The King Who Banned The Dark shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2019

The King Who Banned The Dark by author/illustrator Emily Haworth-Booth has been shortlisted in the Illustrated Books Category of the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2019. 

Published in October 2018, The King Who Banned The Dark is about a young prince with a fear of the dark, who, when he grows up and becomes king, decides to ban it. When the King bans the dark completely, installing an artificial sun, and enforcing “anti-dark” laws, it seems like a good idea. The citizens don’t need to worry about any of the scary things that might live in the dark. But soon the citizens cannot sleep and begin to revolt. Beautiful and thought-provoking, it is a timely story about how we need the dark in order to enjoy the light.

Emily Haworth-Booth is an award-winning author, illustrator and educator who teaches at the Royal Drawing School in London, England. The King Who Banned The Dark is her debut children’s picture book.

The Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2019 is open to authors’ first or second book (or third in the illustration category). The winner of each category will receive £2,000 and one overall winner – chosen from the three category winners – will be given an additional £3,000 at a ceremony at Waterstones Piccadilly on 21st March.

For more information about the award, please visit the Waterstones website.