The Lion Baby Bible wins Gold at the 2026 IBPA Book Awards

Laura Barry
General
19 May 2026
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We’re delighted to share that The Lion Baby Bible by Antonia Woodward has won Gold in the Religion category at the 2026 IBPA Book Awards.

The IBPA Book Awards recognise excellence in independent publishing, making this a special recognition for Antonia and all those involved in creating the book.

Written and illustrated for babies and toddlers, The Lion Baby Bible brings together 45 stories from the Old and New Testaments, helping families introduce little ones to the story of God’s love.

Congratulations, Antonia. It’s wonderful to see your beautiful work recognised.

Antonia Woodward on the award

Speaking about the win, Antonia said:

“Wow, it is a huge honour for my Lion Baby Bible to have received Gold at the IBPA Awards! Thank you to everyone at SPCK who nurtured and enabled this book into being. My greatest hope is that the words and pictures will plant deep seeds of faith in both children and their grown ups, as they ponder on the beauty and truth of these timeless stories.”

A first Bible for little ones

The Lion Baby Bible is a first Bible for babies and toddlers, created especially for children aged 0–2. It includes 45 stories from the Old and New Testaments, each retold in just a few simple words.

It is designed to be read together: on a lap, at bedtime, after church, or in the small quiet moments of the day. Through these short stories,children can begin to discover who God is, how much he loves the world, and how precious they are to him.

Antonia’s illustrations are full of warmth and detail, giving children plenty to notice and enjoy as the stories are read aloud.

Rather than trying to explain everything at once, the book offers a gentle first step into the stories of Scripture helping babies and toddlers grow familiar with God’s people, promises and love from their earliest days.

A thoughtful gift for a new baby

With its simple words and beautiful illustrations, The Lion Baby Bible makes a thoughtful gift for a newborn, Christening, Dedication or Baptism.

It is a book families can return to again and again, helping children grow up with the Bible as part of everyday life.

What others have said

Lucy Rycroft, author of Busy Family Devotional and founder of thehopefilledfamily.com, said:

“God is the central character in this delightful volume, which covers a rich selection of stories and truths about God from Genesis to Revelation. With clear language and engaging illustrations, the Lion Baby Bible will have babies and toddlers understanding the world through a Biblical lens from their earliest days. I wish it had been available when my kids were small, but I’ll definitely be getting copies for all my friends’ babies!”

About Antonia Woodward

Antonia Woodward was born and raised in the Suffolk countryside. She studied illustration, gaining a first-class honours degree, and developed a love for children’s books and illustrating for little people.

She has illustrated many books for children, including picture books, nursery rhymes, bedtime prayers and Bible stories. Her books with SPCK include The Promised One, The Extra Special Baby, Special Bible Stories and Bedtime Prayers.

Antonia now lives by the sea on the south coast of England with her husband and two small daughters.