Book of the Year - Children's Non-Fiction

Now in its third year, this shortlist is dominated by conversation-starting books seeking to redress historical imbalances from both established and new voices. The topics include inclusivity, identity and curiosity. Many of the campaigns put education at the heart of their approach, prioritising outreach and charitable actions.

The Winner

Brilliant Black British History

Atinuke, illustrated by Kingsley Nebechi

Bloomsbury Children's Books

Our judges were in awe of Atinuke's Brilliant Black British History, describing it as an "important" account of Black people throughout our nation's history. "I would want every person to read this," said one judge. With "striking" artwork by debut illustrator Kingsley Nebechi, Brilliant Black British History should become a touchstone for children and adults alike to address "missing parts of history". Atinuke and Nebechi's pioneering book covers the longest period of any children's book on Black British history.

Bloomsbury Children's took the ethos of the book to heart and led with education and positivity in its campaign. An "authentic" strategy went above and beyond, and our judges were particularly impressed by the survey commissioned by the publisher on the need for comprehensive Black history education. It was "a stroke of genius", they agreed.

The Shortlist

Black & Irish

Leon Diop and Briana Fitzsimons, illustrated by Jessica Louis

Little Island Books in collaboration with Black & Irish

Little Island Books worked with illustrator Jessica Louis and the Black & Irish organisation on this “history-making” book, the first children’s title to be published on Black Irish identity. Black & Irish was welcomed by the Irish press with impressive coverage in both the Irish Times and Irish Times magazine, as well as a slew of broadcast slots for co-authors Leon Diop and Briana Fitzsimons. This was the most ordered book on the publisher’s website last year.

Brilliant Black British History

Atinuke, illustrated by Kingsley Nebechi

Bloomsbury Children’s Books

Atinuke’s vital exploration of Black British history covers the longest period of time of any children’s book on this subject. With moving artwork from debut illustrator Kingsley Nebechi, Brilliant Black British History was truly a collaborative effort. Bloomsbury Children’s created a positive, education-led campaign with multiple school events and commissioned a headline-grabbing survey on the need for comprehensive Black history education in response to a media backlash.

Kay's Incredible Inventions

Adam Kay, illustrated by Henry Paker

Puffin

Adam Kay and Henry Paker’s unique education-entertainment brand continues to delight readers, with Kay’s Incredible Inventions designed to inspire the next generation of scientists. Puffin took this mission to heart, launching a competition with the Young V&A to challenge children to imagine their own invention, with the winner to be featured in the upcoming paperback edition. Kay and Paker also embarked on a school tour and hosted a Puffin virtual visit to 117 classrooms.

Little People, Big Dreams: King Charles

Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara, illustrated by Matt Hunt

Frances Lincoln Children's Books

Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara partnered with illustrator Matt Hunt for this instalment in the iconic and inspiring series that marked King Charles III’s coronation with a celebration of the monarch’s life. Partnerships with four supermarkets, including a new slot with Aldi, and a bookshop “coronation pack” made King Charles the bestselling book in the UK in the week leading up to the coronation.

Stolen History

Sathnam Sanghera, illustrated by Jen Khatun

Puffin Books

Puffin created a powerful social impact campaign for Sathnam Sanghera’s considered history of British colonialism with warm illustrations from Jen Khatun. Sanghera embarked on a two-week school tour, speaking to nearly 3,000 children about Stolen History, while also appearing on “London ITV News” and “The Andrew Marr Show”. The publisher worked with Media Hive, a specialist agency, to plan publication sensitively and target communities where Sanghera’s book would be most wanted.

The Boy Who Didn't Want to Die

Peter Lantos

Scholastic

Originally published for adult readers, Peter Lantos adapted his autobiographical story following his horrific journey as a child through Europe to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Scholastic was shortlisted for the Publisher’s Publicity Circle’s Best Children’s Campaign for its sensitive and thoughtful treatment of The Boy Who Didn’t Want to Die, which included a partnership with Anne Frank Trust and virtual events with Holocaust Memorial Trust Day and Holocaust Education Trust.