The hunt is on for budding young authors

With less than three weeks to go until voting closes for the inaugural Channel Island Children’s Book Award, the organisers have launched a creative writing competition.

The award, which has been organised by the Schools’ Library Service in Jersey and Guernsey Library, asked children in Years 5, 6 and 7 to nominate and vote for their favourite book published in the last year. Children are now being encouraged to think of a title and write a 150-word synopsis for a sequel to one of the Channel Island Children’s Book Award shortlisted books.

Of the nominated books, four were shortlisted for the public vote; Ella on the Outside by Cath Howe, Kid Normal by Greg James and Chris Smith, Sky Song by Abi Elphinstone and The Explorer by Katherine Rundell. The winner will be announced at the award ceremony at the Jersey Library on 21 June.　

"We have been delighted by how engaged the children have been in both Bailiwicks and we have already received many votes. Some have read the books at home while others have done it at school, either on their own, in groups or as a whole class. From the feedback we’ve had, it’s impossible to know who the first winner will be," said Cathy Bithell, Principal Librarian - Young People’s Services in Jersey.

"We wanted the Channel Island Children’s Book Award to not only encourage young people to read more and try different authors and genres but also to inspire them to write creatively and challenge their inner author. The generosity of our sponsor, Ravenscroft, means that we can run a creative writing competition with great prizes for the winners from both Bailiwicks."

"This is a fantastic opportunity for budding authors to let their imaginations run wild. We will be looking for new ideas which have a strong link to the original story and that introduce new characters or settings. We want the synopsis to entice us as readers without giving away the whole plot. We can’t wait to read the entries," said Elizabeth Hutchinson, Head of Schools’ Library Service in Guernsey.

The Jersey winner will receive a set of shortlisted books, tickets to the awards ceremony and a book voucher. The Guernsey winner will receive a trip for two to Jersey including flights and hotel to the awards ceremony.　

Juliet Bousfield, marketing and PR manager for Ravenscroft, said the company was delighted to lend its support to an initiative which encouraged youngsters to read more and think creatively.

"Much of Ravenscroft’s community support across the Channel Islands is aimed at grass roots sporting initiatives as we want to do what we can to develop the potential of our young people. The Channel Island Children’s Book Award allows us to nurture the creative talent and so it’s fantastic to see how successful the award has already been and will hopefully continue to be in the future," she said.