The English Association has revealed the 16 books shortlisted for the 2015 English 4-11 Best Picture Book Awards, including Half a Man written by Michael Morpurgo and illustrated by Gemma O’Callaghan.
This recently published Picture Book is a poignant tale of the physical and mental scars of war. From a young age, Michael was both fascinated by and afraid of his grandfather. Grandpa’s ship was torpedoed during the Second World War, leaving him with terrible burns. Every time he came to stay, Michael was warned by his mother that he must not stare; must not make too much noise; must not ask Grandpa about his past. As he grows older, Michael stays with his grandfather during the summer holidays, and as he finally learns the story behind Grandpa’s injuries, he gets to know the real man behind the solemn figure from his childhood. Michael can see beyond the burns, and this gives him the power to begin healing some of the scars that have divided his family for so long.
The English 4-11 Picture Book Awards are presented annually by the English Association to the best picture book of the previous year, in each of four categories: Fiction 4-7 yrs and 7-11 yrs, and Non-Fiction 4-7 yrs and 7-11 yrs. The winning books are chosen by the editorial board of English 4-11 from a shortlist selected by a panel of teachers and primary specialists.
The winners will be announced on 13th May 2015
