Book Awards 2023 / Junior Design Awards 2023 / 19 September 2023

Best Baby Book 0-2yrs (published within last 12 months) | Junior Design Awards 2023

These award winning baby books will start your little ones reading journey off on the right track..

Who:Jo & Nic's Crinkly Cloth Books

What:Sensory cloth books for babies up

Why:

This fabulous range of cloth books designed to look like little newspapers struck gold with our judges again. Made using a soft peach skin fabric and filled with a safe crinkle fill, the panel felt these books would make an enthralling read for babies before they can even recognise letters.

The combined sensory effect of noise, texture and contrasting images was a big hit with our judges, big and small, and the panel felt that this was a toy that kids could grow up with, eventually learning to read them for themselves.

One of my favourite entries. The sight of a baby reading a newspaper will never not tickle me and these cloth books are brilliant for sensory development and instilling a love of words.

Bonita Turner, Editor of Junior

Agree there is definitely a gap in the market. I struggled to find anything other than very, very basic books for this age.

Emma Tunbridge, Children’s fashion photographer, @emmatunbridge

These are amazing sensory books for babies and as they grow they can learn to turn the pages and read the words. They are lightweight and washable, so are a must-have product for busy parents on the go! I adore the designs too - they are very chic!

Jakki Jones, Artist and talent relations, @jakkidoodles

Great variety of themes and attention to detail means something new is discovered with every read. A fun, sensory experience for little people and is durable and washable for those surprisingly strong and grubby little hands. Cute envelope makes it a lovely gift. A real favourite find in this age range.

Sarah-Jane Mee, Sky News presenter and TV personality, @skysarahjane

My baby actually has one of these and it entertains him for a long time! I haven't seen anything as unique out there.

Tiffany Norris, Founder of The Mummy Concierge, @mummyconciergehq

Who:Hachette Children's Group- Pat-A-Cake

What:Have you Heard of Dolly Parton? Flip the Flap Book

Why:

This book caused a real stir among our judges who nearly all professed to being die-hard Dolly Parton fans. The simple text designed to encourage conversation, retro-inspired illustrations, lift-the-flap details and spinning wheel were much pored over and everyone agreed this book would make a fab gift for the latest generation of Dolly fans.

Such a well-designed, cool little book that kids will dip into time and time again. The illustrations of Dolly are fabulous!

Bonita Turner

An iconic and important female role model! Thank you for this entry!

Emma Tunbridge, Children’s fashion photographer, @emmatunbridge

A fab book that music-loving parents will die for. The detail in this book is charming and the kids will love all the moveable flaps and tabs.

Jakki Jones, Artist and talent relations, @jakkidoodles

Brilliant idea and a very reasonable price point. Great sensory design and a lovely overall piece. Excellent innovation with something different on each page and creative ideas throughout!

Mimi Dickson, Illustrator and student nurse, @mimidicksonpaintings

A bold and bright book bringing colourful icons to life. Interactive and fun - with a spinning wheel and flaps that are always a hit with 0-2 year olds so they can feel involved in storytime. Wonderful eye-catching illustrations that really bring Dolly Parton and co to life. A must for any little library!

Sarah-Jane Mee, Sky News presenter and TV personality, @skysarahjane

Who:Nosy Crow

What:Let’s Go Home Baby Tiger

Why:

Our judges loved this story about four adorable baby animals who are lost in the jungle and felt that the interactive aspect of this book with its easy-to-use moving parts and sliding counters would keep babies thoroughly engaged. Beautifully illustrated by Carolina Búzio this stunning board book would make a wonderful addition to any nursery bookshelf.

The Scan the Stories Aloud QR code on the back cover adds another level of entertainment that parents can share with their little ones.

A gorgeous multi-layered book for curious little ones. Love the retro style illustrations!

Bonita Turner, Editor of Junior

This book is fabulous. Beautiful illustrations and the book features easy-to-use moving parts and four unique tracks to develop hand-eye coordination and concentration for babies and toddlers. The premise of this book is to get the animals home safely - which children will warm to and love!

Jakki Jones, Artist and talent relations, @jakkidoodles

Nosy Crow board books never disappoint and I loved the idea of the baby animals' journey home discovering things along the way. Excellent quality and engaging as always.

Sarah-Jane Mee, Sky News presenter and TV personality, @skysarahjane

I love how it encourages hand-eye coordination and such lovely colours for children.

Tiffany Norris, Founder of The Mummy Concierge, @mummyconciergehq

Who:Quarto

What:Wee Gallery: Touch and Feel: Tails

Why:

This colourful touch-and-feel board book was a hit with the JDA panel who loved the naïve style illustrations of a varied range of animals and sea creatures. The clever use of textured panels and cut-outs for developing sensory and motor skills gave this book an extra layer of excitement that our judges agreed babies and toddlers would love.

Lovely illustrations and exciting textures that bring a whole range of unusual animals to life for little ones.

Bonita Turner, Editor of Junior

Fabulous touch-and-feel board book series which includes an exciting mix of clever textures and materials for little ones to touch and explore. The book will develop sensory and motor skills, as well as help expand language skills! Beautiful illustrations too!

Jakki Jones, Artist and talent relations, @jakkidoodles

Stunning and unique illustrations - a modern take on touch-and-feel books that is super stylish. The perfect book for gifting.

Sarah-Jane Mee, Sky News presenter and TV personality, @skysarahjane

Love the unusual animals included in this book.

Tiffany Norris, Founder of The Mummy Concierge, @mummyconciergehq