Author name: Mrs Cleveland

It’s our final week celebrating this year’s Coventry Inspiration Book Awards shortlisted books, and we look at the second runners up. If any of these were your favourite books, do try my recommendations for what to read next.

Our last book in the What’s The Story category is the hilarious Frank The Pizza by Eoin McLaughlin illustrated by Mike Byrne.

Making friends isn’t always easy, and all Frank the Pizza wants is someone to accept him for who he is. So when he gets invited to a birthday party, his parents worry and warn him to be careful…but Frank is already planning his outfit. At the party, no one seems to get his jokes and he ends up lonely in the corner – until he meets Frances. As the night goes on, these new friends become more daring and suddenly the party takes an unexpected turn. Were Frank’s parents right? Is life dangerous when you’re delicious?

If you loved Frank The Pizza, do try Bun On The Run by Smriti Halls, illustrated by Chris Jevons the perfect story to have children giggling from the very first page. Bernard may look like an ordinary iced bun—perfectly round, perfectly squidgy, and topped with the brightest cherry—but he’s hiding a huge secret: he dreams of adventure!

Fed up with sitting on a plate in the baker’s shop, Bernard decides it’s finally time to make a run for it. What follows is a gloriously funny chase as he discovers that life outside the bakery is far more dangerous than he expected… especially when hungry humans start eyeing him up for tea.

Smriti Halls’ playful, rhythmic language makes this a joy to read aloud, and Chris Jevons’ bold, expressive illustrations bring Bernard’s big personality to life on every page. Children will love spotting the visual jokes, cheering Bernard on, and predicting what sticky situation he might end up in next.

Perfect for shared reading, this is a deliciously silly picture book that celebrates bravery, determination, and the power of a good sprinkle of sugar.

Our final book in Telling Tales is The Night Forest by Polly Ho-Yen and Illustrated by Sojung Kim-Mcarthy.

Polly Ho-Yen’s gently magical storytelling shines in this beautifully illustrated early chapter book, brought to life by Sojung Kim-McCarthy’s atmospheric artwork. Young readers follow Ziggy, who begins waking in a mysterious night-time forest whenever they fall asleep—whether at Mum’s or Dad’s house. What starts as something frightening slowly becomes an empowering journey as Ziggy learns to face their fears and understand the feelings stirred by moving between two homes. With its tender exploration of separation, night terrors and courage, this enchanting tale offers comfort and reassurance, making it a brilliant choice for children navigating big emotions.

The Wobbly Life of Scarlett Fife by Maz Evans and Chris Jevons Scarlett Fife has BIG feelings, the kind that don’t just bubble up, they blast out in spectacular, world‑shaking ways. Maz Evans has created another brilliantly funny, heartfelt story that takes a thoughtful look at anxiety, friendship and growing up, all wrapped in a fast‑paced, laugh‑out‑loud adventure.

Scarlett is trying her very best to stay calm, especially when her family has exciting (and slightly overwhelming) news to share. But the more she tries to squash her feelings down, the more they burst out in increasingly explosive ways – we’re talking collapsing vases, flying objects, and even an unforgettable incident involving 2,669 sugar cubes. Every wobble of worry seems to make Scarlett’s world literally shake, and soon she realises she can’t keep everything bottled up, no matter how hard she tries.

Maz Evans’ trademark humour shines through every chapter, perfectly balanced with warmth and empathy. Scarlett is a wonderfully relatable character for any child who has ever felt their emotions run away with them, and Chris Jevons’ lively illustrations add even more energy and heart to the story.

This book opens the door to important conversations about managing big feelings, while keeping young readers thoroughly entertained. Honest, hilarious and full of heart, The Wobbly Life of Scarlett Fife is guaranteed to make families laugh together – and maybe breathe a little deeper too.

Our final book for Hooked On Books is After by Padraig Kenny, illustrated by Steve McCarthy. This gripping dystopian adventure offers a powerful blend of hope, humanity and heart.

Jen and her dad journey across a silent, post‑technology world, searching for others after a mysterious collapse known as the Flood. But Dad isn’t quite what he seems—he’s an AI who survived by glitching free of the system, a secret Jen must protect at all costs. As they navigate empty landscapes and new dangers, the story explores what truly makes someone family, and where real threats lie.

Thought‑provoking yet full of warmth, this is a compelling read for confident readers in Year 5 and up who enjoy adventurous, emotionally rich stories.

If you loved After, do try TrooFriend by Kirsty Applebaum. Intelligent and insightful, TrooFriend is an enthralling tale of family, friendship and what it means to be human, with a sinister undercurrent that sweeps you along.

In a world where humanity is dependent on technology, to the extent of providing a safe replacement to human friends for children, we see the desperate need for human connection, be it from family or friends.

Sarah’s issues at home and school are exceptionally relatable, as are the decisions she makes to be popular. The use of Ivy to highlight the right or wrong of those decisions is subtly done as we see her begin to think for herself and become a sentient being, and helps to create the growing sense of unease underpinning the story.

Sarah grows throughout, from an angry, selfish child who doesn’t realise what she has and is fed up of being alone, to a caring, compassionate child who recognises her mistakes and owns them.

With themes of friendship, loneliness, morality, ethics around A.I., and what it means to be human, there are so many different discussions and debates that can arise. The news coverage of the growing crisis shows how quickly it can stir up panic within a populus, and how differing groups can be labelled very quickly, and those labels stick, whether proved or not.

Happy reading!

While we have celebrated our winners, we still have two books in each category to celebrate – our runners-up. So, over the next two weeks, we’ll look at what to try next if one of your favourites missed out on the top spot.

Our first runner up for What’s The Story is Letters To A Monster by Patricia Forde and Sarah Warburton. It’s a dark and stormy night, and Sophie knows that there is a MONSTER hiding under her bed. So, like any sensible child, she decides to send him a letter.

Dear Monster,
I know you are hiding under my bed. I hear you breathing. This is your last warning. Leave now or I will call THE MONSTER POLICE. I have their number.
Yours truly,
Sophie

As the letters fly back and forth, Sophie begins to wonder if Monster isn’t as scary as she thought. What if he’s the friend she’s been looking for all along?

If you loved Letters To A Monster, do try Billy And The Beast by Nadia Shireen, a story bursting with fun, bravery and just the right amount of monster mayhem. Billy and her ever‑reliable sidekick, Fatcat, are enjoying a peaceful woodland stroll when a terrible rumble interrupts their day… and it’s not Fatcat’s tummy this time! A Terrible Beast is on the loose, and he’s cooking up a Terrible Soup made from all of their woodland friends.

But he hasn’t reckoned with Billy. With her quick thinking—and a few handy tricks tucked safely in her magnificent hair—she sets off to rescue everyone, including some extremely cute bunny rabbits. What follows is a joyful, fast‑paced adventure packed with humour, heart and plenty to spot in the illustrations.

Nadia Shireen’s playful, energetic text makes this a fantastic read‑aloud, while her bold, expressive artwork brings every character and creature to life. It’s a brilliant mix of danger and silliness, and Billy’s determination makes her a hero to cheer for from start to finish. Billy and the Beast is a lively celebration of courage, kindness and outsmarting anyone who tries to cause trouble.

Our first runner up for Telling Tales is The Floofs Reach For The Stars by Penelope O’Neill, a fabulous tale of magical mysteries and friendship.

Meet The Floofs. A Floof is a Floof. Not a rabbit, not a rat, not even a mouse. Join them as they go on three adventures full of fun, new friends and just a little bit of magic. The Floofs are there to help each other solve problems of the cosmic kind. From figuring out why the stars in the night sky are disappearing and helping someone who finds themselves far from home, to joining a friend on their quest to find a quiet place to read their book. Whether the adventure is out of this world or a little bit closer to home, they are always fun when you have your friends to help you along the way.

If you loved The Floofs try Detective Beans and The Case Of The Missing Hat by Li Chen, a warm, whisker‑twitching mystery that young readers will race through with a smile. Beans, a determined kitten detective with a smart trench coat and an even smarter mind, wakes to discover the unthinkable: his detective hat is missing. With his loyal friend Biscuit cheering him on, he sets off across bustling Cat Town to solve the case.

What follows is a wonderfully playful adventure filled with colourful characters, comedic encounters, and just the right amount of mystery for primary readers. From suspicious birds to a magician who may or may not know more than he’s letting on, each stop on Beans’s journey builds excitement and keeps readers guessing. The graphic‑novel format, brought to life through Li Chen’s expressive artwork, makes this an excellent choice for children who enjoy visual storytelling or are building reading confidence.

At its heart, this is a story about friendship, bravery, and believing in yourself — all wrapped in humour and feline charm. Detective Beans and the Case of the Missing Hat would make a brilliant addition to any school or home bookshelf, and is sure to inspire a new generation of cat‑loving sleuths.

And finally, our first runner up for Hooked On Books is I.R.L. by Jenny Goebel, which is, quite frankly, the scariest book I’ve read for children!

Lucy is eager to leave her bullies behind and start over at a new school when she moves to Alaska with her parents. Her first days at school are all remote learning; how is she going to make friends when she can’t meet anyone in person? White Pine Secondary School is made up of just thirteen students who all seem really welcoming when they start chatting online. She grows excited about meeting her new friends I.R.L.!

But when she turns up at her school, she is met with a crumbling, abandoned building. There’s nothing there, apart from a tiny cemetery with thirteen small headstones poking out of the frozen ground. Headstones with some very familiar names on them…

If you loved I.R.L., try Shadowhall Academy: The Whispering Walls by Phil Hickes, which is atmospheric, gripping and bursting with suspense, it’s perfect for readers who enjoy being just a little bit scared.

From the moment Lilian Jones arrives at her new school, a looming, icy, labyrinthine building packed with unsettling legends, it’s clear that this is no ordinary first day.

At first, Lilian’s biggest worries are getting lost and making friends, but the creepy tapping in the walls quickly shifts her focus. Add in whispered tales of students who mysteriously vanished, rumours of ghosts, and strange figures that appear at night looking exactly like the pupils themselves, and you’ve got a wonderfully eerie mystery that grips from the very first chapter.

Lilian is a relatable, determined protagonist, and her growing friendship group brings warmth and heart to contrast the school’s shadowy corners. As the strange happenings escalate, she realises that Shadowhall Academy is hiding secrets far more dangerous than anyone dares to admit, and her friends may be in real trouble.

Happy reading!

I can’t believe this year’s competition is over and we have our winners! Huge congratulations to all of the shortlisted authors and illustrators. We love seeing such a diverse range of books for every age group to prove that there really is a book out there for everyone. If your favourite book won this year, try out my recommendations for other books you might enjoy too

The winner of What’s The Story is …

Don’t Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson, illustrated by Dan Santat

Have you ever noticed that fish spend all of their time under water? What are they plotting down there? And did you know that a group of fish is called a ‘school’? Exactly what are they learning in these ‘schools’? We must find answers. But one thing’s for sure. Whatever you do: Don’t. Trust. Fish.

If you loved Don’t Trust Fish, try I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen, which manages to be clever, funny and wonderfully understated all at once. It’s is one of those gems that children adore and adults can’t help but appreciate too.

Bear has lost his hat. He’s absolutely certain he had it a moment ago… but where has it gone? What follows is a brilliantly paced series of encounters as he politely asks the other animals if they’ve seen it. The repetitive question-and-answer structure invites young readers to join in, while Jon Klassen’s trademark deadpan humour keeps the laughs coming.

The illustrations are bold, simple and packed with emotion; tiny eyebrow raises and side‑glances do a lot of heavy lifting here, giving children plenty to spot and discuss. And then there’s that ending. Perfectly surprising, darkly funny, and guaranteed to spark a lively conversation about clues, consequences and what really happened. A modern classic, this is a fantastic choice for developing inference skills, exploring character expressions, and enjoying a shared chuckle. A must‑have for every home and classroom bookshelf.

The winner of Telling Tales is …

Mina Mahmood: School trip by Farhana Islam, illustrated by Simran Diamond Singh

Mina, Reema and Mobeen can’t wait to go on their school trip, an overnight stay at Shiremoor Oaks Adventure Centre…until somebody spooks them with stories about Bertie Blackteeth: who haunts the woods, who sharpens her toenails with twigs, who is waiting to skewer her next unfortunate victim all over with cheese-and-onion crisps! With Bertie Blackteeth lurking and the school bully seeming to have become the teacher’s pet – this trip will test their friendship, courage and love of potato chips to the limit.

If you loved Mina’s Misadventures, do try The Cheat Book Vol 2: Can Kamal Survive The Wild by RAMZEE, which is packed full humour, excitement, and black‑and‑white illustrations. Kamal is heading into the great outdoors with his classmates—and he’s made a bold promise: he’ll finally discover the legendary Beast of Criggily Wood. Armed with his two best friends, a sense of adventure, and the mysterious Cheat Book, he’s convinced nothing can stand in his way. But with rustling shadows, pesky poison ivy, and strange clues lurking between the trees, Kamal soon learns that not every challenge can be solved with a simple life‑hack.

Kamal is an instantly relatable character—curious, determined, and sometimes a little too confident in the power of his “helpful” book. The woodland setting provides the perfect backdrop for mishaps and mystery, and readers will enjoy piecing together the clues as Kamal and his friends bravely (and often hilariously) venture deeper into Criggily Wood. RAMZEE’s illustrations add an extra layer of fun, supporting the fast‑paced storytelling and keeping even reluctant readers turning the pages.

Beneath the humour sits a gentle message about friendship, problem‑solving, and what it really means to be brave. Whether your child is already a fan of the series or picking it up for the first time, this is an engaging, lively read that’s sure to spark plenty of discussion—and perhaps even a few outdoor adventures of their own.

The winner of Hooked On Books is…

Running My Own Race by Abena Eyeson

Kofi’s mum is determined he’s going to be ‘somebody’. But when Kofi is given a place at a prestigious private school because of his athletic ability, everything changes. Kofi dreams of being a professional athlete – but he soon finds following your heart isn’t an easy road.
Under pressure from his mum to make the most of his academic opportunity, his best friend who doesn’t want him to change, his community to make them proud, and a rival who will do anything to make sure Kofi doesn’t outshine him – Kofi isn’t sure where to turn. Can Kofi find a way to follow his own path?

If you loved Running My Own Race, try Coach by Jason Reynolds. This engaging and heartfelt story follows young Otie Brody, long before he became the inspirational Coach we meet in Ghost, Patina, Sunny, and Lu. Otie lives and breathes sprinting, idolising heroes like Carl Lewis and dreaming big, just like any determined young athlete. When his often‑absent dad brings home a pair of brand‑new Jordans, Otie feels unstoppable, until the trainers mysteriously vanish overnight, along with his father.

If you’ve spent any time with the Run series (and if you haven’t, what are you waiting for?), you know Coach. He’s the steady, firm, and deeply loving anchor for Ghost, Lu, Patina, and Sunny. But Jason Reynolds has finally pulled back the curtain on the man himself, and let me tell you, it’s as heartbreaking a read as it is soulshaking.

This isn’t just a prequel; it’s a masterclass in empathy. It’s short, punchy, and carries the rhythmic, soulful prose that only Jason can deliver, which led me to devour it in one sitting. Bullying and big dreams are Otie’s day to day, a life most children can relate to, until we learn his family secret.

Jason perfectly captures that specific moment when a child realizes their parent is a flawed, hurting human being. The betrayal here isn’t just about a pair of sneakers; it’s about the theft of security. Watching Otie process his father’s addiction and the “why” behind those long business trips is heavy, but Reynolds handles it with such grace. You see the seeds of the man Otie becomes; the man who makes sure his kids on the Defenders always have a place to land.

The other huge bonus to Coach is that it transported me straight back to my childhood, where I too dreamed of time machines. It still hurts, however, that my childhood is now classed as modern historical fiction.

Huge thanks to all of the hard work from Coventry School Library Service in organising and running the awards. And, a massive congratulations to our Hooked On Books Quiz Team who retained the book quiz trophy for a second year, only dropping one point throughout the quiz.

This week is the last eviction from this year’s competition before your winners are announced next week. Have a look at my recommendations for what to try if your favourite left the competition this week.

What’s The Story

This week, we say goodbye to the Kerfuffle Bird by Helen Doherty, illustrated by Gwen Millard, a joyful picture book celebrating self-expression and the importance of sharing our feelings.

In the perfectly peaceful town of Hushville, the Hushlings pride themselves on being quiet, calm and very polite. Everyone seems happy with the hush… except for Maeve, who is bursting with big feelings she would love to let out. When the wonderfully noisy Kerfuffle Bird swoops into town, Maeve finally finds a friend who enjoys whooping, squawking and dancing just as much as she does.

Of course, all that joyful noise causes quite a stir among the Hushlings. But as the community begins to listen and understand one another, they discover that there might be room for both quiet moments and joyful kerfuffles.

Bright, energetic illustrations perfectly match the playful storytelling, making this a warm and engaging picture book that opens the door to conversations about emotions, individuality and finding balance within a community.

If you loved this book, try Leaf by Sandra Dieckmann. This beautifully illustrated picture book introduces readers to Leaf, a young polar bear who finds himself washed far from his icy home and family. Alone in a strange forest, he quickly becomes the subject of fear and suspicion among the animals who live there. To them, the large white creature is unfamiliar and unsettling, and many wish he would simply disappear.

Told with the gentle rhythm of a fable, the story explores how misunderstandings grow when we are afraid of what we do not know. As the animals slowly learn to communicate and look beyond their fears, a powerful message about empathy, curiosity and kindness begins to unfold.

The artwork is truly captivating, filled with rich colours and intricate details that invite readers to linger on every page. Children will enjoy spotting small touches hidden within the illustrations.

Thoughtful, visually stunning and quietly moving, this is a picture book that encourages conversation and can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

Telling Tales

Year 3 and 4 bid farewell to Tuck And Tina And The Lost Fortune by Jess Brallier, Illustrated by Jack Keely, a lively and engaging first adventure in a colourful new series for children beginning to move from picture books into chapter stories.

Tina spends her days at Boone Elementary, quietly listening to lessons and watching the children play together. More than anything, she wishes she had a real friend of her own. When the school announces that a new class pet is arriving, Tina dares to hope her wish might finally come true.

Enter Tuck: energetic, unpredictable and always one step away from chaos. He is certainly not the calm companion Tina imagined. But when Boone Elementary faces the threat of closure, the unlikely pair must work together on a daring mission to track down a rumoured hidden treasure somewhere in the school.

Packed with humour, friendship and a dash of mystery, this fast-paced story is perfect for younger readers ready for their first chapter book adventures.

If this was your favourite, try the Moonlight Mystery Agency: The Birthday Cake Thief by Vashti Hardy, illustrated by Agnes Saccani, a delightful start to a magical new mystery series for younger readers.

Hana has always wanted a pet, so when a cat appears at her bedroom window one night, it feels like a dream come true. But Ace is no ordinary feline. He is a detective cat with an important invitation. Hana is about to become the newest recruit at the Moonlight Mystery Agency.

Their first case is wonderfully unusual: helping Spark, a bionic unicorn, track down her missing birthday cake. What follows is a lively adventure filled with clues, surprises and plenty of magical moments.

The short chapters, playful humour and colourful illustrations make this an ideal choice for developing readers beginning to enjoy chapter books. With its mix of mystery, friendship and fantasy, this charming story is sure to spark imaginations and leave children eager for the next case.

Hooked On Books

And our final book to be evicted this year is Diary of a Future Billionaire by Pamela Butchart, illustrated by Wotto, the brilliantly funny start to a new middle-grade series packed with big plans, bold ideas and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.

The story is told through the diary of a very confident ten-year-old who has one clear goal: to become the world’s richest child. Unlike people who say their success was a surprise, he insists this was all part of the plan. Becoming a billionaire was something he carefully organised… and according to him, it worked!

As readers follow his diary entries, they discover the wild schemes, determined thinking and chaotic adventures that make up his journey towards extreme wealth. Of course, things don’t always go quite as smoothly as he expects.

Fast-paced, energetic and full of humour, this voice-led story is perfect for children who enjoy diary-style books and larger-than-life narrators. A fun and highly entertaining read that will leave readers eager for the next instalment.

If this was your favourite book, try Grandpa Frank’s Great Big Bucket List by Jenny Pearson, illustrated by David O’Connell, a joyful, big-hearted adventure that will leave young readers laughing while quietly tugging at their heartstrings. When Frank unexpectedly inherits a fortune from a grandmother he never knew, the money comes with an unusual condition: he must spend time with a brand-new grandpa.

Determined to make the most of the situation, Frank creates an outrageous bucket list packed with unforgettable experiences, from hot-air balloon rides to monster-truck lessons and even parkour challenges. The result is a whirlwind of chaos, comedy and surprising moments of kindness.

Jenny balances laugh-out-loud escapades with a warm message about family, connection and what really makes us happy. Beneath the wild adventures lies a thoughtful reminder that the best treasures in life can’t be bought.

Fast-paced, funny and full of heart, this is a brilliant read for children who enjoy humour, adventure and stories that celebrate the importance of family.

Make sure you vote at Coventry Inspiration Book Awards – Coventry City Council for your favourite book to win!

Happy reading, and voting!