Book awards shortlist announced

Nine titles have been shortlisted in three categories, and the winner of Best Gaelic Book of the Year has been announced.

More than 5,000 children have already signed up to read and vote for their favourite of the shortlisted titles.

Winning authors are set to scoop £3,000 and the runners-up will receive £500.

Prize money has trebled since last year's inaugural event as a result of increased financial support from Royal Mail, the Scottish Arts Council and the Arts and Business invest programme - making it the biggest pot on offer for children's writing in the UK.

NOMINATIONS

• Early Years
• Augustus And His Smile
• Dan and Diesel
• Katie's Moose
• Younger Readers
• Chill
• The Flight of the Silver Turtle
• The Highwayman's Footsteps
• Older Readers
• The Medici Seal
• Nemesis
• Scarlett
• Gaelic winner
• Uspaig agus S-S

Books Reading And Writing (BRAW) co-ordinates the awards and manager Philippa Cochrane said: "From new writing talent to well-established names, this shortlist showcases the very best of writing for children and young people in Scotland.

"Last year's awards were a great success and even more young judges will be inspired this year to make their vote count.

"I am delighted that so many people will be participating in what are the only nationwide awards for Scottish children's books."

Gavin Wallace, head of literature at the Scottish Arts Council, said: "The awards are unique prizes which celebrate and promote the outstandingly high calibre of writing for children of all ages in Scotland.

"The ownership of the prizes by children across Scotland is a glorious thing. We have wonderful young readers as well as wonderful authors!"

Over the coming two months those participating will vote on their favourite book and the winners will be announced at a ceremony in November.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Braw
Royal Mail
Scottish Arts Council
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