IBC Awards 2026 shortlist announced!

Baby and Toddler books shortlist:

• Ada, Go, Go, Go! by Daishu Ma (Walker Books)
• Let’s Play by Alex Strick, Annie Kubler and Sarah Dellow (Child’s Play)
• Won’t Go! by Sumana Seeborouth and Fotini Tikkou (Barefoot Books)
• Zeki Goes to the Market by Anna McQuinn and Ruth Hearson (Alanna Max)

Picture Books shortlist:

• A Taste of Home by Maryam Hassan and Anna Wilson (Orchard Books)
• Cloud Boy by Greg Stobbs (OUP)
• Dancing Dumplings for My One and Only by Eva Wong Nava and Natelle Quek (Walker Books)
• Noah’s New Home by Zeshan Akhter and Nabila Adani (Templar Books)
• The Beautiful Layers of Me by Sophia Payne and Ruchi Mhasane (Walker Books)

Children’s fiction shortlist:

• George and the Mini Dragon by George Webster, Helen Harvey and Tim Budgen (Scholastic)
• Pia’s Pet Club: Puppy Problem by Serena Patel and Emma McCann (Usborne)
• Supa Nova by Chanté Timothy (Nosy Crow)
• The Misadventures of Mina Mahmood: School Trip by Farhana Islam and Simran Diamond Singh (Farshore)

With the announcement, children across UK primary schools are now reading the shortlisted titles and casting their votes as part of the IBC Awards 2026 shadowing scheme, Children’s Choice Awards, running until 16 February. The scheme perfectly chimes with the government’s declaration of 2026 as the National Year of Reading, inspiring reading for pleasure and giving young readers a real voice alongside expert judges.

The shortlist was selected by Pragya Agarwal, writer and academic; Scott Evans, primary school teacher and creator of The Reader Teacher website; Mei Matsuoka, children’s illustrator and author; Phyllis Ramage, librarian and children’s literature academic; and Nina Tame, disability consultant and content creator.

Reflecting on the judging process, Phyllis Ramage said: ‘These are strong shortlists, with diversity and inclusivity running through them in writing and illustration. Characters and plots drew on backgrounds from our multicultural nation. The imaginative use of humour and creative visual realisations revealed a breadth of talent in our community of children’s authors and illustrators. The final choices were a tough decision for us.’

Judge Mei Matsuoka added: ‘I was honoured to be one of the judges for the splendidly rich and diverse shortlist of this year’s IBC Awards. The wide range of books on the lists is pushing — or more accurately, prodding gently without being forceful — the boundaries; and opening up pathways into worlds that so desperately need to be represented more.’

The winners of both the IBC Awards and the Children’s Choice Awards will be revealed at the live ceremony on 25 February at London’s Southbank Centre. Creators of the winning books in each category will share the £30,000 prize fund and have the chance to participate in the award-winners’ showcase at the Hay Festival in May.

• Read our book reviews for the IBC Awards 2026 shortlist.
• For more information about our Awards shadowing scheme, visit our Children’s Choice Awards page.