Philip Pullman last night presented the Branford Boase Award to author Jenny Downham at a glitzy ceremony in London. Downham’s prize for writing her debut novel for children Before I Die was a £1000 cheque and a hand-crafted silver inlaid box. Amongst the guests was a fellow Carnegie winner, Meg Rosoff. Mr Pullman had been invited to present the award due to the illness of well-known writer Dame Jacqueline Wilson. As he took to the podium he was heard to joke that he wasn’t wearing Jacqueline Wilson’s renowned rings. He was however wearing an unusual tie!

Pullman said of winner Downham:

“Before I Die is a truly remarkable books, and one that shows that as well as being able to pick authors of startling and undeniable talent, David Fickling has lost none of the enormous tact and skill that makes him such a fine editor. I very much look forward to seeing what Jenny Downham goes on to write next – as well, of course, as seeing what David Flickling discovers!”

Winner Jenny Downham and Mr. Pullman both share the same editor, David Fickling. He picked up his own award for being Downham’s editor. He has now won the editor’s award two years running.

Mr. Pullman also presented awards and prizes to the six winners of the Henrietta Branford children’s writing competition.

Blogger Bookwitch was at the event and you can read her account of the evening here. You can also read more on the Branford Boase’s website here.