The Society of Authors in the UK has announced the shortlists for their 2025 awards. There are 7 shortlists with one focused on children’s books. Winners will be announced on June 18th. The Queen’s Knickers Award is given to “an outstanding children’s original illustrated book for ages 0-7. It recognises books that strike a quirky, new note and grab the attention of a child, whether in the form of curiosity, amusement, horror or excitement.” Here is the shortlist:
Eunny’s school day starts slowly as she gets up and her family does too. Grandpa is coming back from his walk. After breakfast, it’s time to head off to school with Mama. Eunny makes sure to notice the flowers and the blue sky. She drops her mother at the bus stop and heads to school around the corner. She and a friend walk in together, happy on such a beautiful day.
This is a quiet and meditative picture book, full of little special moments that urge readers to slow down and notice. The art is done in fine lines and is filled with details of life in South Korea.
A lovely picture book to share in a still moment together. Appropriate for ages 4-7.
Aboard the HMS Fairweather, bodies are disposable but minds last forever until one day that all changed. Dorothy, one of the ship’s detectives, awakens in a body that isn’t hers just as the ship is going through magnetic storms that mess with its systems. Dorothy must figure out why she is in an unfamiliar body but even more importantly why someone else aboard the spaceship has been murdered! What she does know is that part of this predicament is due to her nephew Ruthie who may be smart but is also chaotic. But he also may have just saved her mind from being erased forever.
The answer to what happens when you mix a great mystery with a science fiction setting, this teen-friendly adult novel is great fun. Told in a novelette format, the book is only 100 pages long and whizzes readers along introducing marvelous characters, including the sentient ship itself. With lots of inclusive characters, many of whom are part of the LGBT community, the book makes the most of the unique characteristics of a ship in space and virtually unkillable people. A grand mystery among the stars, here’s hoping that we will visit again soon.
Great fun for older teen readers, this jaunt of a science fiction mystery is highly recommended. Appropriate for ages 14+.
Tao travels alone with her mule and wagon across the land, making sure that she only tells insignificant fortunes so she won’t attract the attention of the mage guild. She is an immigrant to the country having lost her father and come with her estranged mother. Even if she’s lonely, she makes sure she is safe. Soon though, she finds herself helping a reformed thief and a warrior to find a lost little girl. They are also joined by a baker looking for adventure and an aloof magical cat. With these new companions come new friendships but also new dangers.
This cozy fantasy is as warm and lovely as I imagine Tao’s wagon to be. The friendships develop organically on the page and the adventures the group has culminate in a very fulfilling ending that addresses much of Tao’s past. The writing is spry and great fun thanks to Leong infusing the entire read with a lot of humor and joy.
A grand adventure just right for adults and teens alike, particularly those not looking for a romance just good fun. Appropriate for ages 14+.
Rowan is learning to be a ranger, taking care of the land and its people with the help of a flying horse. But when Rowan tries to show off their skill and doesn’t listen to cautions, their horse is injured. Stuck now walking everywhere, Rowan is assigned to help Leone, a lone figure who spends a lot of time with sheep. Leone has his own dreams. He plays the fiddle constantly but won’t play for any person at all. As the two of them start their slow journeys together, their friendship begins to grow. Each finds support in one another, creating joy and romance.
O’Neill is author of The Moth Keeper and the Tea Dragon Society. This graphic novel combines a fantasy world with a trans and non-binary coming out story for both main characters. Beautifully told and filled with true moments of connection and romance, this book features characters who are complex and layered.
Beautifully illustrated and compellingly told, this graphic novel will make your heart soar. Appropriate for ages 10-14.
The 2025 shortlists for the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Awards have been announced by the Ontario Arts Council and Ontario Arts Foundation. These annual awards are given to English-Language Canadian books in two categories: picture books and middle grade/YA literature. Here are the shortlisted titles:
PICTURE BOOKS
Fighting Words by Leonarda Carranza, illustrated by Erika Medina
What should you do if you find a giant parsnip with your friends? Make giant parsnip soup together, of course. All it takes is 1 giant parsnip, 2 bags of potatoes, 3 crates of carrots, and more ingredients as we count to ten together. A diverse cast of children work together on the huge pot of soup that is taller than them. There are children of a variety of races, children with hearing aids, and a variety of ages. The book ends with 10 full bellies once a dog and cat join in the fun.
A friendly and bright counting book sure to make your tummy rumble. Appropriate for ages 2-4.
Reviewed from e-galley provided by Beach Lane Books.
Waking Brain Cells 