Shortlist announced for inaugural Ottaker's children's book prize

Ottakar’s today announced the shortlist for its new children’s writing prize, created to highlight less established authors in the genre. To be eligible writers need to have written 3 or fewer children’s book, and will not have yet had their talent fully recognised. Judges include Ottakar’s booksellers, Head Office Staff and children from local schools. No judging criteria have been released.

Wayne Winstone, Ottakar’s Director of Children’s and Non-Book said ”The calibre of entries was incredibly high, demonstrating children’s writing at its best and the need to spot new talent.”

The winner will be announced on January 7th, 2005

The shortlist:
Airborn, Kenneth Oppel, Hodder & Stoughton
The Cry of the Icemark, Stuart Hill, Chicken House
The Goosegirl, Shannon Hale, Bloomsbury
Jammy Dodgers on the Run, Bowering Sivers, Macmillan
The Merrybegot, Julie Hearn, Oxford University Press
Nelly the Monster Sitter, Kes Gray, Hodder & Stoughton
Olivia Kidney, Ellen Potter, Macmillan
Siberia, Ann Halam, Orion
Time Wreccas, Val Tyler, Puffin
Urchin of the Riding Stars, MI McAllister, Bloomsbury
The Whispering Road, Livi Michael, Puffin
The Whole Business of Kiffy and the Pitbull, Barry Jonsberg, Egmont

For more information contact jon.howells@ottakars.co.uk