AN IRISH author has beaten 17 others to scoop a literary prize with her debut children’s book.
Erika McGann was announced as the winner of this year's Waverton Good Read Children's Award this week.
The Drogheda born writer, who now lives in Dublin, won the title for her spooky debut novel The Demon Notebook.
“'I'm so excited The Demon Notebook has won this year's Waverton Good Read Children's Award,” she said.
“It was a fantastic surprise, and I can't wait to visit Waverton and meet all the kids who got reading and voting!”
McGann's magical debut, published by The O’Brien Press, tells the story of Grace and her four best friends who are failed witches but one night stumble upon real magical powers.
The Waverton Good Read Children's Award is judged by 9 to 11-year-olds from local schools in Waverton, Cheshire and awarded to a debut British or Irish author each year.
Managing Director of The O'Brien Press, Ivan O'Brien, said: “It's always a particular honour to win an award when the selection is made by the readers themselves, and the children of Waverton had a great selection of books to choose from.
“We are delighted that they selected The Demon Notebook, and immensely proud of Erika McGann, whose great characters and storytelling are very impressive for a debut author.”
More young readers are expected to fall under McGann’s spell in the months to come, as the book has been selected as a recommended read in the fantasy/sci-fi category for this year's 'Read for my School' campaign run by Booktrust.
The Demon Notebook is published by The O’Brien Press ISBN 9781847172952
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