‘Run, Pip, Run’ wins 2016 Readings Children’s Book Prize

J C Jones’ Run, Pip, Run (A&U) has won the 2016 Readings Children’s Book Prize.

The book was chosen from a shortlist of six. Also on the shortlist were:

• 88 Lime Street (Denise Kirby, Omnibus)
• The Bad Guys (Aaron Blabey, Scholastic)
• The Cat with the Coloured Tail (Gillian Mears, illus by Dinalie Dabarera, Walker Books)
• Mister Cassowary (Samantha Wheeler, UQP)
• Samurai vs Ninja: The Battle for the Golden Egg (Nick Falk, illus by Tony Flowers, Random House).

The Readings Children’s Book Prize, worth $4000, is open to Australian authors writing for children aged between five and 12 years, who have had no more than four children’s books published. The prize aims to support and raise the profile of debut and early career Australian children’s book authors, and to celebrate new Australian books that children love to read.

This year’s award was judged by Readings children’s book specialists Angela Crocombe, Athina Clarke, Alexa Dretzke, Isobel Moore and Holly Harper, and children’s book author Sally Rippin.

The judges said of Run, Pip, Run: ‘Every once in a while a special book comes along with a unique main character so compelling and so full of heart that you can’t help but fall madly in love… this brilliant book is perfect for boys and girls aged 9–12, and for families to read together.’

To read the full judges’ report, click here. Readings has also published a Q&A with J C Jones and ‘Five reasons we love the book’ on its website.

Category: Junior Local news