Every Child Our Future is looking forward to announcing the winning title in its Children’s Choice: Book of the Decade celebration on Wednesday 25 March, marking a key moment in the charity’s 10th anniversary year.
As part of the wider Big Jersey Read, the initiative has brought together schools, families and community partners in a shared celebration of reading for pleasure across the Island.
Launched in January, the Children’s Choice project gave children a genuine voice in choosing the stories they love. Ten local primary schools were given a curated collection of picture books published between 2016 and 2025 – the decade Every Child Our Future has been working in Jersey.
After reading and discussing the stories with teachers and visiting readers, children in Years 1 and 2 voted for the books that inspired them most. Their votes have produced a top-ten shortlist that reflects the themes they were most drawn to, from humour and adventure to empathy and unexpected friendships. Each participating class has received a full set of these shortlisted titles, with 200 brand new books being given to local schools. A copy of the winning book will be given to all schools.
Nicola Mackereth, Programme Manager at Every Child Our Future, said: “Children’s Choice is all about celebrating children’s voices. When we hand the decision-making over to them, something magical happens: they become more confident, more curious, and more invested in their reading.
“Picture books play a huge role in that journey. They blend rich visual storytelling with emotional depth, helping children develop empathy, imagination and curiosity. When children are free to choose the stories that excite them, it becomes one of the most powerful ways to nurture a lifelong love of reading.”
