The CLiPPA is the UK’s leading award for published poetry for children, each year highlighting the best new poetry collections for children. Past winners include Carol Ann Duffy, Michael Rosen and Valerie Bloom as well as former Waterstone’s Children’s Laureate, Joseph Coelho and Matt Goodfellow. Colette Hiller won the CLiPPA in 2025 with Colossal Words for Kids and is one of this year’s judges.
The five books on this year’s shortlist are:
Five Little Friends: A Collection of Finger Rhymes by Sean Taylor, illustrated by Fiona Woodcock, Walker Books (3+)
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 poetry and will 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+)
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.
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.
This is Not a Small Voice: Poems by Black Poets edited by Traci N. Todd, illustrated by Jade Orlando, Nosy Crow (10+)
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.
As well as celebrating outstanding poetry, the CLiPPA encourages schools to explore the shortlist with their pupils through its unique Shadowing Scheme, which each year prompts poetry performances in hundreds of classrooms. The Shadowing Scheme is free for schools and open now. Find out more and sign up!
How to enter
To enter for the chance to win a set of the five shortlisted books, simply email [email protected] with your name and address.
Include‘ World Book Day 2026 CLiPPA Competition’ in the title of your email.
The closing date is Tuesday 26 May 2026.