We are very excited and proud to reveal the six books shortlisted for Picture Book Award 2026.

Each of them has been enthusiastically recommended by Key Stage 1 pupils in Shropshire primary schools. Between them, they read 72 titles nominated for the Award by leading UK publishers – all published in the last year.

These are the books they feel other 5-7-year-olds will love the most!

Enjoy finding out more about each of the books and their authors by clicking on the cover images:

Almost 800 pupils in Shropshire primary schools taking part in Picture Book Award 2026 will spend the second half of Summer Term 2026 reading these wonderful books. And on 26th June 2026, they will vote for their favourite.

The book with the most votes will be crowned as the winner of Shropshire Bookfest’s Picture Book Award 2026.

We can’t wait to find out which one it is!