The Last Bear by Stamford author Hannah Gold nominated for Waterstones Children’s Book Prize

A Stamford author has been shortlisted for the annual Waterstones Children’s Book Prize.

Hannah Gold was nominated in the Books for Young Readers category for her debut novel The Last Bear.

The story follows April and her father on a scientific expedition to the Arctic. April believes there are no more polar bears on the island, until she encounters one and begins the most important journey of her life.

The book was endorsed by Hannah’s favorite children’s author, Michael Morpurgo, who described it as “deeply moving and quite unforgettable”.

Hannah of Christ Church Close took on many roles before settling down to write The Last Bear.

She’s worked in the film industry, taught English abroad, worked in a store and as a fitness coach, but writing is a passion.

Each year, Waterstones booksellers vote for the books they consider to be the best in children’s writing and illustration.

Now in its 18th year, the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize has become a prestigious honor for children’s books in the UK, launching the careers of many authors and illustrators.

Hannah said: “When I was younger, Waterstones wasn’t just my favorite shop – it was a sanctuary, a home and a haven.

“In the fast-paced and often frightening world we live in today, the role of booksellers and all the inspiring and empowering stories they champion has never been more important.

“Knowing that my book is now shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize is not just a dream come true – it’s an opportunity to reach more children than I ever dared imagine. It’s a blessing to tell them that even the smallest of us have the power to make the world a better place – not just for humans – but also for animals.

“The Last Bear is truly the book of my heart and to go this far is both incredibly humbling and very moving. I am simply over the moon.”

The shortlists consist of 18 books divided into three categories.

Six books will compete in each category to be crowned “Category Winner”, with the three category winners then vying for the overall title of Waterstones Children’s Book Prize Winner 2022.

The winners will be announced on March 30.