Alice Pung and Sher Rill Ng’s picture book Be Careful, Xiao Xin! (Crown Books for Young Readers), has been recognised in the 2025 Barnes & Noble Children’s & YA Book Awards Picture Books Shortlist!

These B&N awards recognise outstanding works in children’s literature, and Barnes & Noble as a major bookseller, has played a significant role in promoting and celebrating children’s literature through these awards and its overall commitment to children’s books

Here’s what B&N booksellers have said about the book:

“This is a beautifully illustrated tale about a young boy living under the watchful eye of his overly cautious family. Despite their loving intentions, Xiao Xin longs to find the courage to break free from fear. Heartwarming, yet thought-provoking, this can be a relatable story for kids and adults alike.”

This picture book originally came out in Australia and New Zealand with HarperCollins in 2022, and launched in North America November 2024.

Heartiest of congratulations to Alice & Sher Rill, and their PRH team in North America.