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.