Children's Book of the Year: Breakthrough

Supported by World Book Day, this award celebrates fresh talent by shining a light on the début author who demonstrates the very best in new writing for children. 


This category is sponsored by the charity World Book Day®


Shortlist 2026

 A Box Full of Murders

Janice Hallett

Penguin Random House

Evie and Maryam's Family Tree

Janeen Hayat

Illustrator - Debsmita Dasgupta

Guppy Books

Gloam

Jack Mackay

Ilustrator - Ben Joel Price

Rock The Boat

How To Roller-Skate with One Leg

Ella Dove

Illustrator - Jennifer Jamieson

Orchard Books

Kamari Brown and his First Million

Steven Gosling

Secta Publishing

 Wolf Siren

Beth O'Brien

HarperCollins Children's Books