Children’s favourite book announced at awards ceremony
PRIMARY school pupils from across the county have named their winner in the annual East Sussex Children’s Book Award which took place last week.
The Whisperwicks: The Labyrinth of Lost and Found by Jordan Lees was revealed as this year’s winner at an awards ceremony held at Uckfield Civic Centre attended by 200 pupils from 11 primary schools.
The book is the first in the author’s global best-selling and highly acclaimed 'Whisperwicks' fantasy series - and his debut novel.
It tells the tale of 11-year-old Benjamiah Creek, who believes in science, logic and the power of reason, but not magic. When he receives a mysterious gift in the post he is led into a magical world.
Winning author Jordan Lees said: “I’m honoured to win the East Sussex Children’s Book Award. It’s wonderful news. Thank you to all the children that voted for my book.”
This year, 51 schools from across the county took part in the East Sussex libraries-led award programme, with more than a thousand children attending 12 author events and taking part in activities and competitions.
Since December last year, the eight to 11-year-olds have been reading six shortlisted books before voting for their favourite last month.
East Sussex County Council’s lead member for transport and environment, Cllr Peter Griffiths, who presented the award, said: “It is fantastic to see this year’s Children’s Book Award being so well supported and enjoyed by so many school children from across the county.
“The award programme is a brilliant initiative run by the county council’s library service which helps promote a life-long love of reading. It highlights books in an accessible and fun way with the aim of encouraging the next generation to explore new authors.
“I would like to congratulate Jordan, the 2026 award winner, who should be immensely proud of the fact the children chose his book over other strong shortlisted titles. I would also like to thank all those involved in the award programme and ceremony. I had a great time, learnt a lot and was amazed at the knowledge the children had about some very niche subjects. Well done to everyone.”
Lindsay Galvin, author of Great Phoenix of London, and Penny Boxall, author of Letty and the Mystery of the Golden Thread both performed at the celebration awards on Tuesday, June 9.
One pupil from Blackboys C of E school, who was at the event, said: “The show was amazing and I loved hearing about how they wrote their books. It’s been great to hear how the authors became authors and how much they loved reading as children.”
Another pupil from Little Common School, in Bexhill, said: “I’ve started writing my own graphic novel after reading the books. I loved all six books and would have voted for all of them if I could have.”
Meanwhile, Lindsay Galvin said: “The award is a wonderful opportunity for children to read the same title and compare notes. It enables them to get together, celebrate reading and read a broader range of books.”
Penny Boxall added that she hoped the award inspired children to start their own creative journey.
All the shortlisted books are available to borrow for free from the county’s libraries.
For more information about the award and the shortlisted books visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk/escba.
Ends
Rebecca Durrant
Thursday, 18 June 2026