Harry Potter wins Blue Peter Book Awards 20th Anniversary prize

Published on: 05 March 2020

This year, to celebrate 20 years of brilliant children’s books, Blue Peter asked the audience to vote for their favourite Blue Peter Book Award book from the last two decades.

Thousands of viewers from across the country voted and we can reveal that the winning book is J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Blue Peter Editor, Ellen Evans, says: “Through the Blue Peter Book Awards we want to show how reading is fun and enjoyable, can help you feel better, can help you empathise, find out new facts and, through imagination, experience something beyond everyday life! J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is truly a wonderful and worthy winner.

“I loved reading our audience’s comments online talking about their favourite books and sharing their love of reading."

These are just a few quotes from Blue Peter fans on the website:

“I chose The Boy at the Back of the Class because as soon as I read it I loved it.”

“In the end I voted for.... the Gruffalo! As a young child, it was one of my favourite story books, it's an absolute classic!” 

“Harry Potter because it gives you a sense of adventure and magic.”

“I voted for Matilda as it is a great story for girl’s rights.”

“Mortal Engines any day.”

“Varjak Paw for the win. Vote for Varjak!”

“Nothing beats Private Peaceful!!!”

“I voted for Roof Toppers for I read it when I was 10 and I fell in love with it.”

“I voted for the story of Tracy Beaker because she’s so much like me."

“Mr Gum 100%!! It's the funniest book on Earth!”

The other books on the Blue Peter Awards 20th anniversary shortlist were:

• The Boy at the Back of the Class – Onjali Q. Raúf
• The Gruffalo – Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
• Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – J. K. Rowling
• Matilda – Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
• Mortal Engines - Philip Reeve
• The Outlaw Varjak Paw – SF Said, illustrated by Dave McKean
• Private Peaceful – Michael Morpurgo
• Rooftoppers – Katherine Rundell
• The Story of Tracy Beaker - Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
• You’re a Bad Man, Mr Gum – Andy Stanton

Blue Peter is live on CBBC and BBC iPlayer on Thursdays at 5.30pm. Keep up-to-date with the awards here and on Twitter by following @Booktrust and #BPBA.

Read the press release