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!
