This week is the last eviction from this year’s competition before your winners are announced next week. Have a look at my recommendations for what to try if your favourite left the competition this week.
What’s The Story
This week, we say goodbye to the Kerfuffle Bird by Helen Doherty, illustrated by Gwen Millard, a joyful picture book celebrating self-expression and the importance of sharing our feelings.
In the perfectly peaceful town of Hushville, the Hushlings pride themselves on being quiet, calm and very polite. Everyone seems happy with the hush… except for Maeve, who is bursting with big feelings she would love to let out. When the wonderfully noisy Kerfuffle Bird swoops into town, Maeve finally finds a friend who enjoys whooping, squawking and dancing just as much as she does.
Of course, all that joyful noise causes quite a stir among the Hushlings. But as the community begins to listen and understand one another, they discover that there might be room for both quiet moments and joyful kerfuffles.
Bright, energetic illustrations perfectly match the playful storytelling, making this a warm and engaging picture book that opens the door to conversations about emotions, individuality and finding balance within a community.
If you loved this book, try Leaf by Sandra Dieckmann. This beautifully illustrated picture book introduces readers to Leaf, a young polar bear who finds himself washed far from his icy home and family. Alone in a strange forest, he quickly becomes the subject of fear and suspicion among the animals who live there. To them, the large white creature is unfamiliar and unsettling, and many wish he would simply disappear.
Told with the gentle rhythm of a fable, the story explores how misunderstandings grow when we are afraid of what we do not know. As the animals slowly learn to communicate and look beyond their fears, a powerful message about empathy, curiosity and kindness begins to unfold.
The artwork is truly captivating, filled with rich colours and intricate details that invite readers to linger on every page. Children will enjoy spotting small touches hidden within the illustrations.
Thoughtful, visually stunning and quietly moving, this is a picture book that encourages conversation and can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
Telling Tales
Year 3 and 4 bid farewell to Tuck And Tina And The Lost Fortune by Jess Brallier, Illustrated by Jack Keely, a lively and engaging first adventure in a colourful new series for children beginning to move from picture books into chapter stories.
Tina spends her days at Boone Elementary, quietly listening to lessons and watching the children play together. More than anything, she wishes she had a real friend of her own. When the school announces that a new class pet is arriving, Tina dares to hope her wish might finally come true.
Enter Tuck: energetic, unpredictable and always one step away from chaos. He is certainly not the calm companion Tina imagined. But when Boone Elementary faces the threat of closure, the unlikely pair must work together on a daring mission to track down a rumoured hidden treasure somewhere in the school.
Packed with humour, friendship and a dash of mystery, this fast-paced story is perfect for younger readers ready for their first chapter book adventures.
If this was your favourite, try the Moonlight Mystery Agency: The Birthday Cake Thief by Vashti Hardy, illustrated by Agnes Saccani, a delightful start to a magical new mystery series for younger readers.
Hana has always wanted a pet, so when a cat appears at her bedroom window one night, it feels like a dream come true. But Ace is no ordinary feline. He is a detective cat with an important invitation. Hana is about to become the newest recruit at the Moonlight Mystery Agency.
Their first case is wonderfully unusual: helping Spark, a bionic unicorn, track down her missing birthday cake. What follows is a lively adventure filled with clues, surprises and plenty of magical moments.
The short chapters, playful humour and colourful illustrations make this an ideal choice for developing readers beginning to enjoy chapter books. With its mix of mystery, friendship and fantasy, this charming story is sure to spark imaginations and leave children eager for the next case.
Hooked On Books
And our final book to be evicted this year is Diary of a Future Billionaire by Pamela Butchart, illustrated by Wotto, the brilliantly funny start to a new middle-grade series packed with big plans, bold ideas and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.
The story is told through the diary of a very confident ten-year-old who has one clear goal: to become the world’s richest child. Unlike people who say their success was a surprise, he insists this was all part of the plan. Becoming a billionaire was something he carefully organised… and according to him, it worked!
As readers follow his diary entries, they discover the wild schemes, determined thinking and chaotic adventures that make up his journey towards extreme wealth. Of course, things don’t always go quite as smoothly as he expects.
Fast-paced, energetic and full of humour, this voice-led story is perfect for children who enjoy diary-style books and larger-than-life narrators. A fun and highly entertaining read that will leave readers eager for the next instalment.
If this was your favourite book, try Grandpa Frank’s Great Big Bucket List by Jenny Pearson, illustrated by David O’Connell, a joyful, big-hearted adventure that will leave young readers laughing while quietly tugging at their heartstrings. When Frank unexpectedly inherits a fortune from a grandmother he never knew, the money comes with an unusual condition: he must spend time with a brand-new grandpa.
Determined to make the most of the situation, Frank creates an outrageous bucket list packed with unforgettable experiences, from hot-air balloon rides to monster-truck lessons and even parkour challenges. The result is a whirlwind of chaos, comedy and surprising moments of kindness.
Jenny balances laugh-out-loud escapades with a warm message about family, connection and what really makes us happy. Beneath the wild adventures lies a thoughtful reminder that the best treasures in life can’t be bought.
Fast-paced, funny and full of heart, this is a brilliant read for children who enjoy humour, adventure and stories that celebrate the importance of family.
Make sure you vote at Coventry Inspiration Book Awards – Coventry City Council for your favourite book to win!
Happy reading, and voting!
