Queen’s Knickers Award for Outstanding Children’s Illustrated Books
Issued by Nicholas Allan · via fundsforNGOs — grants & funding calls
- Published
- 23 Sept 2026
- Closes
- 31 Oct 2026, 23:59 UTC
- Reference
- queen-s-knickers-award-for-outstanding-children-s-illustrated-books
- Location
- Ireland
Details
The Queen’s Knickers Award, funded by Nicholas Allan, author of _The Queen’s Knickers_, celebrates outstanding children’s illustrated books for ages 0-7. This annual prize recognizes books that captivate young readers with curiosity, amusement, horror, or excitement. The winner receives £5,000 and a golden Queen’s Knickers badge, while the runner-up receives £1,000 and a silver badge. The deadline for submissions is 31 October 2026. Opportunity at a Glance
- Provider: The Society of Authors
- Opportunity Type: Award for Children’s Illustrated Books
- Funding Amount: £5,000 for the winner; £1,000 for the runner-up
- Eligible Applicants: Authors and illustrators of children’s books
- Eligible Locations: UK and Republic of Ireland
- Deadline: 31 October 2026
- Project Duration: Not specified
About the Opportunity
The Queen’s Knickers Award aims to honor children’s illustrated books that introduce innovative and engaging content for young readers. The award seeks to highlight works that stand out in the children’s literature field, whether through imaginative storytelling or unique illustrations. Funding and Benefits
- Winner: £5,000 and a golden Queen’s Knickers badge
- Runner-up: £1,000 and a silver badge
- Recognition: Winning and shortlisted books may display “Winner of the Queen’s Knickers Award” or “Shortlisted for the Queen’s Knickers Award” on their covers. Who Is Eligible?
- Eligible Works: Single, illustrated volumes in book form, published in the UK and Republic of Ireland between 1 September 2025 and 31 August 2026.
- Format: Books can be imaginative or factual, including pop-ups, flap books, and board books.
- Authors and Illustrators: Must be real people credited on the title page. The prize may be divided among authors, illustrators, and translators at the judges’ discretion.
- Exclusions: Entries available only in e-format, self-published works, or those where authors have paid for publishing costs are not eligible.
- Submission Limit: Maximum of three entries per imprint, submitted by the print publisher.
Eligible Activities or Priority Areas The award supports children’s books that strike a new note and engage young readers through curiosity, amusement, horror, or excitement. Why This Opportunity Matters The Queen’s Knickers Award offers significant recognition and financial support to authors and illustrators, encouraging the creation of high-quality children’s literature. It highlights innovative works that contribute to a lifelong love of reading among children. How to Apply
- Complete the Entry Form: Available on the official Society of Authors website.
- Submit Physical Copies: Send four non-returnable copies of the book to:
- The Queen’s Knickers Award, - Prizes Department, - The Society of Authors, - 24 Bedford Row, - London, WC1R 4EH.
- Upload Digital Version: Provide a digital version of the book via the entry form or email it to [contact details removed] if the file is too large.
- Deadline: Ensure submissions are received by 31 October 2026.
Application Tips or Common Mistakes
- Ensure Eligibility: Verify that the book was first published within the specified dates and locations.
- Follow Submission Guidelines: Adhere to the format and submission limits to avoid disqualification.
Frequently Asked Questions What is the prize amount for the Queen’s Knickers Award? The winner receives £5,000 and a golden badge, while the runner-up receives £1,000 and a silver badge. Who can apply for the award? Authors and illustrators of children’s illustrated books published in the UK and Republic of Ireland between 1 September 2025 and 31 August 2026. What types of books are eligible? Single, illustrated volumes in book form, including imaginative or factual works, pop-ups, flap books, and board books. How many entries can a publisher submit? A maximum of three entries per imprint. What is the submission deadline? The deadline for submissions is 31 October 2026. Next Steps Interested applicants should review the official guidelines on the Society of Authors website and follow the application process to ensure their submissions are complete and timely.
Context for bidders
This one closes in 39 days.
Before you bid on this tender
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