Every year, the CBI Children’s Book of the Year Awards celebrate the very best writing and illustration for children and young people in Ireland. Here’s a look back at the winner of the 28th CBI Children’s Book of the Year Awards, along with the other books that were honoured that year.
The winning book from the 28th CBI Children’s Book of the Year Awards was:
Tangleweed and Brine by Deirdre Sullivan, illustrated by Karen Vaughan
One of the books featured on our Bold Girls list, Tangleweed and Brine is a collection of short stories based on fairy tales we all know and love, retold from the perspectives of the women in them. Don’t expect to always know whose voice you’re hearing — there are twists and turns throughout these beautifully written adaptations, where heroines and villainesses alike get to tell their own version of events.
The judges described it as “a remarkable book… a significant and timely contribution to Irish young-adult literature and feminist literature for young people.”
Past winners of the CBI Children’s Book of the Year have included Sarah Crossan for One, John Boyne for The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, Sheena Wilkinson for Grounded, Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick for There and Hagwitch, and Oliver Jeffers for Once upon an Alphabet.
Other CBI Book Award Winners
Children’s Choice Award
Moonrise by Sarah Crossan (Laureate na nÓg at the time)
Honour Award for Fiction
Star by Star by Sheena Wilkinson
Honour Award for Illustration
Chocolate Cake by Kevin Waldron
Eilís Dillon Award for a First Children’s Book
The Space Between by Meg Grehan
Judges’ Special Award
Illegal by Eoin Colfer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CBI Children’s Book of the Year Award?
It’s one of Ireland’s most respected book awards, run by Children’s Books Ireland to recognise outstanding writing and illustration for young readers each year, across several categories including fiction, illustration, and debut authors.
Which book won the CBI Children’s Book of the Year Award featured here?
Tangleweed and Brine by Deirdre Sullivan, illustrated by Karen Vaughan, won the 28th CBI Children’s Book of the Year Award. It’s a collection of retold fairy tales narrated from the perspective of the female characters.
Are award-winning books a good place to start when choosing books for my child?
Award shortlists and winners are a handy starting point, especially if you’re not sure what to pick next. They’re chosen by expert judges, but it’s still worth checking the recommended age range and a quick summary, since every child’s tastes and reading level are different.
More Books Worth Adding to Your Shelf
If this list has you after more reading inspiration, you might enjoy 10 More Good Books Every Home Should Have and 10 Great Stories For Kids You Should Have In Your Home.
Do book awards like this one influence what you buy for your child? We’d love to hear your favourite finds — share them in the comments below.
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