Shortlist for the Bisto Children’s Book of the Year 2009/10

The Bisto Book of the Year Award 2009/10 Shortlist. has recently been announced.
Bisto, in association with Children’s Books Ireland, introduced this award to recognise talent in the field of children’s literature by Irish authors or authors living in Ireland. Having developed into highly regarded and prestigious book awards over the last decade or more, the shortlisted and winning titles serve to bring new children’s books to the attention of children, parents, teachers and librarians. Speaking about the shortlist, Maire Uí Mhaicín, Chair of the 2009-10 Judging Panel, said: "This year's shortlist provides challenging and entertaining reading material: the works included span across the ranges of fantasy, mystery, folklore and the gritty realities being endured by young people as they cope with life changes. The variety of books shortlisted will ensure satisfying reading material for readers of different ages, interests and reading levels.” The introduction of a Children's Choice Award this year adds a new dimension to the competition and ensures that the most important judges of all, the young readers themselves, will champion their favourite read.

2009/2010 Shortlisted titles:

An Greasaí Bróg agus na Síoga - by Catríona Hastings, illustrator Andrew Hastings
Chalkline – by Jane Mitchell
Colm and the Lazarus Key - by Kieran Mark Crowley
Gluaiseacht - by Alan Titley
Lincoln and His Boys – by PJ Lynch
Solace of the Road – by Siobhan Dowd
The Eyeball Collector - by F.E Higgins
The Gates – by John Connolly
The Third Pig Detective Agency - by Bob Burke
There - by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick

Kieran Mark Crowley, author of Colm and the Lazarus Key is no stranger to Clare libraries having toured many of our branches during Children’s Book Festival in October 2009. He also visited Connolly National School in March 2010 as an added event to the school’s participation in the WOW Reading Challenge.