Chris Woodings’s fantasy adventure novel Poison (Scholastic Children’s Books) has won the Lancashire Children’s Book of the Year award, judged by a panel of 14-year-olds. The shortlist of 10 was selected by secondary pupils (88 schools were involved) with children’s novelist Hazel Townson advising on criteria. The annual award review booklet offers a snapshot of what key stage 3 pupils enjoy reading and will be produced soon by the county library service, which organises the award. To order: jacob.hope@lcl.lancscc.gov.uk.