‘Double win’: Supa Nova takes 2026 IBC Award and Children’s Choice

About the book

When genius young scientist Supa Nova discovers the shocking reality of plastic pollution, she invents a plastic-eating monster called Chomp who is very effective at his assigned task, perhaps a bit TOO effective! Send help!

One of the most exciting and refreshing reads to hit shelves in recent years, Supa Nova is the first book in an exciting, new graphic novel series.

It’s a bold and bright quick-read for children aged 5 to 9s, celebrating Black girl power, scientific enquiry and eco-consciousness.

With high production values and themes of pollution delivered in a non-anxiety-inducing, fun way, it encourages children to think more about the harmful effects of single-use plastic.

The graphic novel format means the book is accessible to a wide range of readers. The attention to detail in the vibrant illustrations is notable, the Black characters’ palms coloured in pink-ish tones, which is anatomically accurate, being one particularly pleasing observation.

What the judges said about Supa Nova

Supa Nova was celebrated by the judges:

For fresh, bold graphic-novel style and joyful storytelling, with strong girl-led STEM representation — particularly a young Black female protagonist — who inspires curiosity, confidence and ambition. Its vibrant illustrations, humour, science themes and inclusive, accessible format make it exciting, empowering and engaging.

Watch IBC Awards winner‘s video

A keen artist from childhood, Chanté Timothy is an illustrator who loves to use movement and vibrant colour in her work. She graduated from Pathways into Children’s Publishing programme in 2021 and since then, she has published several titles, including an Black artwork collaboration for the groundbreaking picture book Hey You!, and illustrating Daddy Do My Hair: Beth’s Twists.

Watch our featured author video with Chanté Timothy, spilling the beans on the inspiration behind Supa Nova, the creation of the adorable Chomp, and how the book is shedding light on plastic polloution in a fun way.

Want to know more?

Read our IBC review of Supa Nova and find buying links.

Catch up on the 2026 IBC Awards ceremony.

Fabia Turner is Head of Content at IBC and the Founder of the Jericho Prize for Children’s Writing. She is also a former primary teacher and educational book editor with a love of children’s literature.