Winner:GOLD - Best Children’s Book 6+
Who:DK Children's
What:Good Bits written by Kes Gray, illustrated by Ruby Wright
Why:
A wonderful and fresh approach to encouraging children to read, Good Bits is packed with short, lively stories that get straight to the action. From dragons and aliens to zombie beavers, treasure hunts and a very mysterious missing belly button, each story is completely different, with plenty of humour, imagination and unexpected twists. Kes Gray’s playful, accessible writing is perfectly matched by Ruby Wright’s bright, characterful illustrations, while the clever page design makes this book especially appealing to newly independent readers. Our judges felt that this entertaining, confidence-boosting collection could even inspire young readers to create some stories of their own.
"The story is super nice, the drawings are great for younger kids and the flow of the book invites the kids to move from one page to the other. Love the bite size concept of this book that lets kids dip in and out without having to commit to a long chapter."
"Being big fans of Oi Frog at home, I am sure we will enjoy this book with the kids soon!"
"This is a novel idea. Very clever!"
"Short sections, colourful artwork, varied typography and plenty of visual energy make this book a pleasure to pick up, dip into and enjoy."
Winner:JOINT SILVER - Best Children’s Book 6+
Who:Hachette Children's Group
What:Alan, King of the Universe: Today, I Will Rule All! , by Tom McLaughlin
Why:
Brilliantly visual and wonderfully ridiculous, this is a hugely entertaining graphic novel for young readers, packed with big ambitions, disastrous plans and two unforgettable characters. Alan is an orange cat with opposable thumbs who is convinced he is destined for greatness, while his lovable sidekick Fido is simply happy to join in. The bold two-colour artwork, expressive characters and dynamic comic-strip style make this an instantly inviting read, with short bursts of text and clever visual jokes keeping the action moving. From shrinking themselves to raising an army of cats, Alan’s increasingly outrageous schemes provide plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, while the warmth of his friendship with Fido gives the comedy another dimension. Funny, fast-paced, silly and accessible, our judges felt this was exactly the kind of book that makes children want to keep turning the page, making reading feel effortless.
"This had me at Alan the orange cat with opposable thumbs… A wonderfully original book that will feed kids’ imaginations and tickle their funny bones."
"Comic books are fabulous for older kids. Specially for the ones that are not yet ready or used to reading long stories. I love the colours both in the covers and the orange combinations in the pages. I would have definitely got this for my eldest when she was younger."
"Irreverent, high energy fun."
Winner:JOINT SILVER - Best Children’s Book 6+
Who:DK Children's
What:The Superhero's First Aid Manual written by Dr Punam Krishan
Why:
A brilliant blend of fun, facts and real-world know-how, this empowering first-aid guide shows children that being a hero is about knowing what to do when it matters. Our judges loved the balance of fun and functionality here. Potentially daunting subjects are made approachable through bright, comic-inspired artwork, clear step-by-step guidance and relatable scenarios turn important information into something children can understand and remember.
"Fascinating, educational and genuinely helpful. I would have pored over this as a child and I know my kids will too."
"A brilliant tool to help children learn how to stay calm, think clearly, get help and support someone in need. Brilliant!"
"The Superhero First Aid Manual is a brilliant way to introduce children to first aid in a fun, engaging, and confidence-building way. Through colourful illustrations, superhero characters and easy-to-follow explanations, it teaches essential life skills without feeling overwhelming."
"This is such a good idea - I feel like it should be in every school library!"
Winner:JOINT BRONZE - Best Children’s Book 6+
Who:Nosy Crow
What:Jolly Monster Town: The Party Pickle , by Rong Rong
Why:
A brilliantly imaginative and original adventure that welcomes children into the colourful, quirky world of Jolly Monster Town! The Party Pickle is bursting with humour, creativity and lovable characters, creating a joyful reading experience that is perfect for children moving from picture books into chapter books. Our judges loved the way Rong Rong’s distinctive artwork creates such a warm and inviting world. Soft colours, expressive monsters and lots of clever details give children plenty to spot, while character profiles, a map and interactive drawing pages encourage them to join in and get creative.
"A book that encourages reading for pleasure, imaginative play and shared reading. A worthy JDA winner."
"Fun and relatable characters that children will really connect with. Love the illustrations."
"This one is just pure fun. The story is silly in the best way, with loads of little details in the illustrations that kept us stopping to look at every page. It's the kind of book that makes newly independent readers actually want to keep turning the pages, and I can already see my kids wanting to go back and visit Jolly Monster Town again and again."
Winner:JOINT BRONZE - Best Children’s Book 6+
Who:DK Children's
What:The Witches of Anderson House: A Spell for Disaster , created and illustrated by Jennie Poh, Written by Dave Lowe
Why:
A witty and magical adventure that gives the world of witches a fresh, modern twist. Myrtle Stormwhisper lives in Anderson House, a retirement home for witches, where she sets out to rediscover her magic with a little help from her wonderfully eccentric friends. The JDA panel loved the evocative illustrations, playful typography and a captivating narrative that draws the reader into a world that feels both magical and deeply human. Our judges loved the combination of magical chaos , humour and heart and felt that it is rare to find a book that captivates both children and adults in the same way. Full of energy, charm and imagination, it celebrates friendship, curiosity, collaboration and the joy of finding your own magic.
"A fresh spin on sorcery and magic that both kids and adults will love."
"A new favourite for my bookcase! Myrtle Stormwhisper and friends will enchant everyone."
"This is one of those books that completely surprised me. Funny, a little bit chaotic and full of magic, it's the kind of story kids genuinely won't want to put down. The illustrations are brilliant and add so much personality, making it a really fun read from start to finish. "
"Am utterly charmed by this. Adore the floor plan at the beginning. This is a worthy witch story for lovers of The Worst Witch and other classics of the genre."
