The partners recognize the urgent need to promote literacy and the reading habit by giving Jamaican children increased access to a diverse range of quality indigenous literature which is culturally relevant, age appropriate, engages their interest and stimulates their creative imagination.

Authors who are the original creators and have copyright in the books and are Jamaican nationals living in Jamaica or in the diaspora. Permanent residents in Jamaica with relevant cultural books are also eligible. AI generated content (text and images) is not eligible.

Publishers must have been assigned copyright or given exclusive right to publish by the original authors and must be a registered legal entity in Jamaica.

Trade and general children’s books, fiction and non-fiction, prose and poetry intended for general reading. Textbooks are not eligible. 

Eligible genres include picture books, chapter books, traditional literature (folklore, myths and legends), modern fantasy, realistic/ historical/ science fiction.

Age groups 0-5 years, 6-9 years, and 10-12 years.

Books must be printed and bound, with soft or hard covers, have an ISBN, and must have been published within the last 20 years. Exclusively, digital or audio books are not eligible.

Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of experts in children’s literature, education and Jamaican culture. Submissions will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

Storytelling Technique and Narrative Development, Language and Writing Style, Cultural Significance and Educational Value, Poetic Content (where applicable), Illustrations Design and Production.

2 copies of each book should be hand-delivered by bearer to the Jamaica Library Service, addressed to: The Senior Librarian, Accessions Department, Jamaica Library Service, 2 Tom Redcam Drive, Cross Roads, Kingston 5.

Submissions should be accompanied by 2 copies of a completed JCBC Submission Form.

All submissions should be deposited by Monday, August 24, 2026.