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BookTrust announces judges line up for Blue Peter Book Awards 2019
Darren Chetty, Louise Pentland and Alex T. Smith have been revealed as the judges for the 2019 Blue Peter Book Awards. Between them they bring a wealth of expertise and experience about children’s books and what makes a good read.
Darren Chetty is a teacher and writer, who contributed to the bestselling book The Good Immigrant, edited by Nikesh Shukla. Louise Pentland is a bestselling author and creator of YouTube videos about lifestyle, motherhood and beauty. Her vlog A Sprinkle of Glitter reaches over 2.5million YouTube subscribers and last but not least, Alex. T Smith, author and illustrator of several children’s books including, Primrose, Egg, Ella and the Claude book series.
Managed by BookTrust, the UK’s largest children’s reading charity, the immensely popular Blue Peter Book Awards honour amazing authors, imaginative illustrators and the best books for children. The 2019 Awards champion children’s books published in the last 12 months in two categories: Best Story and Best Book with Facts. There will be three shortlisted books for each award chosen the judging panel and announced on Blue Peter on 8th November.
The winning titles, voted for by over 200 children from 12 schools across the UK, will be revealed live on Blue Peter on World Book Day on Thursday 7th March 2019, with the winning authors and illustrators appearing on a special awards episode of the show.
Entries are now open for schools to apply to be part of the expert reading panel. Schools need a minimum of 20 pupils in year 5 and/or 6 (or P6 and P7 in Scotland and Northern Ireland) to vote for their favourite book in each category.
Teacher and Writer, Darren Chetty said: “I’m delighted to be a judge for the iconic Blue Peter. Prizes like this are important because they help to open up the wide world of literature and books to children and young people.”
Louise Pentland – a lifestyle vlogger who found fame on YouTube with her vlog A Sprinkle of Glitter said: “I am so thrilled to be on the judging panel for the Blue Peter Book Awards! I have watched Blue Peter since I was a little girl copying the DIY and crafts and feel, especially now I’m an author myself, that helping to find their book of the year is a huge honour! So glad to be part of the team and so glad to be reading all these fabulous books- it’s going to be a very tough call!!!”
Alex T. Smith – author illustrator of the Claude books, now an animated series on Disney Junior said: ‘I’ve been a lifelong fan of Blue Peter, and I’ve always admired how they’ve put creativity and reading at the heart of their programming. I’m really thrilled to be one of the judges for this year’s Blue Peter Book Award and to be part of something that not only celebrates the quality of writing and illustration available for children, but how truly vital it is.’
Discussing the new judging panel, Blue Peter editor, Ewan Vinnicombe said: “. In Blue Peter’s 60th year the Book Awards will play a key role in our celebrations. I’m so pleased to have such a stellar line up of judges for this year. It’s going to be an exciting judging day with Louise, Alex and Darren who are all experts in their field. I can’t wait to find out what they decide to shortlist.”
The Blue Peter Book Awards have been celebrating children’s literature since 2000. BookTrust, the largest children’s reading charity in Britain, has managed the Blue Peter Book Awards since 2008. The 2018 winners were Cressida Cowell for The Wizards of Once and Susan Martineau and Vicky Barker for Real-Life Mysteries.
Keep up-to-date with the Awards at www.booktrust.org.uk/bluepeter and on Twitter by following @Booktrust and #BPBA