Author Polly Dunbar has won the picture book category of UKLA’s Children’s book Award for her book Penguin, published by Walker Books. The judges commended the book for its ‘timeless charm, emotional authenticity and memorable text,’ The judges added that ‘the beautifully observed illustrations enhanced the comic timing and perfectly paced story.’ .On receiving her award Polly said she was touched to have won the UKLA Children’s Book Award and by the way teachers had responded to her book. The winning novel was Here Lies Arthur by Philip Reeve. A representative from his publisher, Scholastic Children’s Books, spoke of his delight in the award and his gratitude to UKLA for their unanimous selection of his book. Here Lies Arthur takes a completely new look at the Arthurian legends at the same time as having a highly contemporary slant on the powerful role of story within a community.
