The Carnegies celebrate outstanding reading experiences in books for children and young people. Take a look at these fantastic books shortlisted for the 2026 Medal for Illustration!
Want more suggested books? Take a look at our recommendations.
The Playdate
Illustrated by Clara Dackenberg, written by Uje Brandelius, translated by Nichola Smalley
For one little girl, the prospect of a playdate at her friend Henry’s house fills her with excitement.
To get to Henry’s house, they have to take a bus, then the underground, then change to another line, then a bus, and then walk for a bit, but it’s worth it because Henry’s house has millions of rooms to hide in and hundreds of toys to play with.
Yet, while the kids tear around the house enjoying each other’s company, their mums experience the playdate very differently. Soon we find that the little girl and her friend Henry live lives that are poles apart.
The Endless Sea
Illustrated by Linh Dao, written by Chi Thai
The poignant story of one family’s perilous journey from Vietnam to the UK.
On the first day, we ate rice parcels. On the second day, they were all gone. On the third day, the water ran out. On the fourth day, we reached the sea.
This picture-book tells the true story of Chi Thai’s refugee crossing from Vietnam to the UK, at just four years old, leaving her home behind, and setting out across the vastness of the sea in a tiny boat.
It’s a deeply personal account, rooted in important history – and yet, her story resonates with those of families all over the world today, forced to make perilous journeys of their own.
Lord of the Flies: The Graphic Novel
Illustrated and adapted by Aimee de Jongh, written by William Golding
A plane crashes on a desert island.
The only survivors, a group of schoolboys.
By day, they explore the dazzling beaches.
By night, they are haunted by nightmares of a primitive beast and of what they’ve lost.
The Sleeper Train
Illustrated by Baljinder Kaur, written by Mick Jackson
Just as it’s starting to get dark, a little girl and her family board the sleeper train – they’ll travel all through the night, and reach their destination in the morning.
But as the train rocks from side to side, the little girl can’t sleep. It’s all too exciting! So, instead, she travels through her memory to all the different places she has slept – from her room at home, to a tent in the wild, to Mum’s old room at Grandma and Grandad’s house.
But will that help her to drift off?
Wildful
Kengo Kurimoto
Poppy’s mother hasn’t been the same since Gran passed away. She stays inside and watches TV, unable to leave the sofa. So maybe that’s why Poppy has started spending more time outside, taking her dog Pepper for walks around the neighbourhood.
When Pepper leads Poppy through a hole in the fence, she finds a forgotten wood that’s been there all along, as well as a new friend named Rob. Rob teaches Poppy that you can find magic in the wild – if you know where to look!
Poppy looks, and then she looks closer – and sees flowers opening before her eyes, watches animals slip into their hidden homes, and listens to the sound of water droplets falling gently on puddles, leaves and feathers.
She can barely wait to tell Mum about everything she’s seen, and asks her to come see, too – but her mother rarely has the energy to leave the house.
Freedom Braids
Illustrated by Oboh Moses, written by Monique Duncan
In the sugarcane plantations, Nemy stumbles upon a group of women braiding each other’s hair.
Will the paths these courageous women weave guide Nemy to a new home where she can be free?
The Paper Bridge
Illustrated by Seng Soun Ratanavanh, written by Joelle Veyrenc, translated by Katy Lockwood-Holmes
Anya is determined to find the source of the strange wind that is threatening the delicate paper village she calls home.
What will she find on the other side of the paper bridge?
A unique modern fairytale told through striking, intricate kirigami scenes.
Wiggling Words
Kate Rolfe
Everyone loves a story, but when the words start wiggling out of the book, it takes clever thinking to discover the animals, build a castle and sail a boat – look out for the crocodile!
Featuring tips from the author, this playful book helps children solve problems and enjoy words and stories with confidence.
An inspiring story depicting a child lost in a forest of letters, prompting children with dyslexia and other neurodivergence to problem solve and gain confidence in their abilities.