My Rice is Best by Selina Brown (author) and Maxwell A. Oginni (illustrator)

Shortlisted for Book of the Year – Children’s Non-Fiction or Illustrated at British Book Awards 2026

Shortlisted for Picture Book Category at The Laugh Out Loud Book Awards 2026

In March 2026, Selina was named as the inaugural National Reading Hero recipient of the Queen’s Reading Room medal, a new literary award unveiled by Queen Camilla.

Join Shane and friends as they attempt to settle the age-old question of which rice dish is the best in this funny and joyful new picture book!

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!

Selina Brown is an Events Producer, Children’s author and founder of Black British Book Festival.
Maxwell Afolabi is a London-based animator and illustrator.