Phil Earle, who was born in Hull and now lives in Hebden Bridge, was winner of the Children’s Fiction category in the Indie Book Awards 2026 for his book Finn’s Epic Fail
Phil Earle (right) with his award in the Children’s Fiction category for Finn’s Epic Fails(Image: Submitted)
A Hull-born author has won a national award for his children’s book – resulting in the opposite of an “Epic Fail”.
Phil Earle, who was born in Hull and now lives in Hebden Bridge, was winner of the Children’s Fiction category in the Indie Book Awards 2026, decided by a judging panel to mark Independent Bookshop Week. Earle emerged victorious for his book, Finn’s Epic Fails, published by Simon & Schuster.
Illustrated by AL Murphy, the book is described as being full of humour and heart. The judges highlighted its ability to engage young readers and make reading a shared experience, making it a perfect choice for the National Year of Reading and summer reading alike.
Earle said: “Well, my gob is well and truly smacked, thank you. The absolute opposite of an EPIC FAIL! It’s truly flattering to be recognised by people whose shops are not just businesses, but a way of life. Independent booksellers aren’t even booksellers, they are curators and alchemists.
“There is no more powerful thing in publishing than a bookseller putting a story in a hand and saying ‘I think you’ll enjoy this’. It’s this sort of glorious interaction that has gifted me a career, and I cannot thank you enough.”
The Indie Book Award Children’s Judging Panel said: “Finn’s Epic Fails is a conversational, engaging read, with an interactive feel that draws children in and keeps them involved. Especially fitting for the focus on the National Year of Reading, this book is great to share together, and perfect for keeping young readers engaged over the summer.”
Independent Bookshop Week runs from June 13-20. It is the campaign’s milestone 20th anniversary year. The awards are a standout moment in Books Are My Bag’s year-round campaigns – celebrating the unique economic, cultural and community value of bookshops of all shapes and sizes. The Indie Book Awards exemplify the special relationship between authors and independent bookshops.
Championing the best paperbacks of the summer across four categories (Fiction, Non-Fiction, Children’s Fiction and Picture Book), this year’s Indie Book Awards winners were revealed exclusively on radio station Magic Classical on Thursday morning. The winners are being presented with their awards in independent bookshops throughout Independent Bookshop Week.
The Fiction category winner is The Names (Orion) by Florence Knapp, a compelling and emotionally resonant novel that has captivated readers and booksellers alike. Praised by the judges for its immersive storytelling and irresistible momentum, The Names is a richly rewarding read perfect for long summer afternoons.
In Non-Fiction, the winner is Mother Mary Comes to Me (Hamish Hamilton) by Arundhati Roy, a beautifully written and deeply personal work that explores memory, family and identity with warmth and insight. The judges praised its accessibility and appeal to hand selling booksellers, describing it as a book they are eager to recommend to readers far and wide.
The Picture Book prize goes to Fox and the Mystery Letter (Frances Lincoln Children’s Books) by Alex G Griffiths. Richly illustrated and full of adventure, the judges praised it as a hidden gem with enduring appeal, combining beautiful artwork, maps and storytelling to transport readers to somewhere new.
The judges also awarded a Highly Commended distinction to Like a Brother by Nathanael Lessore. Emma Bradshaw, Head of Campaigns at the Booksellers Association, said: “Independent Bookshop Week’s 20th anniversary is the perfect moment to celebrate the incredible role that independent booksellers play in connecting readers with unforgettable books. The Indie Book Awards showcase the titles that booksellers are most passionate about recommending, and reflect the expertise and enthusiasm found in independent bookshops across the UK and Ireland. We are delighted to recognise this year’s winners and share them with readers looking for their next great summer read.”
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