2009 Educational Writers Award Winner Announcement
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December 05, 2009
LONDON -- It was announced that the combined talents of illustrator Nick Sharratt, writer Steve Alton and designer/art director, Sally Symes had seen off strong competition from four other short-listed books to win the 2009 Educational Writers' Award.
The award was presented at the All Party Writers Group Christmas Reception hosted by Janet Anderson MP in the House of Commons. Award judge Ali Barne spoke on behalf of the judging panel which had spent many hours choosing the shortlist from a total of 66 entries before deciding the winner. Barne read citations for all five short-listed books before making the announcement. She spoke of the importance of this award and its unique nature - it is the only UK award to focus on educational non-fiction that enhances learning outside of the essential curriculum. Barne also spoke of the aspirations of the award - to encourage the publication of educational books that both inspire learning and encourage creativity in young readers. Janet Anderson MP presented the winning trio with a cheque for GBP2000.
Set up in 2008 by The Authors' Licensing & Collecting Society (ALCS) and the Society of Authors, the award's aim is to 'celebrate educational writing that encourages students to read widely and build up their understanding of a subject beyond the requirements of exam specifications'. To be eligible the work must be a single volume, non-fiction (with or without illustrations) of genuine merit for the specified age group. It must have been first published in the UK in the English language within the two previous years. The age range alternates each year. This year it was for a work for 5-11 year olds; as in its first year, 2008, in 2010, it will be for a work for 12 - 18 year olds.
Published in 2007 'The Gooey, Chewy, Rumble, Plop Book' became an instant bestseller. Its success was down to the winning combination of author, illustrator and art director/designer. The educational content is instantly accessible and child friendly. Imaged by Nick Sharratt and written by Steve Alton the book explores the processes of the human body with a lightness of touch and sense of humour. Sally Symes' art direction also played an important part - the novelty pop-ups and pull out tabs, together with the tongue on the cover that you can actually pull out and stretch, create an irresistible sensory feast that is guaranteed to transform a biology lesson into hours of fun.
Author Steve Alton has had a lifelong love of natural history. After studying biology at the University of York he worked in conservation for many years. Steve lives in Sussex with his family and works closely with several local schools. His interactive web based teaching tool won 3rd Prize in the European e-learning award with 800 entries from 30 countries.
Nick Sharratt has written and illustrated countless books for children and has won numerous awards for his picture books. Trained in design at St Martin's School of Art, Nick takes his inspiration from the pop and graphic art of the 1960s. His work is characterised by vibrant colours and bold patterns but for him the most important element is his use of humour. He is also well known as the illustrator of Jacqueline Wilson's best selling books for children and young people.
The award was presented at the All Party Writers Group Christmas Reception hosted by Janet Anderson MP in the House of Commons. Award judge Ali Barne spoke on behalf of the judging panel which had spent many hours choosing the shortlist from a total of 66 entries before deciding the winner. Barne read citations for all five short-listed books before making the announcement. She spoke of the importance of this award and its unique nature - it is the only UK award to focus on educational non-fiction that enhances learning outside of the essential curriculum. Barne also spoke of the aspirations of the award - to encourage the publication of educational books that both inspire learning and encourage creativity in young readers. Janet Anderson MP presented the winning trio with a cheque for GBP2000.
Set up in 2008 by The Authors' Licensing & Collecting Society (ALCS) and the Society of Authors, the award's aim is to 'celebrate educational writing that encourages students to read widely and build up their understanding of a subject beyond the requirements of exam specifications'. To be eligible the work must be a single volume, non-fiction (with or without illustrations) of genuine merit for the specified age group. It must have been first published in the UK in the English language within the two previous years. The age range alternates each year. This year it was for a work for 5-11 year olds; as in its first year, 2008, in 2010, it will be for a work for 12 - 18 year olds.
Published in 2007 'The Gooey, Chewy, Rumble, Plop Book' became an instant bestseller. Its success was down to the winning combination of author, illustrator and art director/designer. The educational content is instantly accessible and child friendly. Imaged by Nick Sharratt and written by Steve Alton the book explores the processes of the human body with a lightness of touch and sense of humour. Sally Symes' art direction also played an important part - the novelty pop-ups and pull out tabs, together with the tongue on the cover that you can actually pull out and stretch, create an irresistible sensory feast that is guaranteed to transform a biology lesson into hours of fun.
Author Steve Alton has had a lifelong love of natural history. After studying biology at the University of York he worked in conservation for many years. Steve lives in Sussex with his family and works closely with several local schools. His interactive web based teaching tool won 3rd Prize in the European e-learning award with 800 entries from 30 countries.
Nick Sharratt has written and illustrated countless books for children and has won numerous awards for his picture books. Trained in design at St Martin's School of Art, Nick takes his inspiration from the pop and graphic art of the 1960s. His work is characterised by vibrant colours and bold patterns but for him the most important element is his use of humour. He is also well known as the illustrator of Jacqueline Wilson's best selling books for children and young people.
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