Earlier today, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) announced the winners and honour recipients of the 2026 Crystal Kite Awards. Presented annually, the awards recognize outstanding books created by SCBWI members across 15 international regions and are peer-voted, making them a meaningful accolade within the children’s book community.
Each winning title showcases exceptional storytelling, imaginative illustration, and creative excellence, representing the very best of children’s literature produced by SCBWI members worldwide. Three books by Canadian authors and illustrators are among the honourees.
I Am We: How Crows Come Together to Survive by Leslie Barnard Booth and Canadian illustrator Alexandra Finkeldey (Chronicle Books) is the winner in the West division. The Canada & North America division winner is The Dog Who Saved the Bees by Canadian author Stephanie Gibeault and American illustrator David Hohn (Sleeping Bear Press).
The Beat of the Dragon Boat by Canadian author Christina Matula and American illustrator Nicole Wong (Sleeping Bear Press) was named an honour book in the Middle East & Asia division.
For the complete list of winners and honour books, visit scbwi.org.