And the Winners Are…
The Carnegie Awards ceremony, held last week at the Cambridge Theatre in London, unveiled the 2025 Carnegie Medal winners – plus the Shadowers’ Choice Award, chosen by the shadowers. Read on to find who won and see some photos from the event!
The Carnegie Medal for Writing 2025
Glasgow Boys
by Margaret McDonald
A moving story of love and family in all manners and modes. Finlay and Banjo are estranged friends who have both grown up in the care system. Finlay is at university studying nursing, but has little support around him. Banjo is still at high school and is struggling in his new foster home. The two come together in a coming-of-age story full of resilience and courage.
Shadowers’ Choice for Writing 2025
King of Nothing
by Nathanael Lessore (author)
Relationships lie at the heart of this story. Anton wears the reputation of his father, who is in prison, like a badge of honour at the start of the book. He gets into trouble at school and ends up having to ‘volunteer’ at a community project ironically named, ‘Happy Campers.’ When Matthew, a somewhat quirky boy, unexpectedly saves his life, Anton starts to reassess his life and choices.
The Carnegie Medal for Illustration 2025
Clever Crow
by Chris Butterworth (author) and Olivia Lomenech Gill (illustrator)
A strikingly original non-fiction book that brings the everyday, unassuming crow into the limelight with great effect. It showcases many interesting facts about crows including their great memory and their adaptability to the ever-changing world that surrounds them. Similarities between humans and crows are imaginatively highlighted and we gain a newfound respect for the humble crow by the end.
Shadowers’ Choice for Illustration 2025
Homebody
by Theo Parish
A refreshing authentic visual autobiography told through an intimate graphic novel. Theo, the lead character takes us on a rites-of-passage journey about self-acceptance and coming to feel confident in one’s own body. Issues around gender, identity and sexuality are explored in a clear, confident and accessible way through the visual narrative and build empathy and compassion.
It was a pleasure attending the Carnegie Awards ceremony this year and celebrating the outstanding achievements in children’s writing and illustration. See below for a few snaps from the day, including our lovely book stand and the charming Matilda: The Musical stage that perfectly set the scene for this exciting event!
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