Bookbug Hero Award 2026
Do you know a Bookbug Hero?
The Bookbug Hero Award in association with Walker Books(this link will open in a new window) is now in its seventh year and celebrates the fantastic work of those who use Bookbug to change the lives of the children, families and communities they work with.
They could be a health visitor, librarian, nursery teacher, family worker, volunteer – anyone who works with Bookbug!
If you or someone you know is making a real difference, tell us about them in our short form below. It only takes a few minutes. All we need to know is a bit about them, and why you think they should be our Bookbug Hero 2026!
Nominations are open on Thursday 11 September until Friday 31 October 2025. Please note, previous winners and highly commended Bookbug Heroes cannot be nominated again for the 2026 prize.
A shortlist of nominees will then be drawn up and final winner decided by an expert panel of judges that include Dr Suzanne Zeedyk, Developmental Psychologist and founder of Connected Baby.
I have enjoyed being part of the Bookbug Hero panel since it was established. Every year, I leave inspired by the number of people who are making a difference to communities, families and children’s lives. The songs and rhymes matter for sure, but it is the connections that are built that matter most. The sense of welcome people feel when they walk into a Bookbug circle goes with them when they leave. It feels a privilege to witness those impacts each year as we embark on discussions for the award.
Previous Bookbug Heroes
Earlier this year we were proud to announce our winner of the 2025 award, Susie Lovie, an Early Years Practitioner from Turriff, Aberdeenshire, as well as our highly commended nominees Janice Wilson, Louise Lennox, Lorna Barry, Louise Brewer, Leigh Dowie and Pauline Smeaton.
The impact of the Bookbug Hero Award has been documented by the winner of the 2023 Award, Ian Keane who said:
Our library service was losing the battle and losing the war on maintaining public services. To have a national agency declare that you and your service are doing great was a shock (a good one). It reinvigorated the whole team, it inspired us to work harder, we nearly doubled the number of attendees in the 'Hero' year. It has recalled us to life and reminded us of our relevance and worth. The war for public service is still being fought but thanks to the Bookbug Hero Award, for a little while at least we won our battles and found new strength. It won't be long before the early Bookbug toddlers return with their children. Hopefully, if we keep winning, the Library and our team will be there to greet them.
About Walker Books
Scottish Book Trust would like to thank Walker Books, who kindly sponsor the Bookbug Hero Award.
Home to books for all ages, Walker Books publishes many award-winning authors, illustrators, and literary franchises including Anthony Horowitz, Angie Thomas, Cassandra Clare, Lucy Cousins, Anthony Browne, Patrick Ness, Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram, We'e Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, and Where's Wally? by Martin Handford. Walker Books is part of the vibrant international Walker Books Group that includes Walker Books Australia, Candlewick Press in America and its new division, Walker Books US; and Walker Productions.
