October, October: WINNER OF THE YOTO CARNEGIE MEDAL 2022

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CILIP is the leading voice for the information, knowledge management and library profession. Our goal is to put information and library skills and professional values at the heart of a democratic, equal and prosperous society. I hope so. There are so many things in life we can't control, but knowing that even if things don't go to plan, you can still find your way and build your future - that's so important. An unforgettable story, an unforgettable heroine – it’s no exaggeration to hail this a future classic. The theme of raising a wild bird is at the heart of Katya Balen's October, October ... Only it's about more than that: about the gap between life in the wild woods and in London, where October is saved by mudlarking, and friendship with a boy called Yusuf - Animal magic: children's books for Christmas, The Spectator

Angela Harding is a fine artist specialising in nature and wildlife screen-prints as well as lino and vinyl cuts. Her beautiful prints appear in a huge range of galleries and have also been featured in Gardens Illustrated, BBC Countryfile and Country Living. I believe that kids are empowered when they have access to all kinds of books, and can choose for themselves what they want to read. Graphic novels can be an especially engaging form of reading, and a gateway to all types of literature. But graphic novels are also an extraordinary, complex, versatile medium in themselves, not dumbed down versions of “real” books. You wouldn’t discourage a kid from going to a museum to look at paintings or sculptures or photography, so why would you tell them not to look at artwork in a book? Images are visceral in a different way than text, and when an artwork moves you, it’s speaking to you in a different language than words. There is no single way to tell a story, and graphic novels are one fascinating way to express emotions and ideas that can’t be put into words alone.” Shaffi, Sarah (17 March 2023). "Carnegie medal for writing announces all-female shortlist". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 25 May 2023 . Retrieved 6 June 2023. The two medal winners were chosen from a shortlist of 16 – eight for each medal – by an expert team of volunteer judges, featuring 14 librarians from CILIP’s Youth Libraries Group based across the UK.

Reviews

Longlists Announced for 202 CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals". The Yoto Carnegies. Archived from the original on 3 March 2023 . Retrieved 7 June 2023. Jennifer Horan, chair of judges, said the winning titles “provide outstanding reading experiences for young people”.

Shaffi, Sarah (16 June 2022). "Danica Novgorodoff wins Kate Greenaway medal for graphic novel Long Way Down". The Guardian . Retrieved 15 June 2023. KATYA: Yes, I thought it was important because it’s the kind of situation that affects so many children. It’s really normal, and because of that maybe we can forget that it isn’t easy. I think it’s good for children to be able to read their own lives and feel less alone, and for children who aren’t in that situation to grow their empathy and understanding. That’s the best result I can ever hope for when a child reads my books.

By Author / Illustrator

In 2022, the judging panel includes 14 volunteer judges from CILIP’s Youth Libraries Group. Find out more about this year’s judges here