We are delighted to announce the launch of the Wonderland Reading Hero Award 2026! This award seeks to celebrate an individual who has championed the joy of books and reading amongst children and young people, inspiring young readers in our local area (Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, South Yorkshire).
2026 Shortlist
Congratulations to the following shortlistees! The winner will be announced via Facebook on Friday 17th July. Our thanks goes to 2025 winner, Karen Hartley for joining us to create a panel to draw up a shortlist:
Leanne Smith, English Lead at St Michael’s. She has organised visits from authors and illustrators to inspire her readers, set up a school book club, revamped the school library, and even spends her spare time promoting a wide range of books to other educators on her social media.
Rachel Southern, owner of Diddy Explorers who inspires the very youngest and their families to fully immerse themselves in the joy of books and story telling, using sensory and messy play to really promote the fun and joy, setting young children up for a long-lasting love of books.
Kadie Smith, School Librarian at Serlby Park Academy (secondary). Kadie has embedded a whole school love of reading, in a school where students have not always chosen to read. She’s worked to develop an inclusive library space, introduced competitions, and worked with students to develop a love of reading, resulting in needing to introduce library passes so that every student has the chance to visit, such is how busy it now is.
Our Inaugural Winner in 2025 was Karen Hartley of Ordsall Primary School. From establishing school book clubs, to organising author visits, creating displays, and involving children in the joy of reading in all forms, Karen has inspired hundreds of children to really discover the joy of reading. We were delighted to present Karen with a a book donation for the Ordsall School Library, kindly donated by Bounce Marketing.
We are now looking to celebrate our next Wonderland Reading Hero! You can nominate yourself, or someone else who works to promote the fun of reading in children and young people. This could be a teacher, a librarian, or anyone who has gone above and beyond to inspire young readers.
Criteria
Inspires a Love of Reading
Demonstrates enthusiasm and creativity in encouraging children and young people to enjoy books and reading, in all forms!
Creates Reading Opportunities
Organises activities, events, or initiatives that make reading accessible, engaging, inclusive and fun for young readers.
Makes a Positive Impact
Shows evidence of motivating and supporting children and young people to develop confidence and enjoyment in reading.
How to nominate
Please email hello@wonderlandbookshop.co.uk outlining how your nominee meets the above listed criteria in no more than 500 words. Please feel free to include photos, ensuring that you have permission to share them. Please also include the following information:
- Your name, email address, and phone number
- Your nominee’s name and email address (if you have permission to share)
- Your nominee’s organisation/place of work (if applicable to the nomination)
Nominees must live or work in Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, or South Yorkshire.
Nominations are now closed.
We are grateful to our friends at Bounce Marketing for providing a donation of books to be donated to the school of the winner’s choice.
