News

Booktrust and Blue Peter have announced the shortlist for the Blue Peter Book Awards 2012.

These enormously popular and influential awards have been recognising and celebrating the best children’s authors, the most fascinating fact books and the greatest reads for children since 2000.

More than 200 Blue Peter viewers will determine the winner, who will be announced on 1 March.

The children will be selected from 10 schools across the country and for the first time, the winner will be presented with the trophy during a special edition of the BBC One programme.

A judging panel selected books for the shortlist, which they think appeal the most to children aged between six and 12.

The winning books will be revealed in early March, to coincide with World Book Day.

The full shortlists for the awards are:

Best Book with Facts:

Do Igloos Have Loos? by Mitchell Symons
How the World Works by Christiane Dorion, illustrated by Beverley Young, pop-ups designed by Andy Mansfield
What You Need To Know Now: The World in Facts, Stats, and Graphics by Joe Fullman, Ian Graham, Sally Regan and Isabel Thomas, illustrated by Sheila Collins, Mik Gates, Jim Green, Katie Knutton, Phillip Letsu and Hoa Luc

Most Fun Story with Pictures:
Alienography by Chris Riddell
Mr Gum and the Cherry Tree by Andy Stanton, illustrated by David Tazzyman
Lunatics and Luck (The Raven Mysteries) by Marcus Sedgwick, illustrated by Pete Williamson

Favourite Stories:
Dead Man's Cove (A Laura Marlin Mystery) by Lauren St John
A Web of Air (Mortal Engines) by Philip Reeve
Tall Story by Candy Gourlay

Blue Peter editor Tim Levell said: "We know that our young viewers love reading, and we are excited to introduce them to four amazing new books."

Last year, Lauren St John's Dead Man's Cove was named the winner of the annual prize.