Red House Children’s Book Award 2012 - Chosen and voted for entirely by children.

Some of the biggest names in children’s fiction are joined by exciting new authors and illustrators on the shortlist for this year’s Red House Children’s Book Award, the only national award for children’s books that is voted for entirely by children themselves. What could be a better indicator of the books that will tempt children away from computer games and DVDs than a list drawn up by young people across the country, which pits literary heavyweights like Morris Gleitzman and Patrick Ness against outstanding debut authors such as Annabel Pitcher?

Who will win? It’s up to children everywhere to decide. Voting is now open and the Red House Children’s Book Award would like to encourage every child in Britain to check out the shortlisted titles and vote for their favourite!

The Red House Children’s Book Award is highly respected by teachers, parents and librarians and has brought acclaim and strong sales to past winners such as J.K. Rowling, Andy Stanton, Malorie Blackman and Anthony Horowitz. The award has often been the first to recognise the future stars of children’s fiction and has the ability to turn popular authors into bestsellers.

Children nationwide are now invited to vote for their favourite of the ten shortlisted books. The category winners and the author of the best children’s book published in the 2011 nomination period will be announced – for the first time ever – at a glittering awards ceremony which takes place in the Queen Elizabeth Hall at the Southbank Centre in London on Saturday 18^th February 2012.

A dedicated website www.redhousechildrensbookaward.co.uk showcases all the shortlisted titles and featured authors. Any child can vote here for their favourite book until 20^th January 2012.

The full shortlist for the Red House Children’s Book Award 2012 is as follows:

Books for Younger Children 

Rollo and Ruff and the Little Fluffy Bird by Mick Inkpen, published by Hodder

Don't Worry Douglas! by David Melling, published by Hodder

Peely Wally by Kali Stileman, published by Red Fox

Scruffy Bear and the Six White Mice by Chris Wormell, published by Jonathan Cape

                                 

Books for Younger Readers 

One Dog and His Boy by Eva Ibbotson, published by Marion Lloyd Books

Sky Hawk by Gill Lewis, published by Oxford University Press

The Brilliant World of Tom Gates by Liz Pichon, published by Scholastic

                                

Books for Older Readers

Grace by Morris Gleitzman, published by Puffin

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, published by Walker

My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece by Annabel Pitcher, published by Orion

The Red House Children’s Book Award, now in its 32nd year, was founded in 1980 by author and librarian Pat Thompson and is owned and run by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups. The overall winner is awarded the Red House Children’s Book Award Silver Tree, of which they are the custodian for a year, and an engraved silver acorn which is theirs to keep. Each of the shortlisted authors and illustrators also receives a silver bookmark and an incredible portfolio of writing and artwork created by children inspired by their book. The ten titles on the shortlist for the Books for Younger Children, Books for Younger Readers and Books for Older Readers categories, as well as 40 highly recommended titles, were chosen by children who read and voted for the books at lively events organised nationwide by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups.

The Federation of Children’s Book Groups was set up as a charity by Anne Wood, the originator of the Teletubbies. It acts as an umbrella organisation for local Children’s Book Groups all over the UK. The groups organise a variety of activities including author events and other activities that promote the enjoyment of children’s books. The Federation also produces numerous specialist book lists, organises National Share-a-Story Month each May, National Non-Fiction Day each November and holds an annual conference each spring.  "http://www.fcbg.org.uk"

Mr Ripley's Book Cover Wars 2012 - Heat 3 of 4 Plus Competition - Signed David Walliams - Mr Stink

You are now in Mr Ripley's Book Cover War Zone....

Heat two has just recently come to an end. The close run winner was Conrad Mason's up and coming book cover for 'The Demon's Watch'. This cover received amazing 189 votes out of the 449 votes that were cast. Therefore, as a worthy winner it now finds itself in the final.

• Heat one winner - Ransom Rigg's - Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children - 104 Votes
• Heat two winner - Conrad Mason's - The Demon's Watch - 189 Votes    

For any new or existing follower of this site this is the chance for you to become part of the weekly book cover wars. Each week (for the next 2 weeks) I am going to select four book covers for you to vote from. The winner of each heat will then go forward to the final round and get a chance to be crowned as 'Mr Ripley's Enchanted Book Cover Winner 2011'.

As a voter not only will you get the chance to choose your favourite book cover, but you will also be in with the chance to win a different special book each week.

The book competition winner from last week has been picked and has won a copy of the new proof by Jonathan Maberry - "Dead of the Night". The lucky winner is Michelle at MuchLovedBooks - I will be in touch with you for your postal details. Hope you enjoy reading it.

In order to kick off the competition this week we have yet another amazing book prize. This week it's an first edition hardback "Mr Stink" which is signed by David Walliams and by the illustrator Quentin Blake. This is a rare opportunity to add this edition to your book collection. 

If you are interested in voting for a book cover and being in with a chance to win the above book then all you need to do is: 

• Vote for your favourite book cover using the poll (see top of the page)
• Leave a comment through this post 
• Sit back, watch the voting develop and wait to hear whether you've won (once the poll has closed). Please note that this competition is open Worldwide.

So here are the four book covers to vote for:

Book One - Barry Hutchison - The 13th Horseman - Published by HarperCollins - March 2012

Book Two - Andy Briggs - Tarzan: The Greystoke Legacy -  Published by Faber and Faber - June 2011

Book Three - Tommy Donbavand - Scream Street 13: Flame of the Dragon - Published by Walker Books - October 2011

              

                                              

                                                  

Book Four - Rick Riordan - The Heroes of Olympus: The Son of Neptune - Published by Hyperion - October 2011 - US Book Cover


Get voting and may the best book cover win. Don't forget to leave a comment if you want to win a signed book. Open worldwide....

New Children's Books Published in the US - November 2011 Choice Picks

                                       

Matthew Cody - The Dead Gentleman - Published By

Knopf Books for Young Readers (November 8, 2011) - Age 9-12

Featuring a kid hero, time travel, and otherworld portals in unexpected places (maybe there are monsters under your bed), The Dead Gentleman is a wild ride between parallel New York City timestreams—1901 and today. Eleven-year-old Tommy Learner is a street orphan and an unlikely protege to the Explorers, a secret group dedicated to exploring portals—the hidden doorways to other worlds. But while investigating an attercop (man-eating spider) in the basement of an old hotel, Tommy is betrayed—and trapped. And it's then that his world collides with that of modern-day Jezebel Lemon, who—until the day she decides to explore her building's basement—had no bigger worries than homework and boys. Now, Jezebel and Tommy must thwart the Dead Gentleman—a legendary villain whose last unconquered world is our own planet Earth, a realm where the dead stay dead. Until now. Can two kids put an end to this ancient evil and his legions of Gravewalkers?

                             

Deva Fagan - Circus Galacticus - Published By

Harcourt Children's Books;(November 15, 2011) - Age 9-12

Trix can deal with being an orphan charity case at a snotty boarding school. She can hold her own when everyone else tells her not to dream big dreams. She can even fight back against the mysterious stranger in a silver mask who tries to steal the meteorite her parents trusted her to protect.

But her life is about to change forever. The Circus Galacticus has come to town, bringing acts to amaze, delight, and terrify. And now the dazzling but enigmatic young Ringmaster has offered Trix the chance to be a part of it.

Soon Trix discovers an entire universe full of deadly enemies and potential friends, not to mention space leeches, ancient alien artifacts, and exploding chocolate desserts. And she just might unravel the secrets of her own past if she can survive long enough.

                         

Patrick Carman - Dark Eden - Published by

Katherine Tegen Books (November 1, 2011)

Fifteen-year-old Will Besting is sent by his doctor to Fort Eden, an institution meant to help patients suffering from crippling phobias. Once there, Will and six other teenagers take turns in mysterious fear chambers and confront their worst nightmares—with the help of the group facilitator, Rainsford, an enigmatic guide. When the patients emerge from the chamber, they feel emboldened by the previous night's experiences. But each person soon discovers strange, unexplained aches and pains. . . . What is really happening to the seven teens trapped in this dark Eden?

Tommy Donbavand -Scream Street Blog Tour - The Final Frontier

To celebrate the publication of Flame of the Dragon - the 13th and final book in the Scream Street series - Tommy Donbavand has written a brand newScream Street story! Shiver of the Phantom will be released in 13 separate parts on 13 separate blogs between 19th October and Halloween itself!

This is the third chapter from the exclusive story 'Scream Street'. The next part of the story will be posted on Barry Hutchison's web 

Chapter Three

The Story

Resus blinked, unsure what to say for a second. “You’re writing a novel?”

Cleo nodded.

“Really?”

“Yes, I’m writing a novel,” said Cleo. “Can I have it back now, please?”

Resus released his grip on the notebook. “How long have you been writing a novel?”

Cleo shrugged. “A few weeks.”

Resus turned to Luke. “And you knew about it?”

“Yep,” said Luke. “Cleo wanted to speak to Samuel Skipstone and get some advice about writing, so she’s been coming here every day after school to chat with him.”

“So, what’s with the magic spell and those things attacking us?” Resus asked. 

“Sorry about that,” Cleo mumbled. “Mr Skipstone said I had to find a way to bring my characters to life. I couldn’t find a way to do it by writing, so I bought a spell from Everwell’s. I didn’t realize it would work on all the characters in the room.”

Resus sat on Luke’s bed. “Why didn’t you tell me you were writing a book?” he asked.

Cleo blushed slightly beneath her bandages. “I wanted to,” she said. “I just thought you might laugh at me.”

“I wouldn’t do that,” said Resus. “I think it’s a great idea.”

“You mean it?”

“Of course,” said Resus. “I couldn’t do anything like that, but you’re good at all that writing stuff at school.”

Cleo smiled as she smoothed out the pages of her notebook. “I am enjoying writing it,” she admitted.

“What’s it about?” Resus asked.

“Don’t look at me,” said Luke, sitting on the bed beside the vampire. “I get sent out of the room when she discusses it with Mr Skipstone.”

Cleo paused for a moment. “Promise you won’t laugh?”

Luke and Resus both nodded.

“OK,” said Cleo. She took a deep breath. “It’s about a girl called Balsa, who meets a boy at school. His name is Woodhead, and Balsa is convinced that there’s something unusual about him. His skin is really cold, he doesn’t have a pulse and when he goes out in the sunshine, maggots burst out of his skin and crawl all over him.”

“So he’s a zombie?” said Resus.

“He is, but Balsa doesn’t know that for certain at the start,” said Cleo. “It’s only when he sinks his teeth into her leg that she realizes the truth.”

“What’s the book called?” asked Luke.

Cleo opened her notebook to the first page to display the title. “Thigh Bite.”

Resus grinned and began to chuckle.

“You said you wouldn’t laugh at me.” Cleo scowled.

“I’m not laughing at you,” Resus insisted. “I’m laughing at the story. It’s really clever.”

“You mean it?” asked Cleo with a smile. “Thanks.”

Resus picked up the game controller and restarted his zombie attack. “It’s all right,” he said, eyes fixed on the advancing undead. “I always thought— Ow!”

The vampire cried out in pain as a model ship exploded against his head.

Mr Ripley's Book Cover Wars 2012 - Heat 2 of 4 Plus Competition - Jonathan Maberry Proof

You have, yet again, entered Mr Ripley's Book Cover Wars.......

Heat one has just recently come to an end. The runner-way winner was Ransom Rigg's book cover for 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children'. This cover received 104 votes out of the 217 votes that were cast. Therefore, as a worthy winner, it now finds itself in the final.

For any new or existing follower of this site this is the chance for you to become part of the weekly book cover wars. Each week (for the next 3 weeks) I am going to select four book covers for you to vote from. The winner of each heat will then go forward to the final round and get a chance to be crowned as 'Mr Ripley's Enchanted Book Cover Winner 2011'.

As a voter not only will you get the chance to choose your favourite book cover, but you will also be in with the chance to win a different special book each week.

The book competition winner from last week was picked at random by Sarwat Chadda to win a copy of his new proof "The Ash Mistry Chronicles". The lucky winner is Pagecrawler - I will be in touch with you for your postal details. Hope you enjoy reading it.

In order to kick off the competition this week we have an amazing US book proof by Jonathan Maberry called Dead of the Night, which is a great read and is due out early November. 

If you are interested in voting for a book cover and being in with a chance to win a book then all you need to do is: 

• Vote for your favourite book cover using the poll (see top of the page)
• Leave a comment through this post 
• Sit back, watch the voting develop and wait to hear whether you've won (once the poll has closed). Please note that this competition is open Worldwide.

So here are the four book covers to vote for:

                                        

Book One - Jon Mayhew - The BoneHill Curse - Published by Bloomsbury -  May 2012

                               

Book Two - Derek Landy - Scepter of the Ancients - US book cover - Published by HarperCollins - 2012

                                                                                                             

Book Three - Che Golden -  The Feral Child - Published by Quercus

Publishing - 5 Jan 2012

                           

                           

Book Four - Conrad Mason - The Demon's Watch - Published by David Fickling -  March 2012

 

Happy Voting,may the best book cover win!

One to Watch: James Bartholomeusz - The White Fox

James Bartholomeusz lives in Hertfordshire, England, with his parents and two brothers, but is currently studying English Literature at the University of Exeter. When not reading or writing, he enjoys films and British comedy. He’s also interested in politics. His first young-adult novel, The White Fox, is published in December 2011 by Medallion Press, with two more in the same series to follow.

 

By all accounts, Jack Lawson was a normal British teenager. He had few friends, no love life, and a horde of embittered teachers who seemed to be after his blood on a regular basis. In his Birchford home, a centuries old overflow prison–turned–orphanage, life was excruciatingly mundane.Then came the Cult of Dionysus, a sect of sorcerers at the head of an encroaching Darkness.Then an old friend back from the dead.

And then the white fox.

Suddenly life wasn’t so mundane anymore.

New Books: Published November 2011 - UK

                                 

Christopher Paolini - Inheritance: Inheritance Cycle, Book 4 - Published by Doubleday - 8 Nov - 2011

Not so very long ago, Eragon - Shadeslayer, Dragon Rider - was nothing more than a poor farm boy, and his dragon, Saphira, only a blue stone in the forest. Now, the fate of an entire civilization rests on their shoulders.

Long months of training and battle have brought victories and hope, but they have also brought heartbreaking loss. And still the real battle lies ahead: they must confront Galbatorix. When they do, they will have to be strong enough to defeat him. And if they cannot, no one can. There will be no second chances.

The Rider and his dragon have come farther than anyone dared to hope. But can they topple the evil king and restore justice to Alagaësia? And if so, at what cost?

Featuring spectacular artwork by cult artist John Jude Palencar, this stunning book brings the bestselling Inheritance cycle to a breathtaking conclusion.

                                  

Joanne Harris - Runelight - Published by Doubleday - 3 Nov 2011

The squabbling Norse gods and goddesses of Runemarks are back! And there's a feisty new heroine on the scene: Maggie, a girl the same age as Maddy but brought up a world apart - literally, in World's End, the focus of the Order in which Maddy was raised. Now the Order is destroyed, Chaos is filling the vacuum left behind... and is breaching the everyday world.

A chilling prophecy from the Oracle. A conflict between two girls. And with just twelve days to stave off the Apocalypse, carnage is about to be unleashed . . .

                                         

                                          

Jasper Fforde - The Song of the Quarkbeast: A Last Dragonslayer Novel - Published by Hodder & Stoughton - 10 Nov 2011
A long time ago magic faded away, leaving behind only yo-yos, the extremely useful compass-pointing-to-North enchantment and the spell that keep bicycles from falling over.

Things are about to change. Magical power is on the rise and King Snodd IV of Hereford has realised that he who controls magic controls almost anything. One person stands between Snodd and his plans for power and riches beyond the wildest dreams of avarice.

Meet Jennifer Strange, sixteen-year-old acting manager of Kazam, the employment agency for sorcerers and soothsayers.

With only one functioning wizard and her faithful assistant 'Tiger' Prawns, Jennifer must use every ounce of ingenuity to derail King Snodd's plans. It may involve a trip on a magic carpet at the speed of sound to the Troll Wall, the mysterious Transient Moose, and a powerless sorceress named Once Magnificent Boo.

But one thing is certain: Jennifer Strange will not relinquish the noble powers of magic to big business and commerce without a fight.

John Flanagan - Brotherband:The Outcasts - Published by Bodley Head - 3 Nov 201

There is only one way to become a warrior.

Boys are chosen for teams called Brotherbands and must endure months of gruelling battles in the treacherous sea.

Hal finds himself the unwilling leader of a band of outcasts, the boys that no one wants. They are small and wiry but what they lack in size, they make up with skill and courage. Now they must battle against the other bands in the ultimate race where there can only be one winner.

The icy waters make the sea a deadly playing field. Especially when - for some - this is anything but a game...

                                    

Ian Beck - The Haunting of Charity Delafield - Published by Bodley Head - 3 Nov 2011

A magical, enchanting tale, with stunning illustrations that will transport you into another world.

Flame-haired Charity Delafield has grown up in a vast, isolated house - most of which she is forbidden to explore - with her fiercely strict father. With only her kindly nurse, Rose, and her cat Mr Tompkins for company, she knows very little of the outside world - or of her own family's shadowy past. What she does know is that she is NEVER to go outside unsupervised. And she is NEVER to over-excite herself, because of the mysterious 'condition' that she has been told she suffers from.

But Charity has a secret. All her life, she has had the same strange dream - a dream of a dark corridor, hidden somewhere in the house. Then, one day, Charity stumbles across the corridor. It leads to a door . . . and suddenly she realises things are not quite what they seem.

The History Keepers by Damian Dibben - The Online Character Generator Game

Time for a New Hero: As Harry Potter hangs up his wand, a new series looks set to take young readers by storm - The History Keepers

A debut novel - The History Keepers: The Storm Begins - has been caught in a rights frenzy ahead of its UK launch this autumn. Featuring Jake Djones, the unwitting young hero for a new generation, the book is the first in a series from screenwriter-turned-novelist Damian Dibben. With foreign rights snapped up in 22 languages and over 30 territories so far and a film optioned by Working Title (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Shaun Of The Dead), The History Keepers is set to be the next phenomenon in crossover fiction.

For your website, we have crafted a History Keepers online character generator game as a fun way for young readers to engage with this new fiction series.  You can choose which era you travel back to and what type of hero you want to become before uploading an image of yourself.  Share the results - a picture of yourself as a Roman soldier or Aztec princess - with friends.  The online game is free and available at: http://thehistorykeepers.com/blog/?page_id=397

The History Keepers

When Jake is kidnapped by strangers on a stormy London night he discovers his loving parents have been leading a double life and are now missing, lost somewhere in history. He is plunged into a world of secret societies, dangerous double agents, and a terrifying countdown to oblivion. Transported by a Spanish galleon back to 19th century France, he finds himself in the headquarters of The History Keepers – a remarkable league of time-travelling special agents. The History Keepers preserve the true course of history against those who would change it for their own gain, such as the diabolical Prince Zeldt.  Driven by a sense of adventure and a desire to reunite his family, Jake makes the most thrilling - and dangerous - decision of his life.

Damian Dibben has worked extensively as a screenwriter on projects as diverse as Phantom of the Opera and Puss in Boots. Dibben, who lives on the South Bank with his dog Dudley, has lived in London all his life. He was born in Eaton Square to a family of famous eccentrics from whom he inherited his sense of humour and a love of London and history. His passions include cosmology, archaeology and natural science, all of which have informed this remarkable debut.