Roald Dahl Funny Prize shortlists unveiled

The shortlists for the 2012 Roald Dahl Funny Prize have been announced, with David Walliams scoring his third nomination in five years in the seven to 14 age category.

The comedian, author and fundraiser is in contention with Gangsta Granny, but will face stiff competition from Frank Cottrell Boyce, whose Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Flies Again has proven hugely popular with young readers since its publication.

Other shortlisted candidates in the seven to 14 category include Dark Lord: Teenage Years by Jamie Thomson, The Dragonsitter by Josh Lacey, Philip Reeve's Goblins and Socks are Not Enough by Mark Lowery.

The six and under age category includes The Pirates Next Door by Jonny Duddle, Stuck by Oliver Jeffers and Anna Kemp's The Worst Princess.

They are joined by The Baby that Roared by Simon Puttock, Rebecca Patterson's My Big Shouting Day and Oh No, George! by Chris Haughton.

TV presenter Mel Giedroyc, a member of the judging panel, said that each of the shortlisted titles have one thing in common – the ability to make the reader laugh.

'To laugh with a book is a very special kind of laugh indeed … it's an intimate kind of laugh which says "this is my very own private laugh and it's mine, all mine!"'

'People envy you this laugh - they are deeply curious about it - and they wish the laugh belonged to them too. It's a sheer privilege to tap into some great laughs from some fantastic books,' she added.

The triumphant author in each category will receive GBP 2,500 and be presented with their prize during a ceremony in London on November 6th.

Last year's Roald Dahl Funny Prizes were won by Cats Ahoy! by Peter Bently and Jim Field (six and under) and The Brilliant World of Tom Gates by Liz Pichon (seven to 14).