Children's Books Award

Here at the Ashbooks community, we’re all for introducing children to the worlds of reading and writing at as young as age as possible. That’s why today we’re delighted to bring you news of the Little Tiger Press Young Writer and Illustrator Awards 2010; a chance for children between the ages of 5 and 11 to try their hand at creating their own stories and pictures, inspired by the works of established and best-selling writers and illustrators.

The awards are sponsored by the website PriceMinister Books, where children can find all kinds of games and activities designed to promote creativity in their young minds, as well as download a pack filled with even more ideas to inspire them to create their own stories and pictures. Those who feel up to it can then enter into the Young Writer and Illustrator Awards, by completing one of the challenges outlined below.

To enter the Children’s Books Award, children must read through two short stories on the website and pick one, from which they will create their own illustration, based on the character in the story. The illustration can be done using any medium, but should be on A4 paper, with a background scene and a short sentence describing the characters shown.

To enter the Young Writer’s Award, children must look at the pictures found on the website and consider who the characters are and what their stories might be. They should then choose one of the pictures and write their own short story about the characters in the picture, before submitting it to the awards, where it will be judged by a panel of established authors. The stories should be no longer than 600 words and a reference to which picture the story is written about should appear at the very top of the work.

If children are unsure of how to start, there are plenty of hints and tips on the website to help them out. Author Paul Bright recommends children read as much as they can and try writing in as many different styles as they can think of, to discover which they like best. He also recommends children write about things they know or experiences they’ve had to inspire them. Tracey Corderoy declares that the most important thing is for children to have fun with their writing and write because they want to. She recommends children get to know their characters inside out, let their imaginations run wild and carry a notebook with them, to write down ideas they suddenly have.

The NY Times have just released their own list of  10 best illustrated children’s books for 2009 today, quite a short nifty list, with about 10 titles shortlisted. We thought that was great, but wasn’t good enough so we’ve came up with our own slightly better version of 15 of the best illustrated childrens books for 2009.
It’s a list comprising of illustrated childrens books for 2009 not from 2009, so there is a nice mix of old and new books here. All are still relevant today.

Enjoy!

(from top left to right)

The Giant Play And Learn Book illustrated by Pascale Estellon

An Awesome Book! illustrated by Dallas Clayton

Cinderella And The Hot Air Balloon by Ann Jungman and illustrated Russell Ayto

The Turnip by Walter de La Mare, illustrated Kevin Hawkes

Winnie The Pooh illustrated by EH Shepard

The Wizard of Oz illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger

Pinocchio illustrated by Sara Fanelli

Wicked Nursery Rhymes illustrated by Gris Grimly

Boo Hoo Bird illustrated by Jeremy Tankard

Hansel & Gretel illustrated by Majd Soudi

A Book of Sleep illustrated by Il Sung Na

I’m A Little Bit Scared Of… illustrated by Madi

Lost And Found illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

Three Little Pigs illustrated by Aaron Blecha

Little Red Hen illustrated by Jago

Brand New Baby Blues illustrated by Kelly Murphy

There are quite a number of different ways that people manage to make money online, but some things are far more successful than others. A lot of people buy and sell things, especially on auction sites such as eBay. One of the most popular items amongst buyers and sellers is books. An awful lot of people love to read and, because of this, used books will always be bought and sold.

If you are a reader and you have a lot of titles that you do not want anymore, then you could be looking at getting yourself a good price for them. A lot of it will be dependent on what genre they are and the condition that they are in. Like anything else, if things are tatty then this will affect their overall value.

Of course, eBay is not the only place to buy and sell books. There are plenty of websites that are dedicated to trading in both hardbacks and paperbacks. These are also a wonderful place to find any titles that you are looking for. Out of the sites that come up from a search on Google will have a huge selection that is laid out in numerous categories. You have a far greater chance of finding a particular novel on the internet than you have by trudging around endless bookshops. It is also far quicker to read through lists online than it is to go through volumes on shelves.

Some online shops will specialise in a particular genre. Don’t be at all surprised to find websites that deal solely in science fiction or spiritual subjects. Whatever topic it is that you read most of, you can be pretty sure that you will come across an online book shop that deals in exactly that.

Used books are the best place to look for any more unusual titles that you have been trying to lay your hands on. When you pore through the stores online you will see that there are all kinds of literary gems which are just waiting to be found by the right person. You can happily lose yourself for hours on end whilst you are scanning different lists of titles.

There are a lot of people who collect children’s books as well. You do not have to be a parent to enjoy them; as many readers will tell you. Most of the online stores will also have a huge selection of used books for children. If you do have a little one then it is a great way to find some stocking-fillers for Christmas.

The different sections on these sites really are varied. You can pick up some wonderful cookery titles along with books about all kinds of different arts and crafts. If you are trying to find a workshop manual for a certain make and model of car, then you should not have to look for very long. Whatever subject it is that you are interested in you have an extremely good chance of finding exactly what you want.

If you have a taste for a certain type of reading matter then you will be very pleased to hear there are many websites that deal in only one certain type of genre. Some companies will specialise in horror or science fiction novels, whilst others will only stock non-fiction books. Or if you like to read thrillers then it will not take very long for you to find a website that is devoted to nothing but. There is quite literally (excuse the pun) a website for whatever subject you care to imagine.

Non-fiction books can (for some unknown reason) be particularly difficult to track down sometimes, but this is certainly not the case when you are searching for them online. Compared to trawling around bookshops on foot, it is so much easier to locate what it is you are after. Browsing through titles online can actually be a very relaxing and enjoyable way to spend a few hours. It certainly beats looking through countless shelves in stores and still not finding what you wanted. Most readers will enjoy visiting the odd bookshop now and again but it can soon become a chore if there is something in particular you are trying to find.

There are also a lot of websites that deal only in children’s books. This can be a great way to find gifts, especially in the run up to Christmas. You are sure to find all of the classics, both old and modern along with many others that you have never come across before. There are some absolute gems in the world of kid’s stories and they are all just waiting to be discovered. It is not just children who enjoy these books; there are actually a lot of adults who read them as well. Some books for children are very collectable and can be worth an awful lot of money. If you have any old ones lying around then this may be worth checking out.

Online book prices are usually very reasonable indeed, but if you spend a little bit of time shopping around and comparing websites you may save yourself a bit of money as well. Even some of the newly released novels by top selling writers can be picked up for a fraction of the price you would pay in the high street. Non-fiction books and reference volumes are well known for being particularly expensive in shops which is why such a lot of people are now buying them online. Whatever genre it is that you are looking for, you are guaranteed to find them much cheaper on the internet.

And here it is: the top 25 must have books by Chrismas this year! We cover everything from paperbacks to hardbacks, fantasy stories, biographies, suspense, thrillers, fiction, non-fiction, chicklit: you name it and its here.

	The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown’The Lost Symbol’ is the follow-up to Dan Brown’s bestselling ‘The Da Vinci Code’. Once again Robert Langdon finds himself in mysterious chambers, tunnels, temples and Masonic secrets. (image courtesy of Priceminister)
	The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest by Steig LarssonSalander is plotting her revenge against the man who tried to kill her and against the government institutions that very nearly destroyed her life. After taking a bullet to the head, Salander is under close supervision in intensive care and is set to face trial for three murders. Can she prove her innocence? (image courtesy of Priceminister)
	Grow Your Own Drugs by James WongYou’ve got Boots the chemist growing in your back garden but you just don’t know it yet. This book features fantastically easy recipes for natural remedies and beauty treats. (image courtesy of Priceminister)(image courtesy of Priceminister)
	Assegai by Wilbur Smith1913. Leon Courtney is in British East Africa guiding rich and powerful men from America and Europe on safaris in the Masai tribe territories. One of his clients has a company which builds aircraft and vehicles for the Kaiser’s army. He hadn’t bargained on falling in love with Eva, the Count’s mistress.(image courtesy of Priceminister)
	D-Day by Antony BeevorMaking use of overlooked and new material from over 30 archives in half a dozen countries, ‘D-Day’ is a vivid and well-researched account yet of the battle of Normandy. (image courtesy of Priceminister)
	The Greatest Show on Earth by Rciahrd DawkinIn ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’ Richard Dawkins takes on creationists, including followers of Intelligent Design and all those who question the fact of evolution through natural selection. (image courtesy of Priceminister)
	Audacity of Hope by Barack ObamaSenator Obama has written a book of transforming power. Only by returning to the principles that gave birth to the Constitution, he says, can Americans repair a political process that is broken, and restore to working order a government that has fallen dangerously out of touch with millions of ordinary Americans. (image courtesy of Priceminister)
	Pride And Prejudice And Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith and Jane AustinFeatures the text of Jane Austen’s novel, “Pride and Prejudice” with scenes of bone crunching zombie action (image courtesy of Priceminister)
	Jade: Forever in My Heart by Jade GoodyCovering the final heart-breaking months in the life of TV celebrity Jade Goody, this book describes her brave fight against a terminal disease, her determination to provide for her sons and her desire to leave a legacy which might prevent other young women being torn from their families in the prime of life. (image courtesy of Priceminister)
	Twenties Girl by Sophie KinsellaLara has always had an overactive imagination. Now she wonders if she is losing her mind. Normal twenty-something girls just don’t get visited by ghosts! But inexplicably, the spirit of Lara’s great aunt Sadie in the form of a bold, demanding Charleston-dancing girl has appeared to make one last request. (image courtesy of Priceminister)
	True Blood Omnibus by Charlaine HarrisSookie is an unassuming cocktail waitress in an (outwardly) unremarkable town. Attractive as she is, her hidden ‘talents’ send men running – her mindreading skills are just a bit threatening. When the unreadable Bill appears, he seems to be the man of her dreams. Except he’s not technically human. (image courtesy of Priceminister)
	4 Ingredients by Kim McCoskerThis cookbook features over 340 quick, easy and very delicious recipes you can easily whip up to wow your friends and family, and all fith only four or fewer ingredients. (image courtesy of Priceminister)
	Tea Time For The Traditionally Built by Alexander McCall SmithMma Ramotswe is widely known for many things. Everybody knows about her kindness&her taste for redbush tea&cake. Everybody is familiar, too, with her tiny white van, which is beginning to feel its age. Are its difficulties to be terminal, or will Charlie, the feckless garage apprentice, be able to save the day? (image courtesy of Priceminister)
	Rumour Has It by Jill Mansell(image courtesy of Priceminister)
	The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain by Si King and Dave MyersBetter known as The Hairy Bikers – travel the length and breadth of Britain to discover our finest traditional foods. Touring the country on their trusty Harleys, Si and Dave celebrate local recipes and chefs from the villages and towns they explore (image courtesy of Priceminister)
	206 Bones by Kathy ReichsA routine case turns sinister when Dr Temperance Brennan is accused of mishandling the autopsy of a missing heiress. Someone has made an incriminating accusation and before Tempe can get to the one man with information he turns up dead. (image courtesy of Priceminister)
	The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly(image courtesy of Priceminister)
	Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey NiffeneggerThis is a 21st century ghost story about Niffenegger’s familiar themes of love, loss and identity. It is certain to cement her standing as one of the most singular and remarkable novelists of our time. (image courtesy of Priceminister)
	Time of My Life by Patrick SwayzeIn the public eye for much of the 1980s, Patrick Swayze made his name in movies such as Dirty Dancing and Ghost. This book chronicles Patrick’s career, as well as dealing with his fight against pancreatic cancer. (image courtesy of Priceminister)
	Caribbean Food Made Easy with Levi Roots by Levi RootsIn the BBC2 programme, ‘Caribbean Food Made Easy’, Levi Roots travels around the UK and the Caribbean and reveals how delicious Caribbean food can be prepared at home with easy-to-prepare, mouth-watering recipes using fresh, healthy and readily-available ingredients. (image courtesy of Priceminister)
	Saturday Night Peter by Peter Kay’Saturday Night Peter’ charts the hilarious journey as Peter Kay developed and honed his comedy skills by taking to the road and trying out his stand up material in pubs and clubs across the country. (image courtesy of Priceminister)
	High Voltage Tattoo by Kate Von DKat Von D is an up and coming name in the world of tattooing and popular culture in general. Star of LA Ink and Miami Ink she has quickly made a name and style for herself. The book will include her story, what inspires her, information about her show and her shop, her sketches, and her personal tattoos (image courtesy of Priceminister)
	A Vintage Affair by Isobel WolffPhoebe Sanders runs her own vintage dress shop. But while she stitches and repairs couture suits and glorious dresses, there is something in Phoebe’s own past that she cannot restore, and which is stopping her searching for love. (image courtesy of Priceminister)
	The Cloud Collectors’ Handbook by Gavin Pretor-PinneyThis handbook fits into the pocket, allowing cloudspotters to identify cloud formations anytime and anywhere. All the common cloud types are represented, as are many of the rare ones, each are fully described and illustrated with a range of photographs. (image courtesy of Priceminister)
	Crystal by Katie PriceCrystal is beautiful, talented and ambitious. All her life she has dreamed of making it as a singer and her chance finally comes when her girl band enters a TV reality show contest. But Crystal has a secret; she’s fallen for the wrong man and this one mistake could cost her everything. (image courtesy of Priceminister)