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Bright Children's Awards and Accolades 2021

last updated 22 December 2021

2021 has proven a fantastic year for Bright; whilst we all work hard to regain a sense of normalcy, our Bright Artists have been creating amazing art and illustrations, and we are thrilled with the array of fantastic awards, accolades and incredible projects they’ve been working on. To celebrate the diverse range of talent of our Bright family, we’ve rounded up some of the highlights below.


Sainsbury’s Children’s Book Awards 2021 - Winner


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Twitch, illustrated by Paddy Donnelly won The Sainsbury’s Children’s Book Award 2021 in the Fiction category. Written by M.G.Leonard, published by Walker Books.

Let’s Go For A Walk, illustrated by Kate Kronreif won The Sainsbury’s Children’s Book Award 2021 in the Activity category. Written by Roger Hamza, published by Ivy Kids.


Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2021 - Winner


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Wranglestone, illustrated by Karl James Mountford won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize in the Best Book for Older Readers category. Written by Darren Charlton, published by Stripes Publishing.


The Queen’s Knickers Award 2021 - Winner


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Never Show a T-Rex a Book, illustrated by Diane Ewen won The Society of Authors Queen’s Knickers Award 2021. Written by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, published by Puffin.


The Batsford Prize 2020-2021 - Winner


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Kinchoi Lam won The Batsford Prize 2020 - 2021 Children’s Illustration Category for Nomad.


New Reading Council 2021 - Winner


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The Vanishing Lake, by Paddy Donnelly won the New Reading Council - Best Children’s Books in China. Published by Yeehoo Press.


AnPost Irish Book Awards 2021 - Winner


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A Hug For You, illustrated by Rhiannon Archard won the AnPost Irish Book Awards 2021 Children’s Book of the Year (Junior Category). Written by David King, published by Sandycove.


CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2021 - Longlist


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Light on Cotton Rock, by David Litchfield was longlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2021. Published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books.

The Child of Dreams, illustrated by Richard Jones was longlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2021. Written by Irena Brignell, published by Walker Studio.


CILIP Carnegie Medal 2021 - Longlist


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The Deathless Girls, illustrated by Olga Baumert was longlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2021. Written by Kiran Millwood Hargrave, published by Orion Children’s Books.

Echo Mountain, illustrated by George Ermos was longlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2021. Written by Lauren Wolk, published by Penguin.

After The War, illustrated by Violet Tobacco was longlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2021. Written by Tom Palmer, published by Barrington Stoke.


CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2022 - Longlist


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Coming to England, illustrated by Diane Ewen was longlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2022. Written by Baroness Floella Benjamin, published by Macmillan Children’s Books.

Hom, illustrated by Paddy Donnelly was longlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2022. Written by Jeanne Willis, published by Andersen Press. Twitch, illustrated Paddy Donnelly was longlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2022. Written by M.G. Leonard, published by Walker Books.

Bone Music, illustrated by David Litchfield was longlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2022. Written by David Almond, published by Hodder Children’s Books. Rain Before Rainbows, illustrated by David Litchfield was longlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2022. Written by Smriti Halls, published by Walker Books. A Shelter For Sadness, illustrated by David Litchfield was longlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2022. Written by Anne Booth, published by Templar Publishing.

The Snowflake, by Benji Davies was longlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2022. Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books.


Sunday Times - Top of the Children’s Book Charts


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Greg the Sausage Roll, illustrated by Gareth Conway featured in the Sunday Times Children’s Book Charts. Written by Mark and Roxanne Hoyle, published by Puffin.


Waterstones Best Books of 2021: Children’s Books


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Pages & Co: The Book Smugglers, illustrated by Marco Guadalupi featured on the Waterstones Best Books of 2021: Children’s Books selection. Written by Anna James, published by HarperCollins Children’s Books.

Vetman and his Bionic Animal Clan, illustrated by James Lancett featured on the Waterstones Best Books of 2021: Children’s Books selection. Written by Noel Fitzpatrick, published by Hodder Children’s Books.


The White Ravens 2021 - Winner


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Míp, illustrated by Paddy Donnelly won the White Raven Award. Written by Máire Zepf, published by Futa Fata.


Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - Best Books for Babies 2021 Winner


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Five Little Ducks and Pat-A-Cake, illustrated by Ailie Busby was awarded the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - Best Books for Babies 2021 award. Published by Child’s Play.


Christian Book Award 2021 - Winner


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Extraordinary Women of the Bible, illustrated by Summer Macon won the Christian Book Award - Children’s Category. Written by Michelle Sloan, published by SPCK Publishing.


2021 Giverny Book Awards - Winner


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Little Turtle and the Changing Sea, illustrated by Jenny Poh won the 2021 Giverny Book Awards - Best Children’s Science Picture Book. Written by Beck Davies, published by Penguin.


Diverse BookFinder Family Favorites Tournament 2021 - Winner


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The Proudest Blue, illustrated by Hatem Aly won the Diverse BookFinder Family Favorites Tournament. Written by Ibtihaj Muhammad, published by Andersen Press.


Independent Publisher Book Awards 2021 - Gold Medal Winner


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The Vanishing Lake, by Paddy Donnelly won the Gold Medal at the 2021 Independent Publisher Book Awards. Published by Yeehoo Press.


SLA Best Information Book Award for 8-12 Years 2021 - Winner


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How Many Mice Make An Elephant?, illustrated by Aaron Cushley won the SLA Best Information Book Award for 8-12 Years. Written by Tracey Turner, published by Kingfisher.


West Sussex Picture Books to Shout About! 2021 - Winner


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Sneaky Beak, illustrated by Tony Neal won the West Sussex Picture Books to Shout About! Award. Written by Tracey Corderoy, published by Little Tiger.


The Bishop’s Stortford Picture Book Award 2021 - Winner


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Pirates vs. Monsters, Lee Cosgrove won The Bishop’s Stortford Picture Book Award. Written by David Crosby, published by Maverick Publishing.


Livrentête 2020-2021 - Winner


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Perdu, by Richard Jones won the Bibliotheque Pour Tous Livrentête 2020-2021 award. Published by Albin Michel Jeuness (France) and Simon & Schuster Kids (UK).


Sheffield Children’s Book Award 2021 - Toddler Books - Winner


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This is Crab, illustrated by Jacqui Lee won the Sheffield Children’s Book Award 2021. Written by Harriet Evans, published by Caterpillar Books.


Teach Primary Book Awards 2021 - Winner


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This is Crab, illustrated by Jacqui Lee won the Teach Primary Book Award 2021 - Early Years category. Written by Harriet Evans, published by Caterpillar Books.


Oscar’s Book Prize 2021 - Shortlisted


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Would you like a Banana?, by Yasmeen Ismail was shortlisted for the Oscar’s Book Prize 2021. Published by Walker Books.

Rain Before Rainbows, illustrated by David Litchfield was shortlisted for the Oscar’s Book Prize 2021. Written by Smriti Halls, published by Walker Books.


The Telegraph Sports Book Awards 2021 - Shortlisted


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Karate Kids, illustrated by Holly Sterling was shortlisted for The Telegraph Sports Book Awards 2021. Published by Walker Books.


The Lollies 2022 - Shortlisted in the Picture Books Category


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101 Bums, illustrated by Chris Jevons was shortlisted for the Lollies 2022 - Picture Books Category shortlisted. Written by Sam Harper, published by Hodder Children’s Books.

Never Show a T-Rex a Book, illustrated by Diane Ewen was shortlisted for the Lollies 2022 - Picture Books Category. Written by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, published by Puffin.


Indie Book Awards 2021 - Double Shortlisted


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The Bear, The Piano and Little Bear’s Concert, by David Litchfield was shortlisted for the Indie Book Awards 2021. Published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books.

Rain Before Rainbows, illustrated by David Litchfield was shortlisted for the Indie Book Awards 2021. Written by Smriti Halls, published by Walker Books.


UKLA Book Awards 2021 - Shortlisted


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I’m NOT (very) Afraid of the Dark, illustrated by Daniel Rieley was shortlisted for the UKLA Book Awards 2021. Written by Anne Millbourne, published by Usborne.


KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards 2021 - Shortlisted


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Míp, illustrated by Paddy Donnelly was shortlisted for the KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards 2021. Written by Máire Zepf, published by Futa Fata.


Foreword Indies 2021 - Finalist


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Rain Before Rainbows, illustrated by David Litchfield was shortlisted for the Foreword Indies Finalist. Written by Smriti Halls, published by Walker Books.


Teach Early Years Awards 2021 - Finalist


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Which Food Will You Choose?, illustrated by Ailie Busby was a finalist in the Teach Early Years Awards 2021 finalist. Written by Claire Potter, published by Featherstone.


The Literacy Association of Ireland Children’s Book Award - Shortlisted


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Geansaí Ottó, illustrated by Roísin Hahessy was shortlisted for The Literacy Association of Ireland Children’s Book Award. Written by Sadbhb Devlin, published by Futa Fata.

Míp, illustrated by Paddy Donnelly was shortlisted for The Literacy Association of Ireland Children’s Book Award. Written by Máire Zepf, published by Futa Fata.

Scúnc Agus Smúirín, illustrated by Paddy Donnelly was shortlisted for The Literacy Association of Ireland Children’s Book Award. Written by Muireann Ní Chíobháin, published by Futa Fata.


UKLA Book Awards 2022 - Longlisted


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Pip and Egg, illustrated by David Litchfield was longlisted for the UKLA Book Awards 2022 - Quality books for Children aged 3-14+. Written by Alex Latimer, published by Scholastic.


The Klaus Flugge Prize - 2021 Longlist.


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Rabbit Bright, by Viola Wang was longlisted for the Klaus Flugge Prize. Published by Hodder Children’s Books.


Blue Peter Book Awards 2022 - Longlisted


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Climate Action, illustrated by Katie Rewse was longlisted for the Blue Peter Book Awards 2022. Written by Georgina Stevens, published by 360 Degrees.


Jericho Prize 2021 - Shortlisted


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Diane Ewen was shortlisted for the Jericho Prize 2021.


The Oxfordshire Book Awards 2021 - Shortlisted


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Perdu, by Richard Jones was shortlisted at the Oxfordshire Book Awards. Published by Simon & Schuster Children’s UK.

How About a Night Out, illustrated by Matt Hunt was shortlisted for the Oxfordshire Book Awards. Written by Sam Williams, published by Boxer Books.


The Channel Island Children’s Book Awards 2021 - Shortlisted


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Perdu, by Richard Jones was shortlisted for the Channel Island Children’s Book Awards. Published by Simon & Schuster Children’s UK.


Stockport Children’s Book Award 2021 - Shortlisted


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The Pirates are Coming!, illustrated by Matt Hunt was shortlisted for the Stockport Children’s Book Award. Written by John Condon, published by Nosy Crow.

The Diddle That Dummed, illustrated by Fred Blunt was shortlisted for the Stockport Children’s Book Award. Written by Kes Gray, published Hodder Children’s Books.


AnPost Irish Book Awards 2021 - Shortlisted


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Aldrin Adams and the Cheese Nightmares, illustrated by Lee Cosgrove was shortlisted for the AnPost Irish Book Awards 2021. Written by Paul Howard, published by Puffin.


West Sussex Picture Books to Shout About 2021 - Shortlisted


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Hom, illustrated by Paddy Donnellywas shortlisted for the West Sussex Picture Books to Shout About award. Written by Jeanna Willis, published by Andersen Press.


ALCS Educational Writers Award 2021 - Shortlisted


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Our Planet, which featured illustrations by Richard Jones was shortlisted for the ALCS Educational Writers Award 2021. Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books.


Nottingham Children’s Book Awards 2021 - Shortlisted


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This is Crab, illustrated by Jacqui Lee was shortlisted for the Nottingham Children’s Book Award 2021. Written by Harriet Evans, published by Caterpillar Books.


Deutscher Kinder Buch Preis Award 2021 - Shortlisted


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Das Alles Ist Familie, illustrated by Julianna Swaney was shortlisted for the Deutscher Kinder Buch Preis Award 2021. Written by Michael Engler, published by Ars Edition.


The Northern School of Art - Established Illustrator Prize - Winner


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Laura Watkins won the Established Illustrator Prize awarded by The Northern School of Art.


FAB 2021 - Highly Commended Illustrator


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Zhi Ling Lee was a Highly Commended Illustrator at FAB 2021.


2021 International Latino Book Awards - Finalist


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21 Cousins, illustrated by Isabel Muñoz was a finalist in the 2021 International Latino Book Awards. Written by Diane de Anda, published by Star Bright Books.


The Cybils Awards 2020 - Finalist


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Yasmin the Gardener, illustrated by Hatem Aly was a finalist in The Cybils Awards 2020. Written by Saadia Faruqi, published by Picture Window Books.

Cat Has a Plan, illustrated by Fred Blunt was a finalist in The Cybils Awards 2020. Written by Laura Gehl, published by Simon Spotlight.


Bologna Children’s Book Fair 55th Illustrators Exhibition - Finalist


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Petronela Dostalova was a finalist in Bologna Children’s Book Fair’s 55th Illustrators Exhibition.


Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2021 - Selected Illustrator


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Dongni Wei was a Selected Illustrator at Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2021.


Nature Generation Green Earth Book Award 2021 - Longlisted


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It’s only one!, illustrated by Tony Neal was longlisted for the Nature Generation Green Earth Book Award. Written by Tracey Corderoy, published by Little Tiger.

Generation Brave, illustrated by Jade Orlando was longlisted for the Nature Generation Green Earth Book Award. Written by Kate Alexander, published by Andrew McMeel Publishing.

Little Turtle and the Changing Sea, illustrated by Jennie Poh was longlisted for the Nature Generation Green Earth Book Award. Written by Becky Davies, published by Penguin Random House.

Ocean! Waves for all, illustrated by David Litchfield was longlisted for the Nature Generation Green Earth Book Award. Written by Stacy McAnulty, published by Henry Holt and Company.

Winged Wonders, illustrated by Yas Imamura was longlisted for the Nature Generation Green Earth Book Award. Written by Meeg Pincus, published by Sleeping Bear Press.


3x3 Mag Annual Show - Merit Award


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Binny Talib was awarded Merit at 3x3 Mag’s Annual Show.


Waterstones Book of the Month


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The Unexpected Tale of Bastien Bonlivre, illustrated by Héloise Mab was the Waterstones Book of the Month. Written by Claire Povey, published by Usborne Publishing.


Waterstones Book of the Month


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The Good Bear, illustrated by Fiona Woodcock was the Waterstones Book of the Month. Written by Sarah Lean, published by Simon & Schuster Children’s UK.


WHSmith Children’s Fiction Book of the Month


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It’s a Prince Thing, illustrated by Chris Chatterton was the WHSmith Children’s Fiction Book of the Month. Written by Philippa Gregory, published by HarperCollins Children’s Books.


Blackwell’s Book of the Month - January


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Space Oddity, illustrated by Ben Mantle was Blackwell’s Book of the Month - January. Written by Christopher Edge, published by Chicken House.


Love Reading’s Children’s Book of the Month - September


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Utterly Dark and the Face of the Deep, illustrated by Paddy Donnelly was a Love Reading’s Children’s Book of the Month - September. Written by Philip Reeve, published by David Fickling Books.

Bone Music, illustrated by David Litchfield was a Love Reading’s Children’s Book of the Month - September. Written by David Almond, published by Hodder Children’s Books.


EmpathyLab - Read for Empathy Collection 2021


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How to Change the World, featuring illustrations by Annabel Tempest was featured on the EmpathyLab - Read for Empathy Collection 2021. Published by Puffin.

Rain Before Rainbows, illustrated by David Litchfield was featured on the Empathy Lab - Read for Empathy Collection 2021. Written by Smriti Halls, published by Walker Books.

Once Upon a Dragon’s Fire, by Beatrice Blue was featured on the Empathy Lab - Read for Empathy Collection 2021. Published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books.

The Lost Homework, illustrated by Kirsti Beautyman was featured on the EmpathyLab - Read for Empathy Collection 2021. Published by Child’s Play.


The Observer - Best Picture Books for Children Reviews


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A Shelter for Sadness, illustrated by David Litchfield was featured on The Observer - Best Chidlren’s Books 2021. Written by Anne Booth, published by Templar Publishing.

Hey You!, featuring illustrations from Jade Orlando and Diane Ewen was featured on The Observer - Best Chidlren’s Books 2021. Written by Dapo Adeola, published by Puffin.

Little Bear, by Richard Jones was featured on The Observer - Best Chidlren’s Books 2021. Published by Simon & Schuster.


Book Trust - New Children’s Books We Love


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Utterly Dark and the Face of the Deep, illustrated by Paddy Donnelly was featured on the Book Trust - New Children’s Books We Love. Written by Philip Reeve, published by David Fickling Books.

Everything Under the Sun, featuring illustrations by Grace Easton and Richard Jones was featured on the Book Trust - New Children’s Books We Love. Written by Molly Oldfield, published by Ladybird.

It’s Up To Us, illustrated by Luisa Uribe and Fotini Tikkou was featured on the Book Trust - New Children’s Books We Love. Written by Christopher Lloyd, published by What On Earth Publishing.



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