Bisto Awards 2011 Shortlist Announced!

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The Bisto Children's Book of the Year Awards shortlist was announced today. And what an impressive list it is. It's a fantastic year for picture books, with five of the ten books listed falling in that genre. With so many of my favourites from the past year listed, I'm glad I'm not responsible for the decision. But at least I'll be over the moon regardless of who wins.
The Bisto Awards are a celebration and recognition of excellence in children's literature and illustration. The are open to all children's books published between January 1st and December 31st, written in Irish or English, whose author illustrators were born in Ireland or are Irish residents. The winners of this year's awards will be announced at a ceremony held at the National Library of Ireland on Monday, May 16th.
Congratulations to all the shortlisted author/illustrators. Now here's the list:
  • A Bit Lost by Chris Haughton
  • Dancing in the Dark by Peter Prendergast
  • Mac Rí Éireann le Caitríona Hasting agus Andrew Whiton
  • Prim Improper by Deirdre Sullivan
  • Taking Flight by Sheena Wilknson
  • The Heart and the Bottle by Oliver Jeffers
  • The Lunatics Curse by F.E. Higgins
  • The Owl and the Pussycat illustrated by Kevin Waldron
  • Tiny Little Fly illustrated by Kevin Waldron
  • Up and Down by Oliver Jeffers

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