Publication Date: 12 February 2026 (Paperback)

The Blurb

Grimwood needs a new mayor! Titus has finally decided he’s had enough, leaving behind big antlers to fill. With characters new and old throwing their hats into the ring, who has what it takes, who has a hidden agenda, and who is simply in it for the parties? The only people who can decide the fate of Grimwood are . . . the residents of Grimwood. Oh no. 

The Review

What a riot! Nadia Shireen’s fifth installment in the Grimwood series is a brilliant, belly-laugh-inducing adventure that feels like a campfire tale told by someone who absolutely lost the plot on purpose (and we’re all so here for it).

Grimwood itself is as delightfully chaotic as ever, and now it needs a mayor with an election like no election you’ve ever, ever seen. The campaign trail here is less polished speeches and more who brought the best snacks? with a generous side of secret schemes and suspiciously enthusiastic party-planning.

Characters both beloved and brand new throw their hats into the ring, and just like any good election, half of them are running for glory, half are running for chaos, and all of them are running because why not?

Illustrated throughout with Shireen’s signature wit and energy, the book is a perfect storm of heart, humour, and sublime nonsense. You’ll laugh, you’ll gasp, you’ll probably question your own choices in life. It’s sharp, silly, and full of surprises, basically everything you hope for in a fifth book, and then some.

A must-read for Grimwood fans and anyone who believes that democracy should involve more confetti and talking animals.

Great for fans of:

• The Land of Lost Things by Andy Griffiths & Bill Hope
• Fairy vs Wizard: A Stink Adventure by Jenny McLachlan
• Agent Moose by Mo O’Hara and illustrated by Jess Bradley

Huge thanks to Kirsten and Simon & Schuster for sending me a finished copy.