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.
