Benji Davies becomes first person in the seven-year history of Oscar’s Book Prize to win the award for a second time, with Tad, the story of a tadpole who grows up. His victory was announced by HRH Princess Beatrice, the award's patron. The winner was selected from a shortlist by a judging panel including TV and radio presenter Dermot O'Leary and Francesca Simon, writer of the Horrid Henry series. Their thoughts on the winning book can be found here.
Benji is the first person ever to win Oscar’s Book Prize a second time, with his picture story book, Tad. The £5,000 literary award, supported by Amazon and the National Literacy Trust, recognises great storytelling in books for children under five which have been published within the past year. Hear his acceptance speech here.
As both the author and illustrator Benji tells a story of growing up, and his tale follows Tad, the smallest tadpole in a big pond. Worried about being left behind by her brothers and sisters, Tad one day takes a big leap into an adventurous future. See the judges and other Oscar’s Book Prize supporters read the story here. Tad and the other five books on the 2020 shortlist will also be distributed to 150 children’s wards across the UK.
Speaking about his book, Benji Davies said: “Tad’s story is about taking your time to grow up, even though you are the smallest, slowest tadpole in the pond, or if you always feel like you’re at the back. Don’t worry because you will always get there in the end.”
HRH Princess Beatrice, the award’s patron since 2017, announced this year’s winner on the Oscar’s Book Prize website, in a video filmed from her home. The announcement also included endorsements from fellow judges Dermot O’Leary, broadcaster and children’s book author, Francesca Simon, creator of the Horrid Henry children’s book series, Jake Hope, Youth Libraries Group chair, Simon Johnson, Director, Amazon EU Books and Viveka Alvestrand and James Ashton, founders of the award and Oscar’s parents.
Speaking about his win, Benji Davies said:
“To win Oscar’s Book Prize in 2014 with The Storm Whale was an incredible feeling and I am very pleased to have won the Prize for a second time with Tad - I really can’t believe it. When I wrote the story, I wanted it to help small children navigate life in those early years. I couldn’t be prouder.”
Praise for the winning book:
Dermot O’Leary said:
“A wonderful coming of age tale of adventure, and nature.”
Francesca Simon said:
“An absolutely magical picture book, beautifully written, with a subtle message about embracing change and the unknown.”
Jake Hope said:
“The deliciously-named ‘Big Blub’ provides just enough menace to tantalise and tempt readers to turn the page. Readers feel like they have really hopped along on a journey alongside Tad.”
Simon Johnson said:
“Tad has all the qualities of a great book for under-fives. Beautiful artwork, a loveable hero character and a narrative we can all relate to.”
Viveka Alvestrand said:
“This is a story about the inevitability of change and the unknown, and how these can feel scary but also ultimately lead to new adventures. Beautifully told in words and pictures that transport you into the book, so you become a part of the story.”
James Ashton said:
“This beautifully-drawn story of growing up and gaining confidence is full of poetic language.”
So congratulations to Benji once again and to everyone on this year’s amazing shortlist. We hope you enjoy reading them as much as we did!
