Jamaica Children’s Book Collective
Every Jamaican Child Deserves to See Their Story on the Shelf
Submission Deadline: August 17, 2026
The Jamaica Children’s Book Collective (JCBC) is Jamaica’s trusted national collection of outstanding children’s books by Jamaican authors and publishers.
Established through a partnership between the JAMCOPY Cultural Fund, the Book Industry Association of Jamaica and the Jamaica Library Service, the Collective identifies, evaluates and champions high-quality Jamaican children’s literature while expanding access to local books in libraries across the island.
By placing authentic Jamaican stories into the hands of young readers, the Collective helps build a stronger reading culture and supports the growth of Jamaica’s indigenous publishing industry.
About the Collective
Celebrating the Best of Jamaican Children’s Publishing
The Jamaica Children’s Book Collective exists to ensure that Jamaica’s children have access to books that reflect their culture, language, history, and imagination.
Through an independent review process, the Collective curates a national collection of books that meet established standards of quality and relevance. These titles are then promoted and distributed through parish libraries, making exceptional Jamaican children’s books more visible and accessible.
The Collective also provides an important platform for local authors, illustrators, and publishers whose work enriches Jamaica’s literary landscape.
What Makes the Collective Different?
A Trusted National Collection of Jamaican Stories
Expert Curation
Every title is reviewed by an independent panel with proven expertise in children’s literature, publishing and education. The result is a carefully curated collection that families, educators and librarians can trust.
National Access
Selected titles become part of collections placed in parish libraries across Jamaica, helping children in every community discover high-quality local books.
Championing Jamaican Creators
The Collective shines a spotlight on Jamaican authors, illustrators and publishers, helping their work reach more readers while strengthening the country’s literary ecosystem.
Call for Submissions
Authors and publishers are invited to submit original Jamaican children’s books for consideration in the inaugural national children’s book collection of the Jamaica Children’s Book Collective (JCBC).
Eligible submissions include fiction, poetry, folklore, picture books, chapter books, and culturally relevant children’s literature for readers ages 0–12.
