Junior Juries’ Programme 2026 📚✨

Scoil na mBuachaillí is delighted to announce that we will be taking part in the KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards Junior Juries’ Programme in 2026.

The Junior Juries’ Programme is a unique national initiative for schools and reading groups, designed to encourage children to read widely, think critically about books, and engage with reading in an exciting and meaningful way.

As part of the programme, pupils will act as “Junior Judges”, shadowing the adult judging panel by reading, discussing and reviewing a selection of books shortlisted for the KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards.

Using a specially developed activity pack, pupils will explore the shortlisted titles together before voting as a group for their favourite book. This collective choice becomes the winner of the Junior Juries’ Award, which is announced at the official awards ceremony in May.

The programme begins on Wednesday 4th February 2026, when the shortlist is revealed. Some participating groups may also receive free copies of the shortlisted books or opportunities to meet an author or illustrator.

We look forward to sharing updates on our Junior Juries’ reading journey throughout the year.