Introducing the Judges!

We're proud to announce our fantastic panel of hugely inspiring and influential Judges. Each of our categories will be judged by a panel of three experts and a category chair. You'll also find our Shortlist Committee below, responsible for selecting entries against the criteria and will meet in person to agree on the final shortlist for the Judges.

 

"Our inaugural panel of judges offer an impressive range of experience and expertise. One thing they all share is a firm belief in the power of children’s books to ignite imaginations, increase knowledge and improve lives through reading for pleasure. I’m looking forward to working with them all to select the winners for this year’s awards."

 

Anna Bassi, Editorial Director


Allen Fatimaharen
Illustrator
Illustrator
Children’s Illustrated Book of the Year


Dan Green
The Week Junior Science+Nature
Editor
Children’s Book of the Year: STEM


Smriti Halls
Award-winning Author
Children’s Book of the Year: Younger Non-Fiction


Vanessa Harriss
The Week Junior
Editor
Children’s Book of the Year: Younger Non-Fiction


Carla Herbertson
Small Wardour
Co-Founder
Children’s Audiobook of the Year


Sharna Jackson
Author
Children’s Illustrated Book of the Year


Philip Jones
The Bookseller
Editor


Dave Kelsall
The Week Junior
Art Director
Children’s Illustrated Book of the Year


Dee Lalljee
The Bookery
Owner
Children’s Book of the Year: Older Fiction


Dr Stuart Lawrence
Author and Speaker
Children’s Book of the Year: Older Non-Fiction


Bex Lindsay
FunKids Radio
Presenter and Children's Book Expert
Children’s Book of the Year: Younger Fiction


Deborah Maclaren
LoveReading4Kids
Managing Director and Co-Owner
Children’s Book of the Year: Older Fiction