Winner:GOLD - Best Designed/Illustrated Book For Children
Who:Nosy Crow
What:Fold-Out + Play: Doll’s House, created by Ingela P Arrhenius
Why:
This Fold-Out + Play Doll’s House transforms into a colourful 3D home ready for little imaginations to take over. Created by renowned illustrator Ingela P Arrhenius, its distinctive retro-style artwork brings every room to life, while press-out furniture, characters and stickers give children everything they need to create their very own dream home. Children can arrange the rooms and decorate the house the way they choose and invent their own stories, before packing everything away into the clever built-in drawer. Our judges were impressed by the thoughtful, self-contained design and the sheer amount of play packed into such a compact format.
"Fold-Out + Play: Doll's House is a clever combination of a book and a toy. I really like how it transforms into a play space, encouraging children to extend the story through imaginative play rather than simply reading it once and putting it away. The illustrations are charming, the format is well thought out, and it's an ideal screen-free activity for home or when you're out and about."
"There are a few examples of fold out dollshouse books, all out of print now so it’s really great that this idea has been revived! Perfect for travelling, a fold out play universe! This is hours of fun including the construction and then the play. Love that it is simple enough for small children to engage with. The price point makes it a brilliant school birthday party gift too!"
"This is a brilliantly clever blend of reading, creativity and play. I ADORE IT!"
Winner:JOINT SILVER - Best Designed/Illustrated Book For Children
Who:DK Children's
What:The Odyssey written by Liv Albert, illustrated by Hazem Asif
Why:
This is a thrilling, beautifully illustrated retelling of Homer’s The Odyssey that offers a brilliant introduction to one of the world’s greatest stories. Liv Albert presents Odysseus as a wonderfully complex hero, capturing both his courage and his flaws, while keeping the storytelling clear, lively, and easy for young readers to follow.
Hazem Asif’s spectacular full-colour illustrations add atmosphere and drama to the journey, while maps, character profiles, historical facts and fascinating details about Ancient Greece provide depth and context without ever slowing the story down. Substantial, thoughtful and utterly gorgeous, this book is both entertaining and genuinely informative, encouraging young readers to discover more about Greek mythology.
"A brilliant way to introduce younger readers to one of the world's greatest classics. It stays true to the spirit of the original story while making it accessible and engaging for children. Asif's vibrant illustrations bring the adventure to life, adding energy, colour, and excitement to every page. It's the kind of book that sparks curiosity about classic literature and makes these timeless stories feel approachable for a new generation."
"My daughter is very interested in myths and ancient stories but most of them are unpalatable and frankly terrifying so it’s wonderful to see a version of The Odyssey rendered approachable for a younger audience."
"With all the buzz surrounding the film, this is a great moment to introduce kids to the gripping classic with this cleverly retold and boldly illustrated version."
Winner:JOINT SILVER - Best Designed/Illustrated Book For Children
Who:Thames Hudson
What:Miffy and the Impressionists, written by Dick Bruna
Why:
Our judges really enjoyed this delightful way to introduce little readers to the magic of Impressionism and agreed that this lovely Miffy book turns great works of art into something friendly, familiar and easy to enjoy. The contrast between Dick Bruna’s simple illustrations and the colourful Impressionist masterpieces is particularly effective, making every page visually appealing. The panel loved how naturally this book combines learning and play, while opening the door to art, museums and creative thinking.
"I love the way this book encourages children to spot details, share their thoughts and really look at the pictures."
"Miffy and the Impressionists is a lovely introduction to art for young children. The pairing of Miffy's simple, iconic illustrations with famous Impressionist paintings is both clever and accessible, making artworks by artists such as Monet, Degas, and Cassatt feel approachable for little readers. A beautifully designed book that families can return to again and again as children's appreciation for art grows. "
"Miffy introduces the great artists? What more could you want!"
Winner:BRONZE - Best Designed/Illustrated Book For Children
Who:Raising light
What:EARTHSIDE - Birth-Month Book Collection
Why:
This gorgeous collection of twelve board books, each celebrating a different birth month through vibrant retro-inspired artwork, tactile felt flaps, foil details and a surprise mirror at the end, was a huge hit with our judges. The retro inspired graphics and interactive elements were much admired and the panel could see how appealing these books would be to little readers and their parents. A great way to buy a gift that feels lovely and personal without having to schedule in a monogram.
"I love the concept of these month of the year books. The attention to detail is wonderful and the sustainable production makes them an even more thoughtful gift for little earth warriors. "
"Earthside is a thoughtful concept with a distinctive design. I like the idea of each book being linked to a birth month, which gives it a more personal feel and makes it a lovely keepsake. The illustrations are attractive, and it's a nice alternative to more traditional children's books, particularly as a gift to mark a special occasion."
"I can see the giftable appeal here."
