2026 Inclusive Books for Children (IBC) Awards Shortlist Announced: Young Readers Begin Voting
January 13, 2026
written by CCMag
The 2026 Inclusive Books for Children (IBC) Awards shortlist has officially been revealed, celebrating UK-published children’s books that reflect diversity, inclusivity, and multicultural storytelling. The announcement coincides with the start of the Children’s Choice Awards shadowing scheme, where children across UK primary schools read shortlisted titles and cast their votes from 12 January to 16 February. This initiative aligns perfectly with the UK Government’s declaration of 2026 as the National Year of Reading, promoting reading for pleasure and giving young readers a real voice alongside expert judges.
The shortlist showcases 25 authors and illustrators who excel in inclusive storytelling across three age categories: Baby & Toddler, Picture Books, and Children’s Fiction. The titles highlight a rich array of voices, cultures, and experiences, reflecting the UK’s multicultural society.
Baby & Toddler Book Shortlist
Ada, Go, Go, Go! by Daishu Ma (Walker Books)
Let’s Play by Alex Strick, Annie Kubler, and Sarah Dellow (Child’s Play)
Won’t Go! by Sumana Seeborouth and Fotini Tikkou (Barefoot Books)
Zeki Goes to the Market by Anna McQuinn and Ruth Hearson (Alanna Max)
[Additional Read: The Sci-Fi Novella You Need to Add to Your Book Collection: ‘Countess’ by Suzan Palumbo]
Picture Book Shortlist
A Taste of Home by Maryam Hassan and Anna Wilson (Orchard Books)
Cloud Boy by Greg Stobbs (OUP)
Dancing Dumplings for My One and Only by Eva Wong Nava and Natelle Quek (Walker Books)
Noah’s New Home by Zeshan Akhter and Nabila Adani (Templar Books)
The Beautiful Layers of Me by Sophia Payne and Ruchi Mhasane (Walker Books)
Children’s Fiction Shortlist
George and the Mini Dragon by George Webster, Helen Harvey, and Tim Budgen (Scholastic)
Pia's Pet Club: Puppy Problem by Serena Patel and Emma McCann (Usborne)
Supa Nova by Chanté Timothy (Nosy Crow)
The Misadventures of Mina Mahmood: School Trip by Farhana Islam and Simran Diamond Singh (Farshore)
Among these titles, Chanté Timothy, author of Supa Nova, is of Caribbean heritage. Her story celebrates themes of identity, family, and resilience that resonate with young readers globally, bringing Caribbean voices into the UK children’s literature scene.
Judges Celebrate Diversity and Creativity
The shortlist was selected by a panel of experts, including Mei Matsuoka, Phyllis Ramage, and other writers, teachers, and illustrators. Judge Mei Matsuoka commented,
“The wide range of books on the lists are pushing — or more accurately, prodding gently without being forceful — the boundaries; and opening up pathways into worlds that so desperately need to be represented more.”
Phyllis Ramage highlighted the inclusive nature of the selections, noting that the books “drew on backgrounds from our multicultural nation” and that the shortlists showcase a breadth of talent in the UK’s children’s literature community.
Next Steps for Readers and Authors
The winners of the IBC Awards and the Children’s Choice Awards will be announced at a live ceremony on 25 February 2026 at London’s Southbank Centre. Winners will share a £30,000 prize fund and have the opportunity to participate in the award-winners’ showcase at the Hay Festival in May 2026.
The IBC Awards continue to champion own-voice authors and illustrators, promoting inclusivity and diversity in children’s literature, while inspiring young readers to explore stories from cultures and experiences different from their own.
For the full shortlist and Children’s Choice Awards voting information, visit:
