The only award voted for by The Week Junior’s readers, supported by Bookily from National Book Tokens, this trophy will be awarded to the cover that children deem to be the most creative, eye-catching and appealing to its intended audience. A unique opportunity to gain kudos from such a large-scale consumer audience, and the chance to feature in our large-scale print and digital campaign reaching thousands. 

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 diverse and engaging characters. It must be perfectly pitched for the interests and average reading ability of children aged six-to-nine. Eligible titles must be of a primarily literary nature but may include limited black and white and two-tone illustrations

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 diverse and engaging characters. It must be perfectly pitched for the interests and average reading ability of children aged nine-to-12. Eligible titles must be of a primarily literary nature but may include limited black and white and two-tone illustrations

This award honours the best book of non-fiction for readers in this age range. The winning work will surprise and delight readers, rewarding their curiosity and helping them make sense of their world. It must be perfectly pitched for the interests and average reading ability of children aged six-to-nine. Eligible titles include black and white non-fiction and non-fiction with limited black and white or two-tone illustrations. Please note that non-fiction books exploring STEM subjects should be entered in the STEM category.

This award honours the best book of non-fiction for readers in this age range. The winning work will surprise and delight readers, rewarding their curiosity and helping them make sense of their world. It must be perfectly pitched for the interests and average reading ability of children aged nine-to-12. Eligible titles include black and white non-fiction and non-fiction with limited black and white or two-tone illustrations. Please note that non-fiction books exploring STEM subjects should be entered in the STEM category.

In association with The Week Junior Science+Nature magazine, this award celebrates excellence in engaging children with STEM subjects. The winner will be a book that explains big ideas clearly, engagingly and accessibly, encouraging readers’ curiosity, sparking their imaginations, inspiring further inquiry and prompting them to share their newfound knowledge. Eligible titles include works of fiction and non-fiction that focus primarily on STEM topics, including climate change and environmental issues.

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. We’re looking for works of fiction that will absorb and enthral readers, introducing them to compelling characters, diverse experiences and surprising stories.

This award recognises the creativity and craft involved in producing books for older children in which illustration plays a key and prominent part. The winning entry will boast appealing and original artwork and a deft and dynamic combination of words and pictures that both enhance and enrich a child’s reading experience. Eligible titles include gift books, graphic novels, comics and illustrated editions for independent readers.

This award recognises excellence in storytelling, sound and production for children. The winning entry will offer a completely immersive audio experience that transports young listeners away from their everyday lives and into other worlds, lives and stories. Qualifying entries must also be available in print in the UK and for sale as CDs and/or in digital format (excluding podcasts). English language only.