Monday, 28 July 2025

Mailbox Monday - 28th July 2025

 MAILBOX MONDAY

 
 Each Monday I will be posting the new books I received for review, won and purchased over the previous  week.
 
Books received for review:
 

 
The Wonder Horse by Mark Greenwood
Publisher: Fremantle Press
 
About the book:
 
In the 1930s, the big chestnut horse was a national icon who brought joy to ordinary Australians during the Great Depression. In dark times, people with little reason for hope cheered him on. Under the care of his faithful handler, Tommy, Phar Lap won many sensational victories. But there were some who would stop at nothing to keep Phar Lap from winning.


Join the History Hunter as he tackles a web of mysteries, from the intuition of a struggling horse trainer to the role of genetics, and the biggest mystery of how did Phar Lap really die?
 
 
 
 
The Deadly Diamond by Mark Greenwood
Publisher: Fremantle Press
 
About the book:
 
When an enormous blue diamond is extracted from a remote, snake-infested Indian mine in the 1600s, it begins its mysterious journey from the eye of a temple god to the jewellery of royalty to an esteemed exhibition piece. Stolen and sold, over time, it gains the world’s attention as the immensely valuable Hope Diamond. But the diamond’s potency for bad luck is said to have its origins in an ancient curse.

Follow the History Hunter, as he sets out to unravel the mysteries surrounding the diamond – can objects like diamonds truly possess power, or is the trail of misfortune that follows it merely founded in the superstitions of humans?
 
 
 
You're Too Little by Katie Stewart
Publisher: Fremantle Press

About the book:
 
Pygmy Possum wants to climb far, far up into the trees to taste the sweet blossom nectar. But everyone keeps telling her the same thing: ‘It’s very high. You’re too little. You might fall.’ Are they right, or will she find a way?

This is a gentle tale of believing in yourself in the face of others’ doubt and recognising your own strengths. Beautifully illustrated in Katie’s popular signature style, the Australian animals in this book are sure to delight little readers.
 
 
 
 
 
Crunch! Kaboom! Mighty Mining Machines by Conor Mills & Clodagh Starr
Publisher: Fremantle Press

About the book:
 
 Outside the town, in the heat and the dust, where the sky is bright blue and the earth is like rust, is an iron ore mine that’s bigger than big with mighty machines that blast, drill and dig.

With bright colours, enormous engines and lots of fun sounds, Crunch! Kaboom! is perfect for kids who love to play with toy trucks and dozers.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vesper Jones and Marshmallow by Karen Hendriks
Publisher: Starfish Bay Children's Books

About the book:
 
Vesper Jones is tired of scary things sneaking into her dreams, so with her trusty dream changer and brave cat, Marshmallow, Vesper decides it's time to take control. But when scary things refuse to leave, Vesper needs to find the courage to send them away and create the dreams she truly wants. 
 
 
 
Clutterbugs by Maura Pierlot
Publisher: Big Ideas Press

About the book:
 
When Steff can't find Jay's birthday present in her very messy room, strange creatures called clutterbugs come to the rescue, helping her discover the most meaningful gift of all.

Join the fun in this action-packed tale about waste reduction, sustainability repurposing, responsibility and the true spirit of giving.
 
 
A New World Rises: Tales of a LEGO future by Jackson Harvey & Alex Towler
Publisher: Fremantle Press
 
About the book:

From the creative and curious minds of LEGO Masters winners Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler comes a LEGO® book like no other.

THE YEAR IS 2130

Humanity’s reign has ended but the world is slowly recovering and showing signs of new life – one brick at a time.

LEGO® minifigures have risen from the debris to craft intricate civilisations inside discarded objects – each one inspired by the relic they now call home.

Taking LEGO® storytelling and artistry to new heights, A New World Rises explores an imagined future, one that might not be as far removed from reality as we think. Step into the future. Discover the past. And inspire your own LEGO® worlds.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Sunday, 27 July 2025

Book Review: Fart Boy and Reeky Dog by Joan Holub

SOME FARTERS ARE BORN GREAT!
SOME ARE DESTINED TO RESCUE THE PLANET! 
 
As much as I don't like fart books, kids love them and it's kids we are trying to encourage to read. Anyway Fart Boy and Reeky Dog is super funny and it's educational as well. 
 
I loved that this wasn’t all silly jokes and nonsense. It has a definite STEM element, funny and educational. Children won’t even realise they are learning!  
 
Fart Boy and Reeky Dog is a graphic novel and the first book in a new series by Joan Holub. Not only is the story laugh-out-loud funny, the over-the-top illustrations by Rafael Rosado are delivered in full blaring colour and pop from the page.

Baby Phartolomew is invented by evil scientist Professor Groovypants using his stink-o-meter. When Phartolomew is accidentally blasted out of the lab and onto the street he is adopted by Mr & Mrs Normal, they don't mind the smell.
 
Phartolomew is on a strict diet of NO BEANS, but what happens when the school runs out of pizza and all they have is bean tacos for lunch!?
 
Fart Boy and Reeky Dog is a hilarious STEM themed story featuring evil scientists, unlikely heroes, new friendships and all sorts of funny goings on.
 
I must admit I laughed a lot during the reading of this story. 
 
With pages on critical thinking - thoughts, research and conclusions.
A diagram and explanation of internal digestion. (What makes you fart)
An, Are you evil? quiz.
Science themed questions. 
 
Kids won't even realise they are learning while reading Fart Boy and Reeky Dog.
 
I'm eager for the next book now that Phartolomew has his new sidekick, Reeky Dog, and best friend Carl Bean by his side. And who is that girl at school that keeps saying Hi! to Phartolomew?
 
My rating 5 / 5 πŸ’¨πŸ’¨πŸ’¨πŸ’¨πŸ’¨
Recommended age: 8 -12 years
 
 
Publisher: Random House Book for Young Readers
Publication date: 8th April 2025
Series: Fart Boy and Reeky Dog #1
Genre: Middle Grade / Graphic Novel
Pages: 144
Source: eARC from Smith Publicity
 
 
 
 

Friday, 25 July 2025

Book Review: Felix and the Future Agency by Rachel Morrisroe

Felix and the Future Agency is the fabulous new middle grade fantasy novel by Rachel Morrisroe. Filled with danger, action and magical creatures it is a must read for fans of the Percy Jackson series. 
 
Rachel has used real, ancient rumours, in and around London and the subway, and expands on them using imaginary outcomes to create a world where good triumphs over evil.
 
Twelve year old Felix Green is an outcast at his school. He can predict the future and tries to warn his fellow pupils about bad events that will happen. Labelled as strange by his peers and a trouble maker by his teachers, Felix is often suspended, accused of causing the events he has warned about.
Felix feels lost and dejected until he is invited to join a new school for children just like him. The Future Agency: an underground secret society set up to save the world from disasters that are predicted by the society members.

Rachel Morrisroe's exceptional world building is easy to follow and understand. All the different classes of magic and what they do is clearly explained. I loved the addition of bonded pets, celestaurs, made from the stars.  
 
Each scene is meticulously described giving the reader a vivid image as each scene unfolds. There are also a few half page black and white sketches by Paddy Donnelly for those, like me, that appreciate an added visual prompt.
The story can be a little dark at times but there is plenty of humour throughout to lighten the overall feel. Friendship problems to resolve and a few road bumps for Felix to navigate keep the story relatable and interesting.
 
Felix and the Future Agency is an electrifying and atmospheric introduction to a fantastical new hero.
Felix and the Future Agency is the perfect read for children who love fantasy and adventure stories.
I'm eager for the next instalment!
 
content: dead parents
              ghosts
              demons   
 
My rating 5 / 5 πŸ‘¦πŸ‘¦πŸ‘¦πŸ‘¦πŸ‘¦
Recommended age: 10 - 14 years
 
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's
Publication date: 18th June 2025
Genre: Fantasy / Middle Grade / Tween
Pages: 288
RRP: AU$17.99 (paperback)
Source: Courtesy of the publisher
 
 

Monday, 7 July 2025

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  πŸ¦†πŸ¦†πŸ¦†πŸ¦†πŸ¦† 
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 πŸŒͺπŸŒͺπŸŒͺπŸŒͺπŸŒͺ 
 
 

Book Review: Exploring EspaΓ±ol by Sonia Daptardar

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