Bisto Award Shortlist Just Announced

sarahwebb — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:32:15 +0000

I’ve posted the full Bisto shortlist below. No Judi Curtin ‘Bonjour Alice’, no Poisin Throne – both are fab books in their own way.

Otherwise an interesting list – Creature or Airman will win. Or maybe Paper Caper. Mary Finn should get Eilis Dillon.

SarahX

Airman by Eoin Colfer

Airman is the story of Conor’s unjust imprisonment and his revolutionary designs to take to the skies and escape the inhumane conditions of his incarceration. Well conceived, tightly structured, and clearly developed, the complex relationships, dark scenes, and serious themes of this fast-paced adventure are skilfully infused with humour, wit, and irony.

Published by Puffin Books

ISBN 978-0141322216 (PBK) 978-0141383354 (HBK)

An Phleist Mhór le Ré O’Laighléis, Susan Edwards & Emily Colenso

Leabhar pictúra faoin ngliodar a thagann ar chroíthe Amy agus Claire nuair a stopann an bháisteach. The exquisite and magical illustrations complement a flowingly alliterative verbal text whose strength lies not only in its accessibility but also in its empathetic understanding of childlike wonder and the excitement aroused by the simple pleasures of life.

Published by Móinin

ISBN: 9780955407963 (CRUA)

Anila’s Journey by Mary Finn

A story of a half-Indian, half-Irish girl whose journey down the Ganges is also a journey into her past. Sensitively told in gracefully lyrical prose, this meticulously researched coming-of-age novel vividly creates a sense of place and history in order to detail the life and relationships of its central character

Published by Walker Books

ISBN: 9781406306590 (PBK)

Bog Child by Siobhan Dowd

The story of Fergus’ journey of self-discovery as he struggles to make sense of his personal, familial, and societal situation, as well as the voice of a bog child that comes to him in his dreams. To journey through this layered narrative is to be confronted with not only the frailty of life but also the redemptive qualities of love: unsettling yet optimistic, this is radiant prose that sings of the pain and beauty of the human condition.

Published by David Fickling

ISBN: 9780385614269 (HBK) 9781862305915 (PBK)

Brionglóidí le Áine Ní Ghlinn & Carol Betera

Leabhar filíochta is ea é a fhreagraíonn ceisteanna cosúil le ‘céard a tharlaíonn nuair a théann páistí ar thuras scoile go Mars?’ Imaginatively illustrated, the light-heartedly wry and humourous manner in which this zany and eclectic mix of poems explores our human fears and dreams subtlety masks its serious treatment of both themes and issues.
Published by Cló Mhaigh Eo

ISBN: 9781899922499 (BOG)

Creature of the Night by Kate Thompson

The story of Bobby’s attempt to return to his old life in the city after moving to a cottage in the countryside, which is the scene of supernatural happenings. Distinguished by the lightness and integrity of its storytelling, this unsentimental tale depicts unpleasant yet redeemable characters and suggests that the inner struggle to understand oneself can be redemptive.

Published by The Bodley Head

ISBN: 9780370329307 (PBK)

Her Mother’s Face by Roddy Doyle

The story of Siobhan’s struggle to come to terms with the death of her mother and her father’s mute grief. Complemented by the sparing quality of the illustrations, this is writing that not only beautifully conveys the ordinariness of everyday life in the aftermath of great loss but also assuredly transforms its subject matter into a quirky celebration of life.

Published by Scholastic Books

ISBN: 9781407107073 (HBK) 9781407107875 (PBK)

Highway Robbery by Kate Thompson

A story told by a young beggar boy who is asked to look after a horse for a mysterious man. Atmospheric and evocative, this deceivingly slight tale is a well measured intertextual metanarrative built around a clever conceit. The creation of a natural storyteller, this aesthetically pleasing production will appeal – particularly – to newly confident readers.

Pubished by The Bodley Head

ISBN: 9780061730344 (HBK)

The Gift of the Magi Illustrated by PJ Lynch

The story of the sacrifices Della and Jim are willing to make to present each other with Christmas gifts and their discovery that the most meaningful gifts are often the humblest. Poignant yet unsentimental, it is the distinctive and quintessential character of the illustrations that transform this simple tale of into a beautiful work of figurative art – a poem in pictures.

Published by Walker Books

ISBN: 97818442800384 (HBK)

The Great Paper Caper by Oliver Jeffers

The story of its animal characters’ investigation into the gradual disappearance of their forest home. Intelligently absurd, every part of this stylish literary work, from its peritextual elements to its deceptively simple verbal and visual texts, challenges and entertains the reader. This is the work of an author who is in complete command of the picturebook format.
Published by Harper Collins

ISBN: 9780007182299 (HBK) 9080007182336 (PBK)

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