North Somerset Teachers' Book Awards 2016

I can't quite believe it, but 'A Beginner's Guide to Bear Spotting' has won the Picture Book category at the North Somerset Teachers' Book Awards 2016.
The NSTBA is run by a team of very knowledgable (very lovely, very smart, very attractive...) readers, so this is a massive honour. I was over the moon to receive the award on behalf of myself and David Roberts, and indeed on behalf of the whole team behind the book at Bloomsbury.

Can you tell I was pleased...? Photo by Emily Beale

​I was also really delighted just to be there with my family. We were in such great company - and there was so much cake! Thank you hugely for including Bear Spotting and for making us so welcome. I will be keeping everything crossed for another shortlisting in the future so we get to come back! Huge congratulations to the other winners and shortlisted authors and illustrators. It was brilliant to meet so many of you.

Photo by roving reporter Henry

The winners! Photo by Emily Beale

​The teachers behind the NSTBA really do know what they're talking about. They read widely and only blog their recommendations. The shortlists across all of the categories represent the very best in children's literature. So if you're wondering what to read next or what to buy for the classroom, check out their wonderful website.