BookTrust Lifetime Achievement Award: In pictures

Published on: 07 July 2016 Author: James Doherty

Judith Kerr was presented with her BookTrust Lifetime Achievement Award yesterday at London Zoo by an actual tiger.

Judith Kerr wins the BookTrust Lifetime Achievement Award 2016

The Mog creator was surrounded by friends and peers as she became the second ever recipient of the BookTrust Lifetime Achievement Award.

In a very funny yet poignant speech, Judith said:

When a prize is given for a lifetime's achievement, age is going to play a part and I may have an unfair advantage. Inevitably the judges must say: 'She's 93, she might not be around to give it to next year', which is acutely unfair to young illustrators and authors in their 80s.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea author also commented on her early life:

I owe thanks to this country which let me in when I came as a child refugee from Hitler... I love my work and I still do it.

Being presented with the award was not the end of Judith's day. The illustrator was then reunited with two tigers - one in an enclosure and one in costume. She was quite safe throughout...

See pictures from the day below.

See Judith Kerr receive her BookTrust Lifetime Achievement Award

Judith Kerr arrived at the ceremony at London Zoo
Current Children's Laureate Chris Riddell showed off his illustrations - maybe he was hoping that she was going to grade them
Judith Kerr received her award from Michael Morpurgo, who said 'hers is a story of hope.'
Judith Kerr released her last book, Mister Cleghorn's Seal in 2015.
An old friend comes to celebrate Judith's award
Judith swaps tea for a glass of bubbly on this special occasion.
The BookTrust Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and the judges (plus the tiger) enjoy the festivities.
There was also time for spot of reading.
They're still close, even after 50 years you don't get Judith without The Tiger Who Came to Tea.
Judith even had time to get up close with the real thing.
Judith Kerr arrived at the ceremony at London Zoo

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Current Children's Laureate Chris Riddell showed off his illustrations - maybe he was hoping that she was going to grade them

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Judith Kerr received her award from Michael Morpurgo, who said 'hers is a story of hope.'

Image 3 of 10

Judith Kerr released her last book, Mister Cleghorn's Seal in 2015.

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An old friend comes to celebrate Judith's award

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Judith swaps tea for a glass of bubbly on this special occasion.

Image 6 of 10

The BookTrust Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and the judges (plus the tiger) enjoy the festivities.

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There was also time for spot of reading.

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They're still close, even after 50 years you don't get Judith without The Tiger Who Came to Tea.

Image 9 of 10

Judith even had time to get up close with the real thing.

Image 10 of 10

Topics: Lifetime Achievement, Early Years professional, Librarian, Parent/carer, Publisher/bookseller, Teacher (primary), Teacher (secondary), Writer, Press, Features

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Lifetime Achievement Award

Meet the wonderful winners of our annual Lifetime Achievement Award.

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