The Jellyfish Jiggle swims away with BookTrust Storytime Prize 2026
28 April 2026
Librarians and families voted for Caryl Hart and Nicola Slater’s book as their favourite after taking part in BookTrust Storytime.
The Jellyfish Jiggle by Caryl Hart and Nicola Slater has won the BookTrust Storytime Prize 2026, recognising it as the best book of the year to share with children under five.
Published by Orchard Books, the vibrant seaside story won the prize thanks to votes from librarians, families and early years professionals across the UK who took part in the BookTrust Storytime programme.
BookTrust Storytime provides libraries with books, storytelling resources and activity ideas to encourage families with children aged 0–5 to visit and share stories together.
The Jellyfish Jiggle, which was crowned the winner during a special ceremony today (28 April), uses wonderful rhyming prose and vibrant illustrations to introduce a series of underwater creatures whose jiggles, scuttles and swoops get adults and children moving as they read along.
Caryl Hart said she was “absolutely delighted” that The Jellyfish Jiggle had won the prize.
It’s especially lovely knowing that real families have voted for our book during story time sessions at their local libraries. Libraries play such an important role in our communities, supporting families and providing access to all sorts of services and resources. I know how hard librarians work and how dedicated they are to promoting reading for pleasure and learning.
Caryl Hart, Author of The Jellyfish Jiggle
She added: “It’s a beautiful thing, to know that our book has inspired and entertained our youngest readers during the National Year of Reading and I’m super grateful to BookTrust for everything they do to nurture and support families on their reading journeys.
“Huge thanks also to Nicola Slater for her fabulous illustrations and to Hachette Children’s Books for publishing this series!”
Meanwhile, Nicola Slater said she is “so proud” of the book and “incredibly grateful” that librarians, children and families had voted for it to win.
She added: “BookTrust is always working hard to get stories into the hands of young readers and make sure every child has the chance to read for pleasure. I, along with the rest of the industry, share this goal, so it is a real honour to be recognised for this award alongside such dedicated talents.”
Hannah Ray, Group Picture Book and Pre-School Publisher at Hachette Children’s Group, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that The Jellyfish Jiggle has won the BookTrust Storytime Prize 2026.
“At Hachette Children’s Group, we are committed to raising readers of every age, and creating joyful, engaging books for the very youngest readers is a hugely important part of that. It’s wonderful to see Caryl and Nicola’s brilliant story recognised by families, librarians and early years professionals alike.
“Encouraging children to engage with books and stories from an early age is central to what we do, and we’re especially proud to see The Jellyfish Jiggle recognised through a prize that champions shared reading and the vital role libraries play in family life.”
Meanwhile, BookTrust’s Co-CEO Diana Gerald MBE said: “A huge congratulations to our winners Caryl and Nicola, and to all the shortlisted authors whose joyful, inspiring books really stood out this year.
“BookTrust Storytime is all about trying to ensure that every child has access to shared reading and all the benefits it brings for their development, learning and wellbeing.
“We’re deeply grateful to the libraries and local authorities who make that possible by welcoming families in and bringing reading to life for communities across the UK.”
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