We are thrilled to share the news that DON’T TRUST FISH! by Neil Sharpson, illustrated by Dan Santat, and THIS IS WHO I AM by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane, have been shortlisted for the Peters Children’s Book of the Year Awards 2026 in the Picture Books category!
Whilst the longlist and shortlist are decided by Peters’ expert librarians and children’s book specialists, who wins is in the hands of the public. If you are a teacher or a librarian, it’s time to have your say! Vote for your winning titles here before 28th February 2026: https://peters.co.uk/pcboty2026-vote
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The Peters Children’s Book of the Year Awards take place annually to showcase the best of children’s fiction and non-fiction published in the UK. The awards’ mission is to celebrate the power of books and to inspire children and young people to read for pleasure, enabling everyone to access the opportunities that reading unlocks.
Looking back to last year, Andersen Press also had two shortlisted titles: Panda and Penguin Find a Thing by Zehra Hicks in the Picture Books category, and On Silver Tides by Sylvia Bishop in the Teen Fiction category.
The winners will be announced in March 2026. The overall Book of the Year winner gets £1000 worth of books to donate to a school or public library of their choice, and a commemorative trophy. Individual category winners also each receive a Peters Children’s Book of the Year trophy.
Congratulations to Neil and Dan and Rashmi and Ruchi for creating such wonderful picture books, and best of luck!
