Founded in 1980 by national children's reading charity, the Federation of Children's Book Groups, the Children's Book Award is now in its 39th Year.  It is the only National UK Children's Book Award to be voted for entirely by children.  Each year an impressive 150,000+ votes are cast, involving nearly 250 schools across the UK.

The winneers have been announced today at a special awards ceremony and Arree Chung's Mixed, a book exploring colour, tolerance and embracing difference has come first.  Aree won the Books for Younger Children before winning the overall prize this year.   Commenting on his win Arree said, 'It touches me to know that the message of diversity, acceptance and love has resonated with the harts of the youth in the UK.  The world indeed is a colourful blend of people and culture.'

Armistice Runner by Tom Palmer has won the Older Reader category and The Dog Who Lost His Bark, written by Eoin Colfer and illustrated by PJ Lynch is named the Books for Younger Readers Category winner.

Congratulations to all of the winners and to the Federation of Children's Book Groups for a superb initiative.