The book, which draws on the memories of Mick's father to bring the story of World War Two to a new generation, has made the final three in the Blue Peter Book Awards 2010.

Mick said: "It's a great achievement to have been shortlisted because hundreds of books have been considered by the judging panel just to get to this stage."

The author and illustrator team were shortlisted for the same award five years ago for 'What's My Family Tree' but have their fingers crossed they will claim the top honour this time around.

"It would be fantastic to win because the Blue Peter Book Awards are massive but we realise we are up against some tough competition," Mick admitted.

'Tail-End Charlie' features in the 'Best Book with Facts' category and is shortlisted alongside the 'Usborne Lift-the-flap Picture Atlas' by Alex Frith and Kate Leake and 'Why Eating Bogeys is Good for You' by Mitchell Symons.

The Blue Peter Book Awards have been recognising and celebrating the best children's authors, the most creative illustrators and the greatest reads for children since 2000.

Tim Levell, editor of Blue Peter and a member of the judging panel, said: "The Blue Peter Book Awards aim to guide children towards high quality literature, encouraging them to read and establish a love of reading for life.

"The adult judges were blown away by the quality of books being published for children today and we can't wait to find out which books will win once the child judges have got their hands on them."

Another six titles will compete for the 'Book I Couldn't Put Down Prize' and all nine books will now be judged by a selection of young Blue Peter viewers. They will decide both the winners in each category, and the overall winner of Blue Peter Book of the Year 2010.

The Book Awards show will be broadcast on Blue Peter in March 2010 to coincide with World Book Day. An extract from each of the nine shortlisted titles will be dramatised for the show.

Mick's father, Charlie Manning, was just 18 when he was called up in 1943. Like so many of those who served in the war, Charlie went through a lot and Mick said it was quite a challenge to reflect these experiences in a children's book.

"You do have to be careful when it comes to writing about something like the war - for a lot of people there were more bad times than good," he said.

Charlie was fully trained by the autumn of 1944 and then became a fully fledged member of the 180 squadron, flying daylight bomber operations with the 2nd Tactical Airforce.

Although he was wounded like many other troops, Charlie returned home safely at the end of the war much to the relief of his family.

Unfortunately, he died at the age of 52 in 1977 and Mick wanted Tail-End Charlie will be a fitting legacy.

"It was a very meaningful and retrospective thing for me to do and I'm pleased that it's doing really well," said Mick.

"It took me seven years to research the book as I wanted to get a good balance between my dad's memories and the history side of things. Millions of people came home from war with tales of their experiences. My dad was just one of many."

p Blue Peter will carry a feature on the book awards on Tuesday, November 10, at 4.35pm on BBC1.