BY MAHADEV DESAI
The Booker Prize Foundation has announced the launch of the Children’s Booker Prize, a £50,000 award recognizing the best contemporary fiction for children aged 8 to 12. This is the Foundation’s most ambitious initiative in two decades, aimed at honoring literary excellence and tackling the decline in childhood literacy, which has plummeted to a 20-year low. With only 30% of children reportedly reading for pleasure today, this prize could be a game-changer.
Children’s storytelling has evolved dramatically. Once rooted in folklore and moral instruction, passed down through word of mouth, today’s literature embraces imagination, emotional depth, and cultural diversity. Stories now reflect a wide range of experiences—from navigating friendships and family dynamics to exploring different cultures and confronting real-world challenges.
Books are more than entertainment—they are bridges to empathy and knowledge. Through stories, children learn about their heritage, traditions, and the values that shape their families. They also gain insight into the lives of people in other countries, fostering curiosity and compassion.
Globally, children’s literature has been shaped by enduring classics:
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll revolutionized storytelling with its surreal world and whimsical characters. Snow White, popularized by the Brothers Grimm and Disney, explores themes of jealousy, kindness, and resilience. Other popular fiction includes Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White, The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, and Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery; to name a few. India’s rich literary tradition also continues to inspire young readers. Notable authors include: Sudha Murty – The Magic Drum and Other Favorite Stories introduce children to Indian folktales with warmth and wisdom. Aditi De ‘s The Secret of the Rainbow Phoenix blends mythology and fantasy in a tale of courage and discovery; and Anika Jay – The Story of Diwali: Rama & Sita brings the epic to life, helping children understand the cultural roots of the festival of lights.
The Children’s Booker Prize will be judged by both adults and children, ensuring the winning book resonates with its audience. At least 30,000 copies of the shortlisted and winning books will be gifted to children, helping build home libraries and nurture a lifelong love of reading.
The inaugural Children’s Booker Prize will be awarded annually from 2027. Eight books will be shortlisted and the 1st winner will be announced in February 2027. The prize will be open to books written originally in English or translated into English, published in the UK and/or Ireland within the eligibility period. If a book that has been translated into English wins, the author and translator will share the £50,000 equally. If a graphic novel wins, the author and illustrator will share the £50,000 equally. If a highly illustrated book wins, the author and illustrator will share £50,000 in a manner to be agreed with the publisher. The eligibility period for the 2027 prize is November 2025 to 31st October 2027. Shortlisted author will receive £2,500 and the winning author £50,000
This visionary and praiseworthy decision by the Booker Prize Foundation is a much-needed move. By elevating children’s literature to the same level of prestige as adult fiction, the Foundation sends a powerful message: stories for young readers matter deeply. They shape the citizens of tomorrow, instilling empathy, creativity, and resilience.
“The Children’s Booker Prize is not just a prize__it’s part of a movement: a cause that children, parents, carers, teachers and everyone in the world of storytelling can get behind.” Gaby Wood, Chief Executive, Booker Prize Foundation.
