2019 ALCS EDUCATIONAL WRITERS’ AWARD SHORTLIST

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Shortlist announced for the UK’s only award for creative educational writing

The Society of Authors and the Authors’ Licensing& Collecting Society have announced the shortlist for the 2019 ALCS Educational Writers’ Award, the UK’s only award for educational writing which stimulates and enhances the learning experience.

Now in its twelfth year, the Educational Writers’ Award was established by the Authors’ Licensing & Collecting Society (ALCS) and the Society of Authors (SoA) ‘to celebrate educational writing that inspires creativity and encourages students to read widely and build up their understanding of a subject beyond the requirements of exam specifications’.

The 2019 Award focuses on books for 5-11 year olds, published in 2017 & 2018. This year’s judges are Hollie Davis, a primary school teacher; Michaela Morgan, a prolific author of fiction, non-fiction and poetry for children; and Fiona Shufflebotham, a junior school librarian. Their shortlist includes ‘outstanding books [that] bring us the colourful histories of art, and the fight for women’s suffrage; the journeys of intrepid explorers; and the wonders of science and nature; as well as providing help for the anxious.’

The shortlist is:

A History of Pictures For Children by David Hockney & Martin Gayford, illus Rose Blake (Thames & Hudson)

The judges said: This beautiful and striking book showcases the wonders of art in an engaging and thought- provoking way, showing the development of art movements throughout history, and making interesting and original comparisons between media. There is also an excellent timeline of techniques and the inventions which enabled them. A delightful, even page-turning book which children will return to time and time again.

All Birds Have Anxiety, Kathy Hoopmann, designed by Adam Peacock, Jessica Kingsley Publishers

The judges said: Covering a difficult subject in an engaging and non-patronising way, this uses wonderfully appropriate, touching and humorous photographs of real birds, coupled with insightful text to illustrate the struggles a child with anxiety might be going through. An amusing, encouraging and consoling book that is accessible to all, and is sure to be frequently shared and talked about.

Alastair Humphreys’ Great Adventurers: The Incredible Expeditions of 20 Explorers, Alastair Humphreys, illus Kevin Ward, Big Picture Press

The judges said: From the careful selection of adventurers from all backgrounds to the engaging and inventive presentation of their stories through comics, diary entries, maps and more, this book is an inspiration for children. We loved the way the explorers’ amazing stories are intertwined with tales of Humphreys’ own adventures too.

Suffragettes and The Fight for The Vote, Sarah Ridley, illus Jeni Child, Franklin Watts

The judges said: The suffrage colours and Art Deco graphics of this detailed, well-balanced and engaging book richly evoke the era of Votes for Women. Jam-packed with posters, photos, cartoons and other artefacts to complement the informative text, this relevant and timely resource also includes thoughtful design touches which add additional impact, such as the timeline endpapers

Mr Shaha’s Recipes for Wonder: Adventures in Science Round the Kitchen Table, Alom Shaha illus Emily Robertson, Scribble

The judges said: This book is an absolute wonder – bright, light, and engaging. Through clear explanations and attractive and colourful illustrations, it encourages predictions and curiosity, and will help even novice scientists to conduct numerous experiments with materials they probably have at home. All presented by a real-life scientist whose knowledge and experience make the book a captivating read.

2019 Nature Month-By-Month: A Children’s Almanac, Anna Wilson, illus Elly Jahnz, Nosy Crow

The judges said: This brilliant and colourful book is packed with engaging, informative and wonderfully varied activities for all the family, and is just the right size for putting in your pocket before you set off on an adventure. An almost bottomless treasure chest of a book to enjoy the whole year through.

The winner will be announced at a reception at the Authors’ Licensing Collecting Society in London on Tuesday 3^rd December. The winning author and illustrator/designer will share a cheque for £2000.