Books for Keeps

The shortlist for the CLiPPA, CLPE Poetry Award, has been announced. Schools across the country tuned in live to hear Children’s Laureate Wales, Nicola Davies, reveal the five shortlisted collections and to enjoy live performances from the poets. The shortlist is: The Poetry World of John Agard by John Agard, illustrated by Shirley Hottier, Otter-Barry Books The warmth and playfulness is irresistible, say the judges, Agard’s voice is so distinctive and reading this is like getting a hug.

Canadian illustrator and picture book artist Jon Klassen is the recipient of the 2026 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. The Swedish jury, chaired by Boel Westin emeritus professor of literature, said, ‘Through his subtle and evocative storytelling in words and pictures, Jon Klassen opens new perspectives on our place in the universe. What happens when a rock falls from the sky, when hats disappear or a skull begins living a life of its own?

Michael Rosen has been awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Award for Writing. Presented every other year by IBBY, the International Board on Books for Young People, the Hans Christian Andersen Award is the highest international distinction given to authors and illustrators of children’s books and recognizes lifelong achievement and a lasting contribution to children’s literature.

IBBY UK has revealed the books submitted for consideration for the 2027 Outstanding Books For Young People With Disabilities. A record number of submissions were received this year, and IBBY UK commented on the thoughtful progress publishers have made in this area, while encouraging more publishing in different formats. Eleven books (listed below) have been submitted for consideration for the 2027 list.

Bfk 277 March 2026 ISBN: 978-1788495813 Price: Price not available Publisher: O'Brien Press Ltd Genre: Age Range: 8-10 Junior/Middle Length: 272pp Buy the Book This cosy fantasy builds to a thoroughly satisfying and exciting climax and there’s lots to enjoy along the way too. Molly Flynn is apprehensive about meeting her new foster carers, Pat and Priya.

The Ashdown Forest Foundation annual poetry competition is launced with entrants asked to write on the theme of ‘Friendship,’ inspired by Winnie-the-Pooh and in celebration of the 100th anniversary of A.A. Milne’s iconic character.

When a magicide takes place at their parents’ luxury hotel it’s up to the three Marvelo children, Finnian, Juniper and Teddy, to work out who is responsible, especially as the grown up Marvelos have been arrested, charged and threatened with banishment. Slowly they begin piecing together the evidence, working out for themselves, and in a way that will be particularly satisfying to young readers, just how detectives go about their work.

The shortlists have been announced for the 2026 UKLA Book Awards. The 85 teachers who comprise the judging panel looked for high-quality children’s books that reflect all identities, promote diversity and that they can wholeheartedly recommend to other teachers who want to inspire a passion for reading for pleasure in their school.

Bfk 277 March 2026 ISBN: 978-1788495912 Price: Price not available Publisher: O'Brien Press Ltd Genre: Age Range: 10-14 Middle/Secondary Length: 288pp Buy the Book Stories in which ordinary kids turn out to be anything but are endlessly satisfying, and Oisin Ryan’s adventures, steeped in magic and Irish myth, are particularly enjoyable. They all begin on a school trip to the museum in Dublin, where he overhears three suspicious looking characters planning a burglary that night.

The Federation of Children’s Book Groups has announced Jonathan Stroud as the organisation’s inaugural patron. As patron, Jonathan will champion the FCBG and raise awareness of its work bringing children and books together. Stroud will begin his patronage via two high-profile appearances: he’ll be presenting a keynote speech at the FCBG’s annual conference in Reading in April and he’ll be doing an author/patron event at the first Wantage Children’s Book Festival in May.