Inclusive Books for Children Awards open with new Children’s Choice category

The Inclusive Books for Children Awards are open for submissions. Now in their third year, the awards celebrate outstanding new children’s literature for readers up to age nine in three categories, rewarding children’s authors and illustrators with a shared prize fund of £30K.

In a new development, IBC is also launching Children’s Choice Awards for primary schools, in tandem with its main book awards. The shadowing scheme is designed to excite children about reading, motivating them to engage with a broader range of literature and find books they truly connect with. The scheme primarily targets schools, but families, libraries or any childcare setting can participate.

This initiative follows the recent release of The National Literacy Trust’s annual reading survey, which indicates children and young people’s reading for pleasure is at its lowest level in two decades, with only ‘1 in 3 (32.7%) children and young people aged 8 to 18’ saying they ‘enjoyed reading in their free time in 2025’, a 36% drop since 2005.

The pilot scheme, in partnership with leading schools and libraries supplier Peters, means hundreds of children across the UK will get to read and vote for their favourite books from the IBC Awards shortlists. Participants will receive free guidance and resources to support meaningful discussions with young readers.

Sarah Satha, co-founder of Inclusive Books for Children, said, ‘Kicking off the IBC Awards cycle by opening for submissions is always a very exciting time of year for us. Nothing beats the thrill of wonderful, inclusive books, pouring through the letterbox, when any one could be the winner! This year we’re also building up to the first ever IBC Children’s Choice Awards. This is such a great way of making sure the Awards serve our ultimate mission of getting kids reading inclusive books, and feels all the more fitting given the government’s recent announcement in conjunction with NLT that 2026 is a National Year of Reading.’

Claire Bowles, co-CEO of Peters, said, ‘With the reported drop in reading enjoyment, it’s more important than ever that children see themselves reflected in the books they read, and that they have access to a wide range of books that will inspire them to keep reading. That’s why we’re proud to be supporting the new Children’s Choice Awards as Inclusive Books for Children’s official book supplier. Giving children the opportunity to vote for their favourite books engages them in new ways and generates meaningful book talk and discussion, and we look forward to seeing pupils around the UK taking part.’

IBC Awards submissions are open to all UK publishers now and close on 19 September 2025 at 12 noon (BST). Winners will be announced at a ceremony at London’s Southbank Centre on 25 February 2026, following shortlist announcements in January.