It’s the third week of evictions, and another group of amazing books have left the competition. Have a look at my recommendations for what to try next if your favourite left the competition this week.
What’s The Story
The third book to leave this category is These Are My Rocks by Bethan Woollvin. Join the narrator, as they proudly introduce the reader to their prized collection, featuring BIG things to small things…and spiky things to wobbly things! Each page is bursting with humour – and they are interactive too – with children encouraged to interact with the book, with invitations to point, make noises, clap their hands and think about what they could collect.
If you loved this, do try The River by Patricia Hegarty & Hanako Clulow , a beautifully calming picture book that gently invites children to follow a little fish on her journey downriver and into the unknown. With its lyrical text and flowing illustrations, this story is perfect for slowing down and enjoying together. Children will love spotting the magical swimming fish on every page, while adults will appreciate the rich language and peaceful rhythm of the story. This is a lovely book for sharing at bedtime or in the classroom, encouraging curiosity about nature and supporting discussion around journeys, change and confidence. A true book to treasure and return to again and again.
Telling Tales
The next book to leave our Year 3 and 4 category is a real shock – it’s Donut Squad Take Over The World by Neill Cameron. Ever wondered what donuts get up to when they’re not being eaten? No, because that would be silly! But it turns out, donuts have BIG PLANS FOR WORLD DOMINATION!!! Meet Sprinkles, the leader of the Squad; Jammyboi, who spreads stickiness EVERYWHERE; Dadnut and Lil’ Timmy, who explain obscure facts, and Spronky, who is bizarrely unconventional! But don’t mention the arch-nemeses of the donuts…the bagels, secretly plotting Donut Squad’s doom!
If you loved this, try Star Cat by James Turner, illustrated by Yasmin Sheikh, a laugh out loud graphic novel that is guaranteed to delight readers aged 7 and up. Bursting with colour, comic strips and gloriously silly humour, this book follows Captain Spaceington and the crew of the SS Star Cat on a series of wildly ridiculous space adventures. From mischievous space slugs to the wonderfully bonkers flativerse, there is something to spot and giggle at on every page. Perfect for encouraging reluctant readers, Space Cat combines accessible text with visual storytelling and plenty of jokes. A brilliant choice for children who enjoy humour, comics and fast paced fun.
Hooked On Books
The third book to leave our category for Year 5 and up is Feast And Famine: The Last Great Heir by Carina Finn. Rue Famine knows that only Feasts benefit from Feast rule. As the heir of House Famine, she spends her days studying potion-making in an enormous, dusty library and learning how to use her magic to help others. Custom dictates that the heirs of Feast and Famine must duel on their thirteenth birthday. Only one family can rule the land of Fauret, and Merri and Rue have been raised as rivals. But as the contest draws near and dangers escalate, their true enemy may be a shared one…
If you loved this, try The Book Of Stolen Dreams by David Farr. This gripping adventure story introduces us to Rachel and Robert, two siblings who find themselves in serious trouble after helping their father steal a forbidden book. When events spiral out of control, they are forced to go on the run and uncover the truth behind The Book of Stolen Dreams in order to save him.
Full of mystery, excitement and memorable characters, this book is perfect for readers who enjoy fast-paced plots and high-stakes adventures. It also explores important themes such as family loyalty, bravery and making difficult choices. A fantastic read for children looking for a story they will not want to put down, and there are two more books in the series!
If you don’t want your favourite to leave next week, make sure you vote at Coventry Inspiration Book Awards – Coventry City Council
Happy reading, and voting!
