Winners 2025
Below is a list of the 2025 WINNERS 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.
Jump straight to:
- Category 1: Pre-school picture books
- Category 2: Books for 6 - 8 year olds
- Category 3: Books for 9 - 12 year olds
- Category 4: Books for Teenagers
- Category 5: Books for adults (fiction)
- Category 6: Books for Adults (non-fiction)
- Category 7: Audio Book - Children/Young Adult
- Category 8: Audio Book - Adult
- Category 9: Best Book Cover - Children/Young Adult
- Category 10: Best Book Cover - Adult
- Category 12: Adult/Children's Poetry
- Short Story - Novelette
If you happen to be looking for a good read, the readers at The Wishing Shelf Awards thoroughly recommend the following:
Bronze
Monkey See, Monkey Do. Monkey Can Do It, Can You?
Author: Harriet Cobb
Illustrator: Patrizia Donaera
Gold
The Adventures of Mrs. Crockess and Ivy: No Pockets? No Problem!
Author: Julia Kolouch
Illustrator: Petros Bouloubasis
Bronze
Watching Sarah Rise: a Journey of Thriving with Autism
Author: Jennifer Celeste Briggs
Performed by:
Gold
The Horned Women by Christy Matheson
Silver
Commanding the Cleanest Space Station by Jessica Kaye
Bronze
The King, Lady Killer and the Virgin by Mark Sheehan
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Truth Was Once Taboo
New humanity, ancient
wisdom: spirituality reborn.
Amazon
THE SAD PRINCESS
Refinding joy with our
children is not a fairy tale
Amazon
Rider of the Wind
An exultant celebration
of the magic of music
Amazon
Shadow Apprentice
Fast-paced MG steampunk
with an intrepid girl mechanic
by Linda Browne
Arctic Dinosaurs
Her first Arctic year -
middle grade - free activities
Fathom Publishing
Around the Globe
The Adventures of Squishy
and Boo, Book 3
Amazon
LoveVortex ... Drakor's Curse
A voyage into the unknown -
and a terrible curse.
Amazon
I Never Said I Love You
A story of travel, friendship,
forgiveness, & roads not taken
Amazon
If Roses Were Blue
Inspiring, heart-warming
adventure for ages 8 & up
Amazon
If Roses Were Blue
A stolen dog, lady of
light, 3 rescues—Inspiring!
Amazon
Mother To Elephants
A Beautiful Tale of
Care and Compassion
Amazon
Why Alaska?
An immigrant's tale in
the last frontier of America
The State I Came To Love
From B to A:Britain to Albania
Funny road trip memoir–
with 4 dogs & 1 big truck!
by Jacqueline Lambert
AT RECEPTION
Will Sally fall for the charms
of a guest? ADULT FICTION
by Galahad Porter
SOUTH KOREA
A nuanced & engaging analysis
of Korea's rise to prominence.
Amazon
The Other Side of Nowhere
A fast-paced page turner
southern gothic horror
by Jack Holt
HABITAT MAN
Midlife crisis meets eco-
fiction in heartwarming romcom
Amazon
The Scrivener's Apprentice
Words have power.
Especially hers.
Amazon
DAUGHTER OF SPIES
Wartime Secrets, Family Lies
A FINALIST in TWSA
Amazon
Popina & Slumberina
Join in a Magical Journey of
Growth and Self Discovery
Amazon
Pippin's Country Adventure
A happy fun educational read
about an adventurous poodle.
Amazon
The Boy from the Night Sky
Thrilling fantasy adventure
for all ages.
Amazon
INTO THE BLAZE
A new trilogy where fantasy,
myth, and reality entwine
Amazon
“Hatch Chile Willie”
offers children a heartwarming
tale of friendship
Amazon
The Coach Trip
A light- hearted,
mid-life, comedy romance.
by Morag Clarke
Prescription for Frozen Heart
Pride & Prejudice meets
Grey's Anatomy - medical rom.
by Jo-Anne Duffett
The One Week Writing Workshop
7 Days to Spark, Boost
or Revive Your Novel
Amazon
THE SAD PRINCESS
Refinding joy with our
children is not a fairy tale
Amazon
Pippin's Country Adventure
A happy fun educational read
about an adventurous poodle.
Amazon