* The English 4-11 Picture Book Awards sponsored by the journal of the English Association, have gone to (key stage 1) Wash, Scrub, Brush! A book about keeping clean by Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom (Watts) and My Brother Sammy by Becky Edwards and David Armitage, which portrays a child’s relationship with his autistic brother (Bloomsbury Children’s Books). Key stage 2 awards go to Anne Wilson’s Marsha and the Firebird (Zero to Ten) and The Blue and Green Ark: an alphabet for planet Earth (Scholastic), which matches Brian Patten’s text with illutrations by artists including Patrick Benson, Jane Ray and, again, David Armitage, in 26 spreads evoking natural wonders.
* Young judges are needed for the Nestle Smarties Book Prize. 200 primary school classes and after-school clubs will cast the final vote on the adult judges’ shortlists for three age groups. Apply by October 2; winners are announced in November. For an information pack, fax 020 8516 2978, email sandra@booktrust.org.uk or write to Young Judges, Nestle Smarties Book Prize, Book Trust, 45 East Hill, London SW18 2Q7.
