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Early Years Awards 2005

2005 judges

The judges are: Children's Book Consultant Wendy Cooling (Chair), Health Visitor Penny Miller, Afsa Mitha, Bookstart Co-ordinator for Leicestershire Bookstart, Nick Sharratt, illustrator and winner of several children's book awards, and HRH The Countess of Wessex.

Administration

Supported by Bookstart and the Unwin Foundation, The Booktrust Early Years Awards aim to celebrate, publicise and reward the exciting range of books being published today for babies, toddlers and pre-school children.

The Awards also aim to promote and make these books accessible to as wide an audience as possible.

The three categories of Awards are:

The best book for babies under one year old

The best book for pre-school children, up to five years of age

An award for the best new illustrator

The judges have been announced for the 2005 Booktrust early Years Awards:

Children's Book Consultant Wendy Cooling (Chair), was originally an English teacher in inner-London secondary schools. In 1990, she left teaching to join The Children's Book Foundation (now Booktrust) running a range of projects including Bookstart for which she continues to act as Senior Consultant. Wendy works with many children's book publishers, reviewing books, running in-service training sessions for teachers and librarians and working with children of all ages on reading-related projects.

Penny Miller is a State Registered Nurse and Health Visitor and began Health Visiting in 1992 at March Health Centre with Dr Thomas and partners. Penny assisted the launch of Bookstart in Fenland. Seconded to Sure Start to develop the electronic health needs assessment process and manage Fenland Families Project – a team of workers delivering early support for identified health needs, including speech and language needs and working closely with the local librarians.

Nick Sharratt’s work is split between illustrating for other writers, most notably Jacqueline Wilson, and producing his own picture books. Winner of several children's book awards, and shortlisted for the Greenaway Prize.

Afsa Mitha started working for libraries two years ago. She is currently Bookstart Co-ordinator for Leicestershire Bookstart. Her role covers the dissemination of Bookstart and encompasses training and support for frontline staff; undertaking early years work and outreach with hard to reach groups in the county.

HRH The Countess of Wessex born on 20 January 1965, Miss Sophie Rhys-Jones is the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Rhys-Jones, and younger sister of David. In 1999 Miss Rhys-Jones married HRH The Earl of Wessex in St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. As HRH The Countess of Wessex, she undertakes public duties for her own charities, and acts in support of her husband in his roles. Their Royal Highnesses have a baby daughter, born on 8 November 2003.

The Awards will take place on 29 September 2005 in central London.

For futher information contact Helen Hayes, Head of Promotions t 020 8516 2960 e helen@booktrust .org.uk

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