Best Children's Book (age 5+) 2017 | Junior Design Awards

Junior Design Awards 2017 for Best Children's Book (age 5+)

Reading is a joy that every child should experience - and being able to read along by themselves gives them confidence and can transport them to another world. Books for children from starting school age need to encourage early reading, be engaging and just beg to be read aloud with pride too.

These books all passed the #juniorbookclub seal of approval and got top marks from our amazing panel of esteemed judges.

THE PLATINUM AWARD FOR BEST CHILDREN'S BOOK AGED 5+ IS... TOWN & COUNTRY

Town and Country is a completely absorbing book for children that encourages word and object association, as well as visual exploration and concentration. This unique flip-over, turnaround book opens for children to explore either a town scene or a country landscape.

It's beautifully illustrated by award-winning artist and illustrator Craig Shuttlewood who lives in Brighton and has had his work exhibited in galleries worldwide. Town & County is published by Ivy Books and the bright, engaging and characterful illustration really bring every page to life.

Junior Editor Bonita said, "Before I even opened this book I knew I was going to love it - children (and adults) are in for a real treat. This is the sort of book you can pour over for hours and still see something different each time. A truly beautiful book."

THE GOLD AWARD FOR BEST CHILDREN'S BOOK AGED 5+ IS... MIND HUG

Mind Hug: The First Story by author Emily Arber is a charming, gentle story that reveals mindful breathing through the idea of a mind hug - from a child’s point of view - rather than explaining the concept or using big words. Making an inspiring and creative picture book that introduces children to mindfulness with a story about finding a superpower in your mind.

Mind Hug is beautifully brought to life by Vanessa Lovegrove whose illustrations express how a mind hug feels with soft movement of colour as the emotions ebb and flow through the pages. Published by Circus House - this book is a modern, important, life-affirming addition to every child’s library that is sure to be read for comfort and calm, time and time again.

With children’s well-being, mental health and the benefits of mindfulness being super-hot topics at the moment this is a timely and innovative storybook. We feel this will have the ability to make a real, positive difference to the next generation. The book also supports the children's mental health charity Place2Be.

Designer and Founder at The Bonnie Mob and Junior Awards judge Tracey Samuel added that this book was a "wonderful idea" in her judging notes.

THE SILVER AWARD FOR BEST CHILDREN'S BOOK AGED AGED 5+ IS... MY ENCYCLOPEDIA OF VERY IMPORTANT THINGS

Full of fun facts, colourful illustrations, and games that will feed a child's imagination and quench their thirst for knowledge, whilst supporting the National Curriculum, My Encyclopedia of Very Important Things is published by DK and the perfect book for any curious little reader in your life.

Mixing beautiful photography with charming illustrations, this chatty and informative book guides children on an enjoyable, educational journey of discovery. Split into four sections, All About Me, Animals, People, and My Planet, this book covers everything from the continents to the blue whale in fun and engaging ways.

It’s bursting with knowledge to set young minds alight and the perfect first encyclopedia to accompany their learning journey especially for those about to start school.

THE SILVER AWARD FOR BEST CHILDREN'S BOOK AGED AGED 5+ IS... FACTIVITY COMPUTERS AND CODING

There is no escaping technology so a book like Factivity Computers and Coding that is fully illustrated with a blend of informational and activity content on such a key trend and technology-focussed subject is bound to be a hit with girls and boys today.

If children have ever wondered what’s inside a computer, or how an app or game is made, this great book has the answers and is likely to get them interested in coding. It will teach them how to put simple instructions together and to tell a computer what to do.

Factivity Computers and Coding is published by Parragon Books and will help little inquisitive minds discover the fact-packed world of technology, with activities, puzzles, stickers and mazes to keeping them well and truly them plugged-in.