Winners have been named for the Inclusive Books for Children Prize, a literary charity that offers a website for families to help choose books for a more inclusive bookshelf. The IBC Awards recognize the best new inclusive children's books published in the U.K., with the winner sharing a £30,000 (about $37,730) prize fund. The winning titles are:
Baby & toddler books: Democratic Republic of the Congo by Mel Nyoko and Joelle Avelino, "a refreshing, vibrant, original board book providing a rarely seen take on life in the central African country."
Picture books: Two People Can by Blessing Musariri and Maisie Paradise Shearring "explores loss, change and family, capturing the emotions of a mother and child in a deeply affecting way."
Highly illustrated children's fiction: Destiny Ink: Sleepover Surprise by Adeola Sokunbi. "Perfectly pitched for newly independent readers, it offers a relatable portrayal of childhood worries, big transitions and out-of-this-world friendships."
Sarah Satha, co-founder of IBC, said: "At a time when we're seeing a backlash against progress made in the last few years on diversity, equity and inclusion, the IBC Awards are more important than ever, to bring to light the very best stories with characters from under-represented groups. We're thrilled that the awards have been won by these wonderful books that do such an amazing job of nourishing our children's imaginations, self-esteem and empathy. No collection of children's books is complete without them!"