Young people choose ‘Look inside space’ as winner of Royal Society Book Prize

Look inside space, a book packed with amazing space facts hidden beneath more than 70 flaps to lift, has won the Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize 2013.

Look inside space by Rob Lloyd-Jones (Usborne Publishing), was chosen from a shortlist of six by over 1000 young people from more than 100 schools and youth groups around the UK:

Nia, 14,  from Howell's School Llandaff, Cardiff said: “The cover of this book promises a fun, friendly and colourful ride through the basics of space, and this is exactly what you get.  The book is perfect to read aloud to a young child- it has brilliant illustrations, simple, bite-sized text and (best of all) lots of interactive flaps…This was a fun book for ages 4+, with cracking illustrations, fun flaps and well thought out language. We might be on to a winner!”  

Matt, 11, from Stafford Grammar School said: “Great for young scientists. Loads of great bitesize facts about our Solar System - and beyond!”

Neve, 8, from 4th Swinton Rainbows and Brownies said: “I liked the pictures and I liked that opening the flaps gave you more information.”

Owain, 12, fromWoodfield Academy, Redditch said:

“I loved all the flaps with information underneath. There were even flaps under flaps! ‘Spacetastic!’”

The shortlist from which the young people chose a winner was selected by an expert adult judging panel made up of Professor John Goodby FRS (Chair), Royal Society University Research Fellow Dr Jenny Read, evolutionary biologist, science writer and blogger Grrlscientist, assistant headteacher Shazia Lydon and presenter of Channel 4’s Inside Nature’s Giants Simon Watt. 

Professor John Goodby FRS, Chair of the adult judging panel said:

“Our young judging panels have made an excellent choice for the winner of the Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize. Rob Lloyd-Jones’ Look inside space is a fantastic introduction to a popular scientific topic. It sounds like our young judges particularly enjoyed the interactive element of the book. I hope it sparks the imaginations of young aspiring astronomers and astronauts.”

The prize was awarded at a ceremony at the Royal Society in London on the evening of Monday 11 November. The book wins an award of £10,000 and the shortlisted books each receive £1000.