Big night for me last Friday. I was lucky enough to be one of the five finalists for the Sussex School’s Amazing Book Awards, sponsored by the Sussex Police.
Held at Shoreham Academy near Brighton, it was hosted by the fantastic new children’s laureate, Chris Riddell. Here he is doing a live cartoon of yours truly, while I related my tale of winning a prize in a poetry competition at my Haywards Heath primary school, which was also sponsored by the Sussex Police. 
And here’s his fabulous cartoon up close – no words for how much I love it! 
Here I am sitting with the four other finalists, James Dawson, Sally Green, Jon Robinson, and Annabel Pitcher. 
Tremendous excitement as they announced the winner – James Dawson – his second year of victory at the awards. Go, James! I went home with a head full of some great memories of meeting so many enthusiastic librarians, teachers and pupils, plus a few other things, notably this beautiful glass trophy:
And this wonderful goody bag:
Sweeties!
And something that’s about to be framed and take pride of place on my office wall – this amazing picture of Danny from Now You See Me. A very generous present from the wonderful Chris Riddell.