2025
The $5,000 City of Victoria Children’s Book Prize, now in its 18th year, is awarded to an author or
illustrator for the best book for youth.
Megan Pomper | Owl Kids
From the jury: What Makes a Bird by Megan Pomper is a delightful exploration of a child’s curiosity. It explores the titular question in a thoughtful, open-ended way, employing biology, philosophy, and wonder. Beautifully complemented by Maia Hoekstra’s illustrations, the text is sure to spark thought and conversation. Children will return to the book again and again.
Rowena Rae | Orca Book Publishers
From the jury: Why We Need Vaccines is an important, timely book that helps young readers understand a great discovery that has recently become a topic of great debate. From smallpox to the coronavirus, this engaging and accessible nonfiction narrative covers the scientific and the social side of vaccines. Rowena Rae presents the facts in a straightforward, non-judgemental manner, encouraging and empowering kids to make informed decisions about their health and the health of their communities.
Uma Krishnaswami | Groundwood Book
From the jury: Birds on the Brain reunites a delightful trio of friends as they tackle a project — the national bird count — they truly believe in. The children work hard, with ingenuity and a sense of purpose that shows young readers that kids really can make a difference in their communities. Author Uma Krishnaswami successfully captures the voices of her young characters in a story told with great sense of humour, exuberance, and accomplishment.
The Victoria Book Prize Society acknowledges that we live and work on the traditional territories of many First Nations, including but not limited to BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin), MÁLEXEȽ (Malahat), P’a:chi:da?aht (Pacheedaht), Pune’laxutth’ (Penelekut), Sc’ianew (Cheanuh), Songhees, SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout), T’Sou-ke, W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip), W̱SIKEM (Tseycum), and xʷsepsəm (Esquimalt).
As an organization dedicated to celebrating story, we honour the first storytellers of these lands and commit to an ongoing process of listening and learning.
©2026 Victoria Book Prizes. All rights reserved
