Special award for author on World Book Day

Tuesday, 05 March 2013

Pupils from across Hampshire will be at two junior schools in the county to welcome a special visitor this World Book Day (Thursday 7 March 2013).

Children's author and illustrator David Mackintosh will pick up his Illustrated Book Award at Hiltingbury Junior School, in Chandler's Ford, followed by a visit to Harrison Primary School, in Fareham. Children representing 14 other primary schools will also be at both events.

His winning book was Marshall Armstrong is new to our school. The book is about Marshall Armstrong, a new pupil who stands out from the crowd but it doesn't take long for him to prove that you don't have to follow the crowd to be the most popular kid in the playground.

David Mackintosh, whose other titles include, The Frank Show and Standing in for Lincoln Green was born in Belfast and grew up in Australia. He is a graphic designer, art director and illustrator. His innovative book designs have won him numerous awards in Britain and internationally, and he has collaborated with some of the most celebrated names in children's publishing.

Organised by Hampshire County Council School Library Service, the Award is given to an outstanding picture book for older readers, and is judged by nine and ten-year-olds from primary schools around Hampshire.

Councillor Keith Chapman, Hampshire County Council's Executive Member for Culture and Recreation, said: "The Hampshire Illustrated Book Award aims to promote the enjoyment of reading and encourage youngsters to develop an interest in the genre of picture books. The award really helps to develop children's visual literacy skills and critical ability, and youngsters have had great fun talking about their favourites and producing some wonderful artwork in response to the books they have enjoyed."

David Mackintosh, said: "Winning the Hampshire Book Award is good news. The idea of Hampshire schools choosing Marshall Armstrong from all the good books around, especially on World Book Day, is astounding. I might add, that Hampshire school kids make excellent judges, and I'm looking forward to meeting them on Thursday when I'll tell them just that."

Six short-listed titles are chosen for their potential both to stimulate discussion and to support the curriculum by introducing children to new and exciting ways of working in Art, Drama and Music lessons.

The Illustrated Book Award 2012 was judged by over 5,300 Year 5 pupils in the Autumn Term.

• Futher information about the Hampshire Illustrated Book Award

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