Booktrust have asked some of their favourite authors and illustrators to pick their best children’s books of 2016, and we’re thrilled to see three Nosy Crow titles on the lists!
Pamela Butchart named Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: The Diamond Chase, written by Tracey Corderoy and illustrated by Steven Lenton, as her favourite picture book of the year – here’s what she said about the book:
“I LOVE this book. I mean, dogs who have given up a life of crime to bake cakes… what’s not to love?! Shifty and Sam may have swapped their SWAG bags for cupcakes, yet somehow trouble always seems to find them. A dogtasticly awesome story with stunning illustrations!”
And here’s a look inside The Diamond Chase:
Holly Smale, author of the Geek Girl series, named The Many Worlds of Albie Bright by Christopher Edge as her favourite middle grade book of 2016 – here’s what she said about it:
“My favourite children’s book of 2016 was out in January, yet it’s somehow managed to stay with me all year. The Many Worlds of Albie Bright, by Christopher Edge, is a book I adore as an adult but would have devoured as a child. A little bit science, a little bit magic, it manages to strike a beautiful balance between being heartbreaking, hilarious and uplifting. I have never wanted to travel the universe in a box with a banana more.”
And here’s a look inside the book:
And Julia Green, author of The Wilderness War, chose Sweet Pizza by G. R. Gemin as her favourite teen book of the year (interestingly, this is a book that I would call a middle grade read – which just goes to show the breadth of its appeal…!). Here’s what she said about the book:
“I love the warmth in the storytelling, the lovely clear prose, and the funny, original mix of food, opera and family history. At its heart is Joe, his Italian-Welsh family and their cafe, in a multi-cultural community in Wales. Giancarlo Gemin’s novel celebrates friendship, family and bringing people together. An important and pertinent story for our troubled times.”
And here’s a look inside Sweet Pizza:
You can read Booktrust’s complete list of favourite picture books of the year here, favourite middle grade books of the year here, and favourite teen books of the year here. Thank you, Pamela, Holly, and Julia, and congratulations, Tracey, Steven, Christopher, and Giancarlo!
