We are proud to introduce the categories for The Week Junior Book Awards. With new categories and returning favourites, we are excited to continue championing exceptional books that capture the imaginations of our young readers. 

 

A unique opportunity to gain kudos from such a large-scale consumer audience, this year our readers will vote in two categories. Those shortlisted, alongside the winners, will feature in our large-scale print and digital campaigns reaching thousands. 

Children’s Choice - NEW

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

Children’s Book Cover of the Year

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 is sponsored by Publiship

Children’s Book of the Year: Younger Fiction (5–9 year-olds)

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. 

This Category is sponsored by Love Reading 4 Kids

Note: Illustrated titles are eligible..

Children’s Book of the Year: Older Fiction (9–12 year-olds)

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.

Children’s Book of the Year: Non-Fiction 

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.

Children’s Book of the Year: Poetry -  NEW

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.

Children’s Picture Book of the Year (0-5 year olds) NEW

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.

Children’s Book of the Year: Breakthrough 

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.

This category is sponsored by World Book Day

Note: Illustrated titles are eligible

Children’s Book of the Year: STEM

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

This category is in association with The Week Junior Science+Nature

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.

Children’s Audiobook of the Year

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.
 

Children’s Book of the Year: Animals and nature NEW

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.

Children’s Book of the Year: Wellbeing NEW

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. 

Children’s Book of the Year: Hobbies and interests NEW

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.

Children’s Book of the Year: Graphic novel NEW

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.