A national reading competition has revealed three winning reviews in celebration of children’s creativity and love for books.
TGJones’ Bitesize Bookworms competition invited primary school children aged five to 12 to describe their favourite book in 25 words or fewer, drawing thousands of creative and entertaining entries.
The winning entries were selected by a celebrity judging panel, including MC Grammar, Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan.
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Entries were grouped into three primary school age categories, with each of the three winners earning a £200 TGJones gift card and £4,000 worth of books and stationery for their school.
Alex Willson, chief executive of TGJones and head judge of Bitesize Bookworms, said: "Nothing is more creative than a child’s imagination and we wanted to celebrate that unfiltered, accidental comedy that comes from a child giving their honest opinion about their favourite book – and the winners of our competition provided us with just that.
"Reading is so important for a child’s development, and as partners of the National Year of Reading 2026 we hope this campaign has encouraged more children to pick up their favourite book."
Among the winners was Noah, a Year 2 pupil, who described The Witches as: “Plotting and potions for bad and good, beware of those witches in your neighbourhood! Wicked fear, wickeder joy, grief to grandma to hero mouse boy.”
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Winner Stanley in Year 4 reviewed The BFG by Road Dahl: “The BFG is the most whizzpopping, funbumtious book. The BFG is funtastic. I like his silly langwitch.”
Lyla in Year 5, who won for her review of The Majorly Awkward BFF Dramas of Lottie Brooks by Katie Kirby, wrote: “It’s a funny and relatable book; my cat judgementally stared at me while I laughed loudly, snorted juice everywhere, and missed every bedtime until completed.”
David Hayman, director of the National Year of Reading 2026, said: "Reading has the power to open doors, spark imagination and build confidence in every child.
"Through the National Year of Reading 2026, we’re encouraging families, schools and communities to rediscover the joy of books and inspire a lifelong love of reading.
"We’re incredibly grateful to TG Jones and all of our partners for their support and their shared commitment to making reading a relevant and rewarding part of everyday life."
Three runners-up from each age category received a £50 TGJones gift card and £500 worth of equipment for their schools.
TGJones launched the Bitesize Bookworms competition earlier this year in support of the National Year of Reading 2026.
This article has been published as part of Born & Read in Norfolk – a year-long initiative highlighting the importance of reading and writing, delivered in partnership with the National Centre for Writing, headline sponsor RWE and sponsor YouGarden.
Follow the campaign throughout the year in our coverage and on social media using #BornAndRead2026 or get in touch at readingmatters@newsquest.co.uk
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