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



The Mystery of the Lost Avenge
Multilevel story/ghost/romance
forensics/WWII/espionage
Linda Maria Frank

SIR BARKINGTON AND THE WORRY
WOOF - Helping little worriers
feel calmer every day
by Janine Marsh

Demons to Champions
A tale of neurodivergent
awakening and triumph.
Amazon

Burt: The Airport Cat
Heartwarming cat adventure
about friendship!
by Christine Henry

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

Winkle and Aster
Urban fantasy that takes
imagination to its limits
books2read

Don't Look Too Tasty
Hungry aliens, missing
friends. Who can you trust?
Amazon

Moonshine Mesa
Why are bees, crows &
humans dying at the Mesa?
Amazon

The One Week Writing Workshop
7 Days to Spark, Boost
or Revive Your Novel
Amazon

DRAGONDAH (9 - 12 year olds)
Solving ancient mysteries and
outwitting scheming villains!
Amazon

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

REMEMBER THIS
Award-Winning
Spiritual Masterpiece
Truly life changing!

THE CURIST
Abby Steel hunts an evil
killer. Can he be caught?
Amazon

Truth Was Once Taboo
New humanity, ancient
wisdom: spirituality reborn.
Amazon

THE FOUNDLING
A foundling rises to
reclaim his stolen birthright
Amazon

SOUTH KOREA
A nuanced & engaging analysis
of Korea's rise to prominence.
Amazon

Truth Was Once Taboo
New humanity, ancient
wisdom: spirituality reborn.
Amazon

DRAGONDAH
The Secret Legacy
of Ottillee Bottomly
Amazon

SOUTH KOREA
Where old traditions and
modern change collide.
by John Gonzalez

36
A lyrical, heartbreaking,
hilarious novel about family.
Amazon

THE UNBROKEN
Love and adventure in
the strange worlds of mind.
Nigel Peace

FIELDS OF PROSPERIS
"Bingeable space opera, best
complex villains"-ARK Watson
Amazon

Tales Beyond Midnight
Dark, twisty and gripping.
You'll never stop at one.
by Kim Gravell

Building The Beast:
The Comic Memoir
of a Crazy Idea!
Amazon

Secrets of a Social Butterfly
How I unstuck my life
and you can too.
Lynn Bruines

DOWN TO EARTH
Master the art of combining
logic with intuition
Amazon

Sammie and Pumpkin
An adopted dog learns
how to make new friends.
Amazon

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

Out of the Darkness...
A memoir of animal
connections, love, and healing
books2read.com

A Rage To Live
A true boys' coming of age
story set during the Holocaust
Amazon

THE SANDS OF DEE
A moving WW2 evacuee
adventure for Middle Grade.
Amazon

AT RECEPTION
Will Sally fall for the charms
of a guest? ADULT FICTION
by Galahad Porter

CLEAR-CUTS
In 72 hours, a legend, a lore
& 2 brothers will all collide
Amazon

Wartime Secrets, Family Lies
London to life in Washington
in a family of secrets
Amazon

MILLIE'S RAINBOW
Beautiful picture book.
Kindness and rainbows.
by Hilary Hawkes

The Jumperell
A mysterious Jumperell
and a clever frog
Amazon

Pure Ink Press
Quality partnership publisher
open for submissions
Pure Ink Press

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

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

WHERE DO BEARS SLEEP?
Bedtime for Animals & Children
Illustrated Songbook
by Chris Meade

THOSE DARN STRIPES
A genuine read opening the
doors on love, life, & meaning
Amazon

THE FISH TANK - short stories
NARRATIVES ABOUT LIFE, EXILE,
GHOSTS…AND MURDER.
books2read

The Day After His Crucifixion
Jesus' women followers
finally tell their stories
by Merikay McLeod

Growing up Hadley
A story to shatter your heart
then mend it anew.
danawritesbooks

RAVEN'S GRAVE Charlotte Stuart
Betrayal and death in
an Alaskan Tlingit village.
Amazon

GIRARD'S JOURNEY
A SNAIL'S TALE
A heartwarming tale
of finding where you belong

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

Down to Earth
A practical guide to using
intuition for smarter living.
Amazon

From The Back of a Donkey
Fresh captivating look at the
Christmas Story told by Mary
by Nancy Elaine Hartman Minor

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

Mother To Elephants
A Beautiful Tale of
Care and Compassion
Amazon

FALSE NEUTRAL
One chance to finally
make sense of it all.
Amazon

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

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

Clifftop Farm in Wartime
A story of WW2
evacuated children
Amazon


Advertise Here Now


The One Week Writing Workshop
7 Days to Spark, Boost
or Revive Your Novel
Karin Adams

THEY'RE ALL BARKING
Discover how your lifestyle
and emotions affect your dog
Amazon

Finn's Funny Feelings
Helping children to manage
emotions in a healthy way
Amazon

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


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