Redhill Academy Trust Children’s Book Award 2026

11 Apr 2026

The students in book clubs across the Trust have read and voted on 6 books, and have nominated a winner (who might be next year’s presenter). 

The author Ben Davis was presenting the Redhill Academy Trust Children’s Book Award as a previous Book Awards winner with his novel The Soup Movement. Captivating an audience of almost 200 students in Years 6, 7 and 8, Ben delighted guests with readings, jokes and an engaging Q&A session, sparking the imagination of our young readers.

Ben Davis announce the winning book and author that the students in the Trust had picked.

Favourite front cover – David Litchfield for My Dog by Olivia Wakeford
Favourite first lines – Murder at Wintertide by Fleur Hitchcock
Librarian’s choice – The Wrong Shoes by Tom Percival
Favourite character – Birdie from Birdie by JP Rose
Favourite book – My Dog by Olivia Wakeford
6in6 Challenge – The Soup Movement by Ben Davis

Delighted winning authors and illustrators accepted their awards via video message, prompting loud and sustained applause throughout the venue.

Ben also announced the winners for the Creative Competition. This is a competition where students have made something based on the 6 books. The Creative Competition winners showcased students’ imaginative responses to their favourite shortlisted title in a range of mediums including character sculptures, intricate artwork and textile interpretations.

Hannah Koomullil from Park Vale Academy was one of the winners. Hannah crocheted a dog bone for the book My Dog by Olivia Wakeford.