'The book industry runs rampant during August : Book Week, author signings, tours, school visits, and the announcement of the winners of the annual Children's Book Council Book of the Year categories. For each author on the various shortlists, on equal footing to take home the Book of the Year prize, it is a breathless, flurrying time of excitement, nerves and crossed fingers. The shortlist has been made available for several months by the time August rolls around, so anticipation is high.' (Introduction)