RODDY DOYLE ON SHORTLIST

By John Spain writing in The Irish Independent

Thursday March 12 2009

Booker-winning author Roddy Doyle is among the writers on the shortlist for this year's Bisto Awards, the most prestigious prizes for children's books in Ireland.

Doyle's first picture book, 'Her Mother's Face', is the story of a little girl called Siobhan who has to come to terms with the death of her mother and her father's mute grief afterwards.
The beautifully illustrated book tells the sad story with restraint, and even humour, about the way everyday life goes on, transforming a difficult situation into a celebration of life.

Also on the shortlist is bestselling author Eoin Colfer, who was commissioned recently to do a new 'Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy' book. He was shortlisted for his last book, 'Airman', a rip-roaring adventure yarn in the traditional style.

Siobhan Dowd, the acclaimed children's writer who died tragically in 2007 at the age of 47, also made the shortlist for 'Bog Child', her second last book, set in 1980s' Ireland.
Other strong contenders include previous winner Kate Thompson, with two books on the list, and the brilliant artist PJ Lynch, now regarded as one of the world's best illustrators of children's books.
The total prize fund for the awards is €19,000, with the overall winner of the Bisto Book of the Year receiving €10,000. The winner of the Eilís Dillon award for a first-time children's author will receive €3,000. The awards are announced in May.