Coral Rumble’s novel 'Jakub's Otter' wins Spark! School Book Award 2024-25
We’re cock-a-hoop that award-winning poet Coral Rumble’s debut novel for children, Jakub’s Otter, is a winner in the Spark! School Book Awards 2024/25.
Jakub’s Otter is a tender tale aimed at middle grade readers that tells the story of ten-year-old Jakub Polanski, who is a carer for his mother Maria. Jakub’s family realise that the boy needs a break and, when family friends offer to take Jakub on holiday with them to Italy, a whole new adventure unfolds in which he discovers a raft of resources - including a wise woodsman who becomes a friend and mentor to the boy, and an injured otter called Piccolo, who also needs Jakub’s help and care.
The Spark! Awards shortlist is chosen by a panel of teachers, booksellers and librarians. The final award-winners, however, are decided by children, and were announced at a special ceremony this month.
Speaking after the ceremony, author Coral Rumble said, “I’m thrilled that Jakub’s Otter has won the 9+ Spark Award! This fabulous Award promotes reading in schools with real excitement, and I appreciate the efforts of all who make it work so well.”
Read more about the Awards and see the full list of winners at www.sparkbookawards.co.uk
Discover more about Coral Rumble’s Jakub’s Otter, read Coral’s blog about what inspired her to write the book, watch her read an extract from the story, and download some free teaching points and book club discussion ideas, at www.troikabooks.com/jakubs-otter