Nestlé Smarties Book Prize

The Nestlé Children's Book Prize, and Nestlé Smarties Book Prize for a time, was a set of annual awards for British children's books that ran from 1985 to 2007. It was administered by BookTrust, an independent charity that promotes books and reading in the United Kingdom, and sponsored by Nestlé, the manufacturer of Smarties candy. It was one of the most respected and prestigious prizes for children's literature.[1][2][3]

There were three award categories defined by audience ages 0 to 5 years, 6 to 8 years, and 9 to 11 years (introduced in 1987 after two years with no single prize).[1] Silver and bronze runners-up in each category were introduced in 1996 and designation of one overall winner was abandoned at the same time.

Eligible books were written by UK citizens and residents and published during the preceding year (not precisely the calendar year). The shortlists were selected by a panel of adult judges, finally chaired by Julia Eccleshare, children's books editor for The Guardian. First, second, and third places were determined by British schoolchildren—at least finally, by vote of "selected school classes"[2]

The prize was discontinued in 2008 by what was described as a "mutual" decision from BookTrust and Nestlé, with "no hostility".[2] Explaining their reasons for this decision, BookTrust stated it had "been reviewing the organisation's priorities and how prizes and awards fit in with its strategic objectives", while Nestlé was "increasingly moving its community support towards the company strategy of nutrition, health and wellness."[4] Additionally, they said that it was a "natural time to conclude"[2] and that they were "confident that increased importance has been placed on children's books."[4]

Winners edit

There were 65 winning books in 23 years[1] and 72 silver or bronze runners-up in the last twelve years.

1980s edit

Prize winners, 1985-1989[5]
YearCategoryAuthorTitlePublisherRef.
1985OverallJill Paton WalshGaffer Samson's LuckKestrel[5]
1986OverallJenny NimmoThe Snow SpiderMethuen
1987OverallJames BerryA Thief in the VillageHamish Hamilton
9–11 yearsJames BerryA Thief in the VillageHamish Hamilton
6–8 yearsBenedict BlathwaytTangle and the FiresticksJulia MacRae
0–5 yearsPeter CollingtonThe Angel and the Soldier BoyMethuen
1988OverallMartin Waddell, illus. by Barbara FirthCan't You Sleep Little Bear?Walker Books
6–8 yearsSusan HillCan it be True?Hamish Hamilton
0–5 yearsMartin Waddell, illus. by Barbara FirthCan't You Sleep Little Bear?Walker Books
1989OverallMichael Rosen, illus. by Helen OxenburyWe're Going on a Bear HuntWalker Books
9–11 yearsRobert WestallBlitzcatMacmillan[6]
6–8 yearsAnne Fine, illus. by Philippe DupasquierBill's New FrockMethuen
0–5 yearsMichael Rosen, illus. by Helen OxenburyWe're Going on a Bear HuntWalker Books

1990s edit

Beginning in 1996, the awards included silver and bronze winners rather than a single overall winner.

Prize winners, 1985-1989[5]
YearCategoryAuthorTitlePublisherResultRef.
1990OverallPauline FiskMidnight BlueLionWinner[7]
0–5 yearsInga MooreSix-Dinner SidSimon & SchusterWinner
6–8 yearsRoald Dahl, illus. by Quentin BlakeEsio TrotJonathan CapeWinner
9–11 yearsPauline FiskMidnight BlueLionWinner
1991OverallMartin Waddell and Helen OxenburyFarmer DuckWalker BooksWinner
0–5 yearsMartin Waddell and Helen OxenburyFarmer DuckWalker BooksWinner
6–8 yearsMagdalen NabbJosie Smith and EileenCollinsWinner[8]
9–11 yearsPhilip RidleyKrindlekraxJonathan CapeWinner
1992OverallGillian CrossThe Great Elephant ChaseOxford University PressWinner
0–5 yearsHilda OffenNice Work, Little WolfHamish HamiltonWinner
6–8 yearsJane RayThe Story of the CreationOrchard BooksWinner
9–11 yearsGillian CrossThe Great Elephant ChaseOxford University PressWinner
1993OverallMichael ForemanWar GamePavilionWinner
0–5 yearsRita Phillips MitchellHue BoyGollanczWinner
6–8 yearsMichael ForemanWar GamePavilionWinner
9–11 yearsMaeve HenryListen to the DarkHeinemannWinner
1994OverallHilary McKayThe Exiles at HomeGollanczWinner
0–5 yearsTrish Cooke, illus. by Helen OxenburySo MuchWalker BooksWinner
6–8 yearsHenrietta Branford, illus. by Lesley HarkerDimanche DillerYoung LionsWinner
9–11 yearsHilary McKayThe Exiles at HomeGollanczWinner
1995OverallJacqueline WilsonDouble ActDoubledayWinner
0–5 yearsJill MurphyThe Last Noo-NooWalker BooksWinner
6–8 yearsJill Paton WalshThomas and the TinnersMacdonald Young BooksWinner
9–11 yearsLesley HowarthWeather EyePenguinWinner
Jacqueline WilsonDouble ActDoubledayWinner
19960–5 yearsColin McNaughtonOops!Andersen PressGold
Mick Manning and Brita GranströmThe World is Full of BabiesWatts BooksSilver
Quentin BlakeClownJonathan CapeBronze
6–8 yearsMichael Morpurgo, illus. by Christian BirminghamThe Butterfly LionCollins Children's BooksGold[9]
Lynne Reid Banks, illus. by Tony RossHarry the Poisonous CentipedeCollins Children's BooksSilver
Dick King-Smith, illus. by John EastwoodAll Because of JacksonDoubledayBronze
9–11 yearsPhilip Pullman, illus. by Nick HarrisThe Firework-Maker's DaughterCorgi YearlingGold
Terry PratchettJohnny and the BombDoubledaySilver
Geraldine McCaughreanPlundering ParadiseOxford University PressBronze
19970–5 yearsCharlotte VoakeGingerWalker BooksGold
Simon JamesLeon and BobWalker BooksSilver
Valerie Bloom, illus. by David AxtellFruitsMacmillanBronze
6–8 yearsJenny Nimmo, illus. by Anthony LewisThe Owl TreeWalker BooksGold
Michael ForemanThe Little ReindeerAndersen PressSilver
John Agard, illus. by Satoshi KitamuraWe Animals Would Like a Word With YouBodley HeadBronze
9–11 yearsJ. K. RowlingHarry Potter and the Philosopher's StoneBloomsbury PublishingGold[10][11]
Philip PullmanClockwork or All Wound UpCorgi YearlingSilver
Henrietta BranfordFire, Bed, and BoneWalker BooksBronze
19980–5 yearsSue HeapCowboy BabyWalker BooksGold
Jane SimmonsCome On DaisyOrchard BooksSilver
Margaret NashSecret in the MistDavid & CharlesBronze
6–8 yearsHarry HorseLast of the Gold DiggersPuffin BooksGold
Keith GrayThe RunnerMammoth BooksSilver
Quentin BlakeThe Green ShipJonathan CapeBronze
9–11 yearsJ. K. RowlingHarry Potter and the Chamber of SecretsBloomsbury PublishingGold[10][11]
Andrew NorrissAquilaPuffin BooksSilver
Dick King-SmithThe CrowstarverDoubledayBronze
19990–5 yearsJulia Donaldson, illus. by Axel SchefflerThe GruffaloMacmillanGold[11][12]
Bob GrahamBuffy - An Adventure StoryWalker BooksSilver[11]
Lydia MonksI Wish I Were a DogMethuenBronze[11]
6–8 yearsLaurence Anholt, illus. by Arthur RobinsSnow White and the Seven AliensOrchard BooksGold[11]
Emily Smith, illus. by Tim ArchboldAstrid, the Au Pair from Outer SpaceCorgiSilver[11]
Lauren ChildClarice Bean That's MeOrchard BooksBronze[11][13][14]
9–11 yearsJ. K. RowlingHarry Potter and the Prisoner of AzkabanBloomsbury PublishingGold[11]
David AlmondKit's WildernessHodder Children's BooksSilver[11]
Louise RennisonAngus, Thongs and Full-Frontal SnoggingPiccadilly PressBronze[11]

2000s edit

Prize winners, 2000-2007
YearCategoryAuthorTitlePublisherResultRef.
20000–5 yearsBob GrahamMaxWalker BooksGold[5]
Satoshi KitamuraMe and My Cat?AndersenSilver
John BurninghamHusherbyeJonathan CapeBronze
6–8 yearsJacqueline Wilson, illus. Nick SharrattLizzie ZipmouthYoung CorgiGold[5]
Tony Mitton, illus. Peter BaileyThe Red and White Spotted HandkerchiefScholasticSilver[15]
Lauren ChildBeware of the Storybook WolvesHodderBronze
9–11 yearsWilliam NicholsonThe Wind SingerMammothGold[5]
Beverley NaidooThe Other Side of TruthPuffinSilver
Kevin Crossley-HollandThe Seeing StoneOrionBronze
Kids' Club Network Special AwardJacqueline Wilson, illus. Nick SharrattLizzie ZipmouthYoung CorgiGold
20010–5 yearsCatherine Anholt and Laurence AnholtChimp and ZeeFrances LincolnGold[5][16]
Mick InkpenKipper's A to ZHodderSilver[16]
Sarah DyerFive Little FriendsBloomsbury PublishingBronze[16]
6–8 yearsEmily Smith, illus. Wendy SmithThe ShrimpYoung CorgiGold[5][16]
Raymond BriggsUgJonathan CapeSilver[16]
Lauren ChildWhat Planet Are You From Clarice Bean?Orchard BooksBronze[16]
9–11 yearsEva IbbotsonJourney to the River SeaMacMillanGold[5][16]
Chris WoodingThe Haunting of Alaizabel CrayScholasticSilver[16]
Geraldine McCaughreanThe Kite RiderOxford University PressBronze[16]
Kids' Club Network Special AwardLauren ChildWhat Planet Are You From Clarice Bean?Orchard BooksGold
20020–5 yearsLucy CousinsJazzy in the JungleWalker BooksGold[5]
Charlotte VoakePizza KittensWalker BooksSilver
Neal LaytonOscar and ArabellaHodderBronze
6–8 yearsLauren ChildThat Pesky RatOrchard BooksGold[5]
Richard Platt, illus. Chris RiddellPirate DiaryWalker BooksSilver
Michael Morpurgo, illus. Michael ForemanThe Last WolfDoubledayBronze
9–11 yearsPhilip ReeveMortal EnginesScholasticGold[5][17]
Sally PrueCold TomOxford University PressSilver
Geraldine McCaughreanStop the Train!Oxford University PressBronze
Kids' Club Network Special AwardLauren ChildThat Pesky RatOrchard BooksGold
20030–5 yearsUrsula Jones, illus. Russell AytoThe Witch's Children and the QueenGold[5][18]
Jeanne Willis, illus. Tony RossTadpole's PromiseSilver[18]
Chris WormellTwo FrogsBronze[18]
6–8 yearsS. F. Said, illus. Dave McKeanVarjak PawGold[5][18]
Harry HorseThe Last CastawaysSilver[18]
Sally GardnerThe Countess's CalamityBronze[18]
9–11 yearsDavid AlmondThe Fire-EatersGold[5][18]
Eleanor UpdaleMontmorency SeriesSilver[18]
Steve AugardeThe VariousBronze[18]
Kids' Club AwardSally GardnerThe Countess's CalamityGold
20040–5 yearsMini GreyBiscuit BearJonathan CapeGold[5][19]
Liz PichonMy Big Brother BorisScholasticSilver[19][20]
Neal LaytonBartholomew and the BugHodderBronze[19]
6–8 yearsPaul Stewart, illus. by Chris RiddellFergus CraneDoubledayGold[5][19]
Malorie BlackmanCloud BustingDoubledaySilver[19]
Geraldine McCaughreanSmile!Oxford University PressBronze[19]
9–11 yearsSally GrindleySpilled WaterBloomsbury PublishingGold[5][19]
Eva IbbotsonThe Star of KazanMacMillanSilver[19]
Mal PeetKeeperWalker BooksBronze[19]
4Children Special Award[a]Paul Stewart, illus. by Chris RiddellFergus CraneDoubledayGold[19]
20050–5 yearsOliver JeffersLost and FoundHarperCollinsGold[5][21][22]
Malachy Doyle, illus. Steve Johnson and Lou FancherThe Dancing TigerSimon & SchusterSilver[21]
Emily GravettWolvesMacMillanBronze[21]
6–8 yearsNick ButterworthThe WhispererHarperCollinsGold[5][21]
Michael Rosen, illus. Quentin BlakeSad BookWalker BooksSilver[21]
Paul Stewart and Chris RiddellCorby FloodDoubledayBronze[21]
9–11 yearsSally GardnerI, CorianderOrionGold[5][21]
Philip PullmanThe Scarecrow and his ServantDoubledaySilver[21]
Livi MichaelThe Whispering RoadPuffinBronze[21]
20060–5 yearsCressida Cowell and Neal LaytonThat Rabbit Belongs to Emily BrownOrchard BooksGold[5][23]
Chris RiddellThe Emperor of AbsurdiaMacMillanSilver[23]
Mick InkpenWibbly Pig's Silly Big BearHodderBronze[23]
6–8 yearsDaren KingMouse Noses on ToastFaber and FaberGold[5][23]
Paul Stewart and Chris RiddellHugo PepperDoubledaySilver[23]
Mini GreyThe Adventures of the Dish and the SpoonJonathan CapeBronze[23]
9–11 yearsJulia GoldingThe Diamond of Drury LaneEgmont PressGold[5][23][24]
Helen DunmoreThe Tide KnotHarperCollinsSilver[23]
Paul ShiptonThe Pig Who Saved the WorldPuffinBronze[23]
20070–5 yearsSean Taylor and Nick SharrattWhen a Monster is BornOrchard BooksGold[5]
Polly DunbarPenguinWalker BooksSilver
Joel StewartDexter Bexley and the Big Blue BeastieDoubledayBronze
6–8 yearsChris RiddellOttoline and the Yellow CatMacmillan Children's BooksGold[5]
Anne FineIvan the TerribleEgmont PressSilver
Emily GravettLittle Mouse's Big Book of FearsMacmillan Children's BooksBronze
9–11 yearsMatt HaigShadow ForestBodley HeadGold[5]
Linda NewberyCatcallOrionSilver
Philip ReeveHere Lies ArthurScholasticBronze

See also edit

Notes edit

  1. ^ The Children Special Award winners were selected by after school clubs.

References edit

  1. ^ a b c "Nestlé Children's Book Prize 2007". BookTrust. Archived from the original on 26 March 2017. Retrieved 2 December 2018. Display of the ultimate 2007 winners with contemporary links; general information; complete list of winners (gold and overall).
  2. ^ a b c d Pauli, Michelle (23 January 2008). "Nestlé book prize put to bed for last time". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 27 January 2008. Retrieved 24 January 2008.
  3. ^ "Fantasy novel wins children's votes". BBC News. 5 December 2002. Archived from the original on 25 April 2003. Retrieved 24 January 2008.
  4. ^ a b "Nestlé and Booktrust have agreed to end the Nestlé Children's Book Prize after 23 years of partnership". BookTrust. Archived from the original on 28 February 2008. Retrieved 24 January 2008.
    . Retrieved 2012-12-17.
    Version archived 2008-02-01. BookTrust Children's Books . Retrieved 2014-07-03.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa "Nestlé Children's Book Prize 2007". Book Trust. Archived from the original on 26 March 2017. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  6. ^ Agnew, Kate; Fox, Geoff (2004). Children at war from the First World War to the Gulf. New York: Continuum. pp. 105–106. ISBN 0-8264-7759-3.
  7. ^ Eccleshare, Julia (26 February 2015). "Pauline Fisk obituary". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 9 February 2018. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
  8. ^ Stones, Rosemary (27 August 2007). "Magdalen Nabb". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
  9. ^ "Michael Morpurgo". The Guardian. 22 July 2008. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 5 December 2021. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
  10. ^ a b Eccleshare, Julia (11 January 1999). "Letter from London". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Eccleshare, Julia (3 January 2000). "PW: Letter From London". Publishers Weekly. Archived from the original on 9 September 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
  12. ^ Sharp, Rob (26 November 2006). "Gruffalo, the monster we all love". The Observer. ISSN 0029-7712. Archived from the original on 13 March 2016. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
  13. ^ Armitstead, Claire (9 June 2017). "Children's laureate Lauren Child on her new role, motherhood and creativity". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 4 July 2022. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
  14. ^ Eccleshare, Julia (8 June 2017). "Lauren Child Named U.K. Children's Laureate". Publishers Weekly. Archived from the original on 28 November 2022. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
  15. ^ Roberts, Neil (2 October 2022). "Tony Mitton obituary". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 6 December 2022. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
  16. ^ a b c d e f g h i Eccleshare, Julia (7 January 2002). "In the Winners' Circle". Publishers Weekly. Archived from the original on 27 February 2021. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
  17. ^ "Fantasy novel wins children's votes". BBC News. 5 December 2002. Archived from the original on 7 March 2016. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  18. ^ a b c d e f g h i Pauli, Michelle (3 December 2003). "Debut wins Smarties gold medal". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 8 June 2021. Retrieved 7 June 2021.
  19. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Pauli, Michelle (8 December 2004). "Magic triumphs at Smarties prize". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 11 February 2021. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  20. ^ Pichon, Liz (9 November 2011). "Liz Pichon's top 10 funny books with pictures". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 3 August 2021. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
  21. ^ a b c d e f g h i Pauli, Michelle (14 December 2005). "Dyslexic writer savours Nestle victory". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 15 May 2019. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  22. ^ Ferguson, Donna (9 October 2022). "Oliver Jeffers grew up in Belfast hating violence. Now he wants children to see how futile it is". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 13 April 2023. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
  23. ^ a b c d e f g h i Tanner, Nick (13 December 2006). "Former diplomat's sparkling debut wins Nestle prize". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  24. ^ Pauli, Michelle (10 February 2010). "Great Hamster Massacre wins Waterstone's children's books prize". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 27 September 2016. Retrieved 4 June 2023.