Kate Greenaway shortlist announced for best illustrated children's books

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 '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. The standards for the award are very high. In fact, in the first year of the Medal, no award was made because no book was seen as worthy enough. The winner of the medal in 2011 was 'FArTHER' illustrated by Grahame Baker-Smith and published by Templar. You can read my post on the winners in 2011 (here). The shortlist for the 2012 medal has just been announced.

'Wolf Won't Bite' by Emily Gravett and published by Macmillan (age 3-6 years)

Three cheeky little circus pigs make a wild wolf jump through hoops and perform many daring stunts. They even put their heads between the jaws of wolf, assuming that "Wolf Won't Bite!" . . . but can you push a wolf too far? This is a funny story that young readers will love. Emily Gravett won the Kate Greenaway Medal in 2008 with "Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears" and in 2006 for "Wolves". The judges commented that this book is:

"A book full of beautifully visualised comic touches. Every line works, and the more you read it, the more you see. The pigs are wonderful comic creations. The text is always part of the picture and the typography perfectly fits the action. Outstanding."

'Puffin Peter' by Petr Horáček and published by Walker Books (ages 3-6 years)

Peter and Paul are the best of friends, but Peter gets lost in a terrible storm. But with the help of a big blue whale, Puffin Peter sets off to find him. They find all kinds of birds that match Peter's description but none quite like Paul. Peter Horáček was born in Czechoslovakia but now lives in England (Worcestershire). He uses a variety of media in this book including collage. The judges describe this book as:

"A dramatically beautiful picture book full of movement. Layers of colour and texture capture the movement of water, and of light, and of Peter and Paul themselves. A thrilling visual adventure for children, with a tender message."


'A Monster Calls' illustrated by Jim Kay and written by Patrick Ness. Published by Walker Books (ages 9-11 years)

The monster shows up after midnight, not uncommon for monsters. But this isn't the one Conor was expecting. That monster was one from his nightmares, which had come every night since his mother started began treatment. However, this new monster is ancient, and is after something just as scary from him. It wants the truth. The book is based on an idea from Carnegie medal winner Siobhan Dowd who died from cancer before she could act on the idea herself. The judges describe this book as:

"Breathtaking, a perfect marriage of text and picture, in which the illustrations capture meaning and emotion completely. There are echoes of Charles Keeping in Kay's atmospheric, energetic inky illustrations. The depiction of light and shade is awe-inspiring and the illustrations extend the impact of the story."

'Slog's Dad' illustrated by Dave McKean and written by David Almond. Published by Walker Books (ages 7-11)

Slog believes in life after death. He reckons that the scruffy bloke sitting outside the pork shop is his dad come back to visit him for one last time. Slog's mate Davie isn't convinced, but does wonder how this man knows everything that Slog's Dad would have known. This is a different but stunning work, something which the judges commented on:

The different illustrative styles expand the text and the book's message; they amplify the emotions, producing a powerful impact on the reader. McKean uses different media so skilfully, and in such an effective and fluid way. The images illuminate and leave the reader full of hope. 

'Solomon Crocodile' by Catherine Rayner and published by Macmillan (ages 2-6 years)

This short story will delight readers as a read aloud book or captivate the beginning reader. Solomon is looking for some fun, but no one wants to play. His attempt to have fun with others seems only to annoy them and elicit the response, "Go away Solomon. You're nothing but a nuisance." The dragonflies tell him to buzz off, the storks get in a flap, and the less said about the hippo, the better! Somewhere there must be the perfect pal for a lonely crocodile? A like-minded crocodile fills the bill, but what will this mean for the others in this patch of jungle? Catherine Rayner won the Kate Greenaway Medal in 2009 for "Harris Finds His Feet". The judges in choosing it suggested that:

The depiction of the animal characters is superb, with Solomon the archetypal naughty toddler. The use of colour is exquisite throughout, and the book has a real sense of vibrancy and energy. There's such variety in the layout but the images follow on from each other perfectly.

'The Gift' illustrated by Rob Ryan and written by Carol Anne Duffy. Published by Barefoot Books (ages 4-7years).

Rob Ryan is famous for his amazing papercut art. This book is another fine example of the quality of his work. It is the story of one girl's life and the hopes and desires that shape it. One summer day a beautiful young girl visits the woods for a picnic. A wish forms in her mind and to her surprise a silver-haired woman appears, ready to grant it. The author, Carol Ann Duffy is the Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom, and is the first woman in the role in 300 years. The beautiful story touches on the wonder and mysteries of what it means to be human. In commenting on the papercut art, the judges commented:

The beautiful illustrations are not just decorative, they interpret the text for us and strengthen the story's impact. The frames and shadows perfectly reflect the fairy tale feel and the different emblems and details emphasise the message. A perfect depiction of the circle of life.

'There Are No Cats in this Book' by Viviane Schwarz and published by Walker Books (4+)

Cats Tiny, Moonpie and André are filled with the spirit of adventure – they want to see the world but they can't seem to get out of the book. They try pushing their way out, and jumping their way out but nothing works. Finally they decide to WISH themselves out with your help, the reader! This is a companion book to 'There are Cats in this Book'. The judges felt that this book:

"...perfectly expresses the power of the imagination! With an extraordinary sense of participation, this is book to play with as much as to read, and very much one to share. The illustrations are full of personality, the use of colour and blank space is brilliant. A book that works on lots of different levels."

'Can We Save the Tiger?' illustrated by Vicky White and written by Martin Jenkins. Published by
Walker Books (ages 5-9)

Conservationist Martin Jenkins and Vicky White celebrate some of the world's most endangered species in this book and show us why, though nothing is simple, we must try and save them. Martin is a conservation biologist and consultant for the UN conservation organisation WCMC. Vicky White had experience as a zookeeper at the Cheshire Zoo caring for great apes. This is Vicky's second book, her first was 'Ape'. The judges commended this book for:

The stunning portraits of the animals help the reader appreciate their beauty. Close-up observation and detail bring the animals to life. Flashes of colour are used sparingly but to great effect. The perspectives used, and the use of blank space, give this an extraordinary impact. A beautiful book.

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)

The Kate Greenaway Medal for Children's Literature

As I have written on this blog before children's literature awards are given in many countries each year (see related links to other awards below). In the United Kingdom, the key award for children's illustrated books is the Kate Greenaway Medal. This 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. The medal is awarded by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP).

The winner receives a golden medal and £500 worth of books to donate to a library of their choice. Of course, the prestige of winning the award guarantees significant international sales and helps to establish the career and reputation of the winners. As well, since 2000, the winner has also been awarded the £5000 Colin Mears Award which is possible due to a bequest from the person after whom the awards are named - Colin Mears.

The 2009 shortlist announced

The following books have been nominated for the medal in 2009. The winner will be announced on the 25th June.

1. Angela Barrett (text by Paul Gallico), The Snow Goose, Hutchinson (Age range: 10+)

Paul Gallico’s classic story is set in the years running up to the evacuation of Dunkirk during the Second World War. It tells the story of Fritha a young girl who finds a wounded snow goose, and a recluse by the name of Rhayader who nurses it back to health. Barrett's understated illustrations have a softness that woks well and reinforces a strong sense of place.

2. Marc Craste (text by Helen Ward), Varmints, Templar (Age range: 7+)

This is a very unusual text by Helen Ward with stunning artwork from Marc Craste. It is a mysterious tale of a world that is in need of protection, and those who love it enough to try to ensure its renewal. Its almost surreal illustrations and haunting text seem to work at various levels.

3. Thomas Docherty, Little Boat, Templar (Age range: 3+)

Little Boat is small but independent and determined craft that sails bravely on no matter what dangers he faces. Docherty uses a simple palette of colours and style but manages to create a strong sense of a small boat in an ocean of changing moods.

4. Bob Graham, How to Heal a Broken Wing, Walker (Age range: 3+)

Will is the only one to notice when a bird lies injured on a crowded city street. He stops and helps, and in the process learns how to heal a broken wing. Graham always uses simplicity to express strong emotions. Once again he succeeds in creating a wonderful book where text and illustrations support each other effortlessly. Bob Graham was born in England and now lives in Australia and so this book is also shortlisted for the Australian Children's Book Council awards as well (see here). You can read my review of his work here.

5. Oliver Jeffers, Oliver the Way Back Home, Harper Collins (Age range: 3+)

A small boy finds himself stuck on the moon; but perhaps he is not alone. Is there an alien nearby who is about to eat him? But the twist is that this alien is friendly and they need each other if they are both to get back to their homes. Somehow with very simple stick-like figures Oliver Jeffers conveys rich emotions in some lively illustrations.

6. Dave McKean (text by David Almond), The Savage, Walker (Age range: 10+)

This is David Almond's story of Blue Baker, a young boy whose father dies of a heart attack. The school counsellor, Mrs Molloy, encourages Blue to use writing to help deal with his grief. But Blue doesn't find this helpful. Instead, he begins writing creatively the story of 'The Savage', a wild boy living in the woods who has many adventures and wins out against bullies. He begins to realise that sometimes the boundary between life and fiction is rather blurry. The illustrations by Dave McKean add greatly to Almond's text with contemporary drawings that capture your attention.

7. Catherine Rayner, Harris Finds His Feet, Little Tiger Press (Age range: 3+)

Harris is a small hare with huge feet who goes out with his Grandad and finds out how to hop way up into the sky, climb the highest mountains and run extremely fast. This is a simple text for preschool children with an effective text with illustrations that are simply beautiful.

8. Chris Wormell, Molly and the Night Monster, Jonathan Cape (Age range: 3+)

Molly wakes up in the middle of the night and hears sounds on the stairs; her imagination is running away with her. Is it a bear, a crocodile, a hippopotamus or a monster? Molly learns to be brave to solve the problem. Using stunning blue colours to communicate the night and a varied sense of light Wormell achieves what few illustrators would attempt, a brilliant effect using an unusual technique.

Related Posts and Links

The full list of previous Kate Greenaway medal winners can be found here.

Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) shortlist for 2009 (here).

Newbery & Caldecott Winners 2009 (here).

All my previous posts on children's literature (here).