The winners of the 2025 Wainwright Prize were announced today, Wednesday 10th September, at FarmED in Oxfordshire.

Overall Children's Winner

This year, in addition to the individual category winners, an exceptional children's book has been chosen as the overall winner from the children's sections, Flower Block by Lanisha Butterfield & illustrated by Hoang Giang for the 2025 Wainwright Children’s Prize Book of the Year’.

Children’s Categories

The Children’s Wainwright Prize for Fiction

Wildlands by Brogen Murphy
In a rewilded future Britain where humans are banned from the Wildlands, sisters Astrid and Indie are accidentally stranded after their train makes an unexpected stop. With only each other to rely on, they must navigate breathtaking yet dangerous landscapes in a gripping survival adventure about courage, ingenuity, and the bond of family. LoveReading4Kids reviewer, Andrea Reece called it, "An absorbing, vivid and unusual survival story."

The Children’s Wainwright Prize for Non-Fiction

University of Cambridge: Think Big: Secrets of Bees by Ben Hoare & illustrated by Nina Chakrabarti
This vibrant and accessible book introduces children to the fascinating world of bees, from their unique eyesight and waggle dance communication to their vital role in pollination. Packed with fun facts, expert insight, and colourful illustrations, it shows why life without bees would be far less wonderful.

The Children’s Wainwright Prize for Picture Books

Flower Block by Lanisha Butterfield & illustrated by Hoang Giang
When Jeremiah’s sunflower seeds grow into a magical plant that winds its way through his tower block, he and his brother set off on an adventure that brings their neighbours together. This uplifting picture book celebrates the magic of nature, community, and finding your voice. LoveReading4Kids reviewer Amy McKay described it as, "A delightful and life-affirming celebration of tower block living and the magic of nature."

The Prizes

The overal winner received a prize of £2,500, with the picture book award jointly shared by its author and illustrator. Category winners were each awarded £500 per book.

Spotlight on the Children’s Winner

The 2025 Wainwright Prize for Children’s Book of the Year and for Picture Books has been won by author Lanisha Butterfield, based in Oxford, and Hoang Giang who lives in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Their book, Flower Block, is a joyous story which celebrates the power nature holds to bring communities together, all told through the eyes of a curious young boy who lives in a city tower block.

Judging chair for The Children’s Wainwright Prize for Picture Books, Mwaka "Mwaksy" Mudenda, said Flower Block is:

“A beautifully told story brought to life by stunning artwork that kept me engaged from start to finish. I loved the rich diversity of characters throughout the book - a reminder of the beauty in our differences and the strength of community. Jeremiah’s wish at the beginning also speaks to the power of faith and hope, showing that with these two, much can happen, often more than we anticipate. And as nature brings everyone together, the story gently shows that caring for the planet is something we can all be part of, no matter who we are or where we come from.”

Highly Commended Children’s Books

Wildful by Kengo Kurimoto (Children’s Fiction)

National Trust: Look What I Found by the River by Moira Butterfield, Illustrated by Jesús Verona (Children’s Non-fiction)

Leave the Trees, Please by Benjamin Zephaniah & illustrated by Melissa Castrillon (Children’s Picture Books)

Bothered by Bugs by Emily Gravett (Children’s Picture Books)

Of the announcement, Alastair Giles, The Wainwright Prize Director, says: "Warmest congratulations to all our longlisted, shortlisted, and winning authors and illustrators. This year’s entries demonstrate just how vital and vibrant nature writing has become—not only as a form of creative expression, but as a force for change. As environmental and social challenges grow ever more urgent, it's inspiring to see writers of all ages and backgrounds using their voices to deepen our connection with the natural world. The Wainwright Prize continues to champion those who remind us that storytelling can be a powerful step towards awareness, action, and ultimately, hope.”

Read our feature Wainwright 2025 Shortlist Announced for the full list of shortlisted titles.

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