Chosen by children, the winner of this award is the book that receives the most votes of all titles on our shortlists.

*Publishers are unable to enter this category

This trophy will be awarded to the cover that children deem to be the most creative, eye-catching and appealing to its intended audience.

This category rewards the entry that demonstrates the highest standards of storytelling, captivating readers from start to finish with a well-crafted plot, exceptional writing and engaging characters. It must be perfectly pitched for the interests and average reading ability of children aged five-to-nine. 

Note: Illustrated titles are eligible..

This category rewards the entry that demonstrates the highest standards of storytelling, captivating readers from start to finish with a well-crafted plot, exceptional writing and engaging characters. It must be perfectly pitched for the interests and average reading ability of children aged nine-to-12. 

Note: Illustrated titles are eligible.

This award honours the best book of non-fiction for children. The winning work will surprise and delight readers, rewarding their curiosity and helping them make sense of their world. 

Note: Biographies should be submitted in this category – anthologies/collections are eligible. 
There are separate categories for STEM, Animals and Nature, Wellbeing, and Hobbies and Interests. The organisers reserve the right to move nominated non-fiction titles into the most appropriate category.

This award recognises the best book of poetry for young people. The winning title will boast excellence in craft and creativity, demonstrating the power of poems to spark imagination, arouse emotions and explore ideas.

Note: Anthologies are eligible.

This award celebrates the creativity and craft involved in producing books for younger children in which illustration plays a key and dominant part. The winning entry will surprise and delight, combining pictures with words to create an engaging tale that lends itself to being read aloud.

This award recognises fresh talent by shining a light on the debut author who demonstrates the very best in new writing for children. The winning work of fiction will absorb and enthral readers, introducing them to compelling characters, diverse experiences and surprising stories.

Note: Illustrated titles are eligible

This award celebrates excellence in communicating STEM subjects. The winner will be a stand-out book that explains big ideas clearly and accessibly, sparking imaginations, encouraging critical thinking, and inspiring inquiry. 

Note: Eligible titles include works of fiction and non-fiction that focus primarily on STEM topics, including climate change and environmental issues. Books on animals, plants and nature should be entered into the Animals and Nature category.

This award recognises excellence in spoken word storytelling. The winning entry will offer an engaging and immersive audio experience for younger listeners.

Note: Qualifying entries must also be available in print in the UK. English language only.
 

This award rewards the best non-fiction book on animals and nature. The winning title will engage, inform and delight readers, elevating their awareness of the natural world and inspiring them to respect and protect it. 

Note: Books specifically on the subject of climate change and environmental issues should be entered into the STEM category.

This award celebrates books that support the emotional, physical and developmental needs of children. The winning entry will excel in giving young people the tools and confidence to take an active and informed role in their own wellbeing. 

This award honours non-fiction books that encourage children to explore their interests and develop new skills. The title that wins will engage, inform and inspire readers to discover and do something different.
Note: Children’s cookery books are eligible as are books on arts and crafts, sports and outdoor activities.

This prize celebrates storytelling in comic book style. The winning entry will demonstrate a deft and dynamic combination of words and images that deliver a rich and rewarding reading experience.