Nestlé Smarties Book Prize
The Nestlé Children's Book Prize, and Nestlé Smarties Book Prize for a time, was a set of annual awards for British children's books that ran from 1985 to 2007. It was administered by Booktrust, an independent charity that promotes books and reading in the United Kingdom, and sponsored by Nestlé, the manufacturer of Smarties candy. It was one of the most respected and prestigious prizes for children's literature.
There were three award categories defined by audience ages 0 to 5 years, 6 to 8 years, and 9 to 11 years. Silver and bronze runners-up in each category were introduced in 1996 and designation of one overall winner was abandoned at the same time
Eligible books were written by UK citizens and residents and published during the preceding year. The shortlists were selected by a panel of adult judges, finally chaired by Julia Eccleshare, children's books editor for The Guardian. First, second, and third places were determined by British schoolchildren—at least finally, by vote of "selected school classes"
The prize was discontinued in 2008 by what was described as a "mutual" decision from Booktrust and Nestlé, with "no hostility". Explaining their reasons for this decision, Booktrust stated it had "been reviewing the organisation's priorities and how prizes and awards fit in with its strategic objectives", while Nestlé was "increasingly moving its community support towards the company strategy of nutrition, health and wellness." Additionally, they said that it was a "natural time to conclude" and that were "confident that increased importance has been placed on children's books."
Winners
There were 65 winning books in 23 years and 72 silver or bronze runners-up in the last twelve years.1996–2007 with silver and bronze runners up
;2007Gold Awards
- 9–11 years: Shadow Forest by Matt Haig
- 6–8 years: Ottoline and the Yellow Cat by Chris Riddell
- 0–5 years: When a Monster is Born by Sean Taylor and Nick Sharratt
Gold Awards
- 9–11 years: The Diamond of Drury Lane by Julia Golding
- 6–8 years: Mouse Noses on Toast by Daren King
- 0–5 years: That Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown by Cressida Cowell and Neal Layton
Gold Awards
- 9–11 years: I, Coriander by Sally Gardner
- 6–8 years: The Whisperer by Nick Butterworth
- 0–5 years: Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers
Gold Awards
- 9–11 years: Spilled Water by Sally Grindley
- 6–8 years: Fergus Crane by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell
- 0–5 years: Biscuit Bear by Mini Grey
;2003
Gold Awards
- 9–11 years: The Fire-Eaters by David Almond
- 6–8 years: Varjak Paw by S. F. Said, illus. Dave McKean
- 0–5 years: The Witch's Children and the Queen by Ursula Jones, illus. Russell Ayto
;2002
Gold Awards
- 9–11 years: Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve
- 6–8 years: That Pesky Rat by Lauren Child
- 0–5 years: Jazzy in the Jungle by Lucy Cousins
;2001
Gold Awards
- 9–11 years: Journey to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson
- 6–8 years: The Shrimp by Emily Smith, illus. Wendy Smith
- 0–5 years: Chimp and Zee by Catherine and Laurence Anholt
;2000
Gold Awards
- 9–11 years: The Wind Singer by William Nicholson
- 6–8 years: Lizzie Zipmouth by Jacqueline Wilson, illus. Nick Sharratt
- 0–5 years: Max by Bob Graham
;1999
Gold Awards
- 9–11 years: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling
- 6–8 years: Snow White and the Seven Aliens by Laurence Anholt, illus. Arthur Robins
- 0–5 years: The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, illus. Axel Scheffler
Gold Awards
- 9–11 years: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling
- 6–8 years: Last of the Gold Diggers by Harry Horse
- 0–5 years: Cowboy Baby by Sue Heap
Gold Awards
- 9–11 years: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J. K. Rowling
- 6–8 years: The Owl Tree by Jenny Nimmo, illus. Anthony Lewis
- 0–5 years: Ginger by Charlotte Voake
Gold Awards
- 9–11 years: The Firework-Maker's Daughter by Philip Pullman, illus. Nick Harris
- 6–8 years: The Butterfly Lion by Michael Morpurgo, illus. Christian Birmingham
- 0–5 years: Oops! by Colin McNaughton
1985–1995 with Overall winners
Overall: Double Act by Jacqueline Wilson
- 9 – 11 years and Overall:
Overall: The Exiles at Home by Hilary McKay
- 9 – 11 years and Overall: The Exiles at Home by Hilary McKay
- 6 – 8 years: Dimanche Diller by Henrietta Branford, illus. Lesley Harker
- 0 – 5 years: So Much by Trish Cooke, illus. Helen Oxenbury
Overall: War Game by Michael Foreman
- 9 – 11 years:
Overall: The Great Elephant Chase by Gillian Cross
- 9 – 11 years and Overall: The Great Elephant Chase by Gillian Cross
- 6 – 8 years: The Story of the Creation by Jane Ray
- 0 – 5 years: Nice Work, Little Wolf by Hilda Offen
Overall: Farmer Duck by Martin Waddell and Helen Oxenbury
- 9 – 11 years:
Overall: Midnight Blue by Pauline Fisk
- 9 – 11 years and Overall: Midnight Blue by Pauline Fisk
- 6 – 8 years: Esio Trot by Roald Dahl, illus. Quentin Blake
- 0 – 5 years: Six Dinner Sid by Inga Moore
Overall: We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen, illus. Helen Oxenbury
- 9 – 11 years:
Overall: Can't You Sleep Little Bear? by Martin Waddell and Barbara Firth
- 9 – 11 years: Rushavenn Time by Theresa Whistler
- 6 – 8 years: Can it be True? by Susan Hill
- 0 – 5 years and Overall: Can't You Sleep Little Bear? by Martin Waddell and Barbara Firth
Overall: A Thief in the Village by James Berry
- 9 – 11 years and Overall:
Overall: The Snow Spider by Jenny Nimmo
;1985
Overall: Gaffer Samson's Luck by Jill Paton Walsh