The shortlist for Oscar’s Book Prize 2025 was announced earlier this month. This annual award for the best illustrated book for young children champions magical storytelling and celebrates the joy of sharing books with young children. The award was founded in memory of book-loving Oscar Ashton by his parents, supported by Amazon and the London Standard.

This year’s shortlist of six titles recognises talent from across the UK and was chosen by a panel of judges that includes CBeebies presenter Ben Cagee, award-winning author Smriti Halls and Guardian children’s book critic Imogen Russell Williams.

Commenting on this year’s shortlist, Oscar’s Book Prize co-founder James Ashton said: “Once again our judges had a hard task selecting their favourites plus an eventual winner, which goes to show just how creative and diverse this books category is. These stories do a beautiful job of spreading joy and getting youngsters thinking and we hope many parents and children will pick them up to share.”

Congratulations to all the shortlisted authors and illustrators!

Oscar’s Book Prize 2025 Shortlist

Terrible Horses by Raymond Antrobus, illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max (Walker Books)

Just the Two of Us  by Polly Noakes (Andersen Press)

Hank Goes Honk by Maudie Powell-Tuck, illustrated by Duncan Beedie (Little Tiger)

Gina Kaminski Rescues the Giant by Craig Barr-Green, illustrated by Francis Martin (Little Tiger)

All You Need to Know About Dogs by Fred Blunt (Happy Yak)

There’s a Tiger on the Train by Mariesa Dulak, illustrated by Rebecca Cobb (Faber & Faber)

Interviews with the shortlisted authors and illustrators can be found on the Oscar’s Book Prize website. The winner of this year’s award will be announced on 6th May. Look out for our winner announcement.