Something for everyone: shortlist for CLiPPA 2026 announced
The shortlist for the CLiPPA, CLPE Poetry Award, has been announced. Schools across the country tuned in live to hear Children’s Laureate Wales, Nicola Davies, reveal the five shortlisted collections and to enjoy live performances from the poets.
The shortlist is:
The Poetry World of John Agard by John Agard, illustrated by Shirley Hottier, Otter-Barry Books
The warmth and playfulness is irresistible, say the judges, Agard’s voice is so distinctive and reading this is like getting a hug.
Press Start to Play by Sam Gayton, illustrated by Jack Noel, Andersen Press
Interactive, relatable and a gateway into word play, there’s lots to appeal here, say the judges, and the book dispels old notions of what poetry is.
A First Book of Bugs by Simon Mole, illustrated by Adam Ming, Walker Books
A brilliant book to share with children, say the judges, it will spark their curiosity about the natural world and their desire to write.
Five Little Friends: A Collection of Finger Rhymes by Sean Taylor, illustrated by Fiona Woodcock, Walker Books
This will have everyone joining in, say the judges, who loved the memorable rhymes, the storytelling element and the way the book provides so many opportunities for contact and bonding.
This is Not a Small Voice: Poems by Black Poets edited by Traci N. Todd, illustrated by Jade Orlando, Nosy Crow
Beautiful, say the judges, wonderful poems full of music, insight and originality, with strong design and handsome illustrations.
Shortlisted poets Sam Gayton, Simon Mole, Sean Taylor and, from the US, editor Traci N. Todd, gave readings at the virtual event, with illustrator Shirley Hottier representing John Agard.
Nicola Davies, who was Highly Commended for the CLiPPA in 2023 with Choose Love, illustrated by Petr Horáček, says, ‘One of the great powers of poetry for children and young people is in its variety; every child can find a poem that speaks to them. The list of nominees for this year’s CLiPPA absolutely represented that glorious diversity of voice and form. Which of course made the job of the judging panel both especially joyful and especially difficult! After much heartfelt deliberation and reading poems aloud to each other, we arrived at a shortlist that I think contains something for everyone. I hope every child can find a poem contained in this shortlist that will delight them and in which they feel their experience of being alive in the world today, reflected.’
The CLiPPA encourages schools to explore the shortlist with their pupils through its unique Shadowing Scheme, which each year prompts poetry performances in hundreds of classrooms. Children in schools across the UK will now choose their favourite poems from the collections and create their own poetry performances, either solo or in groups. The best of these will be celebrated at the joyous CLiPPA award ceremony at the National Theatre on Thursday, 9 July.
Anjali Patel, judge and Lead Advisory Teacher, CLPE said ‘This year’s CLiPPA shortlist demonstrates the rich variety and high quality of the poetry being published for children today. At CLPE we know that poetry is the perfect route into reading and oracy for children and that it has a unique appeal to their love of language and play, so we are delighted to be sharing these five books with young people, and in the National Year of Reading expect record numbers of schools to participate in the CLiPPA Shadowing’
The Shadowing Scheme is free for schools and launches on 20 April 2026. Schools can register their interest to take part now.
Nicola Davies is joined on the judging panel by 2025 CLiPPA winner, Colette Hiller; Reading Development and Children’s Book Consultant, Jake Hope; Lisa Mead, CEO of Apples and Snakes; and Anjali Patel, Lead Advisory Teacher, CLPE.
The winner will be announced at the CLiPPA Poetry Show, live onstage at the National Theatre on London’s Southbank, Thursday 9 July and receives £1,000. The event will feature live poet readings from each shortlisted collection and the winning Shadowing performances too. Long-time CLiPPA supporter, former Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell will live draw the event.
