
The Woke Babies Book Awards will celebrate Black creatives and their incredible work, spotlighting empowering children’s books with positive and uplifting themes, which has a Black author or illustrator at its helm. On a mission to change the narrative and give Black creatives a voice, we have partnered with BookTrust, National Literacy Trust, World Book Day and Milk Honey Bees for our first ever awards, with sponsorship from DK.
There are four categories; Author of the Year, Illustrator of the Year, Picture Book of the Year and Special Recognition Award.
The Special Recognition Award, sponsored by DK will celebrate a self-published author, who will receive a cash prize of £1,000 to support the funding of their next book.
With statistics showing the lack of representation in publishing, we know that Black authors and illustrators often feel shut out by the publishing industry, left paying out of their own pocket to produce their work. The Special Recognition Award will spotlight a self published author whose work deserves to be at the forefront.
World Book Day will provide the opportunity to the winner of Picture Book of the Year to feature in their Share a Story Corner.
Main contact: [email protected]



Jasmine Richards
Author and Director at Storymix

Rykesha Hudson
Coordinator, BookTrust

Ken Wilson-Max
Publisher, Alanna Max and HarperCollins

Natasha Vignon
Children’s Book Researcher, Woke Babies

Sallyanne Sweeney
Literary Agent, Mulcahy Sweeney Associates

Kirsty Cunnington
Early Years Programme Manager, National Literacy Trust

Trish Cooke
Author

Francesca Young
Publisher, DK Children’s

Elorine Grant
Art Director, HarperCollins

Marvyn Harrison
Founder, Dope Black Dads

Liz Pemberton
Director, The Black Nursery Manager

Kate Sayer
Education Manager, World Book Day
