Creech writes about children aged between 10 and 14

American Creech was awarded the Carnegie Medal in London on Friday for her book Ruby Holler.

Australian Bob Graham won the Kate Greenaway medal for his book Jethro Byrde - Fairy Child.

The Carnegie Medal is awarded to the author of the best book of the year for children and young people. Previous winners have included CS Lewis, Philip Pullman and Terry Pratchett.

The Greenaway Medal goes to the best illustrated children's book and includes prize money of �,5000, which Graham has donated to groups assisting asylum seekers and refugees in Britain and Australia.

Both medals are awarded by the Chartered Institute of Library Professionals (Cilip).

Creech was described by the judges as a "great story-teller".

"Ruby Holler is a very gentle tale of love and self-discovery told with great subtlety, humour and lightness of touch," added chairwoman Anne Marley.

Creech is the winner of several top children's book awards both in America and the UK. Her other works include The Wanderer and Love that Dog.

She has been nominated for the Carnegie three times before.

Following her Carnegie win, Creech said: "To receive any award is such a boost for a writer but there's something very special about winning an award from librarians - it's the ultimate recognition."

Tolerance

Graham's winning book was described as an "extraordinarily heart-warming and accomplished piece of work".

Graham has won several awards for human rights

Ms Marley added: "Graham's eye for detail, his use of wildly shifting perspective and a superb sense of scale all combine to tell the simple and touching story... this book will illuminate children's lives for years to come."

Graham's �5,000 donation has gone towards buying books and other teaching materials.

He holds awards from associations such as the US Humane Society and also holds an Australian Human Rights award.

Tolerance is a theme that runs throughout his work, Graham said.

"People are arriving vulnerable, dispossessed and traumatised, often escaping from brutal regimes and wanting nothing more than a better and safer life," said Graham.

"I would like this to be a small expression of practical support to help them back on their feet in a new environment."

He has been nominated for the Greenaway twice before.

The judging panel awarded the Carnegie's highly commended title to Up on Cloud Nine by the former children's laureate, Anne Fine.