Previous Finalists





Finalists 2016

Below is a list of the 2016 FINALISTS in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. The children's books were read and judged by children in 8 UK primary and secondary schools, the adult books by 2 Reading Groups, 1 in London and 1 in Stockholm. The books were marked according to EDITING, THEME, STYLE, COVER and, in the case of many of the children's books, ILLUSTRATIONS.

The WINNERS will be announced on April 1st, 2017.

Jump straight to:

If you happen to be looking for a good read, the readers at The Wishing Shelf Awards thoroughly recommend the following:

Category 1: Pre-school picture books
A Fish in Foreign Waters, A Book for Bilingual Children by Laura Caputo-Wickham and Pamela Goodman
A Fish in Foreign Waters, A Book for Bilingual Children
Author: Laura Caputo-Wickham and Pamela Goodman
Beverlee Beaz the Brown Burmese by Regan W. H. Macaulay
Beverlee Beaz the Brown Burmese
Author: Regan W. H. Macaulay
How Popcorn the Bear Found His Name! by Debbie Howard
How Popcorn the Bear Found His Name!
Author: Debbie Howard
Magnus Carter by Julian Warrender, Lyndsey Smith
Magnus Carter
Author: Julian Warrender, Lyndsey Smith
Mikey and the Swamp Monster by Jeanne Moran
Mikey and the Swamp Monster
Author: Jeanne Moran
Monkeys on the Beach by David C Hoffman and Ceci Bard
Monkeys on the Beach
Author: David C Hoffman and Ceci Bard
One Fine Summer's Night by Kevin Price
One Fine Summer's Night
Author: Kevin Price
Piccadilly and the Waltzing Wind by Lisa Anne Novelline
Piccadilly and the Waltzing Wind
Author: Lisa Anne Novelline
Popcorn the Bear & Biscuit's Odd Ears! by Debbie Howard
Popcorn the Bear & Biscuit's Odd Ears!
Author: Debbie Howard
Popcorn the Bear & the Mysterious Snowman! by Debbie Howard
Popcorn the Bear & the Mysterious Snowman!
Author: Debbie Howard
The Amazing Adventures of Melissa Bee by Aimée Lissantheia
The Amazing Adventures of Melissa Bee
Author: Aimée Lissantheia
Illustrator: Tim Lukowiak
The Loveliest of all was the Froggicorn by Kay Green and Katy Jones
The Loveliest of all was the Froggicorn
Author: Kay Green and Katy Jones
The Number Story 1 / The Number Story 2 by Miss Anna
The Number Story 1 / The Number Story 2
Author: Miss Anna
Zak and Jen's Astronomical Adventures: The Petal Planet by Natalie Page, (Illustrator, Chris Rivers Nuttall)
Zak and Jen's Astronomical Adventures: The Petal Planet
Author: Natalie Page, (Illustrator, Chris Rivers Nuttall)
Zuma the Dog: Zuma the Dinosaur Guy by Samantha Bertish
Zuma the Dog: Zuma the Dinosaur Guy
Author: Samantha Bertish

Category 2: Books for 6 - 8 year olds
Atalanta, Simon Spence by Colm Lawton
Atalanta, Simon Spence
Author: Colm Lawton
Christmas Cats by R F Kristi
Christmas Cats
Author: R F Kristi
Fairy Dust by W J Scott
Fairy Dust
Author: W J Scott
Finnigan the Circus Cat by Mary Wagner
Finnigan the Circus Cat
Author: Mary Wagner
Horace Burp, Lizard Boy Hero by Christine Tennent
Horace Burp, Lizard Boy Hero
Author: Christine Tennent
I Thought I'd Teach Myself to Shave by Sam Blake, A T Davidson
I Thought I'd Teach Myself to Shave
Author: Sam Blake, A T Davidson
Nickerbacher by Terry John Barto
Nickerbacher
Author: Terry John Barto
One Little Black Nose by Clare Passingham and Amy Brown
One Little Black Nose
Author: Clare Passingham and Amy Brown
Simon Cup's Box by A. B. Syed
Simon Cup's Box
Author: A. B. Syed
Tales of Mr. Snuggywhiskers: The Spring Tales (Volume 3) by C F Crawford
Tales of Mr. Snuggywhiskers: The Spring Tales (Volume 3)
Author: C F Crawford
Illustrator: L H Crawford
The Lonely Little Bumbershoot by Jeff Edwards and Brenda Edwards
The Lonely Little Bumbershoot
Author: Jeff Edwards and Brenda Edwards
Illustrator: Brise Birdsong
Weeds in Nana's Garden by Kathryn Harrison
Weeds in Nana's Garden
Author: Kathryn Harrison

Category 3: Books for 9 - 12 year olds
All-In-One: Grades 1-3 by Rachel Billings
All-In-One: Grades 1-3
Author: Rachel Billings
Arnie Jenks and the House of Strangers by Tim Bradley
Arnie Jenks and the House of Strangers
Author: Tim Bradley
Bending Willow by Jacci Turner
Bending Willow
Author: Jacci Turner
Billy Saves the Day by James Minter
Billy Saves the Day
Author: James Minter
Bumbling Bea by Deborah Baldwin
Bumbling Bea
Author: Deborah Baldwin
Creepy, Funny & Just Plain Weird: Stories and poems for kids by Maranda Russell
Creepy, Funny & Just Plain Weird: Stories and poems for kids
Author: Maranda Russell
Crime Cats: Missing by Wolfgang Parker
Crime Cats: Missing
Author: Wolfgang Parker
Jodie and the Library Card by Julie Hodgson
Jodie and the Library Card
Author: Julie Hodgson
Legend of the Forest Beast by Don Winn
Legend of the Forest Beast
Author: Don Winn
Mandigo and the Hellhounds by Anders Reemark
Mandigo and the Hellhounds
Author: Anders Reemark
Mars Misson by Christopher Peter
Mars Misson
Author: Christopher Peter
My Aunt Manya by José Patterson
My Aunt Manya
Author: José Patterson
My Last Summer on the Moon by Sung-Jin Kang
My Last Summer on the Moon
Author: Sung-Jin Kang
Star Sapphire and the Land of the Gems, The Ride of Doom by Anthony Pardoe
Star Sapphire and the Land of the Gems, The Ride of Doom
Author: Anthony Pardoe
Stealing Magic by Alex C Vick
Stealing Magic
Author: Alex C Vick
The Beat on Ruby's Street by Jenna Zark
The Beat on Ruby's Street
Author: Jenna Zark
The Cats Who Crossed Over from Paris by R F Kristi
The Cats Who Crossed Over from Paris
Author: R F Kristi
The Final Rue of Naveena Bleu by Pamela Hartley
The Final Rue of Naveena Bleu
Author: Pamela Hartley
The King of Average by Gary Schwartz
The King of Average
Author: Gary Schwartz
The Mad Moon Mission by Andrew Guile
The Mad Moon Mission
Author: Andrew Guile
Zombie RiZing First Season by Matt J Pike
Zombie RiZing First Season
Author: Matt J Pike

Category 4: Books for Teenagers
Amanda Lester and the Pink Sugar Conspiracy by Paula Berinstein
Amanda Lester and the Pink Sugar Conspiracy
Author: Paula Berinstein
Calamity Jane: How the West Began by Bryan Ney
Calamity Jane: How the West Began
Author: Bryan Ney
Chemistry by C.L. Lynch
Chemistry
Author: C.L. Lynch
Diamonds at Dusk by Catalina Claussen
Diamonds at Dusk
Author: Catalina Claussen
Dust: Before and After by S E Smith
Dust: Before and After
Author: S E Smith
Fyrian's Fire by Emily H. Jeffries
Fyrian's Fire
Author: Emily H. Jeffries
Legacy by Ellery A Kane
Legacy
Author: Ellery A Kane
Life After the Undead by Pembroke Sinclair
Life After the Undead
Author: Pembroke Sinclair
Resist: Book Two of the Resistance Series by Tracy Lawson
Resist: Book Two of the Resistance Series
Author: Tracy Lawson
Rimrider (Rimrider Adventures Book 1) by L A Kelley
Rimrider (Rimrider Adventures Book 1)
Author: L A Kelley
Sky Stone by Scarlett Van Dijk
Sky Stone
Author: Scarlett Van Dijk
The Dragons' Chosen by Gwen Dandridge
The Dragons' Chosen
Author: Gwen Dandridge
The Gospel According to St Rage by Karen Eisenbrey
The Gospel According to St Rage
Author: Karen Eisenbrey
The Grey Eyed Storm: The Occuli, Book One by Christie M. Stenzel
The Grey Eyed Storm: The Occuli, Book One
Author: Christie M. Stenzel
The Grid 1: Fall of Justice by Paul Teague
The Grid 1: Fall of Justice
Author: Paul Teague
The Road to Kalbakar by Paul E. Horsman
The Road to Kalbakar
Author: Paul E. Horsman
The Yellow Hoods, Along Came a Wolf by Adam Dreece
The Yellow Hoods, Along Came a Wolf
Author: Adam Dreece
Thomas Silent by Ben Gribbin
Thomas Silent
Author: Ben Gribbin
UnBlessed by Crystin Goodwin
UnBlessed
Author: Crystin Goodwin
Up, Back and Away by K. Velk
Up, Back and Away
Author: K. Velk
Voyage of the Defiance by S E Smith
Voyage of the Defiance
Author: S E Smith
XODUS by K.J. McPike
XODUS
Author: K.J. McPike

Category 5: Books for adults (fiction)
Absence - Volume One: Whispers and Shadow by J B Forsyth
Absence - Volume One: Whispers and Shadow
Author: J B Forsyth
Backwoods Ripper by Anna Willett
Backwoods Ripper
Author: Anna Willett
Blood Dragons by Rosemary A Johns
Blood Dragons
Author: Rosemary A Johns
Camelot's Queen (Guinevere's Tale: Book 2) by Nicole Evelina
Camelot's Queen (Guinevere's Tale: Book 2)
Author: Nicole Evelina
Circled by Anne McAneny
Circled
Author: Anne McAneny
Cuckoo Clock New York by Elisabeth Marrion
Cuckoo Clock New York
Author: Elisabeth Marrion
Cult Fiction by James Dwyer
Cult Fiction
Author: James Dwyer
Daughter of Destiny (Guinevere's Tale: Book 1) by Nicole Evelina
Daughter of Destiny (Guinevere's Tale: Book 1)
Author: Nicole Evelina
Educating Creatures by Mike Williams
Educating Creatures
Author: Mike Williams
Expired Listings by D.M.Barr
Expired Listings
Author: D.M.Barr
Fall of the Cities: Planting the Orchard by Vance Huxley
Fall of the Cities: Planting the Orchard
Author: Vance Huxley
Finding Miranda by Iris Chacon
Finding Miranda
Author: Iris Chacon
Grendel's Mother: The Saga of the Wyrd-Wife by Susan Morrison
Grendel's Mother: The Saga of the Wyrd-Wife
Author: Susan Morrison
Hemingway, Three Angels, and Me by Jerome Mark Antil
Hemingway, Three Angels, and Me
Author: Jerome Mark Antil
High Hopes by Sue lilley
High Hopes
Author: Sue lilley
In a Gilded Cage by Susan Appleyard
In a Gilded Cage
Author: Susan Appleyard
Irish Secrets by Paula Martin
Irish Secrets
Author: Paula Martin
Legacy of Hunger by Christy Nicholas
Legacy of Hunger
Author: Christy Nicholas
Magnificent Farewell by Karen J. Hasley
Magnificent Farewell
Author: Karen J. Hasley
Misfortune of Song by Christy Nicholas
Misfortune of Song
Author: Christy Nicholas
Nightsong by M J Rhodes
Nightsong
Author: M J Rhodes
Nine Lifelines: A Psycho Cat and the Landlady Mystery by Joyce Ann Brown
Nine Lifelines: A Psycho Cat and the Landlady Mystery
Author: Joyce Ann Brown
Pages in the Wind by Sally Saylor De Smet
Pages in the Wind
Author: Sally Saylor De Smet
Pride's Children: PURGATORY by Alicia Butcher Ehrhardt
Pride's Children: PURGATORY
Author: Alicia Butcher Ehrhardt
Shattered Lies by S J Francis
Shattered Lies
Author: S J Francis
She Dies at the End by A. M. Manay
She Dies at the End
Author: A. M. Manay
Silvana The Greening by Belinda Mellor
Silvana The Greening
Author: Belinda Mellor
The Allure of the Red Wyrm by Mike Williams
The Allure of the Red Wyrm
Author: Mike Williams
The Battle of Jericho by Walter Marks
The Battle of Jericho
Author: Walter Marks
The Body on the Barstool (A Top Shelf Mystery) by Lolli Powell
The Body on the Barstool (A Top Shelf Mystery)
Author: Lolli Powell
The Carlswick Conspiracy by S L Beaumont
The Carlswick Conspiracy
Author: S L Beaumont
The EvoAngel by Ellen King Rice
The EvoAngel
Author: Ellen King Rice
The Fridge Drawings by D. Bunyan
The Fridge Drawings
Author: D. Bunyan
The Migrant Report by Mohanalakshmi Rajakumar
The Migrant Report
Author: Mohanalakshmi Rajakumar
The Rose Within - A Gothic Romance by Sana Pirzada
The Rose Within - A Gothic Romance
Author: Sana Pirzada
Toru: Wayfarer Returns by Stephanie R. Sorensen
Toru: Wayfarer Returns
Author: Stephanie R. Sorensen
Twice as Long, Half as Bright by J D Turner
Twice as Long, Half as Bright
Author: J D Turner
Waking the Merrow by Heather Rigney
Waking the Merrow
Author: Heather Rigney
Wrinkled Heartbeats by Temple Emmet Williams
Wrinkled Heartbeats
Author: Temple Emmet Williams

Category 6: Books for Adults (non-fiction)
90 Lessons for Living Large in 90 Square Feet by Felice Cohen
90 Lessons for Living Large in 90 Square Feet
Author: Felice Cohen
Book Blueprint by Jacqui Pretty
Book Blueprint
Author: Jacqui Pretty
Cruising the Mediterranean by Sunny & Al Lockwood
Cruising the Mediterranean
Author: Sunny & Al Lockwood
Dad FC: Debut Dads - The First Season of Fatherhood by Alex Goss
Dad FC: Debut Dads - The First Season of Fatherhood
Author: Alex Goss
Deliverance Mary Fields by Miantae Metcalf McConnell
Deliverance Mary Fields
Author: Miantae Metcalf McConnell
Fire-Floats and Fireboats by David C Pike
Fire-Floats and Fireboats
Author: David C Pike
Into Africa with 3 Kids, 13 Crates and a Husband by Ann Patras
Into Africa with 3 Kids, 13 Crates and a Husband
Author: Ann Patras
Maternity Leavers: what to do about work now you're a mum by Soozi Baggs
Maternity Leavers: what to do about work now you're a mum
Author: Soozi Baggs
Part of the Family by Jason Hensley
Part of the Family
Author: Jason Hensley
Sightseeing in the Undiscovered Country by Louisa Oakley Green
Sightseeing in the Undiscovered Country
Author: Louisa Oakley Green
The Baby Files by Alisa Yingling
The Baby Files
Author: Alisa Yingling
The Elephant In The Mirror by Annette Earl
The Elephant In The Mirror
Author: Annette Earl
The Little Book on CBT for Depression by Dr James Manning, Dr Nicola Ridgewa
The Little Book on CBT for Depression
Author: Dr James Manning, Dr Nicola Ridgewa
The Spirit of the Hedgerow by Jo Dunbar
The Spirit of the Hedgerow
Author: Jo Dunbar
The Young Skin Diet: by Michelle Lee
The Young Skin Diet:
Author: Michelle Lee
Valley Speak: Deciphering the Jargon of Silicon Valley by Rochelle Kopp
Valley Speak: Deciphering the Jargon of Silicon Valley
Author: Rochelle Kopp

Red Ribbon Bands

A Red Ribbon is awarded to a book that did NOT get over 30/40 to be a finalist, but was still very much enjoyed by the readers.

A Month with Starfish by Bev Jackson
Red Ribbon

A Month with Starfish
Author: Bev Jackson
Baby X by Rebecca Ann Smith
Red Ribbon

Baby X
Author: Rebecca Ann Smith
Beyond the Fells by Wyn Jackman
Red Ribbon

Beyond the Fells
Author: Wyn Jackman
Beyond the Lens by Hannah Ellis
Red Ribbon

Beyond the Lens
Author: Hannah Ellis
Didn't Get Frazzled by David Z Hirsch
Red Ribbon

Didn't Get Frazzled
Author: David Z Hirsch
Juma's Rain by Katharina Gerlach
Red Ribbon

Juma's Rain
Author: Katharina Gerlach
Loves' Long Road by G D Harper
Red Ribbon

Loves' Long Road
Author: G D Harper
Merlin's Vow by Rosie Morgan
Red Ribbon

Merlin's Vow
Author: Rosie Morgan
So Complicated by Rumki Chowdhury
Red Ribbon

So Complicated
Author: Rumki Chowdhury
Split by Lee Abbey
Red Ribbon

Split
Author: Lee Abbey
The Demon's Call by Kim Gravell
Red Ribbon

The Demon's Call
Author: Kim Gravell
The Girl from Oto by Amy Maroney
Red Ribbon

The Girl from Oto
Author: Amy Maroney
The Green Door by Christopher Bowden
Red Ribbon

The Green Door
Author: Christopher Bowden
The McCall Initiative Episodes 1.1-1.3 by Lisa Nowak
Red Ribbon

The McCall Initiative Episodes 1.1-1.3
Author: Lisa Nowak
The Phantom of Faerie Mountain by E M McIntyre
Red Ribbon

The Phantom of Faerie Mountain
Author: E M McIntyre
The Precious Pachyderm (An Evangeline Adams Mystery Book 1) by Karen Christino
Red Ribbon

The Precious Pachyderm (An Evangeline Adams Mystery Book 1)
Author: Karen Christino
To the Transplant Games by Caroline McIntosh
Red Ribbon

To the Transplant Games
Author: Caroline McIntosh
Twist and Mix by Fay Wentworth
Red Ribbon

Twist and Mix
Author: Fay Wentworth
Working Title by Will Macmillan Jones
Red Ribbon

Working Title
Author: Will Macmillan Jones
Woven Peril by Jeffrey Collyer
Red Ribbon

Woven Peril
Author: Jeffrey Collyer

Sponsored Ads



RED CHAIR PRESS
Titles in Dyslexic and
/or Large Print editions
ReadHowYouWant

Lines in the Sand
Edgy and isolating. A perfect
memoir of loss and endurance.
F. Scott Service

THE TRALL SERIES
Middle-grade portal
fantasies set in Australia.
by Gayle Torrens

I Never Said I Love You
A story of travel, friendship,
forgiveness, & roads not taken
Amazon

50 SECRETS NOBODY TELLS YOU IN
IN HOLLYWOOD Helping actors
avoid pitfalls & find success
Amazon

1066 WHAT FATES IMPOSE
An epic struggle for
the English Crown
by G. K. Holloway

Mother To Elephants
A Beautiful Tale of
Care and Compassion
Amazon

Esme and Griswald
A WITCH in search of a
POTION to save her PRINCE
Amazon

TEMPEST AND THE BRIGHTON
TREASURE - A middle-grade
adventure children will love!
Amazon

THE NIGHT OWL SINGS AND...
Shifting heartbreaks and
delights of our aging years
Amazon

Soul Release
An epic fantasy action
adventure in a world of magic.
Amazon

Angry Arthur
and The Run Around Trick
Learn to manage big feelings
Amazon

The Gates of Dark Death
The story of the last woman
to escape the Tower of London
by Alan Reynolds

POLE TO POLE (Book 4)
A fast-paced MG graphic
novel on climate change
The Adventures of Captain Polo

ANGEL OF ASHES
Award-winning epic YA
fantasy adventure series!
Amazon

From B to A:Britain to Albania
Funny road trip memoir–
with 4 dogs & 1 big truck!
by Jacqueline Lambert

Mirrors & Smoke: A War of 1812
'A smartly plotted, character
novel set in 1800s Canada' WSA
Amazon/Audible

BUILDING THE BEAST
Building a home-on-wheels
with zero blueprint.
Amazon

Half a Faerie
A disgraced rockstar falls for
a half-faerie single mom.
by Toni Cabell

THE PHILOSOPHER & THE ASSASSIN
campus novel, moral
philosophy, and murder mystery
Amazon

ARNI'S ADVENTURES
8 charming, silly, comic
stories to laugh at & enjoy.
Amazon

The Bardic Isles Series
A thought-provoking fantasy
where music is the magic!
Amazon

Then We'll Say Goodnight
How would you get your
unruly puppies back to bed?
Amazon

ULTIMATE OBSESSION
A cracking murder/mystery
packed with twists and turns.
Dai Henley

The Coach Trip
A light- hearted,
mid-life, comedy romance.
by Morag Clarke

Confidently Mindful
Answers to your most asked
mindfulness questions.
Amazon

BOBBIN AND THE MAGIC THIEF
A broken rule. A stolen
friend. A faerie rescue.
books2read

The Shadow and the Scream
Stranger Things meets
Alice in Wonderland.
Amazon

THE DARKWOLF SAGA (YA)
Embark on a harrowing journey
into fantasy and adventure.
Amazon

The Pond of Reflection
A Fantasy Adventure - Teamwork
Friendship & Self-Discovery
Amazon

Bentley's Fantabulous Idea
Embark on a whimsical colorful
journey filled with fun
MikiTaylor

The Graffiti Killer
A mind unhinged on
the fulcrum of our age.
by David Milnes

REVOLUTION
A contemporary
satirical novel
Amazon

Sam & Me & the Hard Pear Tree
A personal account of
a mother’s ultimate loss
Amazon

Forever Boy
Isaac comes to realize his new
friend harbors dark secrets.
books2read

LITERARY ECHOES
Sharp analyses of the
world's great short stories
Amazon

NEW TRAILS
One step changed his world.
One man changed his heart.
Amazon

THE SHADOW MAN
Spooky Clever Romantic
YA paranormal murder mystery
Amazon

The Source of The Wind
A powerful & tender women's
fiction novel with soul
by Ella Capek

MOTHER TO ELEPHANTS
A heartwarming, inspiring kids
picture book biography
THE STORY OF DAPHNE SHELDRICK

Alphamind
Embark on a journey into the
depths of the human spirit!
Amazon

Around the Globe
The Adventures of Squishy
and Boo, Book 3
Amazon

The Scrivener's Apprentice
Words have power.
Especially hers.
Amazon

THE NIGHT SLAYER
Perfect for PERCY JACKSON fans
'Thrill-a-page, fantasy' TWSA
Amazon

Perfect Middle Grade Series
Montana and her friends
save the forest animals!
Amazon

The Princess and the Spy
A witty and heartfelt
YA fantasy mystery
Amazon

My Solo Wedding in Santorini
A true story. Honest,
thought-provoking & funny .
blogaboutl

S.O.S. by Sue C Dugan
An exciting, time-travel
adventure for middle graders
Amazon

Aunty Jane Knits Up A Storm
Knitting, Friendship, Loss &
Healing in a Children's Story
Amazon

The Pathology of Graphology
Two citizens of the lower
depths kill an aging DJ.
by David Milnes

The Crooked Ladder
It's time to climb...
or die
Amazon

Law of Attraction Game Book
A playful 28-day guide
to joy, clarity, and ease!!
Amazon

A QUEST FOR HIDDEN THINGS
A cozy, coming-of-age
fantasy adventure
by Karen Eisenbrey

The Shadow Deception
Can a pranking pixie and a
grumpy angel save the world?
Amazon

SOUL WALK
Unexpected Gifts of Grief and
Connection to Those in Spirit
Amazon


Advertise Here Now


Nantucket Monsters
Island monsters on the sly,
live in the corner your eye
B. LAWSON HULL

DISCOVER YOUR NEXT INDIE
OBSESSION - Find & follow
indie books you'll love.
INDIEGUANA

REVOLUTION
A contemporary
satirical novel
Amazon

POLE TO POLE (Book 4)
A fast-paced MG graphic
novel on climate change
The Adventures of Captain Polo


Advertise Here Now


Useful Links

What Authors Say | Important Stuff | Our Supporters | Medals | Meet Billy Bob Buttons | For Readers | Gallery | Editing
Archived Finalists | Archived Winners | Rules | Winning a Book Award, A Tool in a Toolbox | Editorial Reviews | Books of the Month | BOOKS OF THE DECADE | Blurbs | Between Sips

Sign Up to our Newsletter