Carnie CILIP and Kate Greenaway Medals 2016

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Yes, I know, I have been remiss. But never mind that! I will now briefly offer my congratulations to the winners of 2016s Carnegie CILIP and Kate Greenaway Medals. From incredible longlists and shortlists (both, the winners were announced 10 days ago. The winners of these prestigious medals in childrens literature were awarded  £500 worth of books to donate to their local library and a £5000 Colin Mears cash prize. So, for outstanding contribution to the world of childrens' literature, the awards went to:
Sarah Crossan for her compassionate, beautiful book ONE. This tells the story of conjoined twins,
Tippi and Grace as they enter school for the first time in their lives. Written in free verse, as the twins grow up, they discover how difficult it is to be your own individual person, particularly if you share the same body. It speaks eloquently and gently of, not simply coming-of-age, as it were, but the dichotomy that exists in each one of us and how to come to terms with this at a delicate time in life. Love, loss and individuality are explored in depth and with great power. An absolutely exceptional book!
The Kate Greenaway Medal for illustration has gone to Chris Riddell for his book, The Sleeper and the Spindle (written by the amazing Neil Gaiman, no less).Riddell has become the first ever illustrator to win the coveted Greenaway Medal three times. This retelling of the Sleeping Beauty fairytale receives a completely new twist from Gaiman, and Riddells illustrations truly bring this story to life. (By the way, it isn't really for younger readers...very much a teen +  story). Beautiful, elegant and still quirky, Riddells work shines.
Congratulations to you both for this outstanding achievement.


https://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2016/jun/20/sarah-crossan-carnegie-medal-2016-one
https://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2016/jun/20/chris-riddell-kate-greenaway-2016-the-sleeper-and-the-spindle-neil-gaiman

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