The Neev Book Award for distinguished children’s literature aims to recognize outstanding writing that leads to a fuller understanding of India, Indian lives, and Indian stories. This award aims to promote and encourage high-quality children’s literature from India. In 2018, the Neev Literature Festival extended its vision to promote and encourage high-quality children’s literature from India.

In 2018, the Neev Literature Festival (NLF) expanded its vision of recognising and growing outstanding children’s literature about India with the introduction of the Neev Book Award. The 2019 Neev Book Award was presented to Machher Jhol by Richa Jha, illustrated by Sumanta Dey, and published by Pickle Yolk in the Picture Book category; When Jiya Met Urmila by Shabnam Minwalla and published by Duckbill in the Emerging Readers category; Ahimsa by Supriya Kelkar and published by Scholastic in the Junior Readers category; Year of the Weeds by Siddhartha Sarma and published by Duckbill in the Young Adult category. Each winner was honoured at NLF for their contributions towards a greater understanding of India, Indian lives, and Indian stories with a certificate, trophy, and cash award of ₹1,00,000.

The 2020 Neev Book Award will recognise outstanding literature in four distinct categories.