Author name: Miss Cleveland

It’s our final week celebrating the amazing books shortlisted for this year’s Coventry Inspiration Book Awards, and we look at what to read next if one of these runners up was your favourite book.

What’s The Story? – Flower Block by Lanisha Butterfield, illustrated by Hoang Giang

When Jeremiah plants a packet of sunflower seeds, the very last thing he expects is for the vines and leaves to grow overnight and burst through the ceiling of his apartment.  As Jeremiah and his brother chase the magical plant up through the floors of their tower block home, they discover an array of curious neighbours who join in the adventure. But what could be waiting for them at the top of the building? And will Jeremiah find his voice to help the neighbours discover the true magic hidden within these sunflower seeds? 

If this was your favourite book, try Omar, The Bees And Me by Helen Mortimer, illustrated by Katie Cottle

In a world full of complex environmental stories, Omar, The Bees and Me offers an uplifting and accessible take on sustainability for young readers. With a focus on the importance of protecting nature, this delightful book encourages children to plant wildflowers and create bee corridors in their local communities.

The story follows Omar, a new boy from Syria, who befriends Maisie as they embark on a journey to help the bees. Through their growing friendship, themes of cultural identity and belonging are explored, offering a heartwarming message of inclusion and collaboration.

Katie Cottle, the award-winning illustrator behind The Green Giant and The Blue Giant, brings the story to life with her stunning artwork, making the book as visually captivating as it is meaningful. The book also includes fascinating bee facts on the endpapers and a delicious honey cake recipe on the final page, perfect for encouraging young readers to engage further with the story.

A gentle and joyful read, Omar, The Bees and Me is a wonderful resource for parents looking to introduce children to sustainability, cultural diversity, and the magic of nature.

Telling Tales – Hercules by Tom Vaughn, illustrated by David O’Connell

If Hercules Braver is going to survive his new secondary school, he has to live up to his name, fast. He needs to become strong and tanned and popular, like a Greek hero. Not weak and pale and unpopular, like a Greek yoghurt. But his bid for popularity ends up saddling him with a set of impossible tasks… like cleaning out the monster-riddled school pond, facing up to the school bully and finding the headmaster’s missing cat. Then Herc’s charming, impressive birth dad turns up after years living in Greece, and Hercules thinks his problems are solved. With God-like strength and awe-inspiring powers, could his dad even be … the real Zeus?! And will Hercules learn what it truly means to be a hero?

If this was your favourite book, try Loki: a bad god’s guide to being good by Louie Stowell 

Get ready to laugh out loud, a lot, as we meet Loki as he would never want to be seen in this anarchic adventure.

After one prank too many, trickster god Loki is banished to live as a “normal” school boy. If he can show moral improvement within one month, then Loki can return to Asgard … and if he can’t? Then it’s eternity in a pit of angry snakes. To keep track of his progress, Odin has handed over this magical diary in which Loki is forced to confess the truth. (Even when that truth is as ugly as a naked mole-rat.) As if moral improvement and the indignities of school weren’t challenging enough, Loki is banned from using his awesome godly powers and (even worse) must put up with Thor tagging along and making him look bad. Anyone reading Loki’s diary is about to learn that this is one god who hasn’t a clue how to tell good from bad, trust from tricks, or friends from enemies…

As he writes in his truth journal, we see him battle against and then come to accept the challenge he has been set to save himself from an eternity of torture. I loved the journal’s responses to his lies and self-beliefs. Poking fun at modern day life, sharp observational humour is used to great effect to show our anti-hero evaluating his fate at Odin’s hand.

Louie’s hilarious doodles and cartoons show the inner workings of our god turned boy’s mind as we see him struggle with concepts like living in a mortal body in a mortal’s house, what a conscience is and feelings like guilt bubbling to the surface. His understanding of friendship grows slowly as he gets to grips with school, smartphones and mortal snacks.

With plenty of hints at the legends that surround Loki scattered liberally throughout the book, there is plenty to spark curiosity in readers about the Viking’s Trickster God and his family in Asgard.

Hooked On Books – Kofi And The Rap Battle Summer by Jeffrey Boakye

Kofi had an idea… one big lightning bolt of an idea that hit him like electricity. And all it needed was Kelvin’s incredible memory for words.

Kofi is used to stuff going wrong, he’s usually in detention or about to be. But when he finds out his best friend Kelvin has a photographic memory, he comes up with a genius money-making scheme. The whole school is obsessed with music, but no one can ever make out the words, so the boys hit the jackpot selling a new fanzine full of song lyrics: PAPER JAM. It’s not long before one of the teacher’s tells Kofi: ‘You could be a real leader at this school, you know that?’ and . . . suddenly it’s turning out to be the best summer ever!

If this was your favourite book, try The Adventures Of Rap Kid by MC Grammar

Get ready for a laugh-out-loud adventure with the first book in a brilliant new series from the multi-award-winning teacher and World Book Day Ambassador, MC Grammar!

Meet Z, a boy who only speaks in rhyme. Teased at school for his unusual way of talking, Z is known as “Zero” – not because he has nothing to say, but because he says nothing at school! But Z is about to find his voice in a big way. When the Royal Rap Rumble comes to town, searching for the next rhyming rap legend, Z is given the chance to show the world what he’s made of. With the help of his super-cool English teacher, Mr G, his best friend SFX, and a hip-hop makeover, RAP KID is born!

Can Z become the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) and take home the coveted golden mic? The stage is set for an epic rap battle, and the vibes are about to get real!

Filled with humour, heart, and an infectious energy, The Adventures of Rap Kid celebrates the power of words, creativity, and the importance of friendship. This fun and inspiring story is perfect for young readers who love a good rhyme and are ready for a rap-packed adventure!

Happy reading!

Every year, there are two books left over once the winners have been announced, so for the next two weeks, we’ll be celebrating the runners up from this year’s Coventry Inspiration Book Awards.

What’s The Story – Watch Out There’s A Monster Coming by Karl Newson, illustrated by Zerah Hicks

Monster is HUNGRY, and he’s coming to find… YOU! He creeps through the streets, hunting for his favourite snack. You’d better hide, because you know what he likes to eat. Something tasty, something sweet. It’s…  CAKE, of course!

This is a true thrill-a-minute for the very littlest ones in your life, from picture book favourites Karl Newson and Zehra Hicks.

The Lamb Who Came For Dinner by Steve Smallman, illustrated by Joelle Dreidemy

The first book in the delightful and popular The Lamb Who Came for Dinner series, written by Steve Smallman and illustrated with warmth and charm by Joëlle Dreidemy, is a perfect read for young children.

In this heartwarming story, an old wolf, feeling quite hungry, gets an unexpected visitor: a little lamb. Initially, he plans to make a hotpot out of her, but the lamb has other ideas. Rather than becoming the wolf’s dinner, she offers him something far more valuable—friendship.

This beautifully illustrated tale not only entertains but also encourages children to challenge stereotypes and highlights the importance of friendship and family. It’s a lovely story that teaches young readers the value of kindness and acceptance.

Be sure to explore the other books in this wonderful series, each packed with fun, heart, and important life lessons. A must-read for young minds!

Telling Tales – The Narzat by Luke Marchant, illustrated by Rory Walker

The Narzat lives in the Ungle Bungle Jungle with his friends the Looky Looky Lizard (a feisty reptile who communicates through sign language) and the Chatty Chiwunga (a comically talkative bird who never shuts up). Little is known about how the Narzat arrived there, but he wears a necklace bearing a meaningful inscription.  The Ungle Bungle Jungle is full of animals you’d love to meet but some, like the roaring Ravenoserous are absolutely lethal. One day two villains arrive, Lord and Lady Snide armed with guns and a fierce desire for furs and the Narzat’s necklace.

If The Narzat was your favourite, look out for the next book in the series, publishing in May. While you’re waiting, try The Beast And The Bethany by Jack Meggitt-Phillips, illustrated by Isabelle Follath

The Beast and the Bethany is a delightfully dark and humorous story that is sure to become a modern classic. With a touch of macabre humour, warmth, charm, and a sprinkle of the gleeful madness, this book will quickly capture the imaginations of young readers.

The story follows Ebenezer Tweezer, a 511-year-old man who keeps a dangerous beast locked away in his attic. In exchange for feeding the beast various oddities, such as performing monkeys, his pet cat, and the occasional cactus, Ebenezer receives gifts and potions that keep him eternally young and beautiful. But as the beast becomes greedier and gredier, it soon demands something much more sinister: a child. Enter Bethany, an orphan who’s not quite the average victim Ebenezer expects.

Filled with quirky characters and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, this book is perfect for children who love dark and twisted tales, and will have young and old readers alike eagerly turning the pages!

Hooked On Books – Stitch Head by Guy Bass, illustrated by Pete Williamson

In castle Grotteskew something BIG is about to happen…to someone small. Join a mad professor’s forgotten creation as he steps out of the shadows and into an adventure of an almost-lifetime… In the maze-like dungeons of Castle Grotteskew, the frightfully insane Professor Erasmus conducts his bizarre experiments on living things. His very first creation has long been forgotten – a small, almost-human creature, known only as Stitch Head. Poor Stitch Head has spent years vying for attention amongst a menagerie of freakish monsters.

If this was your favourite, try The Maker Of Monsters by Lorraine Gregory

Brat lives in the isolated castle serving Lord Macawber, the man who saved his life and took him in. His only friends are his master’s first failed creations, Sherman and Tingle. When the more successful creatures, the vicious, terrifying ones locked up deep within the castle escape, it’s up to Brat to save not only his friends but the rest of the world, across the sea.

Brimming with heart, humour and horrifying monsters, The Maker Of Monsters is a multi-layered, mesmerising dystopian fantasy, and an epic adventure, all packed into a short read.

The war ravaged wastelands of Niyandi Mor are made devastatingly real, as are Lord Macawber’s creatures. But the stars are Brat, Sherman and Tingle. What Brat lacks in self-esteem, Sherman and Tingle more than make up for in their more carefree outlook on life (as long as no meanie-stinkers are around). Brat’s inability to see the good in himself makes it so much harder for him to accept the help he needs or to believe that he can achieve the task he’s been set. His perseverance and determination to succeed have you rooting for him from the very first page until the very last, and beyond.

Brat is one of those characters that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page, the kind you find yourself wondering how life is going for them. I hope he’s happy somewhere.

Themes of power and corruption, love and loss, and self-worth and the monster we carry with us run subtly beneath the action packed plot. It’s a fabulous book that I will be recommending far and wide.

Happy reading!

After weeks of voting and evictions, it’s time to reveal the winners of this year’s Coventry Inspiration Book Awards…

What’s The Story Winner – Who Ate Steve? by Susannah Lloyd, illustrated by Kate Hindley

Welcome to this extremely interesting book about size. Marcel is a bird. He is big. Steve is a worm, and he is . . . Wait a minute! Steve has DISAPPEARED! Does Marcel know something about it? And can he be persuaded to return that poor worm RIGHT NOW?!

If this was your favourite, try Apple Grumble by Huw Lewis Jones, illustrated by Ben Sanders

The second book in the laugh-out-loud Bad Apple series,which won the Coventry Inspiration Book Awards a couple of years ago, Apple Grumble by Huw Lewis Jones, is a hilarious follow-up that will have both children and parents chuckling.

In this new instalment, Bad Apple is more grumpy than ever after his previous run-in with Snake, who kindly spat him out with only a warning. Undeterred, in this new adventure, Bad Apple’s antics continue as Granny Smith and her posse of golden apples step in to teach him a lesson. However, Bad Apple sinks to new depths, trapping them in a delicious apple crumble!

With Ben Sanders’ quirky, painterly illustrations perfectly capturing the mayhem, Apple Grumble is an entertaining read that will delight the whole family. Bad Apple’s outrageous behaviour and the colourful, lively artwork make this book a fun and memorable addition to any bookshelf.

If you’re looking for a book that will bring lots of laughs, this one’s for you!

Telling Tales Winner – The Council Of Good Friends by Nikesh Shukla, illustrated by Rochelle Falconer

Vinay, Musa, Inua and Nish are best friends. Nothing can separate them… until one day when Vinay’s cousin comes to invade his bunk bed haven (i.e. share his room) and a prank war escalates into all out conflict.

If this was your favourite, try Mayhem Mission by Burhana Islam, illustrated by Farah Khandaker

In My Laugh-Out-Loud Life: Mayhem Mission, the first book in a brilliantly funny series, Yusuf is facing an unexpected challenge – his older sister is getting married. While he’s excited about the delicious food, fun with his cousins, and all the presents, there’s one thing he’s definitely not ready for: stepping up as the responsible one in the family. His solution? Cause as much chaos as possible to ruin the wedding!

This charming, hilarious story will have children and parents alike laughing out loud. Filled with Yusuf’s mischievous antics, it’s a delightful glimpse into his family’s vibrant wedding celebrations, and is brimming with Bengali culture. The food descriptions will make your mouth water, the traditions will bring smiles, and thanks to Yusuf’s humorous labels throughout the book, readers will even pick up new words and phrases from a different culture.

But it’s not just about the laughs – the strong family bonds and connections at the heart of the story are sure to warm your heart. A perfect blend of fun, learning, and laughter, this book is a must-read for all ages!

Hooked On Books Winner – I Am Wolf by Alaistair Chisholm

Coll is Wolf. He lives with his clan on a Construct, a huge technological “creature” driven by the clan’s combined willpower. Together they roam their world, fighting other clans and absorbing them into their own. But when a new and dangerous Construct attacks them, Coll is thrown clear from Wolf and left behind. Now he must survive life on ground and get back to his clan. He is helped by Rieka, a “Tock” who makes the Constructs work. She promises Coll a way to return, but can she be trusted? And what is she really trying to do…? When Coll uncovers the truth, it destroys everything he thought he knew about his clan, the world they live in, and even himself. In a world full of danger, and suddenly without meaning, can he find a way back? 

If this was your favourite, try The Middler by Kirsty Applebaum

Maggie is a middler, worst luck. Jed was born first and is destined for great things once he gets to The Camp to help fight the Quiet War. Trig was born last and is the baby. But Maggie Middler? There’s no great destiny, no prizes, nothing. Just the knowledge that her life is laid out for her, a life toiling in the fields, probably.

When she ventures close to the border of her town, she encounters a wanderer – the type of person she has been brought up to believe are dirty, deceitful and dangerous. She seizes her chance to make a name for herself, to show she can be just as courageous as a First.

As mesmerising as it is menacing, The Middler is dark, dystopian fiction full of family, friendship and finding truths. Kirsty Applebaum creates a sinister, shadowy world built on propaganda and greed. The characters inhabiting her small town world are at best friendly, trusting and loyal, and at worst greedy, corrupt liars.

It was compelling watching Maggie break the rules and learn the truth of her existence. There is much to learn from Maggie’s tale for those brave enough to question their beliefs and search for the truth behind them.

This is middle grade dystopian fantasy at its finest.

Happy reading!

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