Waterstones Children's Book Prize Shortlist
Congratulations to Selina Brown, Maxwell A. Oginni, and Becky Colvin for their shortlisting in the Illustrated Books category of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2026!
My Rice is Best, written by Selina Brown, illustrated by Maxwell A. Oginni
Join Shane and friends as they attempt to settle the age-old question of which rice dish is the best in this funny and joyful new picture book!
Shane is convinced that nothing beats a big, delicious bowl of rice and peas - it’s the best rice in the world! But when he brings his favourite meal to school, he discovers that his friend Yinka is just as passionate about her jollof rice. What follows is a hilarious and heartfelt showdown to settle the age-old question: which rice reigns supreme?
A laugh-out-loud, heartwarming picture book that brings the joy of food, friendship, and cultural pride to life, My Rice is Best explores the playful rivalry between two friends who both believe their rice dish is the ultimate favourite. Through humour and a universal love of eating, the book offers an entertaining way-in to help children embrace new cuisines and celebrate cultural identity and diversity.
My Rice is Best is a mesme-ricing celebration of food, culture and friendship!
The Great, Green Island, written and illustrated by Becky Colvin
Meet adventurous Ali, a nature-loving girl with a mystery to solve on an island that is much more than it seems. Because this small island holds a big secret. A magical secret in the shape of a Great Green Crocodile . . .
Ali lives with her Dad on a beautiful island with a busy fishing village. So busy in fact that, no matter how hard she tries, Ali can never persuade anyone to stop what they are doing and come exploring with her. That is until the morning everyone wakes to find ALL the fish have disappeared. Every. Last. One.
Who – or what - could have taken them?
The Great Green Island weaves mystery and adventure with the wonders of nature, reminding us all to stop and experience the world around us - and to do it together! Inspiring and imaginative, this is a tale that will make you see magic.