Veterans and contenders ... among the authors contending for CILIP awards are Jan Mark (right) and Emily Gravett
When the shortlists of the CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway medals - two of the most prestigious children's prizes in the literary calendar - were announced today, there was a clear divide between the Carnegie, which was dominated by veterans, and the Greenaway, which was largely given over to first-timers. Julia Eccleshare, the Guardian's children's books editor, gives her verdict on the lists
With four out of the five titles on the Carnegie shortlist being by previous winners, the librarian judges must have expected flak - frankly, they always get it anyway. It's not that they've chosen bad books; it's just that with the slew of new authors pouring into the children's fiction arena (I've just read 48 in a row for a first novel prize) it's surprising that none of them got a mention.
But, these things have to be looked at with some perspective. Though he now looks like an old hand, it should be remembered that Frank Cottrell Boyce was a first-timer when he won last year with Millions (the story of two boys who suddenly find themselves in possession of a serious amount of cash, a week before the country is due to convert to the euro) and the fact that he's back again with Framed shows that the Carnegie judges spotted a lively new talent.
Tamar, too, is only a second book; its author Mal Peet was roundly applauded for his first novel, Keeper, and is still definably developing. And it would be difficult not to shortlist David Almond, Geraldine McCaughrean and Jan Mark. They won before because they're good and they're on the shortlist this year because they are still good.
Whether it's book one or - as with both Mark and McCaughrean - book 50+, all three write at a consistently high level and in a way that fits the profile of the prize. Although Jan Mark's Turbulence is excellent and full of her trademark wry humour and sharp observation, however, I could wish, that the Carnegie judges had recognised her magnificent recent books such as The Eclipse of the Century and Useful Idiots rather than waiting until her untimely death to shortlist her.
The librarians seem to have reversed their position for the Kate Greenaway Medal for the best children's illustration. With the exception of Jane Ray, who has been shortlisted for the award four times before, the judges have picked up the best of the new talent rather than celebrating the familiar.
Emily Gravett, Mini Grey and Oliver Jeffers are three of the best new illustrators around at the moment. Wolves, published last August, was Gravett's first book, but she's already brought out two more titles which affirm her debut. Jeffers is also a distinctive newcomer and Lost and Found has a maturity that belies the fact that it's only his second book. Both of Mini Grey's two previous books have shown her talent, and Traction Man is Here reflects an accomplished swerve into a new style; there's something especially refreshing about an author/illustrator who can surprise. Both Tony Diterlizzi and David McKean, meanwhile, have made a distinctive contribution for older readers who still enjoy pictures.
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