Peepal Tree Press & The Emma Press both Shortlisted for the CLPE Children's Poetry Award

Falling Out of the Sky: Poems About Myths and Legends (The Emma Press) and Dancing in the Rain by John Lyons (Peepal Tree Press) have both been shortlisted for the CLPE children's poetry award. Hooray!

Talking about Dancing in the Rain the CLiPPA judges said, "This collection provides an insight into the poet’s Trinidadian childhood described by the judges as ‘breath of fresh air’. Readers are treated to poems with themes including the climate, ghosts and ghouls from Caribbean folklore and sharing food with family."

Poet and illustrator John Lyons spoke of his delight saying, “I am absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for the CLiPPA, especially as it gives me the opportunity to make a real connection with younger readers and encourage them to write poetry too!”

On the Emma Press Anthology, edited by Rachel Piercey and Emma Wright, they said, "This anthology brings together new poems inspired by myths, legends and folk tales. Poems inspired by classical Greek myths join those inspired by Norse myths and traditional tales. An exciting collection that challenges in a way few anthologies for children do."

The wonderful Emma Press team had this to say: "We are thrilled that Falling Out of the Sky has been shortlisted for the CLiPPA Award, especially as it’s our first venture into children’s poetry books. Its a real boost for our children’s poetry publishing programme. We hope we can encourage more poets to write for children, and more bookshops to stock children’s poetry books.” Amen to that!

Congratulations to both publishers, fingers crossed for a tie.