Full testing: This creates a Top 50 Pick of the Year, from which the Top Ten books are selected. Our children (Part of the Federation of Children’s Book Group) take part in this element of the award. The entire process takes a calendar year and currently runs from January to December.

Top Ten testing: This leads to the selection of the Category Winners and Overall Winner. Our children have access to these books to again, read and vote for their favourite. This process takes approximately three months and currently runs from February until May.

We read texts across three age-related categories:

• Younger Children (Picture Books)
• Younger Readers (age 6 – 11)
• Older Readers (age 10 – 18)

The Award Ceremony

Children from all over the country are invited to the annual Award Ceremony to meet the Top Ten authors and illustrators and present them with their prizes. This is the highlight of the year for the children and for the short-listed authors and illustrators as the award culminates in a fun-filled celebration of the children’s favourites.  If there is sufficient space, other accompanied children may also be invited if they have participated in the voting.

We look forward to celebrating the winning author as soon as it is announced......Watch this space!