Welsh Author Creates Unprecedented Waterstones Prize History
In a remarkable achievement for children's literature, a Welsh writer and illustrator has made publishing history by becoming the first author ever to receive dual nominations in distinct categories for the prestigious Waterstones Children's Book Prize. Huw Aaron, a former chartered accountant turned celebrated author, has earned this unprecedented recognition in the awards' 22-year history.
Dual Nominations Break New Ground
The Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2026 shortlist features Aaron's graphic novel Unfairies in the younger readers category, alongside his illustrated work Sleep Tight, Disgusting Blob in the illustrated books section. Waterstones has confirmed this represents the first time any author has achieved such simultaneous recognition across different prize categories since the awards' inception.
This year's prestigious shortlist comprises twelve exceptional titles across three distinct categories, carefully selected by expert Waterstones booksellers with valuable input from young readers at participating schools nationwide. The selection process reflects the prize's commitment to identifying the most exciting emerging talent in children's publishing.
Diverse Shortlist Showcases Emerging Talent
The younger readers category presents a particularly strong field, with Aaron's Unfairies competing against Janeen Hayat's Evie And Maryam's Family Tree, Ashley Thorpe's fantasy adventure Spirit Warriors, and Brogen Murphy's eco-adventure Wildlands. Each title brings unique storytelling perspectives to engage young minds.
Meanwhile, the older readers' shortlist features compelling works including S.F. Williamson's fantasy thriller A Language Of Dragons, Busayo Matuluko's 'Til Death, Jihyun Yunlyrical's And The River Drags Her Down, and Grainne O'Brien's lyrical verse novel Solo. These selections demonstrate the remarkable depth and variety in contemporary young adult literature.
The illustrated books category showcases exceptional visual storytelling, with Aaron's Sleep Tight, Disgusting Blob alongside Jamie Carroll's Milo And The Mountain, Becky Colvin's The Great Green Island, and My Rice Is Best! by Selina Brown and Maxwell A. Oginni. These works celebrate the vibrant intersection of art and narrative that defines modern picture books.
Celebrating Reading for Pleasure
Bea Carvalho, head of books at Waterstones, emphasised the prize's enduring mission, stating: "For over 20 years the Waterstones children's book prize has sought to spark and maintain a love of reading in children and teenagers through spotlighting the most exciting emerging writers and illustrators."
She further elaborated that the selected books "truly celebrate the sheer joy, escapism and wonder to be found in children's books today," prioritising "reading for pleasure, with picture books bursting with charm which adults will adore reading to little ones on repeat, and novels which are destined to be enthusiastically passed around playgrounds and friendship groups."
Carvalho highlighted how the diverse shortlist offers "something for young readers of all age groups and reading tastes to take delight in," reflecting the prize's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in children's literature.
Anticipation Builds for Winners Announcement
The competition will see a winner selected from each of the three categories, with these three exceptional titles then competing for the coveted overall title of Waterstones Children's Book Prize winner 2026. The winners are scheduled to be unveiled at a special ceremony on March 26, marking a significant moment in the literary calendar.
This year's shortlist not only celebrates Huw Aaron's historic achievement but also showcases the remarkable breadth of talent emerging in children's publishing. From graphic novels to lyrical verse, fantasy adventures to eco-conscious narratives, the selection demonstrates how contemporary children's literature continues to evolve while maintaining its fundamental commitment to sparking imagination and fostering lifelong reading habits.
