Fife author delighted by Scottish Children’s Book Awards nomination

A Fife children’s author was delighted to learn he is line for a prestigious national award.

Chae Strathie, from Lundin Links, said he was “flabbergasted” after finding out he has been nominated for the Scottish Children’s Book Awards.

His book Jumblebum is one of three books nominated in the three to seven years category, but he faces a long wait to find out if he has won, with winners set to be announced next year.

“The great thing about these awards is that they are voted for by children, rather than dusty grown-ups locked away in a stuffy room somewhere,” he said. “To be on the shortlist alongside great writers is a joy and I am very proud to be among the contenders.”

With the nominations now announced, youngsters will decide on the winners by reading the books and voting for their favourite.

Chae’s book will be competing against The Paper Dolls, by Julia Donaldson and Rebecca Cobb, and What’s the Time Mr Wolf? by Debi Gliori.

As part of an initiative funded by the Scottish Government and Education Scotland, every P1 pupil across Scotland will receive a copy of the nominated books in an effort to get more youngsters reading.