Pupils choose best bedtime reads

Children voted for their favourite books in four categories

A ghost story set in Stirling, a teenage romance and a book of Scots nursery rhymes have been named Scotland's top books for children.

The winners of the 2007 Royal Mail Awards for Scottish Children's Books were announced in Glasgow on Thursday.

More than 8,000 youngsters from all 32 local authorities had read the shortlisted titles and cast their vote.

The four categories were picture books, children's books, teenage novels, and a new award for Gaelic titles.

The winning authors will share a prize fund of £15,000.

Katie's Moose, a collection of nursery rhymes, scooped the top award in the early years category.

A ghost story called Chill was favourite among the 8-11 year olds, and older readers choose a teenage romance Scarlett as their top title.

WINNERS Early Years Katie's Moose by James Robertson and Matthew Fitt Younger Readers Chill by Alex Nye Older Readers Scarlett by Cathy Cassidy Gaelic Uspaig agus S-S by Marie MacAuley

Author Marie MacAulay had already been announced as the winner of the Gaelic award for Uspaig agus S-S.

The awards, sponsored by Royal Mail, are in their second year and have attracted increased funding from the Scottish Arts Council and the Arts and Business invest programme.

Anna Gibbons, children's programme manager at the Scottish Book Trust, said: "Hundreds of schools and libraries from literally every corner of Scotland have involved thousands of children in reading and reviewing the shortlisted books.

She added: "This is proof of both the eagerness of Scottish young people to make their voice heard and the outstanding quality of the shortlisted books."

Gavin Wallace, head of literature at the Scottish Arts Council, added: "The enthusiasm we have seen from the young readers is testimony to the quality of children's literature in Scotland and demonstrates the inspiration which literature can instil in young people."