The finalists for the 2025 Victoria Book Prizes have been announced, including the City of Victoria Children's Book Prize, which carries a cash prize of $5,000. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony hosted by Lieutenant Governor Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia at Government House on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. The finalists for the children's prize are listed below along with the jury citations.
Birds on the Brain, written by Uma Krishnaswami (Groundwood Books)
"Birds on the Brain reunites a delightful trio of friends as they tackle a project—the national bird count—they truly believe in. The children work hard, with ingenuity and a sense of purpose that shows young readers that kids really can make a difference in their communities. Author Uma Krishnaswami successfully captures the voices of her young characters in a story told with great sense of humour, exuberance, and accomplishment."
What Makes a Bird?, written by Megan Pomper, illustrated by Maia Hoekstra (Owlkids Books)
"What Makes a Bird by Megan Pomper is a delightful exploration of a child’s curiosity. It explores the titular question in a thoughtful, open-ended way, employing biology, philosophy, and wonder. Beautifully complemented by Maia Hoekstra’s illustrations, the text is sure to spark thought and conversation. Children will return to the book again and again."
Why We Need Vaccines: How Humans Beat Infectious Diseases, written by Rowena Rae, illustrated by Paige Stampatori (Orca Book Publishers)
"Why We Need Vaccines is an important, timely book that helps young readers understand a great discovery that has recently become a topic of great debate. From smallpox to the coronavirus, this engaging and accessible nonfiction narrative covers the scientific and the social side of vaccines. Rowena Rae presents the facts in a straightforward, non-judgemental manner, encouraging and empowering kids to make informed decisions about their health and the health of their communities."
For details on upcoming events scheduled to promote the finalists, visit victoriabookprizes.ca or follow Victoria Book Prizes on Instagram.