Barry Cunningham and Kevin Brooks ® Paul Carter

The Branford Boase Award has been won by Kevin Brooks for his novel 'Martyn Pig'. The award was presented by Sally Prue who was the recipient of the award in 2002 for her book 'Cold Tom' at a ceremony last night at Walker Books in London.

The award is presented annually to the most promising book for seven year-olds and upwards by a first-time novelist. The prize also marks the important contribution of the editor in identifying and nurturing new talent.

The editors prize went to Barry Cunningham of Chicken House Books for the second time for recognizing Kevin's talent. Barry was the first editor to win the Award in 2000, with the author Katherine Roberts for ' Song Quest.'

For the first time, the Judges have also awarded a Highly Commended category to Simon Mason for 'The Quigleys' (David Fickling Books). The editors are David Fickling and Bella Pearson.

The prize was set up in memory of the outstanding children’s writer Henrietta Branford and the editor, Wendy Boase, Editorial Director of Walker Books and was first awarded in 2000

The Shortlist
Julia Bell – Massive (Macmillan)
Kevin Brooks – Martyn Pig (Chicken House)
Patricia Elliott – The Ice Boy (Hodder)
Richard MacSween – The Firing (Andersen)
Livi Michael – Frank and the Black Hamster of Narkiz (Puffin)
Simon Mason - The Quigleys (David Fickling Books)
Nicky Singer – Feather Boy (HarperCollins)