cup of tea with that book, please

Shortlist for the 2026 Waterstones Children’s Book Prize

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Here is the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize shortlist for 2026. This annual prize’s shortlist, which is celebrating its twentieth year, is always chosen by Waterstones’ booksellers and strives to commit to championing the best and newest talent in children’s writing and illustration today. Make sure to check this space to see the winner of this illustrious prize!

Now here are the nominees: