IBC Awards 2025: the longlist

A gorgeous family journey from rural Nigeria to a Lagos market and back again, exploring everything beginning with L along the way.

Vibrant, distinctive storytelling in words and pictures and an endearing lead character offer a fresh take on Little Red Riding Hood!

This bright seaside adventure evokes the senses while highlighting humanity’s responsibility to care for the environment. 

Beautifully visualised with shimmering illustrations, this is an engaging and inspirational story that skilfully helps children to feel secure in themselves.

A lyrical, powerful and empathetic story about family change, acceptance and affirmation of all that two people can do!

Beautifully illustrated book about feeling homesick and then finding friendship after moving to different country.

Brimming with depth and emotion, sibling rivalries are boldy brought to the fore in this deeply affecting story.

For one Armenian child, her birthday is a time for celebration and friendship. It is also time to look back on the journeys of her ancestors and those who came before her.

Bold, bright colours and tender family relationships are vividly explored as change and separation affect this family.

Sworn to protect mythical creatures, a diverse society faces a dilemma in this magical series. 

Bold, bright characters and a charming relationship with nature lend a classic feel to these gently humorous, seasonal tales.

This delightfully entertaining, action-packed superhero adventure, with animal mayhem and gadgets, will enthral newly independent readers and Marv fans alike.

Keisha Jones and the Bee Squad stand tall and proud to protect neighbourhood trees from the chop. 

Four charming stories featuring a special sibling bond!

Excitement and nerves fizz from the pages as Destiny prepares for her first sleepover, but what about the night-time monsters?