The shortlist for the CLiPPA Poetry Award 20026 was announced yesterday…

Five Little Friends: A Collection of Finger Rhymes by Sean Taylor, illustrated by Fiona Woodcock, Walker Books (3+) [ACHUKA Book of the Day 8 Dec 2025]
With 35 brand new finger rhymes, this collection invites children to use not just their fingers, but their arms, and even their whole bodies to bring the verses to life. This will have everyone joining in, say the judges, who loved the memorable rhymes, the storytelling element and the way the book provides so many opportunities for contact and bonding.

A First Book of Bugs by Simon Mole, illustrated by Adam Ming, Walker Books (5+)
Simon Mole introduces young readers to a wide range of bugs through verse. We meet millipedes, ants, bombardier beetles and more and the verse is as varied, ranging from snappy haiku-style three liners and rhythmic text to blank verse. A brilliant book to share with children, say the judges, it explores biology through the milieu of poetry and will both spark their curiosity about the natural world and their desire to write.

The Poetry World of John Agard by John Agard, illustrated by Shirley Hottier, Otter-Barry Books (6+) [AN ACHUKA Book of the Year 2025]
John Agard selects 80 of his liveliest, funniest and most engaging poems in this masterful collection, which shows off his unique talent for observation and mischief, as well as the joy he finds in language. The warmth and playfulness is irresistible, say the judges, Agard’s voice is so distinctive and reading this is like getting a hug.

Press Start to Play by Sam Gayton, illustrated by Jack Noel, Andersen Press (8+)
This inventive debut collection cleverly bridges the gap between gaming and poetry, inviting readers to ‘press start on poetry’ and treat language as a kind of playground. It speaks directly to young gamers, using the style, rhythm, and energy of video games to spark an interest in words. Interactive, relatable and a gateway into word play, there’s lots to appeal here, say the judges, and the book dispels old notions of what poetry is.

This is Not a Small Voice: Poems by Black Poets edited by Traci N. Todd, illustrated by Jade Orlando, Nosy Crow (10+) [ACHUKA Book of the Day 28 Nov 2025]
Traci N. Todd brings together a range of predominantly African American, Caribbean, and Black British writing for children while an afterword puts the poems in their historical and cultural context and highlights the poems’ contributions to black pride, community, and resistance. Beautiful, say the judges, wonderful poems full of music, insight and originality, with strong design and handsome illustrations.

Nicola Davies is joined on the judging panel by 2025 CLiPPA winner, Colette Hiller; Reading Development and Children’s Book Consultant, Jake Hope; Lisa Mead, CEO of Apples and Snakes; and Anjali Patel, Lead Advisory Teacher, CLPE.

The winner of the award will be announced on 9 July at the National Theatre on London’s South Bank.