We are delighted to be able to announce the winner, runner-ups and name our shortlist and longlist writers in our 2025 Idea Idol contest!
Similar to last year, the range and variety of ideas was off the scale. There are so many incredible stories being written out there, and our children are very lucky to have such a wealth to choose from. I just wish more of them could be published!
Judge Katie Blagden said: “it was great to read such a wonderful selection of pitches, and the overall level of writing and ideas was really strong!”
Announcing our winner
BARD TO THE FUTURE by Samantha De Vere
Middle-Grade Funny
Judge’s comments: This has such a clear, strong commercial hook and setup, while still leaving the reader intrigued about what might happen next. Super fun and well-written opening pages, and it left me wanting to read more
Runners-Up
The Alpaca Attackers by Helen Hooper
Picture Book Funny
Judge’s comments: This definitely catches the eye, and is a perfect example of the silly nonsense that kids that age would love. Really fun and really well done!
A GAME OF HEARTS AND HEISTS by Lorraine Birnita
Young Adult Thriller
Judge’s comments: The overall pitch here is very intriguing and definitely made me want to read more.
The full shortlist (with names)
| Title of Story | Name | Age category |
| A Fool’s Prophecy | Daisy Butt | Young Adult |
| A GAME OF HEARTS AND HEISTS | Lorraine Birnita | Young Adult |
| Bard To The Future | Samantha De Vere | Middle Grade |
| Dead Chat | Bec Treveil | Young Adult |
| Fliss Grey and The Moonlit Dance | Claire Gordon | Chapter Book |
| King Bling | Claire Gordon | Picture Book |
| Polar Pip: A Yeti, A Plane And A Pizza | Tara Girvan | Chapter Book |
| Rupali | Usma Malik | Middle Grade |
| SEVEN DISHES TO FALL IN LOVE | Kate den Rooijen | Young Adult |
| STICK RUN | Helen Hooper | Picture Book |
| The Alpaca Attackers | Helen Hooper | Picture Book |
The full longlist (with names)
| Title of Story | Name | Age category |
| Being Sophie | Jacki Moore | Young Adult |
| BOARDER CONTROL | Natasha Laroya | Young Adult |
| Dear Diana | Claudia Gonella | Middle Grade |
| Dinosaur Summer | Kirsty Warren | Middle Grade |
| Eddie McTed: Fluffy Fury! | Paul Nash | Chapter Book |
| ElfCrone | Marnie Forbes Eldridge | Middle Grade |
| Garry and the Big Barking Ball Bonanza | Helen Hooper | Picture Book |
| Gwenefer and the Son of Efrddyl | Essie Brammer | Middle Grade |
| Jamie and the truth serum | Tamara Wolcough | Middle Grade |
| Little Historians — Harvey and the Bone in the Sandpit | Hannah Silverman | Picture Book |
| Moany Lisa | Heather Griffin | Picture Book |
| Moppit, Maisy and the Moonlight Monsters | Helen Hooper | Picture Book |
| Nate Versus The Librarian | Natasha Dunn | Middle Grade |
| Night Bus Riders | Ellie Pulze | Middle Grade |
| Pocket Monsters | Ellie Salkeld | Chapter Book |
| Princess Uncharming | Hannah Silverman | Picture Book |
| Quackalina | Salma Ali | Picture Book |
| Seven Second Chances | Parker Swan | Teen |
| Soul Snare | Vanessa Locampo | Young Adult |
| The Cavegirl’s Guide to Pets | Elly Adams | Picture Book |
| The Oak Tree At The Edge Of The World | JD Ennison | Teen |
| The Wolf and the Star | Vanessa Locampo | Young Adult |
| Time Stitched | Usma Malik | Teen |
| What Will Wilma Decide? | Claire Stevenson | Picture Book |
| What’s With All the Penguins? | Emma Hulin | Picture Book |