Winner of Children’s Fiction: There will be Blue Skies by Jo Cooper

Nicholas Allan is the author/illustrator of over thirty children’s books with Jo at the Awards

I have entered a book for the last four years.  The first book, Isle of Memories, came nowhere, then I entered ‘A Red Sky’ and Alan Titchmarsh judged it to come third.  I have sold quite a few copies telling the customer that Alan Titchmarsh had read my book, all the way through!  In 2024, the judge didn’t like ‘Sparkles in the Navy-blue sky'. which was a shame. The comment was there was too much in it that wasn’t the Isle of Wight.  But how could I put my character on the isle of Wight. Fair comment but the character was avoiding the Germans in occupied France.

This year I entered, ‘There Will be Blue Skies,’ it fitted the criteria, as Reggie and Lindy did not leave the Island at all, phew!

Bob was more hopeful! He had been spouting forth about this fact, how they wanted the Isle of Wight, and I put them there.

On Tuesday 7^th October, was the Book Awards Lunch at The Island Sailing Club in Cowes. We found our places on table five at the back and as I sat down, I noticed a table at the side full of books. I remembered from previous years, that they put all the books that had been entered on display.  It was packed up with endless, colourful children’s books.  I assumed that they were all entries.  ‘I don’t stand a chance, not against all those,’ I said.

The meal was lovely; the company were interesting. All I had to get through was the presentation.  In my hand bag was a small piece of paper on which was written my total sales.  It acted like a security blanket!  ‘Even if the judge doesn’t like my book, my customers do.’  I said to myself.  I was ready to clap dutifully about others successes.

Third prize in the children’s entry was seated at our table. ‘Oo that’s me!’ she called and she bounced her way up the room.  The second prize was called out.  ‘Only one more to go.’  I whispered to Bob.  

‘The first prize, at this stage, I was hardly in the mood to listen.  Then I heard ‘Blue Skies,’ and still it didn’t sink down.  ‘You’ve won,’ Bob called out. ‘That’s you!’ the rest of the table repeated.

‘Have I won?’ I asked.  ‘Yes! you’ve won!’ Bob said again.  I scrambled out of my chair, and made my way up to the front, Bob followed with his phone to take a picture.  I was still a little unsure. I moved trepidatiously.  Then I heard the judge, Nicholas Allan mention Reggie, and I knew I was in the right place.

After years of trying, I got the award. I couldn't be more thrilled.