Waterstones Children's Book Prize Winners 2022
It is with enormous pleasure that we announce The Last Bear by Hannah Gold as the Overall Winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2022
Classic, character-driven storytelling powers The Last Bear, and its enthralling adventure and hopeful ecological message struck a huge chord with our booksellers – even those who don’t normally read children’s books. Focusing primarily on just two beautifully realised characters in 11-year-old April and the lonely, grieving polar bear she befriends on the Arctic outpost of Bear Island, Hannah Gold’s magnificent debut - boasting gorgeous illustrations from the acclaimed Levi Pinfold - will make readers of all ages laugh, cry and think about the nature of companionship and the debt we owe to a struggling planet.
“Our booksellers have expertly chosen a winner that provides a symbol of hope to the next generation; part battle cry, part love letter to our planet, April and Bear’s unique bond will teach every young reader how to roar.”
Florentyna Martin, Head of Children's
Delightfully colourful and carrying a warm, positive message of inclusion and love, Woodgate's uplifting picture book depicts a grandad recapturing the adventures of his youth courtesy of his granddaughter.
Fizzing with witty one-liners and blessed with some truly memorable teen characters, Smyth's delightful second novel sees school 'fixer' Aideen battling her own demons whilst trying to sort out her classmates' problems.
The Waterstones Children's Book Prize Blog: Hannah Gold
The overall winner of this year's Waterstones Children's Book Prize spotlights the children's book that changed her life.
The Waterstones Children's Book Prize Blog: Harry Woodgate
The winner of the Illustrated Books category of this year's Waterstones Children's Book Prize spotlights the children's book that changed their life.
The Waterstones Children's Book Prize Blog: Ciara Smyth
The winner of the Older Readers category of this year's Waterstones Children's Book Prize spotlights the children's book that changed her life.
Already triumphant in the Younger Readers category, Hannah Gold’s The Last Bear is crowned the Overall Winner of the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2022
Harry Woodgate scoops the prize for Best Illustrated Book for Grandad’s Camper
Ciara Smyth’s Not My Problem wins Best Book for Older Readers
Waterstones Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell congratulates our Overall Winner Hannah Gold
Former Overall Winners Dapo Adeola, Nathan Bryon and Elle McNicoll return to the podium
Our winners enjoy an incredible night of festivities
Illustrated Books Shortlist
Younger Readers Shortlist
Older Readers Shortlist
Previous Overall Winners
Celebrating the Waterstones Children's Book Prize
Celebrating the Waterstones Children's Book Prize
Ever since Stuart Hill’s masterful fantasy The Cry of the Icemark scooped the inaugural gong back in 2005, the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize has grown in stature to become one of the most prestigious children’s book awards in the literary calendar.
Rising Stars
We are passionate about discovering new talent. From the beginning, the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize has been sharing the best in new writing for children and teenagers and has helped to forge the careers of authors and illustrators who are now household names.
Picture Perfect
We know that pictures can bring stories to life. Over the years it has been our pleasure to introduce fresh creative talent which combines words and pictures to stunning effect.
Conversation Starters
Our choices always put readers first, rewarding the books that matter to them and reflecting the topics young people of all ages are most passionate about.
Literary Laughs
We know that one of the hardest challenges for a writer is making readers laugh and that's why we love to celebrate books that raise either a chuckle or a full-on guffaw.
Action-Packed Pages
Feeding young imaginations with the fuel to build universes of their own, we have always championed sweeping adventures of new worlds and daring deeds.
Bold & Brave
Throughout then history of the prize, we've rewarded books that engage with complex issues in innovative and extraordinary ways. Stories that move, provoke and stay with you forever.
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