Shortlist Announced for the 2025 FCBG Children’s Book Award
The Federation of Children’s Book Groups (FCBG) has announced the shortlist for the 2025 Children’s Book Award. As the only national award voted for entirely by children, this popular prize celebrates the best in children’s literature, showcasing stories that have captured young readers’ imaginations across the UK. The award, now in its 45th year, has a rich history of recognising outstanding children’s books, with past winners including J.K. Rowling, Patrick Ness, Louie Stowell, Malorie Blackman, Anthony Horowitz and Michael Morpurgo, who has won a record four times.
This year’s shortlist features a diverse range of books that reflect the creativity and brilliance of contemporary children’s publishing. The shortlisted titles, spanning Books for Younger Children, Books for Younger Readers, and Books for Older Readers, are:
Books for Younger Children
A Wild Walk to School, written and illustrated by Rebecca Cobb, Macmillan
Grotti, written and illustrated by Leonie Lord, Walker
My Friend Andy, written and illustrated by Emma Chinnery, Little Tiger
The Bridges, written and illustrated by Tom Percival, Simon and Schuster
Books for Younger Readers
I am Rebel, written by Ross Montgomery, Walker
Spooksmiths Investigate: The Cinderman, Alex Atkinson, Ubsorne
Turtle Moon, Hannah Gold, illustrated by Levi Pinfold, HarperCollins
Books for Older Readers
The Clockwork Conspiracy, Sam Sedgman, illustrated by Stephanie Shafer, Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Ditching Saskia, John Moore and illustrated by Neetols, Flying Eye
Seven Million Sunflowers, Malcolm Duffy, Zephyr
Children are now invited to vote for their favourite book on the list and have until 12 noon on Friday 9th May to make their choice. The category winners and the author of the best children’s book published in 2024 will be announced at a special awards ceremony on Saturday 7th June, and will be live streamed via the FCBG YouTube channel.
The overall winner will be awarded the Children’s Book Award Silver Tree, of which they are the custodian for a year, and an engraved silver acorn which is theirs to keep. Each of the category winners receive an engraved glass book page and each shortlisted author and illustrator will also receive a portfolio of writing and artwork created by children inspired by their book.
Online voting will open on Monday 31st March.
Sarah Stuffins, Children’s Book Award Coordinator, says, ‘The Children’s Book Award is unique in giving children a direct voice in celebrating the books they love most. This year’s shortlist represents an exciting mix of adventure, humour, and heartwarming stories that will inspire young readers everywhere. It is particularly heartening to see debut authors represented alongside more established names.’
