.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, the sixth title in the best-selling boy-wizard franchise, was named Book of the Year March 29 at the British Book Awards, the Reuters news service reported.

Rowling, whose books have sold more than 300 million copies worldwide, was able to reassure young readers around the globe that the final book in the Potter saga was on target.

"I am enjoying writing the last book in the series, and it's coming along nicely," Rowling told Reuters.

Rowling fought off an eclectic band of authors to land the prize, including Sharon Osbourne, for her autobiography, and celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, for his book on Italian cooking.