Budding artists were asked to redesign the front cover of Linda Moller's classic title The Great Pig Escape for a new special edition of the book due to be published in Spring 2009. Entries came flooding in from schools and libraries in every corner as young people taking part in the Children's Book Festival jumped at the opportunity to have their artwork used in the design of a professionally published book.

Originally only the winner would be featured on the front of the new edition, however The O'Brien Press were so impressed by the quality of the entries that they have decided to also print the 2nd place entry on the back and the runners-up on the inside cover!

So, without further ado, here are the lucky winners who will see their designs published next Spring - to see their design's just click on the name link:

Winner (front cover)
Holly Crowley Walsh, age 13
Ballinhassig, Co Cork

2nd Place (back cover)
Eva Horváthová, age 11
Kilkenny

Runner-up (inside cover)
Shauna Deery, age 10
Cootehill, Co Cavan

Runner-up (inside cover)
Rachel Kenny, age 10
Falcarragh, Co Donegal

Runner-up (inside cover)
Fionntán Larney, age 12
Rathfarnham, Dublin 16

Runner-up (inside cover)
Críostíona Ní Laimhín, age 12
Foxford, Co Mayo

In congratulating the winners on their success, Ivan O'Brien, Managing Director of The O’Brien Press, also expressed his admiration for the quality of entries received overall:

"Everyone at The O’Brien Press was thrilled at the response, and the talent and imagination shown by all the entries. We had a very difficult, and enjoyable, time choosing the winner: All five finalists will see their entries printed in the new edition of The Great Pig Escape, which will be hitting the shelves in March. I’d like to thank Children’s Books Ireland for all their work with this competition, and for all their great work in advancing children’s literature in Ireland"

In addition to seeing their designs in print, each will receive a selection of great titles from O'Brien Press. Winner Holly Crowley will also spend a day visiting O'Brien Press, where she will get to experience the publishing process first hand. All will also be invited to a special launch event in Dublin during March - rumours abound that real life pigs will also be in attendance, but you'll have to check back here for further details closer to the time!

Congratulations to the winners and a big well done to everyone who entered - a fantastic effort all round!