The award, now in its 21st year, is voted for by booksellers across the UK, with the shortlist comprising 12 books across three categories: Illustrated Books, Younger Readers, and Older Readers.
“Sharing a love of books with young readers is the most important thing we do as booksellers, and we have been proud to celebrate the very best emerging talent in children’s publishing for over 20 years with this special prize,” said Bea Carvalho, head of books at Waterstones.
Waterstones Children's Book Prize shortlist spotlights stories of neurodiversity and palaces filled with dumplings Shortlist features complex topics including children living in care, anxiety, and neurodiversity.
Our shortlist of books for younger readers showcases storytelling excellence across historical adventure, fantasy, and real life stories, and includes the first graphic novel to be shortlisted for its age-group.
One book will be awarded the winner in each category, with the three section winners vying for the overall title of Waterstones Children’s Book Prize Winner 2025.
