazing flower garden from your second floor flat. Great to look at but I have no idea how much effort it took and I didn’t think it likely that I’d ever get round to try growing one myself. Then I found myself illustrating ‘I’m Sticking With You’ which went on to be nominated last year. That was a real honour and a surprise. I went on to make a fun sequel to that book, and also try my hand at making a Solo book too. And now, BOTH of them were nominated this year. What’s the word for gobsmacked and nonplussed and extremely thankful all rolled into one?
Meet the shortlist: Nadia Shireen
It’s time to meet the awesomely talented creator of our third shortlisted book for 2022: Nadia Shireen!
Barbara Throws a Wobbler is a hugely relatable story for anyone who’s ever been in range of a small person having a very bad day filled with very big feelings, which manages to be both hugely empathic and incredibly funny at the same time, complemented by Nadia’s gorgeous illustrations.
Here she tells us all about her own favourite childhood book, what the best thing about this book might be….and what sort of wobbler she’s likely to throw…
Thanks so much, Nadia!
Nadia Shireen
Did you have a favourite picture book as a child? If so, what was it?
I loved the Meg and Mog books by Jan Pienkowski. The colours were so bright and joyful, and I just found the pictures so arresting even though they were also quite simple. Also sometimes I could see pen marks and that made me think “Hey! I could do that!” They are very friendly books.
What do you think the best thing about picture books is?
They communicate to us on two levels. We read the words, see the images and our brain does something magic in-between, I think. I love that mysterious, magical bit!
What’s the best thing about THIS book?
I can’t believe I got away with the title. I kept waiting for somebody important to tell me it was too silly!
How did you come up with the idea for the story?
Well, as a parent I’ve witnessed a lot of wobblers and I know how difficult and helpless everyone feels in that situation. I know how feeling big emotions can sometimes be really scary. I wanted to make a book that might reassure someone feeling that way.
Which type of wobbler are you most likely to throw?
I’m a huffer. I don’t really explode. I just quietly feel sad or angry and hide under a blanket.
A peek inside Barbara Throws a Wobbler (courtesy of Penguin Random House Children’s Books (Puffin)
Please tell us what makes you most excited about being on the OBP shortlist
I am quite frankly AMAZED to be included on such a fantastic shortlist! You see, all of these words and stories and characters just live in my brain. So I feel very lucky that I get to let them out and share them with people. And I feel even luckier when people say they like them! I honestly find it all quite hard to believe and understand. I’m so happy and honoured.
Meet the shortlist: Alexandra Page and Stef Murphy
Time to meet the creators of our next amazing shortlisted book: The Fire Fox. This touching and moving exploration of loss is both magical and uplifting, and has the added bonus of taking the readers to the snowy Arctic!
The incredibly talented duo that is Stef and Alexandra have kindly answered our questions below. Thanks so much, both!
Author Alexandra Page
Alexandra’s answers
Did you have a favourite picture book as a child? If so, what was it?
I still have my tattered copy of 'The Foxwood Treasure' by Brian and Cynthia Paterson. It's a longer picture book adventure (I always loved long stories the best, to tease out bedtime), in which a friendly mouse, hedgehog and rabbit venture on a quest to find a new village hall. I love the ramshackle old building they discover amongst the bracken and brambles, and all of the tiny details in the illustrations, which I'd pore over while my poor tired dad spent half an hour reading it to me!
What do you think the best thing about picture books is?
There are such a variety of incredible picture books that it's hard to know what's best about them when they offer so much to everyone! But, I think for me it's that they help us to connect and encourage closeness. I love to cuddle up with my own daughter, read a picture book together and answer her questions.
What’s the best thing about THIS book?
The close collaboration between the words and pictures. It feels to me as if the book is just as it was always meant to be. Stef's illustrations perfectly fit the words and my words were tweaked and adjusted many times to better complement Stef's compositions. The overall design and flow feels like a harmony and I'm so proud of it.
Did you have a favourite character to write?
I'm tempted to say the fire fox, but actually it was Freya. I had to delve deep into my memory of the feelings I had when my family separated, to feel as she must feel throughout the story. Freya is very personal to me.
Please tell us what makes you most excited about being on the OBP shortlist
It's been my dream to be a picture book author, but I couldn't have imagined that my stories would be paired with such beautiful illustrations as Stef's. For us to be shortlisted for this incredible award together, as debuts, feels extraordinarily special.
Stef created this magical illustration just for us - thank you, Stef!
Stef’s answers
Did you have a favourite book as a child? If so, what was it?
A very hard question as there were so many books I loved as a child! The Hat by Tommy Ungerer was a real favourite, there’s so much comedy in his drawings. I adored the Brambly Hedge series by Jill Barklem, I could pour over those beautifully detailed illustrations for hours. I remember desperately wanting to try the hot cup of acorn coffee they drink at the end of The Autumn Story! Nick Butterworth’s Percy the Park Keeper books were another bedtime staple. My dad is well known for donning a hanky hat so there was a warming familiarity to his character. Ah, I could go on!
Illustrator Stef Murphy
What do you think the best thing about picture books is?
I really think there is nothing quite like picture books! As a child, picture books were like gateways to exciting new worlds. They sparked my imagination, made me laugh out loud and gave me comfort if I was feeling scared. One of my favourite things to do as a child was to look for the untold narratives happening amongst the illustrations. I’d explore the pages for ages making up my own little stories. I think that’s what’s so special about picture books, the collaboration between words and pictures opens up so many possibilities. The shared experience of reading a picture book is so special. I love reading to my nieces and nephews, it’s a wonderful excuse to forget about the day's worries and lose myself in silly voices or questionable animal impressions!
What’s the best thing about this book
The Fire Fox is the first picture book I have illustrated and I think that will always make it particularly special to me. Alex’s lyrical writing is so transportive and bursting with hope. The mother is such a wonderful character and she really stands out for me. Although she only features briefly, her strength in a time of loss shines through. The feeling that you are loved and that our loved ones never truly leave us is such a wonderful message for children and adults alike. I know I would have loved this story as a child as much as I do now.
Did you have a favourite character to draw?
I loved drawing the fox. I looked at lots of pictures and videos of arctic foxes to gather inspiration for the character. They are such beautiful animals to study, especially the way they jump and dive into the snow. Drawing that little leaping fox during all the uncertainty of the pandemic brought so much joy into my day and I am very grateful for that.
What makes you most excited about being on the OBP shortlist?
I think it’s wonderful that Oscar’s parents have chosen to honour his memory in such a beautiful way. To be considered amongst such an incredible line up is really exciting!
Meet the shortlist: Chris Haughton
The king of colour, Irish writer Chris Haughton is known for his quirky animal characters and wicked sense of humour. His books, including A Bit Lost and Shh! We Have a Plan, have won fans all over the globe. So let’s find out a bit more about the first of our spectacular shortlist of six:
Did you have a favourite picture book as a child? If so, what was it?
I loved the Richard Scarry books. I think one of his books might have made me interested in traveling. I also had a Muppet annual which I literally loved to bits. I absolutely loved the Muppets as a very young child. Especially Animal, and in fact the monkeys from Maybe… are not unlike Animal come to think of it.
What do you think the best thing about picture books is?
I like that they are a kind of combination between art and text. They are our first introduction to both art and literature. In the way they are read to us they often need some sort of performance. Doing funny voices or that sort of thing. So they are most likely our first introduction to performance too. That’s pretty amazing when you think about it. Such a foundational piece of our lives that introduces us to art/literature/performance. I am very, very grateful to be working on them.
What’s the best thing about THIS book?
I think the most fun thing when I am reading it out is the tigers. The children shriek with nervous excitement when they spot them lurking below. I really love reading it to a crowd because that always gets a fun response. It’s very much the classic pantomime ‘S/He’s behind you!’ gag. It’s funny how it works every time.
How did you come up with the idea for the story?
Somebody mentioned in an interview that all my stories are very sweet with no danger. I had never thought of it like that but once I had that thought I knew I had to make a book with danger. The fun part is how to introduce the danger. You need to wind up the tension like ratchet. Keep introducing more and more tigers and the monkeys get more and more overconfident.
Do you know any real-life little monkeys who are always full of mischief?
I dedicated the book to my nieces and nephews. Joanne, May and Cuan. I read them the story many times whilst I was refining it… They don’t get up to a huge amount of mischief really though. I have four other young nephews all of a similar age and there is definitely a lot of monkey business in that house! It's a lot of fun going over to see them.
Please tell us what makes you most excited about being on the OBP shortlist?
I have been following Oscar’s Book Prize since its very beginning. Benji Davies who won the inaugural prize is a close friend. In fact, many of the award winners are friends and are some of my favourite illustrators and authors working today. I am so honoured to be on the shortlist amongst such quality books.
Image from Maybe…. courtesy of Walker Books
Pet gorillas and ducks who don’t like water; Oscar’s Book Prize reveal the 2022 shortlist
We’re delighted to reveal the wonderful and wacky stories on this year’s shortlist which feature everything from tales of cheeky monkeys and magical foxes, to new-found friendships and important life lessons. To find out more about the full shortlist, please visit www.amazon.co.uk/obp22.
The award, now in its ninth year, is supported by Amazon, the National Literacy Trust and the Evening Standard. It was set up by James Ashton and Viveka Alvestrand to celebrate magical stories for children in memory of their son Oscar, who was three-and-a-half when he died from an undiagnosed heart condition in December 2012.
This year’s shortlist features a vast variety of creatures, including monkeys and tigers, ducks and frogs, bears, squirrels and chickens, spoilt children and kind gorillas, a cat having a grumpy day - and finally, one very special arctic fox. While they contain such different characters, these stories are linked by their lively narratives, outstanding illustrations, and inspirational messages - whether that’s encouraging confidence, understanding big feelings, or finding friendship.
This year’s shortlist were selected by a star-studded judging panel including, singer-songwriter Sophie Ellis-Bextor and her mother, Janet Ellis, a two-time author and former Blue Peter presenter. The pair were joined by award-winning illustrator, Chris Riddell and rapper, actor, comedian and children’s author, Ben Bailey Smith (Doc Brown), alongside Amazon’s UK Books Country Manager, Lisa De Meyer and the Prize co-founder, Viveka Alvestrand.
The winner will be announced by the award’s patron, Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice, at a ceremony on Tuesday 17th May in central London.
Ben Bailey Smith said: “Helping select the shortlist for this year’s Oscar’s Book Prize was a real privilege - such an exciting variety of stories and characters that were as brilliantly funny as they were meaningful, and all beautifully illustrated. It is these sorts of books which stand the test of time and become literary favourites that are passed down the generations. I’m certain all children would love to read all six!”
Lisa De Meyer said: “It’s been a pleasure for Amazon to once again help celebrate and support Oscar’s Book Prize. We have read some incredible stories and are extremely proud of the chosen shortlist. I think all the judging panel agree that it was great to see such a range of characters and storylines from authors submitting to the Prize for the first time through to returning entrants with Smriti Halls and Steve Small.”
The shortlist for Oscar’s Book Prize 2022 is as follows:
Barbara Throws a Wobbler by Nadia Shireen (Puffin, PRH Children's)
Barbara is in a very bad mood. She won't admit it, but she is. She has a problem with a sock, and at lunchtime there's a strange pea... And even though she's at the park with her friends, it all just gets a bit much. Suddenly Barbara's wobbler is out of control.
Maybe… by Chris Haughton (Walker Books)
A funny, suspenseful and keenly observed cautionary tale about pushing boundaries and indulging your more mischievous, cheeky side (when nobody is looking).
The Pet: Cautionary Tales for Children and Grown-ups by Catherine Emmett and David Tazzyman (Macmillan Children's Books)
A hilarious tale with a 'be careful what you wish for' message, especially if you wish for a gorilla and don't look after it properly.
The Duck Who Didn't Like Water by Steve Small (Simon & Schuster Children’s Books)
Duck is not like other ducks. Duck doesn’t like water and is perfectly fine alone, thank you very much. But then, one dark and stormy night, an outgoing, water-loving, and very lost Frog turns up at Duck’s door. Can this odd couple find Frog’s home? And will they find friendship along the way?
The Fire Fox by Alexandra Page and Stef Murphy (Two Hoots, Macmillan Children’s Books)
Freya and her mum have gone to a little cabin to get away for a while. The light has gone out of their lives since Freya's dad passed away. Freya isn't sure about going sledging, but when she meets a magical fox in the snow, she can't help but follow him into the forest – and on to a thrilling adventure.
I'm Sticking With You Too by Smriti Halls and Steve Small (Simon & Schuster Children’s Books)
Much-loved characters Bear and Squirrel are back! And they’ve found the perfect rhythm for their friendship. Until, that is, Chicken turns up... She wants in! But how will Bear and Squirrel feel about accepting a new friend? Will they come to see that some things work out when we do them together. That two can be good…but three can be better?
For more information about Oscar’s Book Prize, please visit www.oscarsbookprize.co.uk and to view the full shortlisted books on Amazon, please visit www.amazon.co.uk/obp22.
About Oscar’s Book Prize
Oscar’s Book Prize is an annual prize for the best under-fives book of the year. It champions magical storytelling by authors and illustrators, best shared between young children and their parents.
It is awarded in memory of book-loving Oscar Ashton, who died in 2012 of an undiagnosed heart condition aged three and a half. Founded by his parents and supported by Amazon, the Evening Standard and the National Literacy Trust, the Prize has been running since 2014.
For news and all other information please visit www.oscarsbookprize.co.uk, follow @oscarsbookprize on Instagram or Twitter, or find Oscar’s Book Prize on Facebook.
About Amazon.co.uk
Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalised recommendations, Prime, Fulfilment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, and Alexa are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit www.amazon.co.uk/about and follow @AmazonNewsUK
Follow Amazon.co.uk on Twitter: www.twitter.com/AmazonUK
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Visit the Amazon.co.uk Facebook page: www.facebook.com/AmazonUK
About the National Literacy Trust
Our mission is to improve the reading, writing, speaking and listening skills of those who need it most, giving them the best possible chance of success in school, work and life. We run Literacy Hubs and campaigns in communities where low levels of literacy and social mobility are seriously impacting people’s lives. We support schools and early years settings to deliver outstanding literacy provision, and we campaign to make literacy a priority for politicians, businesses and parents.
Our research and analysis make us the leading authority on literacy and drive our interventions. Literacy is a vital element of action against poverty and our work changes children and young people’s life stories. Our new site Words for Life provides simple, fun and educational activities for children and young people aged 0-24 to support learning at home and help them feel more confident.
Visit literacytrust.org.uk to find out more, donate or sign up for our free email newsletter. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About the London Evening Standard
The London Evening Standard is the only quality free daily newspaper in the UK. An iconic London brand, the Standard’s paper, website and apps keep the capital up-to-date on the latest news, business, sport, features and entertainment. The Evening Standard is famous for its campaigning to improve life in the capital. Campaigns have included the Dispossessed Campaign, which raised over £14 million to tackle poverty and inequality and Get London Reading, a campaign to raise literacy levels for children in the capital.
Judging Season 2022: Meet our Longlist Panel
Spring is not the only season upon us at OBP: it’s judging season, too!
While we never disclose which books make it onto our longlist, we are proud of the integrity of our process and the excellent taste and expertise of the team who complete this first stage.
Here we introduce them one by one and ask them to give just TWO answers about the treasure trove that is the OBP submission pile! Everyone’s under strict instructions not to give anything away, but here’s a tantalising glimpse at the riches of our haul nonetheless….and something to get excited about ahead of our shortlist announcement in just one week’s time!
More news and insight to come – this time from our shortlist judges – very soon indeed. Watch this space!
Introducing the longlist panel:
The Early Years Experts: Nursery Workers Bedrie and Sajida
Bedrie Beytula-Sali is the Nursery Manager at Eveline Day Nursery, Wimbledon, the nursery Oscar attended.
Born in Bulgaria, Bedi studied languages and Early Years. A curious and enthusiastic citizen of the world, Bedi has a keen interest in other cultures and traditions. She also has a great love of reading, and enjoys nature, psychology, cooking and photography in her spare time.
Sajida Akber is the Deputy Manager at Eveline Day Nursery. Born in Kenya, she settled in London in the 1980s. Passionate about children and early childhood, she achieved her Childcare and Management Level 4 qualification. Sajida loves creative activities and travelling with her family. Her other hobbies include swimming, hiking and exploring nature – and she has a keen interest in horticulture.
What made you say yes to being a part of the longlist panel?
Oscar attended our nursery, and he will be always be in our hearts. We feel privileged to be part of the longlist panel.
What was the best thing about the books you read for the Prize this year?
The books we have chosen are reflection of what our children love to read. They are full of funny stories, great illustrations and teach values such as friendship, positivity, being mindful about the needs of others, and also are a great source of learning e.g. counting numbers, visiting places, animals and their habitats, personalities and many more. The authors use well-known stories and present them in a contemporary way which covers a wide range of age and interests!
The Benefits of Books Expert: Jo Jeffery
Jo and the whole Read for Good team!
Jo Jeffery is Fundraising and Digital Officer for Read for Good: a literacy charity dedicated to enriching children’s lives through the power of reading, both through the school Readathon and their dedicated hospital programme. In her role as Trust Fundraiser, she asks for support to transport children beyond the hospital bed and into Hogwarts, Narnia or Neverland instead. She also curates RfG's digital content and loves being a part of a community which is one of the biggest trumpet-blowing, shout-it-from-the-rooftop advocates of children reading for pleasure, wherever they may be!
What made you say yes to being a part of the longlist panel?
The chance to read all the early years books now that both my children are older- I couldn’t pass up this opportunity!
What was the best thing about the books you read for the Prize this year?
The quality of the topics of the books is just outstanding - and the illustrations have been just exquisite in many cases!
The former winner (and general author extraordinaire): Lu Fraser
Lu Fraser is a multi-award-winning picture book author whose debut The Littlest Yak (illustrated by Kate Hindley) won Oscars Book Prize in 2021. Lu studied English Literature at university which eventually lead to a career in children’s brand licensing, before settling down in the countryside to become a Mummy. Although her books have been translated into languages all around the world, they start life in the little writing hut at the end of her garden. Lu lives with her husband and daughter and their much-hugged Beagle and Great Dane.
What made you say yes to being a part of the longlist panel?
Oscars Book Prize is a tremendous celebration of beautiful, innovative, magical books – I was bowled over to be asked to join the long-list judging panel and to be part of the process that highlights and rewards the authors, illustrators & publishers who work so hard to create these wonderful stories. It was also such a lovely way to give something back to the award that changed my writing-life! (and who could turn down the opportunity to read hundreds of picture books?!?!)
What was the best thing about the books you read for the Prize this year?
I loved how hugely varied the range of submitted books were! From their themes to their tone, their prose to their verse, their format and length, their choice of design and layout, their illustrative style – it was a chocolate box of brilliance! (and did NOT make it an easy task to choose!). The quality of children’s literature submitted was incredible!
The Founder: Viveka Alvestrand
Viveka Alvestrand is Oscar’s mother and co-founder of Oscar’s Book Prize. Born in Stockholm, Sweden, she is a self-confessed book worm, and studied Youth & Children’s Literature at Stockholm University before moving to the UK. She works in digital media, and also designs and makes her own line of contemporary jewellery in Surrey.
You’ve been a part of the longlist process ever since the Prize started. What makes you return to the panel each year?
"Oscar obviously isn't here to choose the books for himself. But as his mother, and someone who knows which types of books he loved, I embrace the chance to choose ones I think he would have enjoyed."
What was the best thing about the books you read for the Prize this year?
"In the nine years we've been doing Oscar's Book Prize the inclusivity in children's books has really grown, which is great to see. And in the majority of cases it doesn't feel like a token gesture or like it's being shoehorned in, which has happened in the past, but it's just a natural part of what's going on across the pages."
The Outstanding School Librarian: Asma Ali
Asma Ali: Teacher. Librarian. Keen Writer. Asma is a journalling bookworm with an ambition to run around the world. She is a mother of three who loves reading, running and hiking.
Spring-spiration: nature books for everyone this season!
Hooray – it’s SPRING! We hope you can get outdoors and enjoy all that the (hopefully!) better weather has to offer, whether you’re exploring a city, the seaside or open country.
There’s no better time of year to get excited about nature, and so here is our round-up of books – some new and some classic – that celebrate it, and should help accompany all sorts of spring-related discovery.
Benjamin Zephaniah’s Nature Trail, illustrated by Nila Aye
Published by Orchard Books
Lovely rhymes and gorgeous, colourful illustrations encourage readers to have a think about what they might discover, whether under flowerpots or in the trees. This is a joyful celebration of nature from the legendary Benjamin Zephaniah, and awesome illustrator Nila Aye.
I Am the Seed that Grew Into a Tree by Fiona Waters and Frann Preston-Gannon
Published by Nosy Crow (in association with The National Trust)
Another poetry book and this time applicable for any day of the year (not just spring – although in the UK the ‘squishy words’ to be said when wet poem can probably apply even in midsummer). From sea shells to stars, there’s something that all children (big or small) will be enchanted to hear and think about on their next natural adventure.
The Odd Egg by Emily Gravett
Published by Macmillan Children’s Books
All the other birds have laid their eggs – and duck feels very left out. So when he finds the biggest, best egg of them all, he is very excited. But after many weeks of care and patience….what will hatch out? An egg-cellent book about this iconic feature of spring from the outstandingly talented Emily Gravett!
Peter Rabbit: The Great Big Easter Egg Hunt by Beatrix Potter
Published by Puffin
For younger readers, this lift the flap book is a delightful and spring-centric adventure into the woodland world of Peter Rabbit. Beatrix Potter’s timeless illustrations still depict creatures and their habitat effortlessly more than a century on, and are sure to captivate young audiences in the same way, too.
Superworm by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
Published by Alison Green Books
Wherever you live, there will be some minibeasts to look at, all waking up around now. Heroes, villains and some snappy rhymes – not to mention former OBP judge Axel Scheffler’s outstanding artwork – make Superworm a wonderful way of looking at tiny creatures in a new, big way.
A First Book of Nature by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Mark Hearld
Published by Walker Books
This book is a wonderful combination of facts, poems and stunning illustrations which are there to inspire all kinds of discovery (and in all seasons). From beach-combing to stargazing, from watching squirrels, ducks and worms, there’s something for everyone.
Meet the Judges 2022: Viveka Alvestrand
Our sixth and final judge for 2022 is unsurpassed in her OBP expertise, as she has been on the panel every year since the Prize’s inception! Please meet the exceptional Viveka Alvestrand - Oscar’s mother and Prize co-founder - who gives her insight on her favourite part of the Prize, a wonderfully unusual memory of reading The Hobbit, and some of her favourite picture books from her native Sweden..
Thanks so much, Viveka!
What is your earliest or best memory of reading a book as a young child?
My mum reviewed children’s books as part of her job, so I was lucky to have access to many of them during my childhood. I also remember going to the local library a lot with my nursery and the smell of the books there. One sniff and I was hooked! I always made a beeline for Curious George, I adored (still do!) the illustrations.
The Complete Adventures of Curious George by Margret and H.A. Rey, published by Welbeck
Who was your favourite person to read with as a child? Who do you read picture books with now?
My dad has a lovely reading voice. He read a lot to me and my brother as kids. We had a yacht we used to be out in for weeks on end during the summer holidays, in the Swedish archipelago. When we hit a lull en route to a new island he’d read to us to pass the time. I vividly remember him reading The Hobbit out loud on a very calm and, subsequently, long sea crossing to Åland. My father now loves to read to my daughter Alice, Oscar’s little sister, which is lovely.
Now Alice is 10 so we’ve gradually been moving away from picture books in favour of chapter books, but she has old favourites that we go back to. And she loves to get involved when the submissions for Oscar’s Book Prize start arriving.
Richard Scarry’s Busy, Busy World, published by HarperCollins
What was your favourite picture book as a child, and/or of all time?
I can’t pick one, there have been too many! The illustrations of Swedish author and illustrator Elsa Beskow had me enthralled as a child, as did John Bauer’s troll stories. The forest – where these creators often based their characters – has always fascinated me. I also loved Richard Scarry’s books. So much to absorb on every page. And I still have a soft spot for Jill Barklem’s Brambly Hedge series. Oh but to be able to draw that well!
An Illustrated Treasury of Swedish Folk and Fairy Tales, John Bauer, published by Floris Books
What sort of books are you hoping to discover when reading for the Prize? What are you looking for in a winner?
I would like the winner of Oscar’s Book Prize 2022 to be a tale that captivates a child through the story it tells and the vistas it serves up. And I want it to spark and feed their imagination – because that’s one of the most powerful things in life. Children’s imaginations are the stuff of wonder, and the authors and illustrators of children’s books that help them along are akin to magicians.
Picking a winner is all about the feeling I get when reading the book. It’s got to ignite something in me, be that hope, happiness, courage or something else. For me that typically only happens when the words and illustrations are perfectly synched – and that’s no easy thing. But when it happens, you just know.
What do you think the best thing about picture books are?
I think it’s got to be the power they have to transport you from the here and now into a totally different place, even if just for a few minutes. That feeling of being in the middle of the action, on that page, is just the best. And, as a parent and an adult, when you see it happening to a child that’s being read to – well that’s even better!
This is your ninth year as judge - what part of judging do you enjoy most?
I don’t think I can distil it into just one thing. For me it’s the whole process. From the privilege of being able to read all the submitted titles and whittling them down into the long- and shortlist to battling (!) it out with the other judges on Judging Day and last, but by no means least, experiencing the winner’s reaction when the announcement is made. We’ve had so many deserving winners over the years and it’s been amazing to see their careers go from strength to strength.
About Viveka Alvestrand
Viveka Alvestrand is Oscar’s mother and co-founder of Oscar’s Book Prize. Born in Stockholm, Sweden, she is a self-confessed book worm, and studied Youth & Children’s Literature at Stockholm University before moving to the UK. She works in digital media, and also designs and makes her own line of contemporary jewellery in Surrey.
Meet the Judges 2022: Chris Riddell
We’re super-excited to post up our fifth judge Q&A today, with none other than the prolific and jaw-droppingly talented Chris Riddell.
The award-winning illustrator, artist and former Children’s Laureate tells us all about a disappointing sixth-form present, which book first beguiled him, and why picture books are as important as literature chosen for the Booker….
As an extra treat, as you might expect from a master of putting pen to paper, he’s written it beautifully, so we’re just posting the whole thing up!
Thanks so much, Chris!
Agaton Sax and the Diamond Thieves by Nils-Olaf Franzen, illustrated by Quentin Blake, published by Andre Deutsch
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak published by Red Fox
About Chris Riddell:
Chris Riddell is an illustrator, artist and political cartoonist for the Observer. He has enjoyed great acclaim for his books for children which have won a number of major prizes, including the prestigious CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal an unprecedented three times and the Costa Book Award. Chris's children's books include the award-winning Goth Girl, Ottoline, The Cloud Horse Chronicles and The Edge Chronicles series and he has also illustrated editions of great classics by Lewis Carroll, Douglas Adams, J.K Rowling, Frances Hardinge and Neil Gaiman.
From 2015-2017 Chris was the Children’s Laureate and he was awarded the OBE by the Queen for his services to children’s literature in 2019. Chris lives with his family and divides his time living in Brighton and Norfolk. You can find Chris on Twitter @chrisriddell50 and Instagram @chris_riddell
Meet the Judges 2022: Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Copyright Laura Lewis
Brighten up your Monday morning by meeting our fourth judge: singer and Kitchen Disco star extraordinaire Sophie Ellis-Bextor! Read on to discover what Sophie thinks about the joys of bouncy language, character voices and passing the joy of reading along through generations.
Thank you so much, Sophie!
What is your earliest or best memory of reading a book as a young child?
My earliest memories are of going to my maternal grandparents’ house and finding all the books that my mum had read when she was small … picture books like Barbapapa and Bread and Jam for Frances. I loved the illustrations and it was lovely when my grandma would read them to me so I could understand better what the pictures were all about. I still have some of those books now.
Bread and Jam for Frances by Russell and Lillian Hoban, published by HarperCollins
Who was your favourite person to read with as a child? Who do you read picture books with now?
My favourite was my mum as she would put on different voices for the characters which really brought the stories to life. Of course, I do the same thing now for my kids when I read so these things do pass along the line! I love reading stories to my children.
What was your favourite picture book as a child, and/or of all time?
An obscure one called Just Awful is possibly my favourite and I know my 6 year old loves it the same way I did. I don’t think it’s in print anymore and it’s just a small story of a boy hurting himself at school and the school nurse making him feel better, but I loved it.
Just Awful by Alma Marshak Whitney, illustrated by Lillian Hoban, published by Addison Wesley (1971)
What sort of books are you hoping to discover when reading for the Prize? What are you looking for in a winner?
A book that’s fun for me to read aloud is pretty crucial. I love it when the language is really bouncy and pleasing. I don’t want to have to work too hard - the book and I should be on the same page, excuse the pun! Lovely illustrations which help the story move along and aren’t confusing are very important, too.
What do you think the best thing about picture books are?
I think it’s the way it involves and informs extra senses. You’re not just listening but being encouraged to walk into that world. Those images and that feeling stays with you longer than the words.
What motivated you to be involved in the Prize this year?
The ongoing and immensely pleasurable relationship we have with picture books in our house. I’ve been reading picture books to my children since virtually day one and my eldest is nearly 18. With a 3 year old in the house, there’s no sign of that changing anytime soon so I have a vested interest in finding something lovely to share with him.
About Sophie:
Sophie Ellis-Bextor shot to fame as a vocalist on Spiller's huge number one single, ‘Groovejet’ and her worldwide smash hit, ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’. Her debut solo album, ‘Read My Lips’, was released in 2001 and sold more than 2 million copies worldwide. Her subsequent album releases include ‘Shoot from the Hip’ (2003), ‘Trip the Light Fantastic’ (2007) and ‘Make a Scene’ (2011). In 2014, Sophie released her album ‘Wanderlust’ on her own label EBGB’s, which was co-written and produced by Ed Harcourt. It proved to be a critical and commercial success spending 3 weeks in the UK top 10 and selling over 100,000 copies.
Sophie followed this release and collaboration with 2016's ‘Familia’, which saw her return to the dancefloor with her single ‘Come With Us’. In January of 2019, with Ed Harcourt as Producer and Amy Langley (of Dirty Pretty Strings) arranging, Sophie released orchestrated versions of all her hits and past single releases with her orchestral greatest hits album ‘The Song Diaries’. In 2020, her Kitchen Discos, performed at home during lockdown with her five sons and recorded by her husband, musician Richard Jones, were watched and enjoyed by 40 million around the world. Following the performances, she released her latest album ‘Songs From The Kitchen Disco’ in late 2020 on Cooking Vinyl, bringing together Sophie’s hits with many other songs from her phenomenally successful lockdown Kitchen Disco performances, garnering further critical acclaim and yet another top 10 UK album chart position.
Meet the Judges: Lisa de Meyer
It’s time to meet our third judge! Introducing Lisa de Meyer of Amazon.co.uk, who gives us her expert industry opinion on all things picture books.
Find out which stories Lisa used to recreate, who she is discovering picture books with now, and what she thinks it is that the very best books for young children offer.
Thanks so much, Lisa.
What is your earliest or best memory of reading a book as a young child?
I loved reading as a child and I was one of those children who would always have their head in a book. When I was very young, I vividly remember reading Shirley Hughes’ Alfie and Annie Rose books with my parents. I could recite parts off by heart and, with my younger sister, would recreate Alfie and Annie Rose’s adventures at home.
Reading The Night Before Christmas and The Jolly Christmas Postman were also magical memories in the run up to Christmas.
The Big Alfie and Annie Rose Storybook by Shirley Hughes (Red Fox)
Who was your favourite person to read with as a child? Who do you read picture books with now?
My parents and grandparents. I love reading with my daughter, who is nearly two years old, and introducing her to all the characters I used to read about, such as Peter Rabbit, Elmer and Paddington, as well as discovering new books together. The Paper Dolls by Julia Donaldson and The Girls, by Lauren Ace are her current favourites.
The Girls by Lauren Ace and Jenny Lovlie (Caterpillar Books)