Issue date: 5 March 2026
To celebrate World Book Day and this year’s National Year of Reading, our Schools Library Service has announced the winner of its West Sussex Picture Books to Shout About! Award for 2026.
The overwhelming winner, voted for by children from 30 schools across the county, is Don’t trust fish! written by Neil Sharpson and illustrated by Dan Santat.
The winning picture book is both a laugh-out-loud story warning of the suspicious and surprising activities of common fish, and a cautionary tale about misinformation and unreliable narrators.
Winning author, Neil Sharpson, said: “I’m over the moon and so, so grateful to all the kids who voted for Don't Trust Fish for the West Sussex Picture Books to Shout About Award!”
One of our participating primary schools said: “West Sussex Picture Books to Shout About! Award always promotes book chat and a buzz around the school. The children are very keen to share which is their favourite book with each other and adults around the school. I love the way the books stay popular choices within book corners and the school library long after the award has finished.”
Cllr Duncan Crow, Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, said: “It's wonderful to see so many school children across West Sussex getting excited about books and choosing their winner. Initiatives like this show the power of reading to spark imagination and bring school communities together, especially during the 2026 National Year of Reading and when we’ve just celebrated a century of libraries proudly being at the heart of our communities.
“Our libraries play a vital role in helping people of all ages discover new interests, build confidence, and fulfil their potential. This award is a brilliant example of how we continue to nurture a lifelong love of reading, in line with Our Council Plan.”
The other books shortlisted were:
- Dogdunnit by Peter Bently and Tor Freeman
- The Tour at School by Katie Clapham and Nadia Shireen
- Jenny Peckles lays eggs with speckles by Rachel Emily and Paul Delaney
All the shortlisted titles, including the winner, are available to borrow from your local library.
World Book Day is celebrated today (5 March) and is an annual celebration of books, authors, illustrators, and the joy of reading. To find out more visit www.worldbookday.com
For more information about the book awards and services provided by the West Sussex Schools Library Service email sls@westsussex.gov.uk or call 01903 704828.
