I'm off for a week, mostly to be in Cambridge to catch up with old chums, though I'll also be heading up to Sheffield for their children's book award. This is because Jack's Tractor has been shortlisted in the picture book category. I honestly think I've been very restrained in not mentioning that every other post, so stop rolling your eyes, you at the back!
I have never been nominated for a proper children's book award before. And this after over ten years of writing and illustrating. Perhaps that isn't something to admit here in public, but I can't help feeling that this, coupled with the fact that Jack's Tractor is the first text I wrote that I didn't plan to illustrate myself, can only say positive things about my decision to concentrate on writing.
I don't think I'll win the award – my money's on Morris – but I hope it'll be fun just being there. In any event, I'm not going to take my grumpy side with me. I'll leave him here instead, to illustrate this post.
Congratulations on the nomination, and best of luck! I hope you have a terribly clever acceptance speech planned.
ReplyDeleteOh, well done ye!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the nomination!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant news on the shortlist! My fingers are crossed for you. In the meantime, I look forward to grumpy illustrations!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the nomination! That in itself is reason to celebrate.
ReplyDeleteHave a great time:)We'll watch out for grumpy for you.
Hey, fantastic news and richly deserved I'm sure. Just being on the shortlist is a triumph n'est-ce pas?
ReplyDeletegood luck! xxx
ReplyDeleteI keep leaving comments then scooting off before they've been processed (only just realised as I did it again!)
ReplyDeleteTotally excellent news - congratulations and enjoy your evening in fab Sheffield! Feel deservedly proud to toot your good news! Toot toot!
That is so exciting, Thomas! Jack's Tractor is a great book. I'm crossing my fingers for you. :)
ReplyDeleteHave fun with your chums!
Thanks all. The event was amazing and worthy of a blogpost of its own. I didn't win, but I didn't expect to, and I was right about Morris the Mankiest Monster:-) Congratulations to Giles Andreae and Sarah McIntyre on their fantastic double win!
ReplyDeleteAh!
ReplyDeleteYou see, had I read this post somewhat earlier I might have said hello to the man on Mill Rd who looked remarkably like you that I saw this morning rather than thinking "but obviously it can't actually be Thomas because he lives elsewhere".
Are you in Cambridge for much longer?
Hi, Dave. It could have been me! I'm off home in about half an hour unfortunately, but now I'm just a couple of trains away, I plan to be back in Cambridge soon. Hopefuly see you then!
ReplyDeleteCongratulation on the award nomination. Hope you had a great time :-)
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoyed your time here!
ReplyDelete