'A Monster Calls' wins Carnegie & Kate Greenaway Medals - A Review

In Great Britain there are two major awards for children's books - the Carnegie Medal and the Kate Greenaway Medal (here). The Carnegie Medal is awarded to an outstanding book for children and young adult readers. The Kate Greenaway Medal is awarded for excellence in illustration. The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) runs both awards. The winners of both 2012 medals have been announced.

In an historic announcement on June 14th both medals were awarded for one book, the first time in 75 years. Both medals have been awarded for a brilliant graphic novel 'A Monster Calls' (Walker Books) by Patrick Ness (illustrated by Jim Kay). Also worthy of note is that the young American born author also won the Carnegie medal last year for his novel 'Monsters of Men', the final book in his 'ChaosWalking' trilogy. This is only the second time this feat has been achieved.

The book, its story & my review

This is an extraordinary book, on multiple levels. The book had its genesis in the final story idea of Siobhan Dowd who died in 2007 from cancer before she could act on the idea herself. Dowd was also a Carnegie Medal winner in 2009 for 'Bog Child' (awarded posthumously). Patrick Ness was approached by Walker Books and asked to take Dowd's idea, develop and complete it. Dowd had the premise for the book, the characters and the beginning. Ness never got to meet her, but agreed with a great sense of responsibility to write the story. He set out, in his words, not 'mimicking her voice' but rather taking the 'baton' and running with it.  Jim Kay the illustrator was enthusiastic from the moment he read some of the manuscript and was asked to do some illustrations for one chapter. The author and illustrator didn't meet before the book was completed, but both seem to have approached the task as an unusual collaborative partnership, between three people, two living and one deceased. 

'A Monster Calls' is the story of 13 year-old Conor whose mother has cancer. His parents are divorced and his father is now in another country, with a new family. His mother is undergoing chemotherapy and while there seems little hope, Conor appears to be trying to escape the scary knowledge that his mother is dying. He has a recurring dream each night at 12.07pm in which someone is slipping out of his grasp into a deep chasm. And in the midst of this dreaming he is visited by a monster. The book opens with the line: 'The monster showed up just after midnight. As they do.'

Each night the monster emerges by the transformation of a Yew tree outside Conor's window; a tree that has had special significance for Conor and his mother. As large and hideous as the monster is, Conor doesn't seem to be afraid of this creature that is full of threats. The monster warns him, You really aren't afraid, are you? "No." Conor said. "Not of you, anyway." The monster narrowed its eyes. You will be, it said. Before the end.

Conor tries to deal with the reality of what is happening to his mother, his life at school is complicated by three bullies who torment him, and a girl named Lilly, who has been a lifelong friend. But Conor feels Lilly has 'betrayed' him by sharing with others that his mother is dying. His somewhat detached grandmother comes to care for him, grieving in her own way, while trying as best she can, to support Conor and his Mum. Into this already complex emotional cauldron, his father arrives from America. And Conor continues to avoid that which is unthinkable.

As Conor struggles each day in all areas of his life, there is one certainty, the monster will return. He calls again and taunts, I am this wild earth, come for you, Conor O'Malley. "You look like a tree," Conor said. The monster lifted him and squeezed him and as he released him he said, Here is what will happen, Conor O'Malley, the monster continued, I will come to you again on further nights...And I will tell you three stories. Three tales from when I walked before...And when I have finished my three stories...you will tell me a fourth...and it will be the truth. The monster taunts him to reveal the truth he hides, the thing he is most afraid of.

The book that has resulted is a triumph for Ness and Kay. Please don't underestimate just what Kay has contributed to this work. This is no mere illustrative adornment of fine words. No, this is a veritable symphony of image and word, rich in metaphor and poetic intent. The words and images dance around one another in unison, drawing the reader into this remarkable story. It is moving and memorable. I read the book at a single sitting (something that I'd recommend with this book), in tears at several points, with tension and varied emotions rising within me. And when the book was finished, I sat quietly, holding the book against my nose as I contemplated the journey that author and illustrator had just opened up to me. This story of grief, and a boy who faces his deepest fears, is told in a way that opens the pain of loss to you as the reader, touches your own aches and fears, before bringing you back to the hope that life and the future can always bring. Wonderful! A modern classic if ever there was one.

The award ceremony

In awarding the Carnegie Medal the judging panel commented:

'A Monster Calls" is an exquisite piece of writing. It is a beautifully economical, structurally brilliant and lyrically descriptive account of a challenging episode in one child's life. One of our judges - bereaved at a young age - said she wished that she'd had "A Monster Calls" to read then, because while it describes the nature of grief with an extraordinary clarity it also fills the reader with a spirit of hopefulness and a love for life that is profound and lasting. We'd go so far as to say that this is one of the defining books of its generation'.

In accepting the Carnegie, Patrick Ness commented:

'It's extremely humbling - and a little unnerving - to win the CILIP Carnegie Medal two years in a row. I also can't tell you how happy I am that not only has the extraordinary work of Jim Kay been recognised with the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal (truly couldn't happen to a nicer guy), but that this will all help keep people reading and talking about the wonderful, wonderful Siobhan Dowd, which was the best outcome I wanted when I set out to write the book'.

In awarding the Kate Greenaway medal to Jim Kay, the Kate Greenaway judging panel commented:

Jim Kay's illustrations for 'A Monster Calls' are absolutely stunning, and so much part of the experience of reading this extraordinary book. Using only shades of black, white, and grey, Kay conjures immense symbolism, atmosphere and emotion to beautifully complement Patrick Ness' haunting text; and the quality of the whole production makes this a very special book to hold and devour. Quite simply, one of the defining books of its generation.

Jim Kay responded:

I'm chuffed to bits! I've followed the Kate Greenaway for over 20 years, and so it felt a little unreal to be on the shortlist. I still can't quite get my head around winning, it's strange even seeing the book in shops and libraries. And to read the responses of the young shadowers has been amazing. I can't thank CILIP enough!

Age Range: Suitable for readers 12+

Price in Australia: $16.95 RRP

Carnegie & Kate Greenaway Medals Awarded for 2011

In Great Britain there are two major awards for children's books - the Carnegie Medal and the Kate Greenaway Medal (here). The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) runs both awards. The winners of both 2011 medals have been announced.

The Carnegie Medal is awarded to an outstanding book for children and young adult readers. Nominated books must be written in English and should have been published first in the UK in the year before the awards. The Carnegie judging panel consists of 13 children's librarians from the Youth Libraries Group of CLIP. Nominated books are also read by students from many schools who send feedback to the judging panel.


The Kate Greenaway Medal is awarded for excellence in illustration. The award was established in 1955 for distinguished illustration in a book for children. It was named after the popular nineteenth century artist known for her wonderful children's illustrations and designs. As if to set the standards very high no award was made in the inaugural year as no book was seen as worthy enough. 

The 2011 Carnegie Medal 

'Monsters of Men' by Patrick Ness (Walker Books)

This is the third and final instalment written by Patrick Ness in the 'Chaos Walking' trilogy. The two previous books in the trilogy, 'The Knife of Never Letting Go' and 'The Ask and the Answer' were both shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal (2009 & 2010 respectively). It is the first time that all books in a series have been shortlisted. 

'Monsters of Men' tells of the power struggles of a world where all thoughts are audible. It is a fast-paced action novel centred on three characters, all with different points of view. The stage for this story is set with the opening line:

"War," says Mayor Prentiss, his eyes glinting. "At last."

Three armies are marching on New Prentisstown. Todd and Viola are right in the middle of the action, with no obvious way to escape.  As they face this predicament together, the relationship between them develops. And then another character '1017' enters focussed on revenge, a further complication. This novel will engage readers 14+ as it deals with varied themes including life, death and love. 

This fast-paced action is narrated by three individual characters Todd, Viola, and 1017, all with very different points of view, and all on different sides, but all fighting in the same war, a war for power.

Ferelith Hordon, chair of the 2011 judging panel commented at the awards ceremony:

"By any stretch of the imagination – and this is a book which profoundly stretches exactly that – Monsters of Men is an extraordinary achievement. Within its pages, Patrick Ness creates a complex other world, giving himself and the reader great scope to consider big questions about life, love and how we communicate, as well as the horrors of war, and the good and evil that mankind is capable of. It's also an enthralling read that is well nigh impossible to put down...this is a novel that both stands alone, and stands out".

Patrick Ness is an American but has lived in the UK since 1999. The son of a drill sergeant in the US Army, he spent his early years in Hawaii, before moving with his family to the state of Washington when he was six.

The full 2011 Carnegie Medal shortlist (here)





The Kate Greenaway Medal

'FArTHER' by Grahame Baker-Smith (Templar)

Grahame Baker-Smith has won the 2011 Kate Greenaway Medal. A father who had always dreamed of flying went off to war and didn't return. His son decides to make his father's dreams come true. The book tells the moving story of how the boy tries to fulfil his father's unfulfilled dream of flying. The story demonstrates the power of love and ambition when faced with seemingly impossible goals.

The story was inspired both by the author's own father, and by being the father of a son himself.  In an interview for 'Kids Book Review' he comments:

"FArTHER is the first book I’ve done that I feel has some real truth in it about the way I think about life and some of the complex relationships we all seem to insist on developing!"

Baker-Smith uses traditional media like watercolour, acrylic, pastel and ink, but he also uses fimo and other materials to create images. He then uses photography and Photoshop to create the unique images that make up this book. His unique style will excite young readers.

Like a number of recent books for children, 'FArTHER' has a metaphysical dimension to it which will also stimulate the imagination of readers. As the Chair of the judging panel, Ferelith Hordon, indicated:

"FArTHER is a beautifully conceived picture book with a dream-like quality that captures the imagination of readers of all ages. Its wealth of detail conveys both dark emotions: the storms of war and weather, and a powerful sense of loss and bereavement; but also a great sense of hope, particularly as vested in future generations".

Grahame Baker-Smith lives in Bath and has worked as an illustrator for over 30 years. Throughout the 1980s and 90s, he made a living as an illustrator of other people's work, doing book jackets, covers, and even advertising. He then wrote 'Jo-Jo's Journey' (a comic-style story), a version of 'The Velveteen Rabbit' and later, 'Little Pilot.' None of these sold in any great quantities.  He thought his career as an illustrator and author was over before it truly started, but then just five years ago, he evolved a new style. The first book in this style was 'Leon and the Place Between' and it was immediately shortlisted for the 2010 Kate Greenaway Medal. 'FArTHER' is the second book in this wonderful new style. This wonderful new book will stimulate the imaginations of children aged 7+.

Full 2011 Kate Greenaway Shortlist (here)

Related links

Other posts on children's literature awards (here)

2009 Kate Greenaway & Carnegie Medals Announced

In Great Britain there are two major awards for children's books - the Carnegie Medal and the Kate Greenaway Medal (here). Both are run by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP).

The Carnegie Medal is awarded to an outstanding book for children and young adult readers. Nominated books must be written in English and should have been published first in the UK in the year before the awards. The Carnegie judging panel consists of 13 children's librarians from the Youth Libraries Group of CLIP. Nominated books are also read by students from many schools who send feedback to the judging panel.

The award was established by in 1936, in memory of the great Scottish-born philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919). His experience of using a library as a child led him to resolve that if he ever acquired wealth that "....it should be used to establish free libraries." Carnegie set up more than 2800 libraries across the English speaking world and, by the time of his death, over half the library authorities in Great Britain had Carnegie libraries.

The first medal was awarded to Arthur Ransome for his novel ‘Pigeon Post’, this was the sixth book in the well-known 'Swallows and Amazons' series.

The Kate Greenaway Medal is awarded for excellence in illustration. The award was established in 1955 for distinguished illustration in a book for children. It was named after the popular nineteenth century artist known for her wonderful children's illustrations and designs. As if to set the standards very high no award was made in the inaugural year as no book was seen as worthy enough. The first book awarded was Edward Ardizzone's, 'Tim All Alone' in 1956. In a previous post I outlined the shortlist for the 2009 Kate Greenaway Medal (here). The winners of both medals have recently been announced.

The 2009 Winners

a) Carnegie Medal

Siobhan Dowd, Bog Child
Publisher: David Fickling Books
Age range: 12+

The book is set in the troubled world of Ireland in the 1980s. A teenager named Fergus goes digging for peat with his Uncle Tally and finds something that shocks him. Curled up deep in the bog is the body of a young girl and it appears as if she has been murdered. As Fergus tries to make sense of what is going on in his, the mystery of the child in the bog is revealed to him in a dream.

The author Siobhan Dowd finished the book just three months before her death from cancer. Dowd is the first posthumous winner of the award. It was her fourth book.

In announcing the award Joy Court, chair of the judging panel commented that book is "an absolutely astonishing piece of writing...to be able to write like that when she was going through what she was going through is just astonishing – the sheer beauty of the language, the descriptions of the environment; she has such an amazing sense of place."

Full Carnegie shortlist (here)

b) Kate Greenaway Medal

Catherine Rayner, Harris Finds His Feet
Publisher: Good Books
Age Range: Preschool+

Edinburgh author and illustrator Catherine Rayner is the winner of the 2009 the Kate Greenaway Medal for a book inspired by a wild hare and her own rather large feet. The book 'Harris Finds His Feet' is only her second book.

Harris is a small hare with very large feet who heads out into the world with his Grandad. His Grandad has taught him many things including how to hop high into the sky and run very fast. But Harris has to grow up and find his own way in the world.

Joy Court, Chair of the Kate Greenaway judging panel commented, “Harris is a triumph, from the way he moves and his expressions to his velvety fur and his oversized feet. His relationship with his Grandad is beautifully evoked as are the times of day and the textures of the exquisite landscapes around him, in a book which oozes charm and glows with colour.”

Rayner is a young author/illustrator (just 27!). In 2006 she was named Best New Illustrator at the Booktrust Early Years Awards.

Full Kate Greenaway Shortlist (here)

Related links

My previous post on the Kate Greenaway Shortlist (here)

Other posts on children's literature awards (here)