Today, Inclusive Books for Children (IBC), whose free website makes it easy for families, librarians and teachers to find books to diversify their bookshelves, has revealed the 12 shortlisted titles for its 2025 book awards. 

The IBC Awards recognise the best new inclusive children’s books published in the UK across three categories. The winners will share £30k in prize money. 

The 12 shortlisted titles are:

Baby and Toddler (aged one to three)

Bhorta Bhorta Baby! by Jumana Rahman and Maryam Huq

Our World: Democratic Republic of the Congo by Mel Nyoko and Joelle Avelino

Zeki Eats Out by Anna McQuinn and Ruth Hearson

Picture Books (for ages three to seven)

Gina Kaminski Saves the Wolf by Craig Barr-Green and Francis Martin

Strong Like Me by Kelechi Okafor and Michaela Dias-Hayes

Terrible Horses by Raymond Antrobus and Ken Wilson-Max

Two People Can by Blessing Musariri and Maisie Paradise Shearring

Until You Find the Sun by By Maryam Hassan and Anna Wilson

Children’s Fiction (for ages five to nine) 

Destiny Ink: Sleepover Surprise by Adeola Sokunbi

Keisha Jones Is a Force of Nature by Natalie Denny and Chanté Timothy

Marv and the Humongous Hamster by Alex Falase-Koya and Paula Bowles

Secret Beast Club: The Mer-People of Crystal Pier by Robin Birch and Jobe Anderson

Judge Liz Pemberton said, "Having an opportunity to be on the judging panel for this year’s IBC Awards was truly thrilling! The books we shortlisted were vibrant, emotional and told some absolutely essential stories. Choosing the final shortlist was nearly impossible in some cases, and the length of deliberation on the judging day was a further reminder about the high quality of the submissions."

Judge and author Joseph Coelho said, "I am so excited to be a judge for this year's Inclusive Books for Children Awards. The submissions have been excellent and I can’t wait to share our winners."

Inclusive Books for Children is also partnering with Hay Festival to bring the award-winning books, along with their authors and illustrators, to a wider audience. Starting this year, IBC award-winners will take part in an exclusive Hay x IBC interactive family storytelling event with a book signing at the Hay Festival bookshop. The bookshop will also feature a dedicated Inclusive Books for Children section showcasing IBC’s top-reviewed books of the year, including the longlisted titles from the 2024 and 2025 awards. 

Sarah Satha, co-founder of IBC, said, “The storytelling across this collection is first-rate, taking us on profound emotional journeys, to whole new worlds, or on exhilarating adventures. The additional work and care that creators must undertake to make their stories inclusive takes that storytelling to the next level, making these books essential reading for a new generation of open-hearted young book lovers.”

@hayfestival @IBCplatform #IBCawards2025