New charity Inclusive Books for Children has announced Too Green!, You’re So Amazing! and Meet the Maliks, Twin Detectives: The Cookie Culprit as the winners of their inaugural £30,000 book prize.

Too Green!, written by Sumana Seeboruth and illustrated by Maribel Castells, was named winner of the Baby and Toddler category. You’re So Amazing!, written by James and Lucy Catchpole and illustrated by Karen George, won Best Picture Book and the Children’s Fiction award went to Meet the Maliks, Twin Detectives: The Cookie Culprit, written by Zanib Mian and illustrated by Kyan Cheng.

Awards judge, author and host Jeffrey Boakye said, ‘Being on the judging panel for the Inclusive Books for Children Awards has reminded me just how vital it is for there to be a range of voices and experiences within children’s publishing. The shortlist alone provides a powerful example of how rich children’s publishing can be once it welcomes a diverse breadth of narratives and perspectives. These books are joyous and celebratory, whilst also countering the limited perspectives that can come from dominant narratives.’

He added, ‘Also, a huge note of recognition from the judging panel to every writer doing this work in contexts where they are marginalised. Personally, it’s a true privilege to be able to honour and acknowledge creatives who are striving to widen the scope of children’s literature in this way. I know how difficult this can be, which is even more cause for celebration.’

You’re So Amazing! offers disabled representation, written from an Own-Voice perspective, as well as a diverse cast. Authors James and Lucy Catchpole said, ‘This inaugural IBC Awards feels meaningful to us – the shortlist is deep and strong. We’re delighted to win but really, we’re just so happy that today’s young readers have access to these stories, created by these authors and illustrators, and curated so carefully on the Inclusive Books for Children site.”

Meet the Maliks, Twin Detectives: The Cookie Culprit features Muslim South Asian representation, an extended family and is an Own-Voices story. Zanib Main said, ‘This recognition holds special significance for me as it underscores the importance of combating negative stereotypes and providing an authentic portrayal of Muslim culture. Through my book, I aim to offer readers a window into the warmth and community found within mosques, allowing children of all backgrounds to empathise with and understand the experiences of their Muslim peers. For Muslim children, seeing their culture reflected positively in literature can be empowering and affirming, fostering a sense of pride and belonging. I wish to congratulate the other shortlisted writers whose contributions are also enriching the world of children’s literature with diverse perspectives and meaningful narratives. My hope is that this recognition not only celebrates diversity but also inspires more inclusive storytelling that depicts the rich world around us.’

Fabia Turner, head of content at IBC, said, ‘We’re incredibly proud to have launched our brand-new awards to showcase the best inclusive books on offer for children and families right now in the UK. There’s so much rich experience, authentic representation and pure joy to be found in the pages of these stories. Huge congratulations to the winners, the shortlisted authors and illustrators, and everyone else involved in making our 2024 Awards such a great success.’

The full shortlist is listed here.

Inclusive Books for Children is a charity with a free website for families that helps them easily choose books for a more inclusive bookshelf. It showcases stories that represent all types of family and features books with a variety of ethnicities, positive images of disabilities and different identities, and which celebrate Own-Voice authors and illustrators.

The IBC website runs in parallel with provision of funding to other not-for-profit organisations also working to improve inclusivity in children’s books, and access to those books.