6-8 years old is a critical age range for children's books, finding books that engage the newly independent reader without turning them off reading. You want them to feel that they're graduating from picture books and developing whilst not dashing their confidence with anything too challenging.

And this is what the Alligator's Mouth Award is all about, celebrating highly illustrated fiction, and run by the Alligator’s Mouth bookshop and the Bright Agency in association with Gardners.

This year Sophy Henn takes the award for her book Pizazz published by Simon & Schuster Children's Books. LoveReading4Kids awarded it a Star Book when it was published in August 2020 calling Pizazz "a really super new super-hero".

Pizazz

Henn was presented with the trophy by last year’s winner Adam Stower who praised Pizazz for being "original and funny, with a great cast of characters".

Author and illustrator Henn said: "I was completely thrilled to be amongst such wonderful books on the longest; I could not believe my luck when I found myself on the shortlist, and I didn't think for one moment that I would end up holding this beautiful award! WOW! A huge thank you to Tony, Margaret and the incredible team at the Alligator’s Mouth Award, to the brilliant judges, who are all utter heroes. And thank you to the all the wonders at Simon & Schuster, who have been so brilliant and supportive of Pizazz. I’m absolutely over the moon!."

Best-selling author Smriti Halls joined Adam Stower on the 2021 judging panel. Halls said: "The Alligator’s Award is such a special one. It celebrates those important books that help bridge the gap between picture books and young fiction, and turn children into independent readers. It celebrates those special stories that capture the imagination by perfectly combining wonderful words with enthralling pictures and take children onto the next step of their reading journey.  We know how important it is that children read early and the difference that can make in their lives. I’m so happy that this is a prize that encourages them to read widely… and that helps children discover stories that are full of enjoyment, warmth, laughter and fun."

Expert Reviewer Andrea Reece said of Pizazz: "Sophy Henn’s story is great fun, narrated at super-hero speed and in a wonderfully direct and distinctive voice by Pizazz, who is exactly the kind of super-hero we all want to be with right now: funny, honest, self-aware, and able to tell a really good story. I can’t wait for more from Pizazz and expect that she’ll soon have legions of fans. Sophy Henn’s artwork is snazzy and comic and absolutely on the ball, just like her new character."

Pizazz is followed up by two other books in the series and certainly don't disappoint.

Pizazz v The New Kid

Pizazz v Perfecto

If you are looking for more inspiration and other books for 7+ readers, take a look at our 7+ recommendations