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Reading gets the red carpet treatment in Bromley
The story of a wise-cracking detective, powerful magician and master of dirty tricks has been gripping Bromley children as Derek Landy’s book Skulduggery Pleasant was named Best Book at the borough’s first children’s book awards, ‘The Broscars’.
Landy’s first novel for children was just one of six books avidly read and passionately debated by children and young people, who are members of one of the library service’s fourteen reading groups.
At an Oscars-style ceremony, awards were given for best action sequence, best male and female character, as well as the top award for best book. Other books featuring highly on the list were Andy Stanton’s You’re A Bad Man, Mr Gum and Ian Serraillier’s classic wartime adventure story, The Silver Sword.
The glitz and glamour of the real Oscars was brought to Bromley Central Library for the ceremony, when the audience was entertained by international storyteller Patrick Ryan, before the children walked down a red carpet, photographed by paparazzi parents, to announce the nominees and award golden statuettes for the winning books.
Senior librarian for children and young people, Kate Farmer, said: “Hearing the children talk about their choices and seeing them act short scenes from the winning books showed how much they enjoyed and learned from taking part in The Broscars. We are looking forward to doing it all again next year.”
All of the books on the awards list are available from local libraries. 2008 has been designated National Year of Reading and The Broscars are part of Bromley library service’s work to promote the joy of reading and encourage children and young people to read more widely.
ENDS
For media enquiries, contact 020 8313 4391 or email ann.clay@bromley.gov.uk
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