The IBBY UK committee has revealed the books chosen as the UK Honour Books for the 2026 list. The IBBY Honour List is a biennialselection of outstanding, recently published books, honouring writers, illustrators and translators from IBBY member countries

For the first time, IBBY UK is nominating books in Welsh alongside books in English.

Writing (English)
What the World Doesn’t See by Mel Darbon (Usborne 2023)

In this YA novel the story unfolds in a dual narrative as Mel Darbon sets out to dispel myths about people with disabilities and give them their own voice, drawing on her experience of having had a much-loved brother with learning disabilities.

Writing (Welsh)
Jac a’r Angel by Daf James (Y Lolfa 2022)

Jac a’r Angel is a humorous, charming and sensitive ‘coming of age’ story of an innocent boy who uses his imagination to overcome grief and the dark forces of life. A beloved Christmas time classic for young readers and adults alike.

Illustration
The Star Whale illustrated by Petr Horáček, written by Nicola Davies (Otter-Barry Books 2023)

A wide-ranging, richly coloured collaboration exploring variety across the natural world, looking at our planet and its creatures in closeup detail. Petr uses a vivid many coloured palette in his paintings, often incorporating collage and textured effects.

Translation (into English):
The Secret of Helmersbruk Manor. A Christmas Mystery by A A Prime (translator from Finland-Swedish), written by Eva Frantz (Pushkin Children’s Books 2023)

This novel moves between 1975, 1925 and 2019, following the intriguing history of Helmersbruk Manor, after Flora and her mother go there in 1975 for Christmas. First published in Finland, and rendered into English by a translator who enjoys texts containing magic, mystery and philosophical allegory.

Translation (into Welsh)

Curiad Coll: Cyfrol 1 [Heartstopper: Book 1) by Alun Saunders (translator from English), written by Alice Oseman (Rily Publications Ltd 2023)

The first Heartstopper graphic novel adapted into Welsh by Alun Saunders, it provides readers with the opportunity to become immersed in the Heartstopper world whilst fitting perfectly within modern south Wales, bringing the story to life with a Welsh authenticity that celebrates culture and community.

The books will become part of the 2026 collection alongside works from other member countries. These will be introduced at the IBBY Congress to be held in Ottawa, Canada, in August 2026 when diplomas will be presented to the nominated authors, illustrators and translators. A catalogue of the collection will also be produced.

Established in 1956, the IBBY Honour List,  is one of the most widespread and effective ways of furthering IBBY‘s objective of encouraging international understanding through children’s literature. Seven parallel sets of the books circulate around the world at exhibitions during conferences and book fairs, including the Bologna Book Fair. Permanent collections of the IBBY Honour List books are kept at the International Youth Library in Munich, the Swiss Institute for Child and Youth Media in Zurich, the Bibiana Research Collection in Bratislava, at IBBY in Tokyo and Northwestern University Library at Evanston, Illinois.

Find out more on the IBBY website.

Find details of the Honour List and pdf copies of previous catalogues here.