Coral Rumble’s debut novel 'Jakub's Otter' shortlisted in Spark! School Book Awards 2024-25
We’re absolutely delighted that award-winning poet Coral Rumble’s debut novel for children, Jakub’s Otter, has been shortlisted in the Spark! School Book Awards 2024/25.
Jakub’s Otter, a tender tale aimed at middle grade readers, tells the story of ten-year-old Jakub Polanski, who is a carer for his mother Maria. It’s a huge responsibility and Jakub’s family realise that he needs a break and to have some time to experience being a child for a while. When family friends offer to take Jakub on holiday with them to Italy, a whole new adventure unfolds in which Jakub discovers a raft of resources - including an old woodsman who becomes a friend and mentor to the boy, and an injured otter called Piccolo, who needs a different kind of help and care altogether.
The Spark! Awards shortlist is chosen by a panel of teachers, booksellers and librarians. The final award-winners, however, will be decided by children, and will be announced at a special ceremony in June.
The Awards have grown incrementally over the 5 years since their launch and this year, more than 170 schools are taking part. Check out the video below for a taster!
Our heartiest congratulations to Coral – we’re keeping everything crossed for June! Obviously we’re biased, but we think that all of Coral’s books are absolute winners.