‘Emotionally resonate’: The Beautiful Layers of Me wins 2026 IBC Award for picture books

About the book

Ameena is excited to wear a gorgeous new salwar kameez for her auntie’s wedding. But when a neighbour suggests her beautiful outfit looks like PJs, Ameena’s confidence crashes. Should she change into something less traditional?

Written tenderly and competently by Payne and brought to life by Mhasane’s well-observed, soft pencil-and-pastel artwork, this beautiful, inclusive picture book, drawing on Indo-Caribbean and South Asian heritages, speaks to all 21st-century children unsure about their identity and where they fit in.

It is an exquisite children’s book that’s beautifully produced, wonderfully relatable and timeless in its message.

What the judges said about The Beautiful Layers of Me

The judges praised The Beautiful Layers of Me:

For its sensitive and powerful exploration of belonging, cultural identity and difference, showing how children can embrace all parts of themselves. Its warm, gentle illustrations, rich narrative depth and “quiet power” were seen as emotionally resonant, educationally valuable and accessible to a wide range of children.

Watch IBC Awards winners’ video

Author Sophia Payne held a career in IT technical support, before leaving this all behind to study creative writing. She now writes picture books and young fiction, often reflecting her Indo-Caribbean heritage in her work. Her debut picture book. Faruq and the Wiri Wiri was shortlisted for the IBC Awards in 2024.

Ruchi Mhasane, currently lives in India, but studied illustration at the Cambridge School of Art, UK. She mostly uses pencil and watercolour and enjoys depicting children’s expressive gestures and movements, nature and the fantastical in her artwork. Ruchi was also shortlisted for the 2024 IBC Awards as the illustrator of Dadadji’s Paintbrush.

Watch this insightful video featuring Sophia Payne and Ruchi Mhasane, discussing the very personal inspiration behind The Beautiful Layers of Me and the important life lessons learned as creatives.

Want to know more?

Read our IBC review of The Beautiful Layers of Me 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.