Suffolk Children's Book Award

Welcome to the page for the Suffolk Children's Book Award. Why not take part in the award and help us to find the best children's book of the last 10 years?

How the Award works

This is a new award for the county's favourite books of the last ten years aimed at and voted for by children in Years 5 and 6.

  • A longlist of 20 titles has been chosen by SLS with help from schools.
  • All Year 5 and 6 Children in participating schools will vote for their favourite book, with the shortlist of 5 being announced in February 2009.
  • Children will the vote once morefor thier overall favourite.
  • Suffolk Children's Book Award will then be presented at a County Conference in July 2009, which a selection of pupils can attend and have their work displayed.

Titles on the longlist

  • Anholt, Laurence - GhostyShocks and the Three Scares
  • Boyce, Frank Cottrell - Millions 
  • Burgess, Melvin - The Ghost Behind the Wall
  • Colfer, Eoin - Artemis Fowl
  • Dowd, Siobhan - The London Eye Mystery
  • Doyle, Roddy - The Giggler Treatment
  • Gantos, Jack - Joey Pigza swallowed the Key
  • Gleitzman, Morris - Once
  • Horowitz,Anthony - Stormbreaker
  • Landy, Derek - Skulduggery Pleasant
  • Morpurgo, Michael - Born to Run
  • Paver, Michelle - Wolf Brother
  • Pullman, Philip - I Was a Rat!
  • Rowling, JK - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
  • Said, SF - Varjak Paw
  • Shearer, Alex - Tins
  • Simon, Francesca - Horrid Henry and the Bogey Babysitter
  • Snicket, Lemony - The Bad Beginning
  • Somper, Justin Vampirates - Demons of the Ocean
  • Reviews of the Books

    1. Ghostyshock and the three scares book cover

    GhostyShocks and the Three Scares
    by Laurence Anholt
    Published by Orchard Books
    www.anholt.co.uk/pagesC/ssstories.htm

    This book is a favourite of June Bradbrook, Library Assistant at SLS Ipswich,

    "An up to date enhancement on a traditional scary story, which will be both frightening and enjoyable at the same time!"

    Paige, Kieron and Charlie from Lothingland Middle School reviewed this book,

    Paige's favourite characters were the three bears.

    Kieron says "it was exciting and good"

    Charlie's three words to describe the book are: "brilliant, funny and exciting!"

    Arabella, Katy, Matt and Eva from St Edmund's Bungay all reviewed this book.

    Arabella's favourite charavter was Baby Bear (he was soooo cute!)

    Matt liked the way they changed the name to "Ghostyshocks and the Three Scares"

    Katy thinks it would appeal to boys, girls and all ages.

    When asked what she didn't like about the book, Eva replied "nothing"

    Nicola from Halifax Primary reviewed this book

    Nicola says: "I would recommend this book to you if you like silly or funny books and fun"


    2. millions book cover

    2. Millions
    by Frank Cottrell Boyce
    Published by Macmillan
    www.totallysaints.com

    This book is a favourite of Jean Martin, Advisory Librarian at SLS Ipswich,

    "How exciting would it be if a large amount of money suddenly came your way? That is the problem that confronts brothers Damian and Anthony in the book 'Millions' by Frank Cottrell Boyce. This is a beautifully written story, which is funny"

    Callum from Lothingland Middle School reviewed this book, his favourite part is the bit when Damian gets the money.

    Jamie form St Edmund's, Bungay reviewed this book. His favourite character was Anthony.

    Sally from Halifax Primary reviewed this book.  Her favourite part is when Damian and Anthony find the money in a sack near their hermitage.


    3. Ghost behind the Wal book coverl

    The Ghost Behind the Wall
    by Melvin Burgess
    Published by Puffin
     



    This book is a favourite of Paul Cunningham, Advisory Librarian at SLS Bury,

    "This is one of the scariest books I have read, and David, the main character, is a great anti-hero."

    Daniella, James, Daisy-May and Kieron from Lothingland Middle School reviewed this book

    Daniella summarises the book saying "It's spooky but enjoyable and great. It took a  bit longer than I thought to read it, but it was worth it as it was a fantastic book. You never knew what to expect and the ghost was really naughty...."

    James thought it was scary and creepy - he likes that sort of book.

    Daisy May's summary reads: "It was great. I really enjoyed it. It was exciting and made me cry at the end. It is great for older readers. I think that Melvin burgess is a fantastic author. Overall it was the best book I have ever read. It was so good I can't describe it"

    Keiron says that he liked the fact the book was exciting. However, he did not like the way they went to the same place loads of times.

    4. Artemis Fowl book cover

    Artemis Fowl
    by Eoin Colfer
    Published by Puffin
    www.artemisfowl.com



    This book is a favourite of Tina Self, Librarian at Fressingfield Primary School,

    "Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer has it all - a great plot, brilliant characters (Mulch is my absolute favourite!), and a cracking pace - unputdownable". Artemis still retains a childlike belief in magic, whilst always having the guile to stay 2 steps ahead of the adults. I think it's a great fantasy story - loved by adults and children alike."

    Samuel, Harry, Freddie and Jacob from Lothingland Middle School reviewed this book,

    Samuel's favourite character is Butler because he had lots of weapons

    Harry said he quite liked the book, although it was "a bit wishy washy at some parts"

    Freddie liked the beginning because "it was exciting and amusing", but thought that "halfway through the book it got boring."

    Jacob says: "I like the sense that the main character is bad and a crook."




    5. London Eye mystery book cover

    The London Eye Mystery
    by Siobhan Dowd
    Published by David Fickling Books
    www.siobhandowd.co.uk/londoneye

    This book is a favourite of Catherine Miller, Resource Centre Manager at SLS Ipswich.

    Harry, Daisy-May, Chelsey and Rosie from Lothingland Middle School reviewed this book,

    Harry says: "It was such a good book to read and it built up the tension so many times. The only bad thing is it took quite a lot of time to get to the point where the person goes missing, but still it was such a good book to read when I go to bed."

    Daisy-May says: "I really enjoyed reading it as I like long books and ones which are mysterious."

    Rosie gave the book a five star rating - her favourite character was Kat.

    Chelsey observed that "the author obviously made the characters different from each other to make the book more interesting."

    Lauren from Halifax primary reviewed this book. She says "I would recommend this book to everyone as it has a wonderful way of setting the scene and explaining the characters. I wouldn't change anything because I think it is an extremely interesting book."



    6. Giggler treatment book cover

    The Giggler Treatment  
    by Roddy Doyle
    Published by Hippo



    This book is a favourite of Louise Shepherd, Resource Centre Manager at SLS Bury.

    "A very funny explanation as to why some adults just can not avoid stepping into "...the best poo that money could buy"! Read on to find out how The Gigglers make sure that adults are fair to children, and watch your step!"

    Charlie and Kirstey from Lothingland Middle School reviewed this book,

    Charlie's favourite character is Mister Mack

    Kirstey's three words to describe the book are: "rude, funny and weird".


    7. joey pigza swallowed the key book cover

    Joey Pigza swallowed the Key
    by Jack Gantos
    Published by Corgi Yearling
    http://faculty.salisbury.edu/~elbond/joey.htm

    This book is a favourite of Rebecca Salt, Library Assistant at SLS Lowestoft,

    "Joey says he has a ‘head full of bees’. His teachers say he’s ‘wired’. His classmates think he’s crazy. Actually he has ADHD. Jack Gantos tells Joey’s story with a warmth and humour that have you rooting for him from the word go. A great book about a great kid, full of hope without ever shying away from the realities of Joey’s situation, or suggesting that there are any easy answers: sad, true and very, very funny."

    Ben and Kirstey from Lothingland Middle School reviewed this book, his favourite part of the book was when Maria had the tip of her nose cut off.

    Kirstey's three words to describe the book were: "interesting, funny serious"

    8. once book cover

    Once
    by Morris Gleitzman
    Published by Puffin
    www.morrisgleitzman.com/once

    This book is a favourite of Maggie Ross, Resource Centre Manager at SLS Lowestoft.

    "Experience a roller-coaster of emotions as Morris Gleitzman winds fiction around the gruesome facts of the Holocaust. Narrator Felix's escape from an orphanage and dawning realisation of the horrors surrounding him is well paced and engaging. As a reader, you are at once appalled by the events, comforted by the repetetive chapter structure and, alarmingly, amused by Felix's naivety as he grapples with sudden unwanted comprehension, maturity and responsibility.
    An epilogue to explain Gleitzman's drive behind the book "this story is my imagination trying to grasp the unimaginable" secures its place as a top read- a story that will haunt you."

    Alisha, Chelsey and Daisy May from Lothingland Middle School reviewed this book, her favourite character was Zelda. Alisha felt that the book didn't finish properly and doesn't tell you what happened next.

    We suggest Alisha tries "Then..." which is the sequel.

    Chelsey's favourite character was "Felix, because he was very adventurous"

    Daisy May says: "I enjoyed it as it was excellent and exciting. It was very sad but I still think it was a tremendous book"

    9. stormbreaker book cover

    Stormbreaker
    by Anthony Horowitz
    Published by Walker Books
    www.anthonyhorowitz.com/



    This book is a favourite of Andy Parrish, Mobile Library Manager at SLS Bury,

    "This is a very popular book on my library van, especially with the boys. The storyline features a character Alex Rider, who is like a 14 year old young "James Bond". It is a fast paced thrilling Spy Story."

    "Just remember, Alex Rider, you're never too young to die."

    Samuel, Freddie and Patrick from Lothingland Middle School reviewed this book,

    Samuel says: "the gadgets are cool, but he doesn't use them a lot."

    Freddie's favourite scene was when they're in the jeeps

    Patrick's three words to describe the book are: "The Best Ever"


    10. Skulduggery Pleasant book cover

    Skulduggery Pleasant
    by Derek Landy
    Published by HarperCollins
    www.skulduggerypleasant.co.uk 



    This book is a favourite of Tina Clayton, Teacher at Bacton Middle School,

    "Skulduggery is a skeleton detective trying to solve the secret codes left by Gordon Edgley after he dies unexpectedly, and is assisted by Gordon's niece Stephanie. Along the way they meet a range of weird and wonderful characters whose names reflect their varied personalities.
    It is packed full of fantastic creatures and witty one-liners. Action and adventure aplenty with a fair bit of mystery and humour thrown in for good measure. Voted the book they would most recommend by my Year 5 English set. What more can I say other than to offer some advice in the words of Skulduggery himself: "Doors are for people with no imagination!"

    Harry, Jacob, Isabel, Daniella and Samuel from Lothingland Middle School reviewed this book.

    Harry says "Skulduggery made funny remarks from time to time and it was so fuuny. I couldn't stop laughing my head off!"

    Jacob said that what he liked about the book was "the violence and the magic and the fact that the main character was a skeleton"

    Isabel says: "I really liked it because there was magic and excitement and adventure. It was very busy, with a lot of characters and lots of things going on at the same time."

    Daniella says: "The book has so many good things about it it's hard to describe it. It is a fun, action-packed book"

    Samuel's summary read: "a great book that you too rarely read. Exciting and stuffed with non-stop crime."

    11. Born to Run book cover

    Born to Run
    by Michael Morpurgo
    Published by HarperCollins
    www.michaelmorpurgo.org/books/born_to_run.html

    This book is a favourite of Sheila Herd, Library Assistant at SLS Ipswich.

    Rosie, Harriet and Paige from Lothingland Middle School reviewed this book.

    Rosie's three words to describe the book were "upsetting, funny and some parts are scary."

    Harriet's review read: "I liked how the writing was laid out and how some of it was in direct speech and also in third person"

    When asked what she liked about the book, Paige replied: "I liked everything"

    Francesca from St Edmund's, Bungay reviewd this book. She liked the fact that it had only had some pictures and so she imagined more things.




    12. Wolf Brother book cover

    Wolf Brother
    by Michelle Paver
    Published by Orion
    www.michellepaver.com

    This book is a favourite of Sheila Hales, Teacher at Bungay Middle School.

    Freddie and Samuel from Lothingland Middle School reviewed this book,

    Freddie says: "I think it is one of the best books I have ever read and I wouldn't mind reading it again."

    Samuel says: "It was like a quest for survival and it was action packed. It was a risky adventure."


    13. I was a rat book cover

    I Was a Rat!
    by Philip Pullman
    Published by Corgi Yearling
    www.philip-pullman.com

    This book is a favourite of Jacky Offord, Advisory Librarian at SLS Lowestoft,

    "I Was A Rat. A compelling story based on the well known fairytale of Cinderella. Wonderfully quirky characters and a cleverly constructed plot. This can be read on many levels and is truly a book for us all, whatever our age!"

    Dale from Lothingland Middle School reviewed this book, his favourite character in the book was Roger, "because he was a bit weird to begin with, but became a good little boy."


    14.  Harry potter book cover

    Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
    by JK Rowling
    Published by Bloomsbury
    www.bloomsbury.com/harrypotter

    This book is a favourite of Ben Doran, Mobile Library Manager at SLS Ipswich.

    "Its Harry’s third year and things are so much darker than before. Sirius Black has escaped from prison and is after him. Can he evade Black and survive another year at Hogwarts? This is the darkest of Rowling's and I think still the best; it's fast paced, scary and full of all the bits that makes Potter books so addictive."


    15. Varjak paw book cover

    Varjak Paw
    by SF Said
    Published by David Fickling Books
    www.varjakpaw.com

    This book is a favourite of Liz Rastrick, Advisory Librarian at SLS Ipswich,

    "If you are a cool cat who respects other cool cats, but go your own way by trusting your instincts and watching others carefully, then Varjak Paw is the hero for you. Varjak, an aristocratic Mesopotamian Blue cat, learns how to follow the way of the paw, with the help of Jalal, a cat who only appears in dreams. He learns how to hunt carefully and fight for what is right. The question is, can he overcome the vicious Sally Bones, the terror of the city?
    Varjak Paw is a mysterious, stealthy book which will creep into your dreams and is one of the best cat stories - ever"

    Poppy from Lothingland Middle School reviewed this book, she says

    "I liked the book because it had cats in the story"


    16.
    Tins book cover

    Tins
    by Alex Shearer
    Published by Macmillan

    This book is a favourite of Maxine Barnes, Mobile Manager at SLS Lowestoft,

    "When you start this story, you could never imagine where it will lead! Fergal’s unusual hobby of collecting tins leads to a friendship with Charlotte who shares the same pastime and to an unforgettable adventure!  This book is a must read but, beware, it does contain body parts!"

    William from Lothingland Middle School reviewed this book, he says "I enjoyed this book because it had a good storyline and had plenty of good desciption. The action scenes were brilliant. All of the characters are well-described but the two main characters had the most description."


    17. Horrid Henry and the Bogey babysitter book cover

    Horrid Henry and The Bogey Babysitter
    by Francesca Simon
    Published by Dolphin
    www.horridhenry.co.uk

    This book is a favourite of Josie Harvey, Library Assistant at SLS Lowestoft,

    "It seems that Horrid Henry has met his match with the meanest, nastiest babysitter imaginable. He also does Halloween in his own tricky way. Not just a giggle, but belly laughs!"

    Kieron, Charlie, Ben, Alisha and Kurt from Lothingland Middle School reviewed this book,

    Kieron's favourite part of the bok was "when Henry nicked biscuits from Moody Margaret"

    Kurt's summary of the book is:"when parents are mean to children, they get paid back!"

    Charlie didn't like the book very much - he only gave it a 1-star rating.

    Ben said the book was "fun to read and also funny at times"

    Alisha said "This book did not have many pages so it was very short to read but I still liked it. I would read it again. I liked the speech in it because it was very good to read out loud."
     

    18. bad beginning book cover

    The Bad Beginning
    by Lemony Snicket
    Published by Egmont
    www.lemonysnicket.com

    This book is a favourite of Alison Baker, Librarian of Stoke High School,

    "Three orphans, an evil count and a "series of unfortunate events" provide the plot for this amazing story which I guarantee you will be unable to put down. Klaus, Violet and Sunny experience unbelievable hardships as the plot twists and turns during this unforgettable read. Don't worry if you finish quickly ..... there are another 12 in the series to keep you entertained. A favourite with students at Stoke High."

    Chelsey, Rosie, Daisy-May Patrick, Dale, Samuel and Alisha from Lothingland Middle School reviewed this book,

    Chelsey describes the book as: "a bit weird and a bit funny and a bit scary and a bit mysterious, adventurous and a bit tearful."

    Rosie's three words to describe the book are: "It Is Brilliant!"

    Daisy-May says: "I thought the book was interesting and better than the film. I enjoyed the book - it was very upsetting though."

    Patrick says "it is full of excitement and the names of the characters are funny."

    Dale's three words to desrcibe the book are: "thrills, spills and great"

    Samuel liked the book "because it was weird and different to all the other books"
     
    Alisha liked the fact that you wondered what was going to happen next, but felt "the storyline dragged a bit too far."

    Daniel from Hlaifax Primary reviewed this book. His favourite part was when the orphans were cooking their dinner.

    19. Vampirates book cover

    Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean
    by Justin Somper
    Published by Simon and Schuster
    www.vampirates.co.uk

    This book is a favourite of Sandra Johnson, Librarian of Chantry High School,

    "Twins Connor and Grace Tempest are shipwrecked and rescued – one by pirates and one by a much more frightening crew! But you mustn’t jump to conclusions about which characters are good and which are bad in this story. Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean is a thrilling and addictive tale of friendship and betrayal on the high seas of the 26th century, with several equally good sequels to devour already, entertaining and moving all at once, a book for everyone to enjoy."

    Alex Freddie and James from Lothingland Middle School reviewed this book.

    Alex gave the book a five star rating; his only criticism was "it doesn't tell you how their father died"

    Freddie didn't like the book at all!

    James says "I think the book was good just like the other book I read which was Stormbreaker, but I think Vampirates was better, and had lots of action."



    20. Vicky Angel book cover

    Vicky Angel
    by Jacqueline Wilson
    Published by Corgi
    www.jacquelinewilson.co.uk

    This book is a favourite of Helen Boothroyd, Children and Young People and Schools Library Service Manager,

    "This book will make you laugh, cry and think. Vicky, Jade's best friend since forever is killed in a car accident. They did everything together and Jade doesn't know how she is going to live without her. What's worse, could Jade have saved her...?"

    Kirstey from Lothingland Middle School reviewed this book, her favourite thing about the book was the characters.

    Arabella from St Edmund's, Bungay reviewed this book; what she liked best was all the different characters.

    Poppy from Lothingland Middle reviewed this book; she enjoyed it, but said that "it got really upsetting."

    Sign up to take part!

    To sign-up your school to take part in the longlist stage of the Award, email Maggie at our Lowestoft SLS Centre, maggie.wolverson@libher.suffolkcc.gov.uk

    Schools who sign up will receive a set of one copy of each of the longlist books, plus a CD of ideas for sharing the books with children. There is no charge for schools that subscribe to the SLS Standard Service - for other schools, there is a charge of £25 to take part.