Ten titles will compete for the 23rd Children’s Books Ireland Book of the Year Awards 2013, the most prestigious awards for children’s books.

A supernatural thriller that brings past and present together to explain the complexity of brotherly love has become the first work to win the Children’s Book of the Year award and Children’s Choice accolade.

Alcoholism, brain injury and forced marriage are just some of the difficult issues raised in children’s books competing for a major Irish award.

Here is a summary of each of the short-listed books.

People across Ireland have voted celebrated author John Boyne’s 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas' as their all-time favourite of the 21 books which have won the annual Bisto Children’s Book of the Year Award since the awards began in 1990.

Paula used to live in Africa. After university, she taught for five years. Then she worked in the area of human rights in South Africa.

Bruised

SLEEPY ME by Marni McGee, illustrated by Cee Biscoe (Little Tiger; €7.10 padded cover). From reading a book with his Daddy, we follow Baby Bear’s bed routine from brushing teeth to bidding good night to the moon and stars and into cosy bed. With simple rhyming text and wonderful illustrations, this is a loveable bedtime treat for toddlers.

Ireland’s first laureate for children’s literature today made a passionate plea for improved library services for youngsters.

TWO-time winner Kate Thompson is among the short-listed authors in the 15th Bisto Book of the Year Awards.