“Half-Blood Prince” Wins Scottish Book Award; JKR Sends Thank You Message

A few weeks ago, we first told you that Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince had been nominated for a Scottish Children’s Book Award. Those awards have now been announced, and Half-Blood Prince was declared the winner in the “Younger readers-8-12 years” category. The Scotsman newspaper reports that JKR was not present at the award ceremony, instead sending a message of thanks, saying she could not attend as she was still busy working on Book Seven.

In a message sent by “owl” and read by her editor, Emma Matthewson, the author pleaded pressure of work for not turning up for the ceremony at the Royal Mail Awards for Scottish Children’s Books.

“Thank you so much for this award. I’m sure any writer will agree that it’s always reassuring to receive recognition for your work, but it’s particularly meaningful when the decision has been made by the readers themselves,” she said.

“To them, I’m enormously grateful and delighted that Harry Potter continues to give so much pleasure.

“I’m sorry I am unable to receive this award in person today, but I currently have my head down writing the final book, which is coming along nicely.”

Congratulations Jo!