It’s the second round of evictions, and I think there are going to be some upset children when they see which books have left the competition this week…
What’s The Story? – Soft And Sticky by Jeanne Willis, illustrated by Claire Powell
oft and Sticky are best friends, but Soft’s fluff always gets up Sticky’s nose, and Sticky sticks like glue to Soft! After one last argument, they decide to end their friendship – life will be better apart, won’t it? But they soon find they miss each other much more than they imagined…
If this was your favourite, try Wolf and Bear by Kate Rolfe
Wolf and Bear is a tender and heartwarming picture book that tells the story of a young wolf and her best friend, Bear, who share joyful adventures in nature. Whether they’re playing in the stream, gliding through the snow, or tumbling in the autumn leaves, their bond is full of fun and laughter. But the story also gently touches on more challenging emotions, as Bear sometimes feels sad and needs time alone.
This beautifully illustrated book addresses the sensitive topic of depression with kindness and understanding. It provides an accessible way to introduce young children to the complexities of emotions, especially when a loved one might need space or time to process difficult feelings. Through its thoughtful storytelling and authentic artwork, Wolf and Bear fosters compassion, empathy, and hope—perfect for helping children navigate their own emotional landscapes. A must-read for any family looking to open a gentle conversation about mental health.
Telling Tales – Peng And Spanners by Steve Webb
Meet your new favourite superheroes, a the sarcastic penguin and a clever cat with a toolbelt. Join Peng and Spanners as they investigate the craziest pizza mystery ever. A new graphic novel, perfect for fans of Dogman, Barry Loser and Bunny vs Monkey.
When the school pizza parlour disappears and a giant robot suddenly appears, Peng and Spanners know that only they can help the headmaster find his parlour before the school inspectors arrive and shut him down. There’s just one massive pesky robot to defeat, Cinderella the caretaker, who roars about rules and an incredible jail break to get out of first.
If this was your favourite, try Cat on The Run by Aaron Blabey
In this hilarious new series from the bestselling author of The Bad Guys, meet Princess Beautiful, the world’s NO.1 Cat Video Star, who finds herself wrongfully accused of a crime she didn’t commit. Now, she’s a cat on the run, trying to clear her name while staying one step ahead of the law.
Filled with humor and action, this story follows the pampered yet surprisingly tough Princess Beautiful as she navigates from internet sensation to public enemy number one. With vibrant illustrations and plenty of laughs, children will love the fast-paced adventure as they decide for themselves – is she a supervillain, an internet fool, or a hero who’s been underestimated? Either way, it’s a fun ride filled with twists and plenty of heart.
A great pick for young readers who enjoy quirky characters, wild chases, and lots of laughs!
Hooked On Books – Reggie Houser Has The Power by Helen Rutter
This is the story of how hypnosis saved a boy.
Reggie Houser has ADHD and struggles to make friends at school, plus his mum and teachers seem constantly weary about his erratic, high-energy ways. But when he sees a hypnotist perform on stage at the holiday park he visits, Reggie becomes obsessed with learning the skills of mind control – and he discovers he has an incredible talent for it!
First of all he hypnotises the dog to think he’s a frog, then makes his headmaster cluck like a chicken in assembly in front of the whole school. But then a group of mean kids supposedly take him under their wing and make him use his hypnosis talents for bad: stealing a chocolate bar from a shop and escalating to a bigger theft. Reggie must decide to use his skills for good only and come to trust his own brain to make decisions.
If this was your favourite, try Check Mates by Stewart Foster
This touching and clever story is a heartwarming journey of self-discovery and resilience. Readers are introduced to Felix, a boy struggling with ADHD who feels misunderstood by those around him. His school struggles and slipping grades lead others to label him as lazy, but Felix knows there’s more to the story. When his mother suggests he spend time with his grandfather, a relationship that seems difficult and unappealing at first, Felix discovers unexpected lessons that go far beyond chess.
Funny, heartfelt, and filled with an inspiring twist, this book beautifully explores the challenges of living with ADHD, while offering a touching portrayal of the bond between generations. As Felix learns from his grandfather in surprising ways, readers will be reminded that sometimes the best lessons come when least expected.
A perfect read for young readers who will relate to Felix’s struggles and triumphs.
Happy reading, and don’t forget to keep voting if you don’t want your favourite to be evicted next week!
