Waterstones award highlights children's books

Of the seven books shortlisted for the Waterstones Book of the Year Award 2017, three are for children including Philip Pullman's La Belle Sauvage: The Book of Dust Volume One (David Fickling Books) and Costa-winning author Frances Hardinge for A Skinful of Shadows (Macmillan).

Waterstones has also included the surprise global hit, Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo (Particular Books), and The Lost Words by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris (Penguin Books). Other titles shortlisted are a biography of writer Mr Leah by Jenny Uglow (Faber and Faber); an exploration of capitalism in Talking to My Daughter About the Economy by Yanis Varoufakis (Vintage); and a story about a US president, Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders (Bloomsbury). The judges' comments can be seen below, and more information about each book can be found via the Waterstones link, below. La Belle Sauvage: The Book of Dust Volume One Philip Pullman 'Despite unprecedented anticipation, Philip Pullman's 'equal' to his masterwork trilogy His Dark Materials is more than up to the measure of its predecessor. Confidently picking up on events a decade prior to Northern Lights, La Belle Sauvage once again raises the bar for childrens fiction, unafraid to duck the disturbing or pose the unasked. For both existing fans - and those venturing into Lyra and Malcolms universe for the first time - there is an incredible adventure waiting.' Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo 'A global phenomenon, Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallos project to seek out and celebrate exceptional female role models struck an instant, powerful chord. Few books have had such immediate success in opening up a dialogue between boys and girls of all ages, combining striking portrait illustration with life stories of genuine inspiration and achievement.' A Skinful of Shadows by Frances Hardinge 'Frances Hardinge is the only other childrens author - aside from Philip Pullman to clinch a Costa Book of the Year. Stepping aside from the Victorian mores of her Prize-winning The Lie Tree, here Hardinge considers intrigue set against the English civil war, featuring the wilful and resourceful Makepeace a girl who bears a strange, supernatural gift. A book from a storyteller at the height of her powers, and a gloriously inventive tale that feels destined to be a classic.' The Lost Words by Robert Macfarlane, Jackie Morris 'The Lost Words is a vital compendium of language slipping from the grasp of young people bluebell, lark, newt, kingfisher presented as a series of acrostic spells that engage both mind and eye. The work of artist Jackie Morris and acclaimed writer Robert Macfarlane (the author of The Old Ways and Landmarks), this is a glorious celebration of the natural world to be both loved and heeded.' Mr Leah by Jenny Uglow 'A volume as beautifully produced as it is written, Jenny Uglows sensitive exploration of English literatures most enigmatic figure is an engrossing delight. Knowingly framed against Edward Lears limericks, Uglow expertly peels back the layers of his sometimes contradictory talent and character. Mr Lear is an outstandingly elegant and perceptive account of a complex, wounded man, and for us the biography of the year.' Talking to My Daughter About the Economy by Yanis Varoufakis 'Capitalism explained as never before: distilled as a conversation between the charismatic economist Yanis Varoufakis and his daughter Xenia, deceptively simple questions reveal an ocean of hidden global dynamics, underlining why economics is the only game in town. A true rockstar in his field, Varoufakis uses personal stories and famous myths to explain what economics is and why it has the power to change our world. Enormous, illuminating fun.' Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders 'A grieving president hurtles headlong into the afterlife, to save the soul of his dead child. In Lincoln in the Bardo, George Saunders seizes this singular concept and delivers a pyrotechnic, Man Booker Prize-winning performance that manages to be both beguiling and humane. The story of Lincolns grief, at the time when the nation he led was in such peril, achieves in Saunders hands an almost mythic status.' You can find out more about each book via the Waterstones website:

External Link

www.waterstones.com/category/cultural-highlights/book-awards/the-waterstones-book-of-the-year