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Inverness author nominated for Scottish book prize

Inverness Printmaker and illustrator Meg McLaren.
Inverness Printmaker and illustrator Meg McLaren.

An Inverness author has been shortlisted for a national children’s book award.

Printmaker and illustrator Meg McLaren graduated from the prestigious MA in Children’s Book Illustration at the Cambridge School of Art before moving to the Highland Capital with her partner Jon.

Her latest creation The Station Mouse has now been picked as one of three Scottish children’s books nominated for the 2020 Bookbug Picture Book Prize.

Alastair Chisholm from Edinburgh has also been shortlisted for his book The Prince and the Witch and the Thief and the Bears – illustrated by Jez Tuya – alongside fellow Edinburgh author Morag Hood for her book Sophie Johnson: Unicorn Expert illustrated by Ella Okstad.

Speaking of her nomination, Ms McLaren said: “I’m really thrilled that The Station Mouse has been shortlisted for the Bookbug Picture Book Prize.  It’s wonderful to know that not only is every Primary 1 child in Scotland going to read my book but that they are also going to get their very own copy to keep. That’s amazing.”

The book follows Maurice the Station Mouse who must obey The Station Mouse Handbook, with states he must remain unseen, never go out in daytime and must never approach passengers as people do not like mice.

The book follows Maurice’s journey and what consequences may occur if these vital rules are broken.

The annual competition is run by the Scottish Book Trust, a national charity transforming the lives through reading and writing, with support from Browns Books for Students.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “The Bookbug Picture Book Prize highlights some of the finest children’s books in Scotland. We are delighted to work with Browns Books for Students to make this award possible and celebrate the wonderful authors and illustrators working in the picture book industry.”

A free copy of each of the three books on the shortlist will be given to every Primary 1 child during Book Week Scotland from November 18 until November 24 in the Bookbug P1 family bag.

Children from across the country and members of the public are now being encouraged to vote for their favourite book.

The winning book is scheduled to be announced in an exclusive video on January 29 next year. The winner will receive a prize of £3,000 with fellow shortlisted authors and illustrators receiving £500 per book.

Claire Smith, Sales Manager for Browns Books for Students, added: “Browns Books for Students are once again delighted to be working with Scottish Book Trust to highlight the Bookbug Picture Book Prize.  We are very honoured to be part of this literacy project, which is putting books into the hands of children and supporting a lifelong love of reading.”