It is the only book award voted for entirely by children

Baby Brains - which was written and illustrated by Simon James - took the Red House Children's Book Award on Saturday afternoon.

He wrote the book after listening to his friends describing their babies as "clever" and "advanced".

More than 25,000 children took part in judging through the Federation of Children's Book Groups.

'Great appeal'

James' book was described as the perfect antidote to parents who feel pressurised to keep up with other parents in order to have the brightest baby.

Baby Brains is an extraordinary baby who reads the paper, mends the car and works as a doctor at the hospital at only two weeks old.

The witty book took the overall prize, while author and Children's Laureate Jacqueline Wilson took the younger reader's award for her book Best Friends.

Robert Muchamore won the older reader's category for his action-packed thriller about a special agent called Cherub: The Recruit.

Marianne Adey, award administrator, said: "I am delighted to see Baby Brains win. It has great appeal across the age range.

"Simon James is an excellent author/illustrator whose books that have become great favourites with children and adults alike".

The award was founded in 1980 by author and librarian Pat Thomson.

Previous winners of the award include the BFG by Roald Dahl in 1983, Double Act by Jacqueline Wilson in 1996 and Harry Potter and the Philosopher�s Stone by JK Rowling in 1998.