The critics may not think so, but for the kids, JK is still top of the charts

IT IS five years since Scotland's most celebrated author has won a major literary prize in her own country. But when children had the chance to vote yesterday, JK Rowling triumphed.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was voted best Scottish children's book, for readers aged eight to 12 in a poll of 3,000 schoolchildren, backed by leading literary organisations. They chose from a judges' shortlist of three titles.

In a message sent by "owl" and read by her editor, Emma Matthewson, the author pleaded pressure of work for not turning up for the ceremony at the Royal Mail Awards for Scottish Children's Books.

"Thank you so much for this award. I'm sure any writer will agree that it's always reassuring to receive recognition for your work, but it's particularly meaningful when the decision has been made by the readers themselves," she said.

"To them, I'm enormously grateful and delighted that Harry Potter continues to give so much pleasure.

"I'm sorry I am unable to receive this award in person today, but I currently have my head down writing the final book, which is coming along nicely."

The first Royal Mail Awards for Scottish Children's Books have evolved from the Scottish Arts Council for children's books. JK Rowling has not won an SAC prize since 2001, when Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was one of five books listed for a £1,000 prize, when the author accepted the accolade, but not the cash.

This year's runners-up were Deep Water, by Debi Gliori, and The Sign of the Black Dagger, by Joan Lingard. The shortlisted titles were read by young people in reading groups at schools, libraries and bookshops across Scotland this term.

Margaret Ann Macleod, who reviewed the Harry Potter book with the Western Isles Libraries, wrote: "There were no weak parts at all! I will definitely vote for it as it has me really gripped and passed the test with flying colours. Well done, JK Rowling - a real toe-curler!"

Mark Lambert, chief executive of the Scottish Book Trust, said: "These prizes have not been determined by a closed council of book people. This reflects what kids are reading and enjoying in Scotland.

"The shortlist was created by a panel, but then it was up to the kids.

"I think it's fantastic. She's as popular in Scotland as she is in the rest of the globe. It's a wonderful thing and a true reflection of what the kids voted for."

Little Lost Cowboy, by Simon Puttock and Caroline Jayne Church, won the up to seven years category. It tells of a poor cowboy, Coyote, who has lost his mummy and finds some friends to give him advice.

But another startling winner yesterday was Roxy's Baby, by the veteran children's author Catherine MacPhail. The story runs from teen pregnancy to organ trafficking, and came out top in the 13-16 category. "It is very strong meat," said Ms MacPhail.

"The book is about a girl who's a bit of a rebel, finds out she's going to have a baby and goes to London."