Hot on the heels of the longlist, we are so pleased to share the shortlist for the 2026 Information Book Award (IBA). The 12 books on this year's list range from picture books to encyclopaedias, covering everything from why we sleep, to where we came from.
Chair of Judges Helen Cleaves said: "From automata to autism, this shortlist is nothing if not diverse, offering a wealth of information adventures for children from toddler to teen. What's more, these books have the whole package: stunning artwork and meticulous design combine with engaging text for maximum impact."
The Information Book Award celebrates inspiring UK-published information books for young people, up to age 16. As a part of the IBA Book Club, children across the country can now read the shortlisted titles and cast their votes to decide the winner in three Children’s Choice categories.
We are also thrilled to announce new sponsorship for the IBA, with DK, the UK’s number one children’s non-fiction publisher, joining the Award as sponsor. This is an exciting new development, which reflects the award's growing focus on pupil voice and school engagement.
Sarah Later, Managing Director of DK Children’s said: "At DK, we champion the transformative power of books. In the National Year of Reading, school libraries matter more than ever. As many young readers gravitate toward non-fiction, the Information Book Award is essential, celebrating the remarkable talent that makes our world come alive."
The 2026 Information Book Award Shortlist is as follows:
Under 7 years
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- Recycling Day: What Happens to the Things We Throw Away? by Polly Faber, illustrated by Klas Fahlén (Nosy Crow)
- Frog: A Story of Life on Earth by Isabel Thomas, illustrated by Daniel Egneus (Bloomsbury Children's Books)
- A Billion Ways to Be by Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Ana Sanfelippo (Franklin Watts, Hachette Children's Group)
- Where Did She Go? by Cariad Lloyd, illustrated by Tom Percival (Hodder, Hachette Children's Group)
8-12 years
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- About Time by Rebecca Struthers & Alom Shaha, illustrated by Lucy Rose (DK Books)
- Choose Your Own Evolution by Jules Howard, illustrated by Gordy Wright (Nosy Crow)
- Why Do We Sleep? by Cathy Evans, illustrated by Polya Plavinskaia (Cicada Books)
- Science Detective Agency by Stevie Derrick, illustrated by Miriam Serafin (Wayland (Hachette Children's Group)
13-16 years
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- Owning It: Our disabled childhoods in our own words edited by James Catchpole, Lucy Catchpole and Jen Campbell, illustrated by Sophie Kamlish (Faber & Faber)
- It's a Brave Young World by Anu Adebogun, illustrated by Soofiya and Lila Cruz (Little Tiger)
- Explodapedia: The Brain by Ben Martynoga, illustrated by Moose Allain (David Fickling Books)
- Normal Women by Philippa Gregory, illustrated by Alexis Snell (Red Shed, Farshore)
The shortlist was selected by a panel of judges made up of SLA member librarians, industry representatives and authors, including SLA Patron Smriti Halls. Read all the judges' comments here.
The winners of the IBA and the Children’s Choice accolades will be announced in the summer. Four awards will be given by both the judges and the school children shadowing the Award, with each group choosing a winner in each age category and an overall winner also being announced. Last year’s overall IBA winner was Black History for Every Day of the Year by David, Yinka and Kemi Olusoga, while the overall Children’s Choice went to Amazing Asia by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, illustrated by Jason Lyon.
Victoria Dilly, CEO of the SLA said: “For librarians, teachers, parents and children, information books can offer a new route into reading, which encourages curiosity about the world around us, and creates an ideal opportunity for a shared experience: whether that’s sharing newfound facts, looking at engaging illustrations together, or exploring a freshly discovered interest. This year’s IBA shortlist showcases a diverse collection of books that cover a vast range of subjects. I can’t wait to hear from all the librarians and pupils who will be exploring these books through the IBA Book Club.”
All schools who sign up to take part in the Book Club receive free resources, and those who do so before Friday 13th February will have the opportunity to receive a free pack of shortlisted books in one age category, thanks to generous support from the Authors Licensing and Collection Society (ALCS).
The Children's Choice voting period will run until May 2026, giving schools the chance to hold meaningful book club sessions across several weeks. Taking part in the IBA Book Club will help children develop critical thinking skills, develop confidence in communicating their opinions, find new interests and fire up their love of reading. Register your school.
About DK
DK is a global publisher of internationally bestselling authors and illustrators across fiction, non-fiction, adult and children’s publishing. They have been pioneering ways to bring knowledge and adventure to people around the world for over 50 years.
About Authors’ Licensing & Collecting Society
ALCS is a not-for-profit organisation started by writers for the benefit of all types of writers. Owned by its members, ALCS collects money due for secondary uses of writers’ work. It is designed to support authors and their creativity; ensure they receive fair payment and see their rights are respected. It promotes and teaches the principles of copyright and campaigns for a fair deal for writers. It represents over 130,000 members, and since 1977 has paid over £750million to writers.