IBC Awards 2025 longlist revealed!

IBC Awards 2025 longlist: Picture Books (3-7)

Read our reviews of the incredible picture books that made it onto the IBC Awards 2025 longlist!

These 9 wonderful texts for ages 3 to 7 offer a snapshot of the best inclusive picture book stories published over the course of 2024, largely from UK-based authors and illustrators.

2+years

L Is for Love

Author: AtinukeIllustrator: Angela Brooksbank

A gorgeous family journey from rural Nigeria to a Lagos market and back again, exploring everything beginning with L along the way.

Own Voice
Black representation
Female lead
Class/socio-economic diversity

3+years

Gina Kaminski Saves the Wolf

Author: Craig Barr-GreenIllustrator: Francis Martin

Vibrant, distinctive storytelling in words and pictures and an endearing lead character offer a fresh take on Little Red Riding Hood!

Own Voice
Neurodivergent representation
Diverse cast
Challenges gender stereotypes
Female lead

$Gina Kaminsky Saves the Wolf - cover\n\n\n\n\n$

3+years

Aqua Boy

Author and illustrator: Ken Wilson-Max

This bright seaside adventure evokes the senses while highlighting humanity’s responsibility to care for the environment.

Diverse cast
Black/brown representation

Aqua Boy Cover

3+years

Strong Like Me

Author: Kelechi Okafor Illustrator: Michaela Dias-Hayes

Beautifully visualised with shimmering illustrations, this is an engaging and inspirational story that skilfully helps children to feel secure in themselves.

Own Voice
Black representation
Mixed-heritage representation
Diverse cast
Single parent

3+years

Two People Can

Author: Blessing MusaririIllustrator: Maisie Paradise Shearring

A lyrical, powerful and empathetic story about family change, acceptance and affirmation of all that two people can do!

Own Voice
Black representation
Single parent
Mixed-heritage representation
Diverse cast

Two People Can - Cover

4+years

Until You Find the Sun

Author: Maryam HassanIllustrator: Anna Wilson

Beautifully illustrated book about feeling homesick and then finding friendship after moving to different country.

South Asian representation
Black/brown representation
Diverse cast
Female lead

Until You Find the Sun - Cover

4+years

Terrible Horses

Author: Raymond AntrobusIllustrator: Ken Wilson-Max

Brimming with depth and emotion, sibling rivalries are boldy brought to the fore in this deeply affecting story.

Own Voice
Disabled representation
Black/brown representation
Diverse cast

Terrible Horses Cover

4+years

The Brighter I Shine

Author: Kamee AbrahamianIllustrator: Lusine Ghukasyan

For one Armenian child, her birthday is a time for celebration and friendship. It is also time to look back on the journeys of her ancestors and those who came before her.

Own Voice
Middle Eastern representation
Black representation
Diverse cast
East and Southeast Asian representation

The Brighter I Shine - Cover

4+years

One Day at a Time

Author: Rachel IpIllustrator: Natelle Quek

Bold, bright colours and tender family relationships are vividly explored as change and separation affect this family.

Under-represented voice
South Asian representation
Mixed-heritage representation
Diverse cast

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