The Somerset Fiction Award Winners

2012

Age 5 - 7 - The foggy foggy forest by Nick Sharratt

Nick Sharratt visited St Andrew's School, Taunton in person to collect his award! After accepting his award Nick treated all the pupils, staff and visitors to a lively session where he shared several of his books and talked about the process of writing and illustrating. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and one pupil said, 'We missed our golden time but it was worth it'.

Age 7 - 9 - Dinkin Dings and the frightening things by Guy Bass

Guy Bass sent this message.

‘Thanks, ta and cheers to everyone who voted for Dinkin Dings and the frightening things. I’m chuffed to bits that it won, especially as it was chosen by readers – they’re the awards that really count! I’m thrilled, honoured and delighted. I’ve also done so many celebratory cartwheels that I feel a bit queasy. Time for a lie down…’

Age 9 - 13 - The graveyard book by Neil Gaiman

Eastover and St Cuthbert's Junior Schools both hosted a Celebration of Reading led by local storytellers Arabella and Thannisara.

2011

A celebration, led by storyteller Alec Williams, was held at Sedgemoor Manor Junior School.  The winners were announced and Alec promoted how much joy and fun can be inspired through books, poetry and reading.

Age 4 – 7 Category - Little Rabbit Foo Foo by Michael Rosen

Michael Rosen wrote 'Thank you to everyone who has voted for Little Rabbit Foo Foo, it’s a real honour to be selected and I’m delighted to be a part of the Somerset Fiction Award. I’m pleasantly surprised to have won having seen the other fantastic titles shortlisted in the same category! I think what makes this award so special is that it’s chosen by you the readers! I hope you have a fantastic afternoon and continue to enjoy reading – it’s the biggest adventure you will ever go on!'

Age 7 – 9 Category - The Twits by Roald Dahl

Age 9 – 11 Category - Diary of a wimpy kid by Jeff Kinney

Puffin Books (on behalf of Jeff Kinney) said  'Jeff will be absolutely thrilled to receive this award for Diary of a Wimpy Kid. He is so chuffed that UK kids have responded so warmly to the books. We hope they all enjoy the second film Rodrick Rules when it hits UK cinemas on 27th May!'

Teenage 11+ Category - Skulduggery Pleasant Book 1 by Derek Landy

Derek Landy sent this message 'It's always a great thrill to win anything, but for something like the Somerset Fiction Award the thrill is even greater. It's such a fantastic enterprise, and the fact that the books are first nominated, and then voted on, by readers makes it even more special. it is both an honour and a privilege to win and now, if you'll excuse me, I really must get back to writing the next one...'

The winners were acknowledged in a celebration of reading held at Long Sutton Primary School and Buckler’s Mead Community School.  Schools from across the county were invited to join The 2 Steves who showed what fun reading and writing can be.