The shortlist for the Inclusive Books for Children Awards 2026 has been announced. The awards celebrate the best inclusive books published in the UK in the previous year across three award categories:

• Books for babies and toddlers (ages 1-3)
• Picture books (ages 3-7)
• Children’s fiction (ages 5-9)

The 13 shortlisted titles were selected by a panel of authors and illustrators, educators and content creators.

Commenting on this year’s awards, judge 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.’

This year also sees the launch of the IBC Children’s Choice Awards, a shadowing scheme that allows young people across the country to read, discuss and vote for their favourite titles. Schools have until 16th February to cast their votes and there are free book talk cards and resources available to support the awards.

Congratulations to all the shortlisted authors and illustrators!

Baby and Toddler Books

Ada, Go, Go, Go! by Daishu Ma (Walker Books)

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

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

Zeki Goes to the Market by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Ruth Hearson (Alanna Max)

Picture Books for Ages 3-7

A Taste of Home by Maryam Hassan, illustrated by Anna Wilson (Hodder Children’s Books)

Cloud Boy by Greg Stobbs (OUP)

Dancing Dumplings for my One and Only by Eva Wong Nava, illustrated by Natelle Quek (Walker Books)

Noah’s New Home by Zeshan Akhter, illustrated by Nabila Adani (Templar Books)

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

Children’s Fiction for Ages 5-9

George and the Mini Dragon by George Webster and Helen Harvey, illustrated by Tim Budgen (Scholastic)

Pia’s Pet Club: Puppy Problem by Serena Patel, illustrated by Emma McCann (Usborne Publishing Ltd)

Supa Nova by Chanté Timothy (Nosy Crow)

The Misadventures of Mina Mahmood: School Trip by Farhana Islam, illustrated by Simran Diamond Singh (Farshore)

Inclusive Books for Children also run an open-access book review website showcasing high-quality inclusive books for children aged 0-9 to help parents, carers and educators build more inclusive book collections.

The winners of this year’s Inclusive Books for Children and IBC Children’s Choice Awards will be announced at a ceremony on 25th February. Look out for our winner announcement!