Oban author receives his Bookbug prize
Oban author Alan Windram and illustrator Chloe HolwillHunter were guests of honour at a special ceremony at The Lighthouse in Glasgow last Wednesday (March 6), when the pair picked up their awards for winning the 2019 Bookbug Picture Book Prize.
Alan's book, One Button Benny (Little Door Books), is the story of a little robot who has a special button that he is only allowed to press in an emergency, and of what happens when he finally has to press his button to help his friends.
Alan said on the night: 'It's a dream come true for me and Chloe to win the Bookbug Picture Book Prize with One Button Benny. It has been amazing and humbling to see how the children have taken Benny to their hearts.
'We are so excited to let you know that Benny will be back in spring 2020 with a new adventure.
'Thank you, too, to the Scottish Book Trust for all their support.'
Bestselling author Theresa Breslin also received the Outstanding Achievement Award, recognising her 30-year career as an advocate for children's literacy and libraries, with Deena Wren, librarian at Beeslack Community High School in Midlothian, receiving the Learning Professional Award, acknowledging more than 10 years of service promoting reading for pleasure.
Marc Lambert, CEO at the Scottish Book Trust, said: 'Many congratulations to the winners of this year's Scottish Book Trust Awards, and our thanks to our sponsors, Browns Books for Students.'
Claire Smith, sales manager for Browns Books for Students, said: 'The first fundamental principle of education is learning how to read. Without this, everything that follows becomes infinitely more difficult.
'The work undertaken by Scottish Book Trust is truly amazing in helping the young people of Scotland reach their full potential. Browns Books for Students are proud to have such a long-standing and active relationship with Scottish Book Trust. It is an honour to support such a successful charity, which transforms lives for the better in Scotland.
'Congratulations to this year's winners, and also to all nominated for the awards. I would also like to thank the team at Scottish Book Trust who make these awards possible.'