The Book of the Year Awards reward authors, illustrators, and the wider team behind a book’s journey. The awards spotlight titles that have stirred imaginations, started conversations, topped the bestseller lists – books whose pages have been well-thumbed, well-worn and well-loved. The shortlists and winners demonstrate a combination of unforgettable writing, exceptional sales and outstanding approach to publishing.
Nominated as Book of the Year, in the Non-Fiction Lifestyle & Illustrated category, Drawn to the Garden is an account by Caroline Quentin, as shares the joy she gets from spending time in her garden, be it growing plants and vegetables, or raising seeds in her potting shed.
Quentin, known as an actress, broadcaster and television presenter found herself unable to carry out her usual filming schedule during lockdown, and turned to her garden. Sharing her joys and disasters on Instagram, the publisher, Frances Lincoln spotted the potential, and the result is both written and illustrated by Quentin.
According to British Book Awards selection committee, explained “As a self-confessed “non-expert”, this giftable hardback stood out among other gardening titles. After the last-minute cancellation of a theatre tour, the marketing team pivoted to secure multiple independent bookshop events at short notice and indie support was central to the book’s success.”
Drawn to the Garden (Frances Lincoln) was released on the 15th of February 2024. Other nominated books in the category include: Greekish by Georgina Hayden (Bloomsbury); What I Ate in One Year by Stanley Tucci (Fig Tree); So Good by Emily English (Seven Dials).
The winners of the 2025 British Book Awards will be announced on the 12th of May.
