What makes a truly great children’s book?

The CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Children’s Book Awards are the UK’s oldest and most prestigious awards for writing and illustration for young people and we are proud to be able to host all the shortlisted titles in our special feature.

The CILIP Carnegie Medal is awarded by children's librarians for an outstanding book for children and young people. The CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal is awarded by children's librarians for an outstanding book in terms of illustration for children and young people. To find out more click here to visit the CILIP Carnegie & Kate Greenaway Children’s Book Awards special website.

More about The CILIP Carnegie Medal:

It was established by The Library Association in 1936, in memory of the great Scottish-born philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919). Carnegie was a self-made industrialist who made his fortune in steel in the USA. His experience of using a library as a child led him to resolve that "if ever wealth came to me that it should be used to establish free libraries."

 It was first awarded to Arthur Ransome for Pigeon Post. The medal is now awarded by CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals. The winner receives a golden medal and £500 worth of books to donate to a library of their choice.


More about CILIP The Kate Greenaway Medal:

The CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal was established by The Library Association in 1955 and it is named after the popular nineteenth century artist known for her fine children's illustrations and designs.

It was first awarded to Edward Ardizzone for Tim All Alone. The winner receives a golden medal and £500 worth of books to donate to a library of their choice.