Milnrow pupil’s winning book review earns special prizes and a mention in Parliament

Friday, 2 May 2025 13:37

By David Murphy

A young reader from Milnrow Parish Primary School has been crowned the overall winner of a new World Book Day competition celebrating children’s love of reading.

Harry Hodgkiss impressed judges with his entry about The World’s Worst Monsters by David Walliams, pairing an enthusiastic write-up with a charming illustration. His prize included a £30 book voucher, a creative writing book, pens, and a personalised pocket cushion.

As part of the celebrations, Harry received a shout-out in Parliament and was joined by his mum Jenny and family at a prize-giving ceremony, which also saw the school awarded £175 worth of new books—including the Narnia, Captain Underpants, and Ancient Myths series—and £200 in office supplies.

The competition, organised locally to mark World Book Day 2025, invited primary school children to write about their favourite book and explain why it meant so much to them. The response was so strong that organisers created a new ‘Specially Commended’ category to recognise further outstanding entries.

Faith Wright, from St Andrew’s CofE Primary in Dearnley, was named runner-up for her passionate review of Japanese manga series Demon Slayer by Koyoharu Gotouge. She received a pocket cushion, creative writing materials, and a certificate.

Adam Muhammad, a pupil at Heybrook Primary School, received a Specially Commended award for his review of LEGO: Our Amazing Universe, which tied in neatly with a major LEGO exhibition at Number One Riverside. He was one of seven children to win personalised pencil cases and certificates.

Other specially commended winners included Isla Houghton, Thomas Foylan, Amelia Raja, Hawwa Siddique, Amaal Azam and Lucy Fassioms. Runner-up Adam Sarwar was also recognised alongside Faith Wright.

Organisers thanked local businesses for donating prizes, including Gavin Reynolds of Alf Recruit, Louise Rothwell of i-Branded, and John Fitton of Office Supplies Now. Chris Minogue of Business in the Community was also recognised for his support.

Speaking about the initiative, the organiser said: “Encouraging a love of reading among our youngsters is a key mission of mine and I can’t wait to see next year’s entries. It’s been an absolute joy to read through such heartfelt and imaginative reviews.”