Waterstone's Children's Book Prize 2010 shortlist announced

The shortlist for the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize 2010 has been announced, with stories about dead hamsters, medieval monks and sorcerers in the running for one of the most valuable and prestigious children's book awards in the country.

"Horror and the supernatural often dominate children's fiction but this year we're seeing that balanced with serious, believable stories proving that sometimes real-life drama hits closest to home," said Sarah Clarke, Children's Buying Manager at Waterstone's.

Final judging is underway, and the winner will be announced on Wednesday 10th February.

Find out more about the authors of the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize 2010 shortlist

2010 bookseller champions

About the 2010 shortlist

The Waterstone's Children's Book Prize is a distinguished award in the world of kids' books. All titles are personally selected by our very own booksellers who go on to become champions of their nominated kids' book of the year, passionately explaining why the book deserves to win the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize and why every child should read it!

Watch Waterstone's booksellers Alicja, Kate, Caroline, Jessica, Holly, John L, Clare, Becky, and John C talk about the shortlisted titles for the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize 2010.

Find out more about the authors of this year's shortlist

Waterstone's Children's Book Prize 2010 - shortlisted books

Flyaway by Lucy Christopher

In this touching novel for ages 10+, Lucy...

£4.19

RRP: £6.99
You save: £2.80

The Crowfield Curse by Pat Walsh

It's 1347 and fifteen-year-old Will, an orphan...

£4.19

RRP: £6.99
You save: £2.80

The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester

Piper McCloud can fly. Just like that. Easy as pie....

£3.59

RRP: £5.99
You save: £2.40

Love, Aubrey by Suzanne LaFleur

Something terrible has happened. Eleven-year-old...

£4.19

RRP: £5.99
You save: £1.80

The Seven Sorcerers by Caro King

Nin had never liked Wednesdays, but this one took...

£4.19

RRP: £6.99
You save: £2.80

The Toymaker by Jeremy De Quidt, et al.

What good is a toy that will wind down? What if you...

£4.19

RRP: £5.99
You save: £1.80

Meteorite Strike by A.G. Taylor

Sarah and Robert are sure their number is up when...

£4.19

RRP: £5.99
You save: £1.80

The Great Hamster Massacre by Katie Davies, et al.

A very natural and honest version of life's...

£4.19

RRP: £5.99
You save: £1.80

Desperate Measures by Laura Summers

Vicky and Rhianna are twins but they couldn’t be...

£4.89

RRP: £6.99
You save: £2.10

Previous winners and other award-winning children's books

To celebrate the announcement of this year's shortlist, we've picked a selection of our favourite award-winning children's books (below), including last year's winner, The Thirteen Treasures by Michelle Harrison, the sequel to which, The Thirteen Curses, is also out now.