Stockport's future artistic and literary scene will once again take centre stage this year, as the Children's Book Awards returns for 2024. 

The awards will see a selection of schools across the borough given a shortlist of books to read - the students then vote for their favourites. The winning authors will be duly rewarded in a ceremony on 25 June. 

The aims of the book awards are to celebrate and spotlight quality children's fiction, promote and build enthusiasm for reading for pleasure (and, by extension, writing), encourage high standards of literacy, and create a community of readers in Stockport. 

The three award categories are 'best picture book', 'best read for juniors', and 'best read for upper juniors'. 

As Stockport Council says: "Each category contains three outstanding titles from UK authors and the shortlisted books for the 2024 competition have been carefully chosen to challenge, inspire, and create excitement at school."

Libraries across Stockport are encouraging local schools to sign up to take part in the awards - the deadline is 9 March (Image - Alasdair Perry)

At last year's awards, the winning books were: 

• Best picture book: The Drama Llama by Rachel Morrisroe
• Best read for juniors - Max Counts to a Million by Jeremy Williams
• Best read for upper juniors - The Colour of Hope by Ross MacKenzie

Libraries across Stockport are encouraging schools to sign up to take part in the awards. Schools which do sign up will receive copies of the shortlisted books (to be announced), as well as a package featuring activity sheets, bookmarks, and more. 

There will even be an award for whichever student can produce the best artwork based on the readings. 

Cllr Frankie Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture & Sport at Stockport Council, said: "I'm thrilled that the Stockport Children's Book Awards are returning for 2024, as it is a fantastic opportunity for us all to come together and foster a lifelong love for reading among children in Stockport.

"I look forward to celebrating with our grand award ceremony in June to crown our 'Readers of the Year', and I encourage as many schools as possible to sign up and get involved."

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