Picture Book Shortlist – The Laugh Out Loud Book Awards 2026

One Goose, Two Moose by Kael Tudor and Nicola Slater

OK, everyone, line up!
One goose, two moose, three goose, four.
Five goose, six moose, seven goose, more.
WAIT!
Welcome to the ice cream shop, where there’s a goose line, a moose line and a slightly bossy goose who wants everyone to be IN THE RIGHT LINE, PLEASE!
That sounds easy enough, doesn’t it?
This brilliantly funny picture book perfectly captures the chaos of queueing up, and features a fun counting element too.

Sleep Tight Disgusting Blob by Huw Aaron

Whether you are a vampire or a ghost, a werewolf or a yeti, a bedtime routine is absolutely essential for a good night’s sleep. Adults and children will fall in love with Blob and the whole cast of monsters as they brush their teeth, put on their pyjamas, and get tucked up in bed.

Warm, loving and slimy, this hilarious rhyming picture book is the perfect addition to bedtime reading, ending with a kiss and sweet dreams for all.

All You Need To Know About Dogs: By A. Cat by Fred Blunt

Are you a cat person or a dog person?
Well, this cat thinks cats are the best and dogs are the absolute worst. I mean, dogs stink, they slobber, they enjoy rolling around in cow poo… need I say more? And why are there so many types of dog, too? Hairy… scary… spotty… Scottie… the list goes on!

But when this confident cat gets a very scary surprise, guess who comes to the rescue? Will our cat finally accept that he might have been wrong about dogs all along?

With bright and hilarious illustrations, this picture book will have kids and grown-ups alike laughing out loud. And whether you’re a cat or dog lover, the heart-warming ending is sure to put a smile on your face.

My Rice is Best by Selina Brown and Maxwell Oginni

Join Shane and friends as they attempt to settle the age-old question of which rice dish is the best!

Shane is convinced that nothing beats a big, delicious bowl of rice and peas – it’s the best rice in the world! But when he brings his favourite meal to school, he discovers that his friend Yinka is just as passionate about her jollof rice. What follows is a hilarious and heartfelt showdown to settle the age-old question: which rice reigns supreme?

A laugh-out-loud, heartwarming picture book that brings the joy of food, friendship, and cultural pride to life, My Rice is Best explores the playful rivalry between two friends who both believe their rice dish is the ultimate favourite. Through humour and a universal love of eating, the book offers an entertaining way-in to help children embrace new cuisines and celebrate cultural identity and diversity.

My Rice is Best is a mesme-ricing celebration of food, culture and friendship!