The Shropshire Bookfest Book Award is a reading for pleasure project for primary schools in Shropshire. The Award take place every two years and provides teachers and pupils in KS1 and Years 5 & 6 with the opportunity to read, discuss and vote for their favourite titles from a pre-selected shortlist.

There are two award categories:

• The Big Book Award, voted for by children in UKS2.
• The Picture Book Award, voted for by children in KS1.

Schools can enter for one or both of the award categories and each participating school will receive:

• Access to a Bookfest CPD conference at the University Centre Shrewsbury to launch the project.
• A free set of the shortlisted titles along with a pack of accompanying classroom activities and a teacher guide.
• The opportunity for pupils to enter a range of art, creative writing and trailer competitions.
• The chance to attend the Awards Ceremony, which includes talks from all the shortlisted authors.

Timetable:

• To participate, schools must register by the end of September 2025. Places are limited so early booking is recommended.
• One-day conference and CPD training day for participating teachers on 20th November 2025.
• The Big Book Award shortlist is announced in early December 2025.
• The Big Book Award project opens in January 2026 and voting closes at the end of March.
• The Big Book Award Ceremony will take place on 26th April 2026.
• The shortlist for the Picture Book Award is announced in May 2026.
• The Picture Book Award project runs through the summer term and the winners are announced in July 2026.

Cost: From £5 per pupil plus £150/£180 school registration fee.

About Shropshire Bookfest: Shropshire Bookfest is a charity dedicated to inspiring, enthusing and entertaining children through literature and the arts. It was founded in 1999 and was awarded the Queen’s Award for Excellence in the Voluntary Sector in 2009.