BookTrust, the UK’s largest children’s reading charity, has named Ten Little Ducklings by Lucy Rowland and illustrated by Aki, as the BookTrust Storytime Prize 2025 winner—celebrating it as the best book to share with children under five.  

The rhyming picture book, published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books, captured the hearts of librarians, families, and early years professionals across the country, who voted it their favourite in this year’s competition.  

The award announcement took place at a special ceremony hosted by BookTrust and is part of the BookTrust Storytime 2024–25 programme—an initiative designed to inspire a lifelong love of reading by encouraging families to visit their local library and enjoy stories together.  

This year’s programme reached over 2,500 libraries in England and Northern Ireland, engaging around 50,000 children under five. BookTrust Storytime supports libraries with free books, storytelling resources and activity ideas—making it easier for librarians to create welcoming, memorable experiences for families.  

Research from BookTrust highlights that children who enjoy reading are more likely to form strong reading habits, and in turn benefit from: Improved speech and language development, stronger emotional wellbeing and social skills, better family bonds and higher academic achievement later in life.  

Ten Little Ducklings reimagines the familiar rhyme by taking children on a playful hide-and-seek adventure. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, the book’s rhythmic text, bold illustrations, and interactive format make it both accessible and engaging  for young readers.  

Lucy Rowland, the book’s author, said: “I’m absolutely over the moon that Ten Little Ducklings has won the BookTrust Storytime Prize. I’ve admired BookTrust and their incredible work for a long time, so this recognition feels truly special. It’s a  real honour—thank you so much!”  

Illustrator Aki added: “I’m thrilled that our ducklings are out in the world on their own adventure! Thank you so much—and long live the ducklings! Quack quack!”  

Diana Gerald MBE, Chief Executive of BookTrust, said: “BookTrust Storytime is rooted in the belief that every child deserves joyful and inspiring reading experiences from the very beginning. We’re incredibly grateful to our library and local authority partners who bring these experiences to life in communities across the UK. Reading with children isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’—it’s one of the most powerful ways to support a child’s development and future success. Congratulations to Lucy and all the  shortlisted authors whose books will continue to bring families together through stories.”  

The 2025 BookTrust Storytime Prize Shortlist Also Included:  

- Whisper, Shout: Let it Out! by Madhvi Ramani, illustrated by Anuska Allepuz: An empowering call for children to find and use their voices.  

- Into the Wild by Thomas Docherty: A vibrant and adventurous picture book full of wonder which was described by LoveReading4Kids expert reviewer, Andrea Reece as, "A beautifully illustrated magical adventure and a story to connect children to the wild all around them"

- Look Out! Hungry Snake by Paul Delaney: A fun and engaging hide-and-seek flap book which was a March 2024 Debut of the Month.  

- Roarr! by Sam Taplin, illustrated by Ailie Busby (Usborne): A sound-slider book filled with animal fun and early learning opportunities  

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