The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Local authors up for prestigious children’s prize
National competition aims to celebrate finest Scottish picture books
Two Courier Country authors are among a trio up for a prestigious national children’s writing award.
The Scottish Book Trust said The Fourth Bonniest Baby In Dundee, Little Owl’s Egg and Gorilla Loves Vanilla are on the shortlist for the second Bookbug Picture Book Prize.
The award was established to celebrate the most popular picture books by Scottish authors or illustrators.
The Fourth Bonniest Baby In Dundee by city-based author Michelle Sloan and illustrator Kasia Matyjaszek is the writer’s first published book.
She said: “I am thrilled and honoured that our book has been shortlisted. To think that Bonny Baby will be read all over Scotland is super-exciting.”
Little Owl’s Egg author Debi Gliori has written many books for children, including the Mr Bear series.
She said: “I’m over the moon that our book is shortlisted. I’m delighted to be in such fine company.”
Gorilla Loves Vanilla was written by Fife-based Chae Strathie and illustrated by Nicola O’Byrne.
Mr Strathie said: “It’s a huge honour to be nominated – especially as the prize is voted on by children.
“They are the ones I write for, so for them to be choosing the winner of the award makes it particularly important.”
Children across the country aged between three and seven can now vote by submitting a class vote online or by voting at home, via www.scottish booktrust.com. The winning book will be announced on January 15.