Congratulations to the wonderful Janeen Hayat, whose book EVIE AND MARYAM BREAK THE CODE has won the 2023 Open Submission Competition! The judges and I all loved the relationship between Evie and Maryam and the themes of family history, giving readers an insight into colonial India as well as the impact of past on present; the two girls are beautifully drawn and I’m so excited that it’s our winner.

A huge thanks to the panel of judges: author and editor, Linda Sargent, Golden Egg editor Adamma Okonkwo and Scott Evans, primary teacher and blogger. They are wise and thoughtful and their insights and advice was invaluable – I’m very grateful to them all.

And thank you to all the shortlistees for their brilliant entries; I look forward to discussing each of their submissions in editorial chats, and also am very grateful for their patience during the judging process.