I Am Rebel by Ross Montgomery has won the Waterstones Children’s Book of the Year award! Winners of this prestigious award are nominated by Waterstones booksellers who pick an outstanding book they have recommended to customers through the year – and we’re thrilled that they picked I Am Rebel!
I Am Rebel is the heartwarming and adventurous tale of loveable canine hero Rebel, who embarks on a thrilling quest to rescue his human, Tom.
Watch the trailer here:
Waterstones’ Head of Books Bea Carvalho had this to say about Rebel:
‘At a time when children’s literacy and reading for pleasure should be at the top of everyone’s agenda, I Am Rebel stands out as the perfect book to press into the hands of children and the adults who care for them. It is a book to remind adults of the joy and wonder to be found in children’s books, and to help young readers discover a love of reading. Firmly rooted in the traditions of the classics like all the best comfort reads, yet wholeheartedly, originally itself, I Am Rebel is above all a brilliantly fun, gripping adventure which showcases the very best of children’s storytelling. Rebel is the ultimate good boy, our dog of the year: we can’t wait to introduce him and his human Tom to readers young and old everywhere.’
In an article for the Guardian, Ross expressed that he was “blown away” by the news that I Am Rebel had been named Children’s Book of the Year:
‘To have this kind of accolade so far into my career is an incredibly special thing, and I’m definitely more appreciative of it as a result… I want kids to put the book down when they’re finished with wet eyes and a heart as big as their chest, filled with joy and wonder at the world.’
This morning, Ross took to social media with a much simpler message: ‘From the bottom of my heart: woof.’
As part of the win, Waterstones are selling an exclusive hardback edition with Keith Robinson’s stunning cover artwork in gold foil, and will be championing the book online and in stores across the country.
A big thank you to all of the booksellers who have championed Ross Montgomery’s I am Rebel, and all the readers sharing their love for the book on social media and beyond.
I Am Rebel is available in Waterstones stores now
See the exclusive hardback edition: here