We're thrilled to announce that this year's Books Are My Bag Readers Award winners Still Life by Sarah Winman and When The Sky Falls by Phil Earle as its Fiction Book and Children’s Book of the Month respectively.  
 
Still Life by Sarah Winman, which won the Fiction Award at the Books Are My Bag Readers Awards 2021, is the story of Ulysses Temper, a young British soldier, and Evelyn Skinner, a sixty-year-old art historian and possible spy. Trapped together in a Tuscan wine cellar in 1944 as war approaches, the pair share their stories, setting Ulysses on a path that will shape his life for the next forty years. Still Life is published by 4^th Estate and is available to buy in bookshops now.
 
Sarah Winman said of the book’s selection, “Independent booksellers are the gatekeepers of infinite possibility and of thousands of journeys yet to be taken. As readers, we love them. As writers, we love them. To be supported and championed by them is an incredible privilege. For Still Life to have been chosen as Indie Book of the Month is a great joy, and one I am incredibly grateful for.”

When The Sky Falls by Phil Earle, winner of the Children’s Award, transports readers to London in 1941 where young Joseph is sent to live with Mrs F, a gruff woman who only cares for the rundown zoo she runs and gorilla, Adonis. As boy and gorilla grow close and secrets are revealed, what will happen if the bombs falling on the city set Adonis rampaging free? When The Sky Falls is published by Andersen Press and is available in bookshops now.

Author Phil Earle said, “What an honour for When the Sky Falls to be made December’s Children’s Book Of The Month. Thank you. It was becoming a bookseller myself that kickstarted my own writing, and I know first hand the power of hand selling. There’s nothing like it, so to be given this platform in the run up to Christmas is just wonderful. Thank you. And do let me know how I can help you!”

Independent bookshops around the UK and Ireland will be promoting Still Life and When the Sky Falls throughout December on social media and instore. The Booksellers Association will be supporting the promotion of the Indie Book of the Month through social media and promotional material.
 
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