The Sheffield Children’s Book Award began
in 1988. The project was initiated to increase children’s knowledge
and access to the very best children’s literature. This aim has been
achieved and surpassed year by year with new initiatives and ideas
incorporated along the way. In the first year just 6 local schools
took part and this number has grown every year to a total of 167 schools in 2006. We were able to accommodate them with the kind support of the publishing houses involved and our sponsors.
Each school selects the most appropriate Book Category for the class and receive a start up pack of ideas along with a collection of books to read and review. Each child is asked to vote for their favourite title and these votes are then collated over the summer. Results are kept a closely guarded secret until the Award Ceremony in November.
All children involved in the project are invited to the Award Ceremony along with all Shortlisted Authors, Illustrators and representatives from the Publishing Houses.
Prizes are presented to Commended, Highly commended and Overall winner of each category with the Overall Winner receiving a special trophy to keep for that year.
The Event has grown in size and quality each year and is now recognised as a major Children’s Book Award in the Literary world.