The Children's Wainwright Prize for Picture Books

Shortlist 2026

Whale Song

By Nicola Davies & Britta Teckentrup

A sumptuous non-fiction picture book by two of the most exciting talents in children’s books today.

In this poignant non-fiction picture book, bestselling children’s author Nicola Davies celebrates the beauty and power of the humpback whale’s song. Humpback whales listen and learn songs from each other – copying the distinctive patterns and sounds. This extraordinary book follows the story of one whale’s song as it spreads across the world’s oceans.

With spectacular artwork by award-winning illustrator Britta Teckentrup, this is a celebration of the beauty and mystery of the natural world.

About Nicola Davies & Britta Teckentrup

Nicola Davies is a multi-award-winning author and Children’s Laureate Wales 2025-27. Her many books for children include A First Book of Nature, Lots, The Promise and One World. She graduated in zoology, studied whales and bats and then worked for the BBC Natural History Unit, eventually becoming one of the original presenters of The Really Wild Show. She was the first ever recipient of the SLA’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Information Books. Nicola lives in Wales.

Britta Teckentrup has created over 120 books, translated into 30 different languages, including The Memory Tree (Hodder), Tiger, Tiger Burning Bright (Nosy Crow) and The House by the Lake (Walker). Her award-winning artwork has appeared on homeware, clothes and packaging. Britta now lives and works in Berlin with her artist husband, son Vincent, and their cat.

 

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