MR RIPLEY'S ENCHANTED BOOKS: Children's Book Cover Illustration Competition - ROUND FOUR - 2024/25

We welcome YOU once again to Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books 15th Annual Children's Book Cover Illustration Competition! This vibrant event showcases and celebrates the incredible talent and creativity of artists from all around the world. As we continue to foster a love for highlighting the unsung heroes/teams of our favourite book covers.  Join us on this exciting journey and spread the word as we embark on another year of discovering extraordinary artistry that brings enchanting stories to life through the power of illustrations. Get ready to unleash your inner artist and be a part of this remarkable celebration of children's illustration and design! Previous winners HERE!

Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Book Cover Competition Rules 

There will be FIVE (4 OF 5) weekly heats; each with SIX books to vote for. Although there will be 7 book covers in the final to vote for. All heat winners will make the grand final plus two book covers WITH the highest number of votes from all the previous heats.

ROUND ONE WINNER: Susan Cahill - The World Between the Rain - Published by Everything with Words (24 Oct. 2024) - Book Cover Illustration by Holly Ovenden. 

ROUND TWO WINNER: Kevin Moran - The Doomsday - Published by O'Brien Press (3 March 2025) - Book Cover Illustration by Tomislav Tikulin - Cover design by Emma Byrne

ROUND THREE WINNER:  Kate Thompson - Yetis Don't Exist! - Published by Templar Publishing (7 Nov. 2024) - Book Cover Illustrated by Loretta Schauer 

Each week you vote you will be in with a chance to win an exciting prize. 

This week's great prize is a £10 Book Voucher/and a bar of chocolate. Good luck everybody! 

If you are interested all you need to do is:

• Vote for your favourite book cover using the poll HERE  (or at the bottom of the post)
• Leave a comment through this post/poll or see pinned Tweet/X or other socials for more details on @Enchantedbooks
• This poll will end on the 15th of December 2024 at Midnight (UK). 

Have fun and please share with the world through X, Facebook, Threads, and Instagram. Watch the voting develop, and wait to hear whether you've won (once the poll has closed).

Here are the six brilliant book covers to vote for this week: 

BOOK ONE: Antonia Maxwell - Terra Electrica: The Guardians of the North - Published by Neem Tree Press Limited (4 July 2024) - Book Cover by Jet Purdie  - VOTE HERE 

BOOK TWO: J. P. Rose - BIRDIE - Published by Andersen Press (3 Oct. 2024) - Book Cover by Keith Robinson - VOTE HERE

BOOK THREE: Angela Kecojevic - Sleuth School - Published by OUP Oxford (29 Aug. 2024) - Book Cover by Alisha Monnin - VOTE HERE

BOOK FOUR: Oliver Jeffers - Where to Hide a Star - Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books (10 Oct. 2024) - Book Cover by Oliver Jeffers - VOTE HERE

BOOK FIVE: Jack Jackman - Maisie vs Antarctica - Published by Nosy Crow Ltd (26 Sept. 2024) - Book Cover by Marco Guadalupi - VOTE HERE 

BOOK SIX: Jenny Pearson - Bigfoot and the Wild Boys - Published by Barrington Stoke (2 Jan. 2025) - Book Cover by Aleksei Bitskoff - VOTE HERE 

Happy Voting! 

Jamie Hammond - Grumpfort - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

 

Grumpfort: Meet the World's Worst Monster Hunter by Jamie Hammond. Published by Usborne Publishing (13 Mar. 2025). 

Jamie Hammond introduces readers to an enchanting and thrilling world filled with humour, adventure, and a cast of quirky and likeable monsters. The story follows Mo, an unlikely hero who never wanted to be a Warden, but finds himself thrust into the chaotic role of monster hunter. The premise is both original, engaging and refreshing as Mo's journey leads him to Grumpfort, a secret fortress plagued by a formidable foe—the Grumpsnatcher.

Hammond's writing pulsates with its witty dialogue and vivid descriptions that bring the fantastical world to life. The plot is fast-paced and filled with unexpected twists, making it a delightful read for children all of ages. The illustrations really complement the narrative perfectly, adding an extra layer of charm and dimension to the heartfelt story.

What sets "Grumpfort" apart is its relatable themes of bravery, friendship, and self-discovery. Mo’s grows into a courageous character who confronts his fears is inspiring. Young readers will find themselves rooting for Mo as he embarks on his monster hunt, navigating challenges and forming bonds along the way in a roller-coaster adventure. 

"Grumpfort" for me is a must-read for young adventurers and monster enthusiasts alike. It’s a fun, heartwarming tale that promises to leave readers eagerly anticipating Mo's next escapade. Grab your net watch out for traps and join the hunt—this book is sure to become a favourite!