A RENOWNED Greenock author has been shortlisted for a prestigious book award — just as a film based on another of her titles goes global.

Cathy MacPhail says she is thrilled that her novel Mosi’s War has been shortlisted in the older reader category at this year’s Scottish Children’s Book Awards.

Cathy, who has won the award twice before, is now hoping to complete a hat-trick.

She told the Tele: “How could I not be delighted to be shortlisted for this wonderful award?

“It is the most prestigious award given to children’s writers in Scotland and it is voted for by young people themselves, and more readers are taking part every year.

“Who says children don’t read?” The book, which will be judged in the 12-16 age category, is set in Glasgow and explores the terrifying world of child soldiers.

Cathy said: “The story is about a young Somalian asylum seeker who recognises a warlord and the world’s most wanted man in the estate where he lives.

“But he’s so terrified of this man and is worried that he’ll be sent back to his country that he doesn’t tell anyone.

“The other part of the story is based on a true story which I heard on the radio about rumours of a Glasgow vampire in 1954.

“So the two stories run together and clash at the end.” Cathy, who has three children and six grandchildren, is a hugely successful children’s writer and has also penned books for adults.

One of her titles, Another Me, has been transformed for the big screen with a stellar cast including Hollywood stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Rhys Ifans.

The psychological thriller, which premiered in Rome in November, was released in Spain last month and in the US on Friday.

Cathy said: “My cousin who lives in Los Angeles took her two daughters to see it, which made me feel proud.

“It will also be released in Asia, India, Germany, Turkey, Mexico and the UK.” She also spoke highly of Hollywood heart-throb Meyers.

Cathy said: “He is really dishy but he’s also very nice.” Over the next five months, children across Scotland will be reading the three shortlisted books in their age category, including Cathy’s, and voting for their favourite.

The three winning books will be announced in March.