The winners of this year’s Inclusive Books for Children Awards, celebrating the best UK-published inclusive books for readers aged 1-9, were announced on 25th February at an evening ceremony in London.

Spanning formats from a Braille board book to a debut graphic novel, the winning titles showcase high-quality, diverse stories that reflect the breadth of children’s lives and experiences.

This year’s winners were chosen from a shortlist of 12 titles by a panel of judges made up of children’s literature experts, educators, authors and illustrators who praised the books’ creators for their compelling storytelling, strong visual composition and authentic representation.

Commenting on this year’s awards, judge, author and illustrator Mei Matsuoka said: ‘These books are pushing boundaries and opening pathways into worlds that need to be represented more. I was delighted to see how inclusivity was incorporated into sweet, funny and engaging stories without overpowering them.’

Primary pupils across the country also voted for their favourite titles as part of the inaugural Children’s Choice Awards, which were set up to complement the main book prize and promote reading for pleasure.

Commenting on the impact of taking part in the Children’s Choice Awards, Claire Bennett, deputy headteacher of North Ferriby Church of England Primary School, said: ‘Our school took part in the IBC Children’s Choice Awards to give pupils a meaningful voice in celebrating inclusive books that reflect a wide range of cultures, identities and experiences. By voting, the children engaged more deeply with reading, developed empathy and learned to appreciate diverse perspectives. The experience empowered our children (including our reading ambassadors) to see that their voices matter. In taking part, I feel that it also strengthened our whole-school commitment to inclusion and representation in literature.’

Congratulations to all the winning authors and illustrators!

Inclusive Books for Children Awards 2026 – Winning Titles

Baby and Toddler Books: Let’s Play by Alex Strick, illustrated by Annie Kubler and Sarah Dellow (Child’s Play)

Picture Books: The Beautiful Layers of Me by Sophia Payne, illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane (Walker Books)

Children’s Fiction (5-9): Supa Nova by Chanté Timothy (Nosy Crow)

IBC Children’s Choice Awards 2026 – Winning Titles

Baby and Toddler Books: Won’t Go! by Sumana Seeboruth, illustrated by Fotini Tikkou (Barefoot Books)

Picture Books: Cloud Boy by Greg Stobbs (OUP)

Children’s Fiction (5-9): Supa Nova by Chanté Timothy (Nosy Crow)

Inclusive Books for Children also runs a free website dedicated to helping families and educators source high-quality inclusive books for their bookshelf or library.