Inaugural Frances Lincoln Diverse Voices Children's Book Award

Takeshita Demons, by Cristy Burne, a fast-paced adventure story about a Japanese schoolgirl who confronts the demons from her grandmother’s tales, has won the first Frances Lincoln Diverse Voices Children’s Book Award.

Created in memory of Frances Lincoln, the prize of £1,500 plus the option for Janetta Otter-Barry at Frances Lincoln Children’s Books to publish the novel, is awarded to the best manuscript for 8-to-12 year olds that celebrates diversity in the widest possible sense.

Presenting the award to Cristy Burne on 30th April 2009 at Seven Stories, the Centre for Children’s Books, John Nicoll, Managing Director of Frances Lincoln said:
“Frances was passionate about nurturing new talent on the Frances Lincoln Children’s list, and this award is just the sort of initiative she would have wanted to support.”

Kate Edwards, Chief Executive of Seven Stories, the Centre for Children’s Books added:
“The Diverse Voices Children’s Book Award has been an invaluable experience for Seven Stories. The overwhelming response and the diversity of storytelling have shown there’s a very real place for this award in the world of children’s books. We believe the publication of Takeshita Demons will help to improve the range and richness of stories available for children to read. The strength of our partnership with Frances Lincoln Children’s Books and the enthusiasm of the judges have
made the award an uplifting experience and a great success.”

Accepting the award, Cristy Burne said:
“This award is a tremendous opportunity for writers to showcase and share voices and stories from all over the world. I am thrilled that Miku and her adventures have met with such a great response and I can’t wait to share her with a wider audience. I’m extremely excited to be working with Janetta and her team.”