The Girl of Ink & Stars has been shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize!
The other shortlisted titles in the Younger Fiction category are Beetle Boy by fellow Chicken House author (and friend) MG Leonard, Cogheart by Peter Bunzl, Time Travelling with a Hamster by Ross Welford, Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk, and Captain Pug by Laura James. I’ve read and adored all but the last, which I intend to read ASAP – it’s an honour to be considered alongside them!
I love what the Waterstones announcement said about books offering optimism:
The worlds of fantasy too offer their conflicts, as Kiran Millwood-Hargrave – also seeing print for the first time – offers us the rich allegories of a young girl fighting for truth against oppression in The Girl of Ink and Stars. So many books in our chosen eighteen mirror much of what we see beyond our doors. For our Children’s Buyer Florentyna Martin, “whilst reading has always encouraged an element of escapism, this year’s shortlists provide a guiding light of optimism in the face of uncertain times… we’re delighted to celebrate these inspiring books.”
Full announcement here.
Waterstones have been incredibly supportive, as they are renowned for being towards debut authors. It’s lovely to have this public affirmation of their belief in the book. Between this and the Jhalak Prize shortlist yesterday, I may just burst. This is surely the best part of being considered by a prize: when you have been recognised by the judges, and all the possibility is ahead.