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.​​​​​​

Criteria

• Suitability: Hobbies interests and activities that are interesting, relevant and appropriate for their intended audience.
• Clarity and quality of copy: Written clearly and confidently, imparting information, explanations and instructions accurately, simply and succinctly in language that is appropriate and easy-to-follow for eight to 12-year-olds.
• Overall design and layout of pages: Presentation of information is engaging, accessible and clearly organised. If used, illustrations or photographs enhance the reading experience and help inform, explain and instruct.
• Style and format: Book is fit for purpose in terms of practicality (size, binding, ease of use) and durability (e.g paper quality for cookery books). Also consider the use of interactive elements and their effectiveness in explaining/instructing/enriching.
• Diversity and respectful representation: People and experiences are portrayed authentically and with sensitivity, without stereotyping, generalising or trivialising.
• Impact: Provides children with ideas and practical information that will engage, inform and inspire them to explore their interests, develop new skills and/or discover and do something different.