Stockport Children’s Book Awards mark 30 years with special ceremony

Children across Stockport have been voting for their favourite read in three age-differentiated categories. Forty schools across the borough took part by reading the three shortlisted titles in each category. Around 6,000 students met the shortlisted authors in online author visits, and there were over 7,000 votes cast by children, choosing this year’s winning books – the largest vote in the 30 year history of the book awards.

The awards ceremony was attended by the authors and illustrators of the shortlisted books, as well as guests such as the Mayor of Stockport, Councillor Kerry Waters. The ceremony was a roaring success – bringing together children, teachers and parents from across Stockport for a night to remember.

The winning titles were:

• Best Picture Book: Witch Cat by Lucy Rowland, illustrated by Laura Hughes
• Best Read for Juniors: Nora and the Map of Mayhem by Joseph Elliott, illustrated by Nici Gregory
• Best Read for Upper Juniors: The Island at the Edge of Night by Lucy Strange

Councillor Dan Oliver, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Public Protection – and who was in attendance on the evening – commented:

“This was a fantastic evening for our young people across the borough – to see so many children getting involved with this year’s book awards through their schools, local libraries and Stockroom – our new town centre community hub – is fabulous.

“The Stockport Children’s Book Awards have been inspiring young readers and celebrating the creativity of authors for 30 years – as well as helping children reap the benefits of reading – such as building confidence, using their imagination and much, much more.

“This year’s event was able to showcase that the magic of reading really is something special – and that young people across our borough love books and love to read!”

Jennifer Sherstone, from Westmorland Primary School in Brinnington, added:

“It was a lovely awards evening. The children loved seeing themselves and their friends reviewing books on the big screen, seeing their artwork displayed, meeting the authors and enjoying the activities as well as being the first to know who won the awards.”

To find out more about the Stockport Children’s Book Awards, or to express an interest for your school for next year, email childrensbookaward@stockport.gov.uk. Find out more about the Stockport Children’s Book Awards.