The School Library Association has announced the shortlist for the Information Book Award 2025. Now in its 15th year, the award was set up to highlight the importance of non-fiction as a genre and to celebrate the range and quality of children’s information books.

A panel of expert judges has whittled down a longlist of 36 titles to 12 – four titles for each of the three award categories: Ages 0-7, Ages 8-12 and Ages 13-16.

Commenting on this year’s shortlist, CEO of the SLA Victoria Dilly said: “The titles on the shortlist represent how exciting and engaging reading information books can be for children across the age ranges.  They cover everything from the animal kingdom to Ai, from the human body to the stoics, using engaging text and beautiful, bright illustrations to draw the reader in. For librarians and teachers these books offer an ideal route into reading and encouraging curiosity about the world we live in. The opportunity to explore culture, discover new places and ways of understanding each other leaps off the pages of these shortlisted titles. I feel excited for all the readers who will have access to these books through the IBA Book Club, thanks to our generous funders, they are all in for a treat.”

The IBA Book Club is the Information Book Award’s shadowing scheme, providing young people in schools across the country with the opportunity to read, discuss and vote for their favourite title in each category, as well as an Overall Winner.

Schools can register to take part in the IBA Book Club and have until 18th October to submit their votes online. The SLA will be providing free resources to support book club discussions, and schools can buy packs of all the shortlisted titles at a discount from award sponsors Peters.

Congratulations to all the shortlisted authors and illustrators!

Ages 0-7 Shortlist

Along Came A … Burp! by Saskia Gwinn, illustrated by Paula Bowles (Templar Books). Judges’ comments: an “ingeniously presented” book that “allows readers to absorb scientific facts about the human body without even realising they are learning.”

Me and My Hair by Kimberley Kinloch, illustrated by Jessica Gibson (Usborne Publishing). Judges’ comments: “… a thoughtful combination of a history of Black hairstyles, a showcase of the versatility and beauty of Black hair and a celebration of all hair types.”

This Book Will Make You an Artist by Ruth Millington, illustrated by Ellen Surrey (Nosy Crow). Judges’ comments: a “gorgeous book ” that is “perfectly pitched for this age group and highlights a diverse range of fascinating and highly appealing artists.”

What is AI?: The Curious Kids Guide to Artificial Intelligence by Neal Layton (Hodder Children’s Books). Judges’ comments: “… an entertaining and informative first look at AI for Key stage 1 pupils. The illustrations and words combine to present the topic in an unexpected and different format.”

 

Ages 8-12 Shortlist

Amazing Asia: An Encyclopedia of an Epic Continent by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, illustrated by Jason Lyon (Wide Eyed Editions). Judges’ comments: “…strikes a perfect balance between a wealth of information and beautiful aesthetics, exploring everything from food to landscapes, innovations to famous faces.”

How to Walk on the Moon and Other Incredible Ideas About Physics by William Potter, illustrated by Richard Watson (Arcturus Publishing). Judges’ comments: “If you have a physics question, this book is the place to find the answer. Using a mixture of comic strip and written explanations, it has undeniable appeal to those in upper primary school.”

Inside Story: How the News Works by ITN Productions, illustrated by Terri Po (Templar Books). Judges’ comments: “… a fantastic deep dive into the nuts and bolts of news. Packed with information and covering serious ground, including a history of the news, citizen journalism and future of news.”

The Jellyfish Garden: Explore their Curious World by Paola Vitale, illustrated by Rossana Bossù (Post Wave Children’s Books). Judges’ comments: “… tells you things about jellyfish that you never thought you needed to know and can be read from cover to cover or at random, with intricately imagined diagrams and illustrations.”

 

Ages 13-16 Shortlist

Black History for Every Day of the Year by David and Yinka Olusoga, illustrated by Kemi Olusoga (Macmillan Children’s Books). Judges’ comments: “…uniquely accessible and readable for ages 13 to adult with a bite-sized factual story for each day of the year..”

The History of Information by Chris Haughton with Loonie Park (DK Children’s). Judges’ comments: provides “…a better understanding of why the world is the way it is; how our future is being shaped by AI; and the changes we ALL need to make for the sake of our collective futures.”

Queerbook by Malcom Mackenzie, illustrated by Emily A. Foster, cover illustration by Madelén Foss (Red Shed). Judges’comments: “… a joyful deep dive into gay culture. From top LGBTQ+ TV shows to ‘setting straight’ key terms, this cultural guide offers a plethora of starting points for further exploration.”

 

The winners of this year’s SLA Information Book Award will be announced on 27th November. Look out for our winner announcement.

Find more children’s book awards here.