The Alligator’s Mouth Award 2022 for illustrated early fiction – Longlist

We are very excited to share the longlisted titles for The Alligator’s Mouth Award 2022 for illustrated early fiction. Now in it’s fourth year, the award celebrates the best books for 6-8-year-olds. This relatively new and exciting children’s book prize was created by The Alligator’s Mouth children’s bookshop and The Bright Agency and is this year joined by Sophy Henn, author of Pizazz (Simon & Schuster Children’s UK) which won the award in 2021 winner and now judge! Along with rapping teacher and literacy advocate MC Grammar, the panel is also made up of children’s book experts who also selected these absolutely brilliant longlist titles.

Children’s books hold a special place at Mr B’s, they invite imagination, exploration and growth in young minds and we love that this award is here to celebrate that. Illustrated early fiction can be especially important in bridging a young reader’s journey from picture books to chapter books. Whether you know a young reader ready to delve into books or one who might appreciate a helping hand, these longlisted titles are sure to be a hit!

The shortlist will be announced in May 2022. The winner will be announced in July 2022.