Ever fancied seeing your own artwork featured on the cover of a professionally published book? Well for five budding designers that dream will now become a reality, thanks to the The O'Brien Press...

This October CBI challenged young readers across the country to create a new front cover design for Sam McBratney's 1994 classic The Lough Neagh Monster, as part of the national Children's Book Festival celebrations.

The quality and quantity of entries received was unprecedented, but after three rounds of judging the expert design team from The O'Brien Press have reached their final decision.

So without further ado, we are delighted to announce the winners of the 2009 CBF Cover Design Competition!

In first place, we have Sophie Courtney (10) from Carysfort NS in Co. Dublin, who's bold illustration and inspired concept for the title text will be featured on the front cover of the new edition: 

Sophie Courtney- original

This is how the new cover design will look when published! 

Ciára Taggart

In second place, we have Ciára Taggart (12) from Dominican College in Co. Antrim, who's  clever incorperation of both monster characters and brightly coloured lettering will be used for the back cover: 

Orla Donoghue

Christina Jefferson

Stephen Kissane

The judges also selected three runners-up designs to be used on the inside covers, Stephen Kissane (14) from Salesians College in Co. Kildare, Christina Jefferson (13) from Downshire School in Co Antrim and Orla Donoghue (15) who entered through her local library in Tallaght, South Dublin.  

This exciting new edition is set to be published next Spring so look out for further updates on these pages in the coming months.

In the meantime, all five winners will also receive a hamper of O'Brien Press titles and book tokens courtesy of International Education Supplies.

Congratulations to all who took part and a big thank you to all the librarians, teachers and parents who facilitated so many young people in submitting their entries. We would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the generosity of The O'Brien Press in their continuing support of this fantastic competition!