Waterstones Children's Book Prize

The Waterstones Children's Book Prize celebrates new and emerging writers and illustrators of books for young readers. Run by the UK bookseller Waterstones, it began in 2005 as the Ottakar's Children's Book Prize and took its current name after Waterstones absorbed the Ottakar's chain; Stuart Hill's The Cry of the Icemark was the first winner. Waterstones booksellers choose the shortlists and winners, with input from young readers at participating schools.

Since 2012 the prize has been divided by age group, with categories now called Illustrated Books, Younger Readers, and Older Readers. A winner is named in each category, and the three category winners then compete for the overall title, which carries an additional cash award. Results are announced each spring, usually in March. Past winners include early books by Katherine Rundell and Angie Thomas.

Books by new and emerging children's writers and illustrators published during the previous year, with shortlists and winners chosen by Waterstones booksellers.