Top author Neil Gaiman has been awarded the John Newbery Medal for children's' literature by the American Library Association . The book in question is The Graveyard Book (illustrated by Dave McKean, and published by HarperCollins).
The Newbery Medal was named for 18th-century British bookseller John Newbery, and is awarded annually to the author of the most distinguished contribution to literature for children. Chairing the Newbery Committee, Rose V Trevino described The Graveyard Book as a "deliciously creepy tale, which is sometimes humorous, sometimes haunting and sometimes surprising."
Remember, Gaiman will be Guest of Honour at this year's WorldCon (taking place in Montreal, Canada, and known as Anticipation). The 67th World Science Fiction Convention takes place from Thursday 6 August to Monday 10 August 2009. Find out more at the official Anticipation site .