Updated 12 June 2004, 19.42

Thrilled

Lea and her younger sister Eloise

In her speech she told the audience: "I know how absolutely thrilled Michael would have been to be here to receive such an amazing, significant prize.

"At the end of the day knowing his book is enjoyed by children makes it so worthwhile. He'll be extremely honoured."

When asked what it's like to be the granddaughter of an award winning children's author, Lea told Newsround: "It's no different to a normal granddaughter relationship except for doing things like this!"

Emotional

Private Peaceful is a very emotional story set in the trenches of World War One.

Rachel Hunter, nine, from Lewes, liked the way the book talks about a period in time not many other children's books do.

She said: "It makes me think how things like that would never happen now."

Rewarded

Sarah, left and Rearner

The awards are a great way of getting kids interested in reading. Two of the voters, Sarah Goss, 13, and Rearna Ackord, 14, were at the ceremony, after being rewarded for their involvement in the voting process.

They told Newsround how they got involved through the book club at their school - Monks Walk in Welwyn Garden City.

Pupils who are interested at the school spent an entire year selecting their favourite book from a choice of 150.

So to win this really is quite an achievement!

Watch/Listen

Hear story

More Info

Our guide to book awards

Chat about your fave reads!

Win SIGNED award winning book

I helped choose the Children's Laureate

Past Stories
	Kids' books battle for top prize
	New Children's Laureate: 'I hate SATs'
	Top kids' author gets book record
	Kids' novel scoops top book award