Book Review: Loon Cove Summer by Donna Galanti

Loon Cove Summer is a heart-felt story of loss, grieving, first crushes and the will to make a difference.

 

Since her mother's death from cancer Sarah has been trapped in her grief. The only things that keep her going is helping out at the family's campground and trying to save the loons that live on their lake.

Loons: (North American English) or divers (British / Irish English) are a group of aquatic birds found in much of North America and northern Eurasia.  

 

Loon Cove Summer is a wonderful story for tween readers 10 -14 years. It raises awareness of environmental issues as thirteen -year-old Sarah volunteers at the wild bird rehabilitation centre and also tracks the loons movements and breeding. She has a mission to save the loons in the area. This was a project she started with her mother.

 

The introduction of Theo , who is on holiday at the lake, adds a lovely friendship theme. Sarah's crush on Theo is sweet and realistic and her awkwardness, clumsiness and blushing adds humour to the story. The banter and fun ribbing between Sarah and Theo is natural and amusing. Theo has been through his own tragedy and loss however exudes an air of confidence and resilience. Talking to Theo helps Sarah understand she is not alone in her grief. I think their friendship is what I loved most about the story.

 

Loon Cove Campground has a wonderful cast of eccentric inhabitants who add wit, humour, words of wisdom and a close community feel to the story.

 

Loon Cove Summer is a story about realising your dreams for the future and working towards making them happen.

 

" Every big idea starts small with one person ... So, go - be that one person who makes a change for the better." - Loon Cove Summer

 

I adored this heartrending and heartwarming story of working out who you are after a major loss, moving on with your life and dreams. I enjoyed the environment aspect with the raptor rehabilitation centre, encouraging children to become wildlife warriors and junior conservationists.

 

Loon Cove Summer is a memorable read filled with humour, suspense, hope and reconciliation.

Donna Galanti evokes a world where love, hope and connectedness ultimately triumph.

 

Perfect for fans of: Nature, survival stories, great outdoors, STEM adventure, and environmental causes. 

 

Content: dead mother

              first kiss - very sweet 

 

My rating 5 / 5  🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆 

Recommended age: 10 - 14 years

 

Publisher: Wild Trail Press

Publication date: 6th May 2025

Genre: Children's / Tween Fiction

Pages: 276 

Price: AU$9.14 (kindle) 

Source: Courtesy of Media Masters Publicity

 

 

  

Book Review: Max and the Mighty Hurricane by Chrissy Hobbs & Ben Jackson

 Max and the Mighty Hurricane is the first in a new children's series, by authors Chrissy Hobbs and Ben Jackson, that explain natural disasters in a gentle and informative way to relieve the anxiety surrounding these events.

 

 illustrated by Tanya Zeinlova

 

Publisher: Indie Publishing Group

Publication date: 1st May 2025

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 36

Source: eBook courtesy of the authors

 

The first in a fabulous new series of stories to weather the storms of life, building resilience and courage in young children.

 

Max lived by the sea and reports of expected hurricanes made him anxious. His mother and father knew what to do and taught Max how to be prepared, showing him the printed checklist they have on hand so nothing is forgotten in an emergency. His parents also explain how different families may have different checklists and needs.

 

This wonderful story goes step by step through the stages of being prepared for a weather event to actually leaving the house being at a shelter and then returning to the devastation.

 

I loved how Max's parents were always upbeat and showed Max resilience by example.

Max's house is damaged and the yard is full of mud. His parents put on a bright face and get Max to help redecorate his room and all the neighbours pitch in and help each other.

 

Max and the Mighty Hurricane is beautifully illustrated by Tanya Zeinlova in bright, realistic double page spreads. These expressive illustrations pair perfectly with the meaningful text making the book visually appealing as well as informative.

 

Sharing Max and the Mighty Hurricane between children and caregivers provides ample opportunity for discussion of events that may cause children fear and anxiety.

 

This gentle and sensitive picture book encourages confidence and resilience in the face of adversity.

 

My rating 5 / 5 🌪🌪🌪🌪🌪