Winners of Scottish Children's Book Awards 2013 announced

The winners of the awards were announced in front of 800 school children

The winners of the 2013 Scottish Children's Book Awards have been announced at Glasgow's Mitchell Library.

A record 38,000 children voted for their favourite books across three different age categories.

Authors Chae Strathie, Janis Mackay and Claire McFall were all named as winners.

The awards are run by the Scottish Book Trust in partnership with Creative Scotland.

The shortlist was comprised of books published between 1 April 2012 and 31 March 2013 by authors or illustrators living and working in Scotland, and is chosen by a panel of booksellers, teachers, librarians and children.

Children across Scotland are then invited to read the shortlist of three books in their age category then vote for their favourite.

'Fabulous writers'

Fife-based author Chae Strathie won the Bookbug Readers category (3-7 years) for his picture book Jumblebum, which was illustrated by Ben Cort.

Mr Strathie, who is currently a sub-editor on a Scottish newspaper, said: "I'm beyond delighted to have won this fantastic award.

"Best of all the award was chosen by children from all over Scotland and from every kind of background."

He added: "They're the ones I write for, so to get the seal of approval from them means the world to me."

'Amazing prize'

Award-winning Edinburgh-based children's author Janis Mackay won the Younger Readers Category (8-11 Years) for The Accidental Time Traveller.

Ms Mackay, a writer, storyteller and voice teacher, said: "I am completely thrilled, and can't quite believe it.

"It has been such a wonderful opportunity to be shortlisted for this award; suddenly my books are in the consciousness of hundreds of teachers and librarians - and pupils - and I have been invited to many schools and libraries and book festivals.

"First winning the Kelpies prize and now this amazing prize - I feel chuffed, and have already written the sequel!"

'Incredible surprise'

Debut author Claire McFall, based in the Scottish Borders, won the Older Readers Category (12-16 Years) for her novel Ferryman.

Ms McFall, who currently works an English teacher, said: "To be honest, I was beyond delighted simply to be shortlisted for the Scottish Children's Book Awards, so to win is an incredible surprise."

She added: "The competition was high, so to come out top is an honour. It's not really a word, but I feel it's the only appropriate expression to describe how I feel: awesomeness!"

'Hugely successful'

Each of the winners received £3,000 each, with £500 being given to the authors of all nominated books.

Minister for Children and Young People Aileen Campbell, said: "Like other parents I cherish the time I spend reading with my son.

"The shortlisted books have brought incredible pleasure to an ever increasing number of children taking part and I congratulate Chae, Janis and Claire.

"I would also like to thank the children who have taken part along with the teachers, librarians, booksellers and others who make these awards such a success."

Creative Scotland's Jenny Niven said: "Huge congratulations to Chae, Janis and Claire, we're absolutely delighted for you.

"Thank you to all the brilliant young readers too (and the parents and teachers who supported them) who voted and got involved in record numbers this year."

She added: "The Scottish Children's Book Awards is a brilliant success story. It's absolutely critical that children are active participants in their engagement with books, and this program offers a marvellous opportunity for them to be just that."

Running since 2006, the awards have grown steadily each year with over 800 school children attending the ceremony.