David Walliams Takes On JK Rowling In Fight To Find Decade's Best Kid's Book

Battle To Be Crowned Best Kid's Book Of The Decade

David Walliams is to go up against authors including JK Rowling and Charlie Higson as they battle to see their titles declared the best children's book of the past decade.

They are in the running to land the accolade, which will be decided by viewers of BBC series Blue Peter.

Also in contention are celebrated authors such as Jacqueline Wilson, Michael Morpurgo and thriller writer John Grisham.

The list includes three former children's laureates - Morpurgo, Wilson and illustrator Quentin Blake.

The books deal with issues such as homelessness, divorce and secret agents.

The shortlist - announced this week on an edition of the programme - has been compiled from the 10 biggest-selling fiction books for five to 11-year-olds in each of the past 10 years, although only the top seller for each author is included.

Programme editor Tim Levell said: "Children care as much about books as adults do - if not more so. We wanted to capture that by creating a vote to find out which book from the last 10 years they love the most.

"Normally I'm all for playground harmony, but if on this occasion there is the odd playground argument about which book is better, then bring it on."

The winner will be announced alongside the annual Blue Peter book of the year victor on a special book-themed edition of the CBBC show on 1 March.

The 10 books are:

  • Alex Rider Mission 3: Skeleton Key - Anthony Horowitz (2002)
  • Candyfloss - Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt (2006)
  • Diary Of A Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney (2008)
  • Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix - J K Rowling (2003)
  • Horrid Henry And The Football Fiend - Francesca Simon, illustrated by Tony Ross (2006)
  • Mr Stink - David Walliams, illustrated by Quentin Blake (2009)
  • Private Peaceful - Michael Morpurgo (2003)
  • The Series Of Unfortunate Events: Austere Academy - Lemony Snicket (2002)
  • Theodore Boone - John Grisham (2010)
  • Young Bond: SilverFin - Charlie Higson (2005)
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