The Leicestershire Children's Book Prize

Harry W (10 ), Ratby Primary School

What is the book about? This book is about a disgusting man who has a disgusting house. However, his garden is the tidiest in town! If his garden is not tidy, a fairy will whack him on the head with a saucepan! But a massive dog makes things awkward...

Why should this book win the Leicestershire Children's Book Prize? This book should win becuase it would be a good starting point for getting girls AND BOYS into reading again.

Adam T (11 ), Westfield Junior School

What is the book about? It's about this 'massive whopper of a dog' that keeps playing in (or messing up) gardens and sometimes he leaves his 'little presents'. Mr Gum tries to keep his garden tidy because the angry fairy comes and bashes him on the head with a frying pan. So Mr Gum decides to poison him.

Why should this book win the Leicestershire Children's Book Prize? Because Andy Stanton makes it really fun to read because it's really funny! And it's got really good pictures in. Plus it's quite easy to read for younger readers.

Megan R (Under 10), Queniborough Primary School

What is the book about? It is about a dog called Jake who Mr Gum hates and plots to kill and Polly has to save him.

Why should this book win the Leicestershire Children's Book Prize? I think it should win because as soon as I picked it up I couldn't put it down. It was spectacular.

Andy Stanton

You're a bad man, Mr Gum

320 Votes (24%)

"It is a very funny book and an exciting book and all the characters are good."

"It's very funny and the gags fit the book."

It was very funny and the plot was even funnier! But the thing to remember is “The truth is a lemon meringue”-  Thomas (10)

It was disgusting and gruesome.  - Vanisha (11)

It creates a good picture in my head and it’s funny -  Katie( 11)

Michael Morpurgo

Born to run

272 Votes (21%)

"It is about a greyhound that has 3 homes and finds the right one.  It was a great book."

"It is a very exciting book to read."

"Realistic and emotional."

"It really  makes you feel how the character feels."

"I really enjoyed this book. I also felt sorry for the dog becuase it lives in so many different homes and takes life-risking chances to stick by its owner."

"It gives you a warm feeling, just like a big hug from your Mum." Danielle – (10)

"Cleverly written and got you so believing in the characets. It made me cry, but nice cry." Rebekah – (10)

Jacqueline Wilson

Jacky Daydream

214 Votes (16.3%)

Why did you like it?:"I don't really know. It is just the kind of book that pulls you into it." I would recommend it to people who like learning about people's lives and non-fiction books."

"I liked this because you learn lots of fun facts about Jacqueline Wilson and because you learn lots about the old days."

"It is a really interesting biography.  I couldn't stop reading!"

"It's enjoyable, laughable and makes you want to read it again and again."

"It's very interesting to find out more about Jacqueline Wilson and her life as a child."

"This book gave me an insight to the life of Jacqueline Wilson and how she became an author and where whe got ideas from.  Good read."

"I couldn’t stop reading this book night and day. I told myself I’d read one more page but ended up finishing the whole book." Limehurst student (12)

"It says if you are bullied you can still progress in life and be big!" - Leah (10)

"Exciting knowing an author’s life. So many shocking things!"  Charlotte (10)

Andrew Cope

Spy dog unleashed

212 Votes (16.1%)

"This book has a wonderful sense of humour infused with a thrilling mystery.  It is an easy short read.  I would strongly recommend this book as it is fun and exciting but it is also a warming family story with many surprises."

"I liked it because it is interesting and I wanted to know what happens next to see if Lara stops Mr Big from grapping the world's most precious diamond."

"It is funny and all about dogs."

"I have chosen spy dog as the best book for children with secretive sides. This action packed book is full of laughter and adventures - perfect for any time of year! Andrew Cope is one of the best children's authors."

"Dogs and spies are really cool and if you add them together you get super cool."  Lewis (10)

"It is straight into action and cliffhangers. It is a gripping book." Katrina (11)

Cathy Cassidy

Sundae Girl

150 Votes (12%)

"It was an amazing book because it was totally insane...not exactly an everyday family!  It's really individual and totally fab!  Thanks, Cathy, for the super read!"

"I like this book because it is about a girl called Jude.  Her life is topsy turvy.  Mum and Dad split up.  Gran's got old people's disease.  Will she only have Grandad to rely on?"

"It is funny, interesting and imaginative.  I love this book!"

"It is really good and quite sad, but fun."

"It’s a real page turner. It has funny parts, sad parts and happy parts. It has everything a book needs to make the reader want to carry on reading." Leonie (11)

"It captivates your heart." KG (12)

Anthony Horowitz

Point Blanc: the graphic novel

144 Votes (11%)

"It has lots of detail and excitement.  You would always carry on reading it."

"It's a real good exciting book that I didn't want to put down."

"This books really grips you and makes you want to read and read."  Aashish (11)

"It is very exciting and cool and being a spy is everyone’s dream!" -  Jack (10)

"It made me read for 5 hours!" Kieran -  (11)