The book was voted for by librarians and families who have taken part in the pilot of a new national library experience - BookTrust Storytime - aimed at engaging families with young children, especially those who are disadvantaged, to use facilities at their local public library. Cressida Cowell MBE, Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2019-2022, revealed the winning book at a virtual event on Tuesday 25 January which also celebrated the pilot scheme.
The Whales on the Bus was chosen from six shortlisted books which also included:
- I Really, Really Need a Wee! by Karl Newson & Duncan Beedie (Little Tiger Press)
- Octopus Shocktopus! by Peter Bently & Steven Lenton (Nosy Crow)
- No! Said Rabbit by Marjoke Henrichs (Scallywag Press)
- Lenny and Wilbur by Ken Wilson-Max (Alanna Max)
- Arlo The Lion Who Couldn't Sleep by Catherine Rayner (Macmillan Children’s Books).
The winning title was praised for the interactive reimagining of a favourite nursery rhyme and how it encouraged families to sing along. Inventive tongue twisters and rhymes introduce new words while the bright and bold illustrations showcase an appealing cast of animals and vehicles.
More than 300 libraries held storytime activities which included sessions where librarians read one of the shortlisted books and shared accompanying resources and activities for parents and children to enjoy together. With a different book and activity to enjoy each week, the pilot was designed to encourage families to get into the habit of making repeat visits to their local library, building their confidence and enjoyment of sharing books with their children.
Diana Gerald, CEO of BookTrust said, ‘BookTrust Storytime is part of our ambition to bring the benefits of reading to children in the greatest need.
‘Sharing stories is invaluable for children in their early years and creates a lifelong positive impact on their health, wellbeing, creativity and education. We are incredibly grateful to all the local authorities, library services and shortlisted authors and illustrators who have embraced the pilot, using their experience and expertise to engage local families and bring stories to life and inspiring families to pick up their next book.
‘There is much we can learn from the pilot about how best to support children and families to make reading a regular and long-lasting part of family life and it’s a great pleasure to congratulate Katrina and Nick on their charming winning book.’
Winning author Katrina Charman commented, ‘Growing up, I owned few books as they were seen as a luxury item, but each week my mum would take my sister and I to our local library where I would gather as many books as I was allowed to borrow, and devour them as soon as I got home.
‘Our local library is where I developed my own love of books and reading, and I am so grateful to librarians who continue to enable those who may not otherwise get a chance to have access to books, the opportunity to do so.’
Dhurata Loku, development officer at Brent Libraries in north west London said they were involved in the pilot because they love to introduce young families to the joy of sharing stories.
‘Libraries are community hubs where families can share stories and develop a love for reading,’ she said. ‘When families first came for the Storytime sessions, we would introduce them to the library and tell them what we have to offer here. We would say, you can come sit in the library, sing songs with us, share stories with us and take the books home and share it with your own family. Children are engaged when they are here, they are moving around the library, engaging with others and borrowing books as well.’