The Week Junior Book Awards are back for another spectacular year, celebrating the stories, authors and illustrators capturing young imaginations everywhere.
Showcasing the very best in children’s publishing across 14 exciting categories, the awards champion everything from page-turning adventures and unforgettable fiction to fascinating non-fiction and breathtaking illustration.
Nominations are now closed, and the competition is officially under way. The shortlist will be revealed in June, stay tuned.
Meet the Judges
Each category in the The Week Junior Book Awards will be assessed by a panel of four judges, bringing together respected voices from education, publishing and the media. With a wide range of expertise, perspectives and a shared passion for children’s literature, the panel will carefully consider every title to create a truly outstanding shortlist.
We’re also delighted to welcome a number of high-profile names to the 2026 judging panel, including Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Joe Wicks, alongside an expert line-up of authors, educators, critics and industry leaders.
Together, the judges will help spotlight the books that are inspiring young readers, sparking imagination and shaping the future of children’s publishing.
