NESTLÉ CHILDREN’S BOOK PRIZE CALLS FOR 2005 ENTRIES

July 14, 2005

The Nestlé Children’s Book Prize – formerly known as the Nestlé Smarties Book Prize - has opened for entries for 2005.

The prize is one of the UK’s biggest awards for children’s fiction and poetry and the longest-running award of its type.  Dozens of novelists, illustrators, poets and story-tellers have received awards during the prize’s 20 year history.

Run by Booktrust, an independent charity promoting books and reading, the Nestlé Children’s Book Prize recognises the nation’s best children’s books as chosen by children. The competition involves around 42,000 children from all over the country supported by an adult panel of expert judges who decide on the shortlist.

The competition is open to UK citizens or residents, who have written and published books for children between 1st October 2004 and 30th September 2005.

The winning authors, who will share prize money totalling £13,500, are nominated in three categories: books for children aged 5 and under, 6 – 8 and 9 - 11.

The closing date is 27th June 2005 for entry forms and 25th July 2005 for copies of the books. The winners will be announced on December 14th 2005.

Last year’s winners included Sally Grindley for her novel Spilled Water (published by Bloomsbury); Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell for Fergus Crane (Doubleday) and Mini Grey for Biscuit Bear (Jonathan Cape).  Nine books were originally shortlisted by the adult judges as representing the best writing for children of all ages. Further details can be found at www.booktrusted.co.uk.

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For further information please contact:
Hannah Rutland, Booktrust, tel: 020 8516 2986
e-mail: hannah@booktrust.org.uk
Penny Clifton/Caroline Wade, Spreckley Partners, tel: 020 7388 9988
e-mail: clifton@spreckley.co.uk