Coralie Bickford-Smith beats Harper Lee to Waterstones Book of the Year

A designer-turned-author has won a prestigious literary prize, overcoming competition from Harper Lee.

The Fox And The Star by Coralie Bickford-Smith, a designer at Penguin Books, was named Waterstones Book of the Year.

The winning book was described as one of “great physical beauty and timeless quality” which appeals to both children and adults.