BOOK OF THE YEAR
shortlist with tales of resourcefulness and and friendship take centre stage with Alice
BUNNY VS MONKEY: THE RISE OF THE MANIACAL BADGER The fifth book in Jamie Smart’s Bunny vs Monkey series was a turning point. David Fickling Books championed the series’ uniqueness as a much-loved collection, securing a 94% increase in first-week sales on Smart’s last outing. He ended the year as the 28th-bestsell- ing author in the TCM, having risen from 96th place.
THE BADDIES The inimitable duo of Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler return to the shortlist with their biggest hardback to date. The Baddies (Alison Green Books), a tale that shows children how they can be brave and resourceful, was the bestselling picture book of 2022, with first-week sales of the title up an impressive 60% on the pair’s previous title.
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GRANDAD’S CAMPER A celebration of love, Harry Woodgate’s picture book was one of Andersen Press’ top 10 bestsellers and was awarded Best Illustrated Book at the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. Woodgate decorated numerous bookshop windows and partnered with LGBTQ+ children’s charity Just Like Us to create school resources on how to introduce children to LGBTQ+ stories.
THE HEARTSTOPPER YEARBOOK Last year was the year of Heartstopper, with the Netflix adaptation of Alice Oseman’s YA graphic novel series rein- vigorating the genre and filling Hodder Children’s coffers. The Heartstopper Yearbook was the first in the collection to be published in full colour, giving fans a new entry into the much-loved universe with exclusive new content.
SUPERTATO PRESENTS JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet return to this year’s shortlist with the 10th instalment in their beloved series, published for the first time in trade hard- back. S&S Children’s partnered with Save the Children for Supertato…, raising £24,000 for the charity, and ran full- page advertising with the London Palladium during its run of “Jack and the Beanstalk”.
WHAT THE LADYBIRD HEARD AT CHRISTMAS The second Julia Donaldson title on this shortlist, What the Ladybird Heard at Christmas is the author’s 12th picture book collaboration with Lydia Monks. Macmillan Children’s started marketing early to drive pre-orders and organised sold-out events and signings with Donaldson and Monks; it says the title will become “a seasonal festive classic”.
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