City of York Council is launching the first ever Children’s Book Awards to find York’s favourite children’s picture book and story book of all time.

The council is inviting all children aged 14 years and younger to take part and have their say on what their favourite book is.

A special event to launch the awards will be taking place on 3 March at Explore York Library learning Centre, with well-known children’s author Andy Newbound. The event will take place between 2pm – 3.30pm with lots of activities for children on offer.

Children will be able to nominate their favourite book via the council’s website at www.york.gov.uk/libraries from Saturday 3 March, or they will be able to vote by asking for a form in one of 14 libraries across the city

Nominations will close on Friday 27 April and a shortlist of the five favourite books in each category will be announced in June. Lots of copies of the shortlisted books will be available and children will be encouraged to read and vote for their favourite. Voting closes on 16 September, the same day as the Summer Reading Challenge.

A grand ceremony is set to take place on Sunday 28 October, where prizes will be awarded.