The
Guardian Children's Fiction Prize or
Guardian Award is a
literary award that annually recognises one fiction book written for
children or young adults (at least age seven) and published in the United Kingdom. It is conferred upon the author of the book by
The Guardian newspaper, which established it in 1965 and inaugurated it in 1967. It is a lifetime award in that previous winners are not eligible. At least since 2000 the prize is £1,500. The shortlist of no more than four books and the winner are selected by three children's fiction writers, almost always including the latest winner.
The Guardian calls it the only children's book award winner selected by peers. The newspaper's children's book editor
Julia Eccleshare (at least since 2000) participates in selection of the longlist and thereafter chairs the panel of final judges.