The winners of this year’s Inclusive Books for Children Awards were announced on 26th February at an evening ceremony in London. Now in their second year, the awards celebrate the UK’s best new inclusive books, focusing on diverse titles for younger readers aged 1-9.

Commenting on this year’s awards, Sarah Satha, co-founder of IBC said: ‘At a time when we’re seeing a backlash against progress made in the last few years on diversity, equity and inclusion, the IBC Awards are more important than ever, to bring to light the very best stories with characters from under-represented groups. We’re thrilled that the awards have been won by these wonderful books that do such an amazing job of nourishing our children’s imaginations, self-esteem and empathy. No collection of children’s books is complete without them!’

Congratulations to all the winning authors and illustrators!

Inclusive Books for Children Awards 2025 – Winning Titles

Baby and Toddler Books: Our World: Democratic Republic of the Congo by Mel Nyoko, illustrated by Joelle Avelino (Barefoot Books)

Picture Books (3-7): Two People Can by Blessing Musariri, illustrated by Maisie Paradise Shearring (Kumusha Books)

Highly Illustrated Children’s Fiction (5-9): Destiny Ink: Sleepover Surprise by Adeola Sokunbi (Nosy Crow)

See all 12 of this year’s shortlisted titles here.

Inclusive Books for Children also runs a free website dedicated to helping families and educators source high-quality inclusive books for their bookshelf or library.