2026 Nominations Open
2026 Nominations published
Registration opens for the 2026 Shadowing Scheme and free Publicity Packs
Pre-orders open for your longlist and shortlist book packs from our official book supplier, Scholastic.
Registration for Publicity Packs closes early February.
2026 Longlist announcement
2026 Shortlist announcement
Shadowing Starts
Shortlist book sets begin to arrive from our official book supplier Scholastic.
Shadowing Publicity packs begin to arrive from CILIP.
Shadowing activity takes place supported by reading resources on each shortlisted book, activity ideas and interactivity online. Shadowers can submit their reviews as they read the shortlisted books and share artwork inspired by the titles.
Exclusive videos with shortlisted authors and illustrators will be released so your group can find out more about their creative process and their shortlisted book! Encourage your shadowers to get involved with the exciting and creative tasks set by the shortlistees in their videos.
Plus look out for book giveaways with our sponsors and partners during the shadowing period.
Shadowers’ Choice Vote open
2026 Medal and Shadowers’ Choice Award Winners ceremony.
The ceremony will be made available to watch via live stream and the recording uploaded afterwards.