Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Stockton Childrens Book of The Year

Now in its fourteenth year, Stockton Children's Book of the Year involves children, teachers, parents, authors and library staff in the promotion and celebration of first-rate, modern children's literature. The event aims to provide an exciting, entertaining vehicle - demonstrating the pleasure of reading and literature. 25 primary, secondary and special schools throughout the Borough take part in the event. Library staff compile a shortlist of five books which have been published in the preceding twelve months in paperback in the UK. Copies of the short-listed books are placed in participating schools for the children to read and enjoy and the children vote for their favourite. 

Scabbajack by Peter J Murray was named Stockton Children's Book of the Year 2011 at a prestigious award ceremony during March. 

All five authors visited libraries across the borough to meet their enthusiastic readers before the culminating  ceremony, which saw children from each school rewarded for their reading and review writing with certificates and book vouchers given by the Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees Councillor Colin Leckonby. Suspense built throughout the award ceremony until the Mayor finally announced the result of the voting. A delighted Peter was presented with a crystal decanter, and expressed his appreciation to all of the children who voted for his book, as well as the teachers and parents who support the children's reading.