"As a parent, it's hard to miss those pivotal moments. It's important for children to know that there is a purpose behind them. I wanted to offer assurance and relay an important message: Everything will be OK."
At a time of widespread public anxiety about the decline in boys' reading habits and the rise of toxic influencers, male friendship and masculinity were front and centre on the shortlist.
A popular children's character is to be celebrated with a brand new coin. The Royal Mint will be launching a 50p coin featuring Zog, the beloved dragon from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's cherished children's book.
Cleopatra: The Woman Behind the Stories is a well-researched, beautifully illustrated children's book that decodes the life of Egypt's last queen while dispelling enduring myths.
"I was sure The Eyes & the Impossible was a once in a lifetime book," Eggers' editor, Melanie Nolan said in a statement. "So I was very, very happy to be proven wrong when Dave hinted that Johannes and Bertrand had more adventures in store, and that opossums might somehow be involved."
It was frightening. I never knew which dad I was going to get. When I walked into the house from school, I dreaded going inside because I didn't know whether he was going to be angry or loving.
Children's book authors often publish more than one book in a year, so it's more likely to happen in that category. - Susan Moore, Literary Arts' director of programs for writers.