We’re already at the halfway point for this year’s Coventry Inspiration Book Awards, and it’s time to say goodbye to another three amazing books. If your favourite has been voted out, have a look at Miss Cleveland’s recommendation for what to try next.
What’s The Story – We Are The Wibbly! A Tadpole’s Tale by Sarah Tagholm
Doesn’t life move fast? One moment you’re in the Wibbly, relaxing with your Wibbly friends. The next, they’ve all grown tails and turned into tadpoles! And what’s more, they are bursting OUT of the Wibbly . . . AND you’ve got to keep up! Some tadpoles don’t feel ready to become frogs. And some never wanted to become tadpoles in the first place.
If this was your favourite, try This Rock Is Mine by Kaye Umansky, illustrated by Alice McKinley
In this charming and laugh-out-loud tale, two frogs find themselves in a rather silly squabble over a humble little rock. Each frog believes it’s their rock, and neither is willing to share! What follows is a hilarious back-and-forth as the frogs argue and bicker. But when a hungry heron swoops down, the frogs realize they might need to work together—because it’s time to find a new rock!
Kaye Umansky’s clever rhyming story takes readers on a delightful journey from frustration to friendship, with plenty of giggles along the way. Alice McKinley’s illustrations add even more fun, capturing the frogs’ antics and the drama of their squabble with warmth and wit.
This book is not only a joy to read aloud (with its spot-on rhyme and rhythm), but also offers a wonderful lesson in conflict resolution that parents and children alike will find both relatable and entertaining.
Telling Tales – Big Bad Wolf Investigates Fairy Tales by Catherine Cawthorne
Did a princess really feel a tiny pea through a mountain of mattresses? And could a pumpkin actually turn into a carriage to carry Cinderella to the ball? Of course not! It’s all a load of fairytale NONSENSE! Or is it . . .? The Big Bad Wolf is on a mission to find the truth behind these tales and clear his name in the process. Combining STEM topics with classic fairy tales this hilarious non-fiction picture book is perfect for those who want answers to the big questions these stories raise!
If this was your favourite The Fairy Tale Fan Club: Legendary Letters Collected by C.C. Cecily by Richard Ayoade, illustrated by David Roberts
In C.C. Cecily’s colllated letters, young readers get an inside look at the real lives of their favorite fairy-tale characters. This delightful collection of letters between curious children and legendary fairy-tale figures answers all the burning questions: What happened after “Happily Ever After”? Is the Big Bad Wolf really as bad as they say? How does Sleeping Beauty really feel about her long nap? And why are frogs so kissable?
This witty and wonderful book brings a fresh twist to classic fairy tales, filled with humor and insight. The letters, written with a touch of playful charm, offer a peek behind the curtain of fairy-tale life, all thanks to C.C. Cecily, the Senior Secretary of the Fairy Tale Fan Club.
The illustrations by David Roberts are equally enchanting, complementing Richard Ayoade’s witty narrative perfectly. This book is a must-read for any young reader who enjoys a good laugh and a fresh take on old tales, and with its quirky, fun-filled approach to classic stories, it is the perfect choice for children eager to discover more about their beloved fairy-tale characters!
Hooked On Books – The Vanquishers by Kaylnn Bayron
Malika “Boog” Wilson and her best friends have grown up idolising The Vanquishers, a group of heroic vampire hunters who wiped out the last horde of the undead decades ago. Nowadays, most people don’t take even the most basic vampire precautions – the days of garlic wreaths and early curfews are long gone – but Boog’s parents still follow the old rules, much to her embarrassment. When a friend goes missing, Boog isn’t sure what to think. Could it be the school counsellor, Mr Rupert, who definitely seems to be hiding something? Or could it be something more dangerous? Boog is determined to save her friend, but is she ready to admit vampires might not be vanquished after all?
If this was your favourite, try Midnight Treasure by Piers Torday.
In Midnight Treasure, award-winning author Piers Torday invites readers into a breathtaking fantasy world of vampirs, werwolves, and a hunt for a treasure more valuable than gold. Tibor, a werwolf adopted by a powerful vampir, and his courageous friend Roza embark on a quest that will push them to the limits of their immortality. Along the way, they face fierce battles, treacherous betrayals, and race against time—all while navigating a world where danger lurks around every corner.
With breathtaking writing, heart-pounding suspense, characters that leap off the page and into your heart, and a world full of magic and mystery to rival Middle Earth, Piers delivers a thrilling tale that will captivate readers of all ages.
Filled with spells, clues, imprisonments, escapes, and unforgettable moments of courage and hope, Midnight Treasure is the perfect read for fans of Katherine Rundell’s Impossible Creatures and S.F. Said’s Tyger. Whether you are a fan of daring quests, mythical creatures, or stories that tug at the heart, this book is sure to become a fast favorite.
Happy reading and keep voting for your favourite book!
