Children’s Literature News June 2026
Children’s book news for June 2026: reading enjoyment rises but gaps widen, with IBC book boxes, Bookstart picks, AI findings, awards, festivals and new inclusive school resources.
Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Aneta Lukianska is a UK-based children’s book illustrator and author of Polish origin. She completed an MA in Illustration at Falmouth University with distinction after working as an NHS doctor specialising in mental health.
Her illustration practice combines digital and analogue mixed-media techniques. Her portfolio includes work for Edizioni Lapis and Papperlapapp Magazine, and she is represented by Pickled Ink.
Lukianska illustrated Ellis, written by Sara Belancini and published by Edizioni Lapis in April 2026. The picture book was selected for dPICTUS 100 Outstanding Picturebooks 2026, and Lukianska’s illustrations for Ellis were listed for the Bologna Children’s Book Fair Illustrators Exhibition 2026.
In 2026, Lukianska was shortlisted for the Kelpies Prize for Illustration, alongside Flora Luckman, Anna Mac, Susan Mitchell and Jenni Sheward.

Children’s book news for June 2026: reading enjoyment rises but gaps widen, with IBC book boxes, Bookstart picks, AI findings, awards, festivals and new inclusive school resources.
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