Submissions open for Inclusive Books for Children Awards 2025

Submissions are now open for Inclusive Books for Children (IBC) Awards 2025. The awards, which are free-to-enter, offer a total prize fund of £30,000 for the best new inclusive children’s books published in the UK.

The deadline for submissions from publishers closes on 20th September 2024. Submissions are split into three different categories: baby and toddler books (ages 1–3), picture books (ages 3–7) and highly illustrated children’s fiction (ages 5–9).

Submissions are limited to fictional stories except in the Baby and Toddler category, for which all baby and toddler book genres and formats are eligible. Books must also include representation at main-character level of minoritised ethnicity, disability, neurodivergence or LGBTQ+.

Judges will also consider whether books offer an own-voice perspective (i.e. books by authors/illustrators who share the same cultural, ethnic or other identities as the characters they’ve created), a challenge to gender stereotypes, representation of diverse family structures (e.g. single-­­­­­­­parent, blended or same-sex parent families) or a diverse cast of characters beyond the main character.

The IBC Awards 2025 accept new books published in the UK between 1st November 2023 and October 31st 2024. A £10,000 prize will be shared between the winning author and illustrator in each category.

Sarah Satha, co-founder of Inclusive Books for Children, said: “We had an overwhelming response to our inaugural awards last year with so many stories rich in representation competing for an IBC award. It’s never been more clear how much these books are needed to foster mutual respect and a cohesive, empathetic society. We’re really excited to see this year’s submissions from publishers, and can’t wait to shine the spotlight on the very best titles of the year and the creative talent behind them.”

To submit an entry for the IBC award, click here.