The Man Booker Prize for Fiction 2011 shortlist has been announced, and we’re delighted to report that it includes Carol Birch’s Jamrach’s Menagerie!

Jamrach’s Menagerie tells the story of nine-year-old Jaffy, who stumbles into a job working for wild animal collector Mr Jamrach and is soon on a ship bound for the South Seas and a wonder-filled voyage of discovery.

Carol Birch is the author of nine previous novels including Scapegallows and Turn Again Home, which was longlisted for the Booker Prize.

You can see the full shortlist here. The winner will be announced on 18 October.