Voting has now closed for the Favourite Book to Share Award 2011. We are busy counting your votes and the winning book and author will be revealed soon.
Southampton’s search for this year’s best family read kicks off this week with the launch of Southampton’s Favourite Book to Share Award.
The competition, which is run by Southampton City Libraries, is designed to encourage mums, dads and carers to enjoy a good read with children under the age of five.
Alison Biczysko, Children’s Librarian, said: "Southampton’s is unique in that it is the only award for children’s books in the country that looks at the value of a book to share between adult and child, and makes the award according to the number of parents and children’s votes.”
“Southampton City Libraries encourages families to read together – its fun! , and we have a very strong short list this year with themes including bugs, chameleons, colours and bears!"
Southampton’s Favourite Book to Share Award is now in its ninth year and we are incredibly proud that all our libraries promote shared reading in the city. We know that shared reading is a great springboard for starting school and enjoying books from birth helps families and children stay engaged with each other and the community around them.
Copies of each of the colourful tales are available from Saturday 21 May at all of the city’s libraries, along with voting slips. Staff from Library Services will also be visiting parent and toddler groups across the city to help them to check out the competition.
Parents, carers and children have until the end of August to register their vote and every entrant will qualify for the chance to win copies of all six books.
Last year’s winner was, 'Shark in the Dark' by Nick Sharratt and the award attracted over 4000 votes from families in the city.
The author and illustrator of this year’s favourite book will be announced in the autumn.
View this years shortlisted titles
Southampton City Council
