From Humble Beginnings to Industry Acclaim: The Story Behind the Nosy Crow Production Team’s Big Achievement.
Last week, something remarkable happened. The Nosy Crow production team were awarded “Highly Commended” at the prestigious The Bookseller 2025 FutureBook Awards, a moment that felt like the culmination of years of passion, creativity, and dedication. This award holds special significance as it is the first publishing industry accolade to specifically recognise the integral role that production teams play—showcasing the innovation and hard work that goes into every single book.
The Nosy Crow Production team, from left to right: Charlotte Garcia, Anastasiia Smischchenko, Karina Stevens, Seyhan Yagmurlu, Kat Tungate, David Brine, Jo Jordan, Anna Pauletti, Sophie Banks. (Additional team members Nik Ginelli and Jude Crozier)
Of course, we would have loved to take home the top prize (there’s always next year!), but receiving the “Highly Commended” accolade for Production Professional(s) of the Year was a truly thrilling moment for everyone involved. It’s an honour that reflects not only our team’s internal dedication but also the strong, collaborative partnerships we cherish with our wonderful suppliers.
But how did we get here? This story doesn’t start with an award; it begins with a small team and a big dream.
The Spark: A Belief in Better Books
Nosy Crow was founded in 2010 with a clear mission: to create brilliant, innovative children’s books that would delight young readers and stand the test of time. From day one, the vision was to be different—to combine the agility of a new company with the experience of seasoned publishers.
In those early days, the production team was lean, wearing many hats and learning the ropes of a new, rapidly evolving industry. Our workspace was cramped, but our ambitions were boundless. We weren’t just focused on getting books printed; we were obsessed with the feel of the paper, the vibrancy of the ink, the robustness of the binding, and the environmental footprint of every single decision we made.
Building a Foundation of Excellence
Over the years, the team grew, but the core philosophy remained: excellence in every detail. We adopted a pioneering approach to sustainability long before it was standard industry practice. We meticulously researched eco-friendly materials, reduced plastic in our packaging, and sought out suppliers who shared our ethical vision. This wasn’t a marketing gimmick; it was embedded in our DNA. We believe that caring for the planet is just as important as crafting a beautiful story.
Our work became characterized by collaboration. The production team is not a back-office function at Nosy Crow; we are at the heart of the creative process. We sit side-by-side with editors and designers, brainstorming how a story can be elevated by the physical object of the book.
We produced picture books with innovative formats, non-fiction that sparked curiosity, and story books that became bedtime staples across the nation. Each project was a labour of love, pushing boundaries of what a children’s book could be.
The Big Achievement: Recognition for a Job Well Done
Fast forward to the FutureBook Awards ceremony.
The judges from The Bookseller were effusive in their praise, highlighting the very values we hold dear:
“The judges want to award a “Highly Commended” for their pioneering of sustainable, world-class children’s publishing through creativity, collaboration, and excellence in every detail. The Highly Commended for Production Professional(s) of the Year is the Nosy Crow Production Team.”
Hearing those words was incredibly validating. It was public recognition that our commitment to pioneering sustainable, world-class publishing had made a tangible impact on the industry. The judges saw the countless hours spent perfecting finishes, the late nights ensuring deadlines were met, and the dedication to crafting physical objects that children would cherish.
This award belongs to every single person on our team, but it also belongs to our incredible network of suppliers who partner with us to turn creative visions into reality.
Looking to the Future
This “Highly Commended” plaque on our office wall is more than just an award; it’s motivation. It energises us to continue pushing the boundaries of sustainable publishing, to innovate further, and to keep striving for that top spot next year.
We are the Nosy Crow Production Team, and we’re just getting started. Here’s to many more stories, many more books, and many more wins—for our team, our authors, and most importantly, our young readers around the world.
