[5] It was also silver runner up for the Nestlé Smarties Book Prize in ages category 6–8 years.

[6] The Greenaway press release celebrated Pirate Diary as an "exciting information book for children from 8 to 14" and the first "information book" to win the illustration Medal since 1975, and called it "a fictionalised account" (quoting CILIP).

"[W]hen he spoke with author Richard Platt the harsh necessities of historical accuracy came into play.

[7] Castle Diary was a highly commended runner up for the Greenaway Medal, recognising Riddell's illustration.

[2][3][4] Walker re-issued all four books March 2011 in a matching set with anonymous subtitles, classified as "Non-Fiction", and recommended for readers age 7 and up.