KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Children’s Book Collective (JCBC) has launched a national call for published children’s books that reflect Jamaican culture and experience as part of a first-of-its-kind initiative to increase young readers’ access to locally created literature.

Jamaican authors and publishers are invited to submit eligible books for children from birth to age 12 by Monday, August 24, 2026. Books selected through the independent review process will form part of a national collection to be made available at all 13 main parish libraries within the Jamaica Library Service network.

According to a JCBC press release, the initiative is being pioneered by the Jamaican Copyright Licensing Agency, JAMCOPY, in partnership with the Book Industry Association of Jamaica, the Jamaica Library Service and the Jamaica Book Festival. It seeks to promote literacy, strengthen the reading habit and ensure that more children can access engaging, age-appropriate books rooted in Jamaican life and culture.

“Jamaican children should not have to look beyond our shores to find themselves in books,” said Shirley Carby, founding director and chairman of JAMCOPY.

“Our writers, illustrators and publishers have created rich and imaginative works rooted in our language, history and culture. The Jamaica Children’s Book Collective will help us identify these books, recognise their quality and place them where children across the country can discover and enjoy them.”

The collection will be updated annually and promoted through local and international campaigns, helping Jamaican children’s books reach wider audiences while creating greater visibility for the authors, illustrators and publishers behind them. Thousands of children are expected to benefit from increased access to the selected titles through the public and school library networks.

The collective is seeking stories that allow children to recognise their country, their communities and themselves on the page. These may include books exploring Jamaican language, folklore, history and traditions, as well as family relationships, school life, community experiences, local landscapes and the everyday realities, challenges and aspirations of Jamaican children.

Submissions are open to Jamaican authors living locally or in the diaspora, as well as permanent residents whose books are relevant to Jamaican culture. Registered Jamaican publishers may also submit works where they have been assigned copyright or hold the exclusive right to publish the title.

Eligible categories include fiction and non-fiction, picture books, chapter books, poetry, folklore, myths and legends, fantasy, realistic fiction, historical fiction and science fiction. Textbooks are not eligible.

Books must be printed and bound, carry an ISBN and have been published within the last 20 years. Digital-only books, audiobooks and publications containing AI-generated text or images will not be considered.

Submissions will be assessed by a panel with expertise in children’s literature, education and Jamaican culture. The review will consider storytelling, language and writing style, cultural significance, educational value, illustrations, design and production quality.

Authors and publishers must submit two copies of each book to the Jamaica Library Service parish library nearest to them after completing the submission form online or in person when submitting the books. The submitted copies will be used by an expert panel of judges during the review and selection process.

Copies of the selected books will be purchased for placement in all 13 main parish libraries. Selected titles will also be listed and promoted through the Jamaica Children’s Book Collective’s website, catalogue, exhibitions and local and international promotional activities.