Presented for the first time in 2024, we established these awards to celebrate the talents of illustrators and designers in bringing stories to life, and creating eye-catching, attractive books that appeal to young readers.
The awards have two categories – English-language Book Cover and Welsh-language Book Cover.
The shortlisted books were selected by members of the Books Council of Wales’ Young People’s Panel, alongside experienced designers. The designer/illustrator of the winning cover in each category wins or shares a cash prize of £500.
2025 English-language Book Cover Award
Winner
Fishfolk
Cover artwork: Hannah Doyle
Author: Steven Quincey-Jones
Published by Firefly
Shortlisted English-language titles
Colours of Home
Cover illustration: Miriam Latimer
Author: Miriam Latimer
Published by Graffeg
The Street Food Festival
Cover illustration: Valériane Leblond
Cover design: Tanwen Haf, Whitefire Designs
Author: Gail Sequeira
Published by Atebol
2024 English-language Book Cover Award
Winner
The Song that Sings Us
Cover artwork: Jane Matthews
Cover design: Becka Moor
Author: Nicola Davies
Published by Firefly
Shortlisted English-language titles
Ceri & Deri: 1,2,3
Cover illustration: Max Low
Cover design: Joana Rodrigues, Graffeg
Author: Max Low
Published by Graffeg
Lilly & Myles: The Torch
Cover illustration: Hannah Rounding
Cover design: Joana Rodrigues, Graffeg
Author: Jon Roberts
Published by Graffeg
Tapper Watson and the Quest for the Nemo Machine
Cover illustration: Becka Moor
Author: Claire Fayers
Published by Firefly