It’s the final eviction for this year’s book awards, before we are left with our top three books, and once again we say goodbye to some fantastic reads.
What’s The Story – Little Wolf by Peter Donnelly
While all the wolves in the valley are busy preparing for the for the big Howling Ceremony, Little Wolf is afraid to use his voice. Little Wolf thinks he’ll never find his howl – but then some wise words from Big Wolf remind him that even the smallest voice can make the sweetest sound.
If this was your favourite, try A Little Bit Brave by Nicola Kinnear
A heartwarming and delightful picture book that’s perfect for children who may be a little hesitant about trying new things. Logan, a lovable but cautious bunny, is about to embark on his very first adventure – but he’s terrified! Despite his fear, he soon discovers that the world outside holds wonderful surprises, especially if you have a little courage (and a tin of homemade biscuits to save the day!).
This charming story follows Logan as he faces his fears and learns that even the scariest moments can lead to amazing experiences. His bravery is tested when he encounters a wolf, but with the help of his trusty biscuits, Logan proves that heroes come in all shapes and sizes.
Written with warmth and humour, A Little Bit Brave is ideal for any child who struggles with anxiety or uncertainty about stepping outside their comfort zone. The story is beautifully illustrated with bold, contemporary colours that bring the characters to life, and Logan’s hilarious antics will leave children giggling.
Nicola Kinnear’s debut picture book is a true standout, filled with emotional depth, laughter, and plenty of heart. It’s easy to see why this will become a beloved classic for years to come. Perfect for bedtime, storytime, or any time your little one needs a reminder of just how brave they can be!
Telling Tales – Yomi And The Fury Of Ninki Nanka by Davina Tijani
Yomi and her younger brother Kayode are supposed to be on the trip of a lifetime visiting The Gambia with their Uncle Olu. Instead, their uncle’s work has made this the most boring holiday ever! But when Yomi witnesses the Dragon King, Ninki Nanka, being kidnapped from the sky, things get a lot more exciting. Determined to save him, Yomi and Kayode uncover secrets and meet many magnificent beasts – but will it be enough to save Ninki Nanka?
If this was your favourite, try Dragon Mountain by Katie & Kevin Tsang
An exhilarating adventure that will captivate young readers with its perfect blend of humour, excitement, and ancient myth. When 12-year-old Billy Chan is sent to a remote summer camp in China, he has no idea that his summer will be anything but ordinary. Expecting nothing more than some peace and quiet, Billy soon finds himself thrust into an epic adventure alongside new friends Dylan, Charlotte, and Ling-Fei.
Together, they uncover a long-forgotten secret: four powerful warrior dragons, hidden deep within the mountain behind their camp. These dragons, trapped for centuries after a fierce battle with the dreaded Dragon of Death, need the children’s help to escape before evil is unleashed upon the world. As Billy and his friends venture into the heart of the Dragon Realm, they must face a series of perilous challenges to save both the dragon and human worlds from destruction.
Dragon Mountain is a thrilling and heartwarming tale that combines ancient legends with modern-day humour. The characters are charming, especially Billy, who’s both relatable and courageous, and the friendships that develop throughout the story are filled with heart. The book is brimming with witty, huge-hearted jokes that make it an absolute joy to read. It’s a perfect pick for any child who has ever dreamed of bonding with a dragon or embarking on an unforgettable quest.
With its compelling storyline, engaging characters, and a beautifully immersive world, Dragon Mountain is a must-read for young adventurers. An ideal book for children who love action, magic, and a touch of humour, this exciting novel will spark the imagination of readers of any age.
Hooked On Books – Barb The Brave: The Shadow Army by Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson
This high-octane and uproariously funny graphic novel follows Barb the Brave as she battles Witch Head! Barb is a Berzerker, one of an elite crew of warriors who protect the land of Bailiwick from the scourge of monsters. Barb has been captured by the evil Witch Head and, too injured to fight back, her chances for freedom are slim. They’re both in for a surprise when her Berzerker mum, Raven comes to the rescue. The mother-daughter duo escapes but can’t stop Witch Head from summoning a powerful army from the Shadow Realm to take over Bailiwick. Can she figure out how to harness the mystical power of the Ghost Blade? And can Porkchop make sure everybody has enough snacks? Barb’s adventure continues in this action-packed, side-splitting story!
If Barb was your favourite, try The Glorious Race Of Magical Beasts by Alex Bell, illustrated by Tim McDonagh
An absolute joy from start to finish, and an ode to libraries, books, and characters that make their home in your heart. Alex Bell takes us on a fantastical journey through a world where courage, friendship, and the magic of unlikely partnerships hold the key to victory.
The world building is sublime, from the multi-levelled Harmonia to the islands dotted throughout the perilous seas – some more enjoyable to visit than others. I would love to eat at Nana’s Kitchen and browse Eli’s little library. I’d also love a week with his keys in the summer holidays, and some bookish friends to come exploring with me…
Eli and Humphrey aren’t just seen as underdogs in this deadly race, but as a joke entry unlikely to find their way off the starting line. Eli’s quiet, logical determination and the way he is unwaveringly and unapologetically himself throughout is utterly heart-warming. His ability to look for the best in others and recognise their worth in everything they do while he questions his actions, motives and worth at his own expense just makes him all the more endearing.
A brilliant read for pleasure that would make for late bedtimes and torches under the cover in the bid for just one more chapter.
Happy reading, and don’t forget to vote for your favourite to win: Coventry Inspiration Book Awards – Coventry City Council
