Waterstone's Children's Book Prize

First-time author Tom Becker has won the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize for his Middle Grade fantasy Darkside.

Here's what Richard Lea has to say for the Guardian:

• "The novel, inspired by film noir, fantasy and a fascination with the seamier side of the 19th century, is aimed at children between the ages of nine and 12. It tells the story of a boy, Jonathan Stirling, who discovers a parallel world filled with vampires and werewolves. This alternative reality has a distinctly Victorian air, and is ruled by a descendant of Jack the Ripper. Soon bounty hunters from the other side begin searching for Jonathan, who finds himself driven into their world."

Shortlisted titles include:

• Jake Cake, by Michael Broad
• Sebastian Darke, by Philip Caveney
• A Swift Pure Cry, by Siobhan Dowd