At LoveReading4Kids, we are thrilled to celebrate the winners of The Week Junior Book Awards 2024, brought to you by The Week Junior, The Bookseller, and partners WHSmith, World Book Day, and us at LoveReading4Kids. The awards were revealed during a spectacular ceremony at County Hall in London, hosted by TV and radio presenter Fee Mak. Out of more than 450 entries, 14 outstanding books were crowned as winners, including the highly anticipated Children’s Choice and Children’s Book Cover of the Year categories, which were voted for by The Week Junior readers.

The awards brought together a distinguished judging panel featuring teachers, booksellers, literacy champions, including our very own MD Deborah Maclaren and celebrated figures such as former Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho, Newsround presenter Ricky Boleto, award-winning author-illustrator Nadia Shireen, author and Place2Be ambassador Sophie Dahl, and teacher and TV personality Bobby Seagull.

Now in its second year, the The Week Junior Book Awards have quickly become a cornerstone in promoting children’s literature, bringing well-deserved recognition to both emerging and established authors, illustrators, and publishers. These awards highlight the power of reading for pleasure and its lifelong benefits, especially for young readers.

New categories for 2024 include Poetry, Picture Book, Animals and Nature, Wellbeing, Hobbies and Interests, and Graphic Novel, reflecting the passions of The Week Junior’s readers and the ever-evolving landscape of children’s literature.

Anna Bassi, Editorial Director of The Week Junior, perfectly sums up the spirit of the awards, saying: “We’re delighted to honour these incredible books and their power to bring pleasure to children through words, pictures, ideas and imagination. The line-up boasts extraordinary stories, compelling characters, fascinating facts, incredible illustrations and useful advice. With awards for both fiction and non-fiction and subjects spanning everything from dinosaurs to the digestive system, there is something here for every young reader – even those who say they don’t like reading.”

The 14 winners of this year’s The Week Junior Book Awards are:

● CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE YEAR: BREAKTHROUGH
My Name is Sunshine Simpson Author: G.M. Linton, illustrator: Fuuji Takashi.
This uplifting novel about friends, family and growing up gave the judges plenty to think and talk about. They adored the main character and admired the way black history and heritage is woven into the story, describing the book as “refreshing, sweet and endearing”. Katherine Woodfine, bestselling children's author comments, “The judges were charmed and delighted by this enormously endearing and warm-hearted story, with a main character that young readers won't be able to resist. G.M. Linton skillfully navigates complex topics and ideas sensitively, and with a distinctive lightness of touch. Fresh and funny, inspiring and thoughtful, Sunshine Simpson really does shine brightly!”

● CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE YEAR: GRAPHIC NOVEL
Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir Author and illustrator: Pedro Martin
This brilliant and funny graphic novel tells the true story of Pedro (an 11-year-old boy born in America to parents from Mexico), his family and the 2,000-mile road trip of a lifetime. The expert judges described it as heartfelt and touching with lots of laugh-out-loud humour. Comics Laureate Bobby Joseph was part of the jury for this category. He adds, “Mexikid is a spirited, hilarious, coming-of-age tale that draws in the reader from the very first page. Pedro Martin's tale is an enthralling slice of Mexican history that grips all ages. This graphic memoir's engaging writing and breezy, beautiful visuals is destined to be a loved book by future generations of comic book readers.”

● CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE YEAR: YOUNGER FICTION
Pizza Pete and the Perilous Potions Author: Carrie Sellon, illustrator: Sarah Horne
This heartwarming and funny tale was called “exceptional” by the judges of this category, who loved getting to know its hero, Pete. They commented on the book’s brilliant and engaging storytelling, relatable characters and “really great” ending.

● CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE YEAR: OLDER FICTION
Safiyyah’s War Author: Hiba Noor Khan
This book gripped the judges from the very first paragraph. The “stunning” story is based on real events during World War ll, when a Muslim community in Paris helped save hundreds of Jews. All judges agreed this is a “clear winner” that is exciting, compelling, important and atmospheric. “Universally loved by the judges this was the outright winner of our stunning shortlist. Safiyyah's War is such a wonderfully crafted chronicle of compassion and courage bursting with empathy. From the very first page we were entranced by the extraordinary evocative events and are delighted to award this the sure-fire winner of the older fiction category for 2024”, said LoveReading’s Deborah Maclaren.

Highly commended
Kofi and the Rap Battle Summer Author: Jeffrey Boakye, publisher: Faber

● CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE YEAR: HOBBIES AND INTERESTS
Rhinoceros Can’t Draw… But You Can! Author: Luke Newell, illustrator: Luke Newell & Mr Griff
The judges described this brilliant art book as “a tremendous guide” that is guaranteed to get anyone drawing. It’s packed with practical tips, simple exercises and inspiring ideas to unleash the inner artist and master key creative skills.

● CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE YEAR: NON-FICTION
Welcome to Our Table: A Celebration of What Children Eat Everywhere Author: Laura Mucha & Ed Smith, illustrator: Harriet Lynas
This beautifully illustrated book wowed the judges who loved the way it explores and celebrates lots of different topics, cultures and experiences through food. It’s informative, inclusive and full of interesting facts and details. Jake Hope, respected children's book consultant and judge, said, “The book offers readers a fantastic feast of facts with its lively exploration of foods and flavours. Laura Mucha and Ed Smith have written an engaging, thought-provoking and fun text which truly does welcome every reader! It's a treat to tuck into a book that's so well thought through, researched and structured and Harriet Lynas's bright, bold illustrations really add to the energy.”

● CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE YEAR: STEM (in association with The Week Junior Science+Nature)
Where Are You Really From? Author: Adam Rutherford and E.L.Norry, illustrator: Adam Ming
“It blew my mind” is what one of the judges said about this title, that will take readers on a fascinating scientific trip through human history. All four judges agreed it’s not only a really good read, but also important, funny and accessible.

Highly commended
Wonderfully Wired Brains Author: Louise Gooding, illustrator: Ruth Burrows

● CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE YEAR: ANIMALS AND NATURE
The Tyrannosaur’s Feathers Author: Jonathan Emmett & Dr Adam S. Smith, illustrator: Stieven Van der Poorten
There are lots of books about dinosaurs, but none of them are quite like this one. “Playful”, “smart”, “imaginative”, and “funny” are among the words the judges used to describe its clever combination of facts, research and recent findings that explain why T. rex’s image has had a major makeover.

● CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK OF THE YEAR
Amy Gets Eaten Author: Adam Kay, illustrator: Henry Paker
This poo-filled picture book takes younger readers on a journey through the human digestive system. The judges loved how it reveals scientific facts in an engaging, silly and original way, with lots of icky illustrations to add to the fun.

Highly commended
Gigantic Author and illustrator: Rob Biddulph

● CHILDREN’S AUDIOBOOK OF THE YEAR
Loki: A Bad God's Guide to Ruling the World Author: Louie Stowell, narrator: Ben Willbond
This was chosen because it made the judges laugh out loud. They loved how the narrator, Ben Willbond, brings all the different characters to life. They also liked the sound effects and believe it is a book that will be enjoyed by the whole family.

Highly commended
Animal Tales from India: Ten Stories from the Panchatantra Author and narrator: Nikita Gill

● CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE YEAR: POETRY
A Dinosaur at the Bus Stop: Poems to Have Fun With Author: Kate Wakeling, illustrator: Eilidh Muldoon
The judges absolutely loved this “outstanding” illustrated collection of playful, imaginative and (sometimes) silly poems, rhymes and riddles that encourage readers to explore the fun and wonder in the world around them.

● CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE YEAR: WELLBEING
Friendship Survival Guide Author: Caroline Young, illustrator: Various
“Useful, warm and chatty” is how the judges described this winning book. They were impressed by its clever and appealing combination of expert advice, eye-catching design and interactive quizzes that aim to help children have positive friendships.

Highly commended
My Family, Your Family Author: Laura Henry-Allain MBE, illustrator: Giovana Medeiros

● CHILDREN’S CHOICE
Guinness World Records 2024 Author: Craig Glenday (Editor-in-chief), cover designer: Rod Hunt
Over 1200 children voted in the survey to find the book on the shortlists that The Week Junior readers believe is best overall. The winner was clear from the start. This brilliant bumper compilation of thousands of new and classic records scooped more votes than any other book, proving that readers really love discovering amazing facts and celebrating amazing individuals.

● CHILDREN’S BOOK COVER OF THE YEAR (sponsored by Publiship)
The Kingdom Over the Sea Author: Zohra Nabi, cover designed and illustrated by: Tom Clohosy Cole
Hundreds of readers voted for this fantastical front cover that combines symbols of Middle Eastern culture and mythology with vivid colour and clever composition to portray the magical adventure that unfolds inside.

We’re also excited to announce that some of the award-winning authors will be appearing at The Week Junior Book Festival, set to take place during the school half-term on 29 October at the Barbican Centre in London. It promises to be an inspiring event for young readers and their families!

At LoveReading4Kids, we are proud to be part of an initiative that shines a light on the magic of children's literature, encouraging the next generation to discover the joy of reading.

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