Inclusive Books for Children (IBC) Awards 2026 shortlist announced
Posted on Monday, January 12, 2026
Category: Book Awards
The shortlist for the 2026 Inclusive Books for Children (IBC) Awards has been revealed, celebrating exceptional, UK-published inclusive children's books for one to nine-year-olds.
Children across UK primary schools are now reading the shortlisted titles and casting their votes as part of the IBC Children's Choice Awards shadowing scheme, which runs until 16 February.
The winners of both the IBC Awards and the Children's Choice Awards will be revealed at the live ceremony on 25 February at London's Southbank Centre. Creators of the winning books in each category will share the £30,000 prize fund and have the chance to participate in the award-winners' showcase at the Hay Festival in May.
IBC Awards Shortlist 2026
The books on the IBC Awards shortlist are diverse in terms of creators and content, and recognises 25 authors and illustrators who excel in inclusive storytelling.
Baby and 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)
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)
Reflecting on the judging process, librarian and children's literature academic Phyllis Ramage said: "These are strong shortlists, with diversity and inclusivity running through them in writing and illustration. Characters and plots drew on backgrounds from our multicultural nation. The imaginative use of humour, and creative visual realisations revealed a breadth of talent in our community of children's authors and illustrators. The final choices were a tough decision for us."
Judge Mei Matsuoka, children's author and illustrator, added: "I was honoured to be one of the judges for the splendidly rich and diverse shortlist of this year's IBC Awards. 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."
The remaining judges for this year's award included Pragya Agarwal, writer and academic; Nina Tame, disability consultant and content creator, and Scott Evans, primary school teacher.
