Waterstone's Children's Book Prize 2011 winner

The winner of this year's Waterstone's Children's Book Prize is Artichoke Hearts by Sita Brahmachari. It is an insightful, honest novel exploring the delicate balance, and often injustice, of life and death - but at its heart is a celebration of friendship, culture - and life. Artichoke Hearts is Sita's first novel for children.

"I loved everything about this book, the characters, the story, the way the author writes with warmth and humour... I could go on forever!", says Isabel Tomlinson from Waterstone's Hull University.

Learn more about the authors nominated for the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize 2011

Celebrating its seventh year, the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize was created to champion new and emerging talent in children's writing. As well as a £5000 cash prize - one of the most valuable for children's writing in the UK - the winning author will see a significant boost in sales, and the promise of ongoing commitment to their writing career from over 300 Waterstone's branches nationwide.