The FCBG Children’s Book Award is administered by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups and is the only national award voted for solely by children from start to finish. There are three  award categories:

• Books for Younger Children
• Books for Younger Readers
• Books for Older Readers

Children who are part of the nationwide network of the Federation of Children’s Book Groups select the shortlists for each category, but any child in the UK is eligible to vote for the eventual winners. As well as individual category winners, there is also one overall winner.

Read our shortlist announcement for the  FCBG Children’s Book Awards 2026.

Timetable:

• The shortlists are announced in late February/early March.
• The deadline for online voting is in May.
• The winners are announced in June.

Cost: It is free to participate but schools will need to purchase copies of the shortlisted books.

About The Federation of Children’s Book Groups: The FCBG is an umbrella organisation that coordinates and supports the work of local Children’s Book Groups across the UK. As well as events for parents and children organised at a local level, the FCBG also organises National Non-fiction November and other national events to help bring children and books together.