Children's Bookseller of the Year
WINNER THE BOOK NOOK
It was another strong year for children’s book sales in 2017, and beyond David Walliams and other blockbuster brands there was enormous strength in depth in the sector. The vibrancy of independent booksellers contributed hugely to that—and from a superb field it is The Book Nook in Hove that wins this award, for the second time in four years. Like the three other indies on this shortlist, the shop is right at the
heart of its community. Its engagement last year featured more than 50 events, including big-name author visits, story times, book groups, poetry slams and craft clubs, plus playing an active role in local festivals, includ- ing a Book Nook Story Tent at a family-focused one. There were close ties with nearby primary and secondary schools too, including joint events and the creation of book lists and reading schemes. Additions to the offer in 2017, including a popular loyalty card scheme,
showed the shop is not resting on its laurels. And beyond its front doors, The Book Nook demonstrated its dedication to the wider issue of children’s literacy, attending education conferences, talking to teachers of English and organising a meeting of its own to share best practice in promoting reading for pleasure in schools. As one school librarian put it: "I am reluctant to call it a shop—it is so much more." Judges admired the huge breadth of The Book Nook’s work, its double-
digit sales growth in 2017, and its support of lesser-known children’s authors and publishers as well as the usual big names. “The shop has a deep understanding of the world of children’s books, and a passionate commitment to it,” they said. “Yes, it has a great market on its doorstep, but it never takes its customers for granted—it’s reaching out to parents and children and taking a proper interest in what they want. You can tell the team never stands still . . . For a well-established business, its growth in 2017 was extremely impressive.”
SHORTLIST
BOOK PEOPLE Added a new school book-fair model to its catalogue and online services in 2017, bringing books to children who might not otherwise encounter them. It is also encouraging kids to write through its Bedtime Story Competition.
THE EDINBURGH BOOKSHOP Shortlisted for a fifth year in a row for another 12 months of lively events and outreach work, using a child-friendly layout and a trained language therapist to engage hesitant readers in particular.
GOLDEN HARE BOOKS A second Edinburgh independent on the shortlist, bringing books to life via its Children’s
THE BRITISH BOOK AWARDS WINNERS 2018
Room and storyteller-in-residence. Sharper buying and creative window displays have also rejuvenated the shop.
THE ALLIGATOR'S MOUTH Specialist children’s independent that has put itself at the core of family life in Richmond since launching three years ago, and is proving itself a worthy successor to the renowned Lion & Unicorn shop.
Pan Macmillan (
www.panmacmillan.com) is the UK general
WATERSTONES Grew children’s sales again in 2017, and used promos including the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and Harry Potter Night to great effect. “To walk into a Waterstones children's department is a positively joyful experi- ence," said one publisher.
book publishing arm of the Macmillan Group, which operates in more than 70 countries. Its imprints include Macmillan, Mantle, Pan, Picador, Bluebird, Boxtree, Sidgwick & Jackson, Bello, Tor, Macmillan Children’s Books, Campbell Books, Kingfisher, Two Hoots and Macmillan Digital Audio. Pan Macmillan
was named Publisher of the Year at The Bookseller Industry Awards in May 2015 and again in May 2017.
35 WITH THANKS TO: MACMILLAN CHILDREN'S BOOKS
KEY STRENGTHS
Superb customer service led to another substantial increase in sales in 2017
Extensive support for local schools, teachers and child literacy
Energetic events programme, at schools and festivals as well as in-store
Lively marketing via e-newsletters, social media and quarterly flyers— and a Book Nook-branded car
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