Are You a Monster? is BookTrust Storytime Book of the Year
Are You a Monster? by Guilherme Karsten and published by Happy Yak has been designated as the best new book for sharing with young children by BookTrust. Are You a Monster? was awarded the BookTrust Storytime 2024 Prize at a ceremony in London after voting by librarians and families up and down the country.
The announcement of the book of the year, is part of the BookTrust Storytime 2023-24, an annual programme which this year was run in over 2500 libraries in England and Northern Ireland and last year reached approximately 50,000 children under the age of five.
The programme supports libraries across the UK to encourage families with children under the age of five to visit libraries and begin their reading journey.
Research by BookTrust found that 71% of libraries said BookTrust Storytime helped support their work engaging with children under five and 70% of participating families returned to their local library after their initial visit.
‘Winning this award is like a dream come true’, said Guilherme, ‘It’s a celebration of the power that books have to be a source of learning, connection and fun – lots of fun.’
Libraries who took part in the Storytime programme were provided with the five shortlisted books and resources that enabled them to create their own interactive, memorable experiences for families.
The other shortlisted books are:
Zeki Rise And Shine by Anna McQuinn & Ruth Hearson (Alanna Max)
The Perfect Present by Petr Horáček (Otter-Barry Books)
Just Breathe, Bear by Christianne C. Jones & Oriol Vidal (Raintree Publishers)
I Am Happy by Michael Rosen & Robert Starling (Walker Books).
Diana Gerald MBE, CEO of BookTrust, said, ‘BookTrust Storytime is built around the very best in children’s literature and giving children access to positive reading experiences such as this can be lifechanging. We’re incredibly grateful to all our library and local authority partners who share our vision for a future where all children can access books and develop a love for reading. Many congratulations to Guilherme and the other shortlisted authors who have created books that families can keep enjoying together.’
