The School Library Association has revealed the shortlist for the 2026 Information Book Award. The award celebrates inspiring information books for young readers across three age categories: Ages 0-7, Ages 8-12 and Ages 13-16.

This year’s shortlist was chosen by a panel made up of SLA member librarians, authors and industry representatives. The 12 shortlisted titles range from picture books to choose-your-own adventures and cover topics as varied as why we sleep, to where we came from.

Commenting on this year’s shortlist, Chair of Judges Helen Cleaves said: ‘From automata to autism, this shortlist is nothing if not diverse, offering a wealth of information adventures for children from toddler to teen. What’s more, these books have the whole package: stunning artwork and meticulous design combine with engaging text for maximum impact.’

Schools can now sign up for the IBA Book Club to shadow the award and give their young readers the opportunity to vote for their favourite title for each category and choose an Overall Winner. Free supporting resources will be available to download from the end of February, designed to help pupils engage with the shortlisted titles while also developing critical thinking and communication skills. Voting is open until the end of May and schools that sign up before 13th February will have the opportunity to receive a FREE set of books for one of the age categories.

Victoria Dilly, CEO of the SLA, said: ‘For librarians, teachers, parents and children, information books can offer a new route into reading, which encourages curiosity about the world around us, and creates an ideal opportunity for a shared experience: whether that’s sharing newfound facts, looking at engaging illustrations together, or exploring a freshly discovered interest. This year’s IBA shortlist showcases a diverse collection of books that cover a vast range of subjects. I can’t wait to hear from all the librarians and pupils who will be exploring these books through the IBA Book Club.’

Congratulations to all the shortlisted authors and illustrators!

Ages 0-7 Shortlist

Where Did She Go? by Cariad Lloyd, illustrated by Tom Percival (Hodder Children’s Books)

Frog: A Story of Life on Earth by Isabel Thomas, illustrated by Daniel Egnéus (Bloomsbury Children’s Books)

A Billion Ways to Be by Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Ana Sanfelippo (Franklin Watts)

Recycling Day: What Happens to the Things We Throw Away by Polly Faber, illustrated by Klas Fahlén (Nosy Crow) 

 

Ages 8-12 Shortlist

Why Do We Sleep? by Cathy Evans, illustrated by Polya Plavinskaia (Cicada) 

Science Detective Agency by Stevie Derrick, illustrated by Miriam Serafin (Wayland)

Choose Your Own Evolution by Jules Howard, illustrated by Gordy Wright (Nosy Crow)

About Time: A Children’s Guide to the History and Science of Time by Rebecca Struthers and Alom Shaha, illustrated by Lucy Rose (DK Children)

 

Ages 13-16 Shortlist

Normal Women by Philippa Gregory, illustrated by Alexis Snell (Red Shed)

Owning It: Our Disabled Childhoods in Our Own Words edited by Jen Campbell, James Catchpole and Lucy Catchpole, illustrated by Sophie Kamlish (Faber & Faber) 

Explodapedia: The Brain by Ben Martynoga, illustrated by Moose Allain (David Fickling Books) 

It’s a Brave Young World by Anu Adebogun, illustrated by Soofiya and Lila Cruz (Little Tiger)

The winners of this year’s SLA Information Book Award will be announced in the summer term. Look out for our winner announcement.

Find more children’s book awards here.