Isle of Wight writer Kieran Larwood has been nominated for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2018, widely regarded as one of the most prestigious accolades in the world of children’s books.
Larwood is shortlisted in the Younger Fiction category for his book The Five Realms: The Legend of Podkin One-Ear. In the book, Larwood vividly tells the story of how a lazy young rabbit rises to become a legendary warrior chieftain.
Kieran has been passionate about stories ever since he first read The Hobbit when he was 6-years-old. He graduated from Southampton University with a degree in English, and also completed a foundation year at Falmouth College of Art. He went on to become 1 of only 2 male reception class teachers on the Isle of Wight, where he now lives and writes full time.
Speaking about his nomination, Kieran has said:
“I am absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted for this amazing prize. It’s such an honour to be considered for the Waterstones Children’s Award– the calibre is always so high!”
Jonathan Greenwood, Bookshop Manager at Waterstones Newport says:
“Perfect for fans of The Hobbit and Watership Down, Kieran Larwood’s The Legend of Podkin One-Ear has captured the hearts and minds of children and adults alike. No burrow will ever be the same again! All of us here at Waterstones and our customers look forward to what follows on from this truly excellent work from Kieran Larwood.”
The Waterstones Children’s Book Prize exists to reward and champion new and emerging talent in children’s books. Now in its fourteenth year, it is widely regarded as one of the most important prizes for children’s books.
The winners will be announced at an evening reception at Waterstones Piccadilly (London), Europe’s largest bookshop, on Thursday 22nd March 2018. 6 books will compete within each category to be crowned category winner, with the 3 category winners then vying for the overall title of Waterstones Children’s Book of the Year 2018. The winner of each category will receive £2,000, with the overall winner receiving an extra £3,000.
