Adventure tales back on shortlist for kids’ prize

TRADITIONAL stories of fun and fantasy have returned to dominate the shortlist for this year’s Waterstones Children’s Book Prize.

It comes after the prestigious award was criticised for featuring grown-up tales of parental child abuse, violent bullying and homosexuality.

Previous nominees includes The Accident Season, in which a mother is forced to take out a restraining order against her former partner.

The bookseller said renewed interest in classic tales similar to The Railway Children and The Hobbit has seen more traditional books top this year’s list.

Florentyna Martin, children’s buyer for Waterstones, said: ‘While we still see exceptional real-life stories, this year’s shortlists indicate a renewed interest in the publishing and purchasing of fantastical adventure stories.’

The list champions tales such as Helena Duggan’s A Place Called Perfect, a mystery about a little girl who moves to a town full of eccentric individuals.

Another nominee, The Five Realms: The Legend Of Podkin One-Ear, was written by former reception teacher Kieran Larwood, and tells the story of a rabbit who, along with his family, has to protect his warren after it comes under attack.

There are six nominees in each category – illustrated book, younger read and older read – with the winner of each competing to receive the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. The results will be announced on March 22.