BOOKS OF THE YEAR 


OVERVIEW It was another strong   across the board, but in this shortlist, series and sequels dominate. With impressive work ranging from prohibition-era New York to themes of domestic violence, the list is remarkably diverse, as well as hugely commercially successful.


THE 117-STOREY TREEHOUSE The Treehouse series' fifth year in the UK saw the ninth book, The 117-Storey Treehouse, depict the ever-growing treehouse with illustrations by Terry Denton. Author Andy Griffiths (right) was hands-on in promoting, speaking to over 5,000 kids in just one week. Sales of the series continue to grow, with TCM sales for book nine topping 44,000.


THE STAR OUTSIDE MY WINDOW Onjali Q Raúf’s second novel explores the impact of domes- tic violence and celebrates the power of resilience. After a strong pre-publication campaign there were high expectations—and it didn't disappoint. Rauf was able to bring humour and “child appeal” to the difficult topics— and won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize.


A GOOD GIRL’S GUIDE TO MURDER With TCM sales of 59,000, Holly Jackson’s thriller was the bestselling children’s and YA début since 2017. Pip opens up a cold case and starts to reveal secrets somebody desperately wants hidden. The marketing campaign used influencers to create a buzz across Instagram and Youtube, and the “college report” format gave it strong appeal in the adult market.


A PINCH OF MAGIC The seventh book from Michelle Harrison, who until now had failed to match the success of her Thirteen Curses series. Securing the Waterstones Book of the Month for two months, A Pinch of Magic is Harrison’s bestseller, with TCM sales of 57,800. The tale of sisters, curses and magic was a hit with reviewers; one called it “a fabulous magical adventure”.


PUBLISHERS


1 MACMILLAN CHILDRENS BOOKS


2 ELECTRIC MONKEY


3 ORION CHILDRENS BOOKS


4 SIMON & SCHUSTER CHILDRENS BOOKS


5 HARPERCOLLINS CHILDRENS BOOKS


6 BLOOMSBURY CHILDRENS BOOKS


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THE GOOD THIEVES Branded “accessible, engaging and entirely unique”, Katherine Rundell’s heist adventure burst onto the scene. Set in prohibition-era New York, Rundell delightfully nods to the period throughout. The book was a children’s book of the year for many publications, including the Guardian and the Times—the latter calling it “joyfully addictive”. It also won a host of prizes.


THE BEAST OF BUCKINGHAM PALACE David Walliams’ latest sold a staggering 330,000 copies in its first three weeks, and ended 2019 with TCM sales of 545,000 copies, up 5% on 2018’s The Ice Monster. Walliams’ latest adventure took us 101 years into the future, and helped by Tony Ross’ trademark illustra- tions, the book claimed the Christmas Number One.


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