OSCAR’S BOOK PRIZE 2021 SHORTLIST REVEALED WITH DOUBLED PRIZE FUND AS RESEARCH UNCOVERS PARENTS RENEWED LOVE FOR READING WITH KIDS DURING LOCKDOWN
Shortlist announced today, and to recognise and reward the vital work by early-years authors and illustrators in encouraging young children to read, this year’s prize fund has doubled in size to £10,000
Six books shortlisted for the 2021 annual award for the UK’s best picture book
Record number of entries recorded with a 12% increase in 2021 as the National Literacy Trust reveals that a third of adults have been reading with their children aged 0-5 more often since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, affirming the vital work of early-year authors
The winner will be announced by the award’s patron, HRH Princess Beatrice, in a livestreamed virtual ceremony on Tuesday 11th May
Oscar’s Book Prize has announced the 2021 shortlist, with six books making it through to the next round following the highest number of entries recorded to date, up 12% from 2020.
Celebrating the best in storytelling for under-fives, this announcement follows one of the most difficult years where children spent more time at home than ever before. This coincides with news released from the National Literacy Trust reporting that a third (32%) of adults have been reading with their children (aged 0-5) more than ever since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic – affirming the important work by early-year authors to educate, inspire and spark joy. To recognise and reward the vital work by early-years authors and illustrators in encouraging young children to read, this year’s prize fund has doubled in size. Avid book fans can learn more about Oscar’s Book Prize at oscarsbookprize.co.uk.
Now in its eighth year, Oscar’s Book Prize celebrates the best in storytelling for under-fives, crowning the UK’s best picture book. The prize was created to remember Oscar Ashton, who was three-and-a-half when he died from an undetected heart condition in 2012. It is supported by Amazon, the National Literacy Trust and the Evening Standard.
This year’s shortlist was chosen by a judging panel including TV presenters Lorraine Kelly and Angellica Bell, renowned children’s illustrator Axel Scheffler, and Simon Johnson, Amazon Director of EU Books. Oscar’s Book Prize co-founder Viveka Alvestrand, who set up the literary award in memory of her son, completes the line-up.
Submissions were of such high quality this year that the judging panel recognised six rather than the usual five books. The exceptional stories on the 2021 shortlist feature characters as diverse as yaks, dogs and bears, and settings that range from mountain tops, hospitals and schools. They all share strong and inspiring themes of friendships, co-operation, self-belief and perseverance.
The Oscar’s Book Prize 2021 shortlist is as follows:
I’m Sticking with you by Smriti Halls and Steve Small (Simon and Schuster Children’s Books)
Axel Scheffler said: "The clarity and simplicity of the design and illustration is very striking, yet the pictures are emotional and funny. Similarly the writing is brilliantly simple but gripping. I enjoyed the tension between text and illustrations - it's a perfectly balanced picture book."
Meesha Makes Friends by Tom Percival (Bloomsbury Children’s Books)
Angellica Bell said: “'This book was so touching and had a lovely sentiment to it without it being sad when I read it. There is so much potential for discussion about creativity and how we can be inclusive, and I really think this book can resonate to any reader whether big or small, 'Be open, be honest, be YOU!”
Rain Before Rainbows by Smriti Halls and David Litchfield (Walker Books)
Viveka Alvestrand said: “Every spread in this book provides its own fairytale, which complements the feeling of hope that radiates from every page. I loved it.”
The Hospital Dog by Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie (Macmillan Children’s Books)
Lorraine Kelly said: “I loved the characters in this story, which the text and pictures bring so brilliantly and vibrantly to life. Reading this elicits an emotional response, and at a time when hospitals and narratives about illness are at the forefront of many minds, I found this very comforting. I thought this book was a delight.”
The Littlest Yak by Lu Fraser and Kate Hindley (Simon and Schuster Children’s Books)
Lorraine Kelly said: “This book is full of beautiful illustrations and deceptive simplicity. It's about worries too, so if you had a child who felt a little bit different or who felt they didn't fit in you could use it in a lovely, positive way.”
Would You Like A Banana by Yasmeen Ismail (Walker Books)
Simon Johnson said: “This book is full of wonderful pictures with a very funny story. It was completely gripping to read with my children.”
Speaking about her role on the judging panel, Lorraine Kelly said: “I loved having the opportunity to read these stories, they really are an amazing set of books and all of them are winners in my eyes. It’s so important to read with our children and think these books are perfect to get them involved and unlock the magic of storytelling.”
“I’m absolutely thrilled we can double the value of Oscar’s Book Prize” , said James Ashton, co-founder and chairman of the Prize. “From talking to our past winners, I know for them it is not all about the money, but these authors and illustrators deserve huge thanks for inspiring the next generation of readers. Substantially increasing the prize is our way of saying thank you, while at the same time I hope focusing attention on the brilliant books published in this segment of the market for children and their carers to share.”
Amazon Director of EU Books, Simon Johnson said: “We have been so impressed by the quality of this year’s entries which were a pleasure to read. My congratulations go to each author and illustrator for creating inspiring stories packed full of important educational messages for children.”
Jonathan Douglas, Chief Executive of the National Literacy Trust said: “We are proud to support Oscar’s Book Prize. It is a fantastic celebration of early years literature in honour of Oscar Ashton who loved stories, and it highlights the importance of reading with children from a young age. Children’s experiences in their early years help shape their social, emotional and cognitive development and lay the foundations for future health, happiness and success. The shortlist of entries to this year’s prize is incredible. Congratulations to all authors, it has been a tough year for many, but your work has brought joy to many families and is helping children on their way to becoming readers.”
. The winner will be announced by the award’s patron, HRH Princess Beatrice, in a livestreamed virtual ceremony on Tuesday 11th May. For more on the six shortlisted stories, go to oscarsbookprize.co.uk. Oscar’s Book Prize is supported by Amazon, the National Literacy Trust and the Evening Standard.
For further details, contact the Oscar’s Book Prize team at info@oscarsbookprize.co.uk.
