HRH Princess Beatrice reveals the 2023 winner of tenth Oscar’s Book Prize

Jarvis has been named winner of the 2023 Oscars Book Prize for his poignant tale of friendship, The Boy with Flowers In His Hair (Walker Books). He was presented with the award by HRH Princess Beatrice at a ceremony in London and receives £10,000.

The award, now in its tenth year, was set up by James Ashton and Viveka Alvestrand to celebrate magical stories and encourage parents to take time to share books with their young children. It is named in memory of their son Oscar, who was three-and-a-half when he died from an undiagnosed heart condition in December 2012.

Upon winning, Jarvis said, ‘I could not be more delighted to have won this year’s Oscar’s Book Prize, and taking a look around the room and the incredibly talented authors and illustrators also shortlisted, it truly is an honour. I’ve always believed that picture books are a piece of art that everyone can own. This award celebrates the art and joy in children’s books and I am so pleased that my book, which focuses on poignant issues surrounding vulnerability and friendship, has been received so well.’

The judges are author and two-time winner of Oscar’s Book Prize, Benji Davies, former Children’s Laureate, Cressida Cowell, Amazon’s UK Books Country Manager, Lisa De Meyer and the Prize co-founder, Viveka Alvestrand.

This year’s shortlist in full:

Billy and the Pirates by Nadia Shireen (Puffin)
Can I Play? by Nicola Kinnear (Alison Green – Scholastic)
Frank and Bert by Chris Naylor Ballesteros (Nosy Crow)
The Boy With Flowers in His Hair by Jarvis (Walker Books)
Teapot Trouble: A Duck and Tiny Horse Adventure by Morag Hood (Two Hoots)
The Gecko and the Echo by Rachel Bright and Jim Field (Hachette Children’s Group – Orchard)

The Prize, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2023, is supported by Amazon and the Evening Standard. Lisa de Meyer, Amazon UK Books Country Manager, said, ‘It is exciting to continue to support Oscar’s Book Prize as it reaches its tenth year. It’s important to be able to engage children with vibrant illustrations and moving stories and Jarvis has done this perfectly with this year’s winning book.’