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 💨💨💨💨💨

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

 

 

 

 

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 👦👦👦👦👦

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

 

 

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: Dungzilla by James Foley

Dungzilla is the second book in James Foley's S. Tinker Inc series. Re-released in all new fabulous full colour.

 

This action packed story follows eleven-year-old Sally Tinker, a young inventor.

 

When Sally's best friend Charli Stevenson's pet dung beetle accidentally gets in the way of Sally's latest invention, the Resizenator, and is enlarged 300 times, what ensues is an action-packed, STEM powered romp featuring science and humour.

 

How can Sally, Charli, Gran Tinker and baby Joe stop the giant dung beetle from destroying the town.

 

This graphic novel is a perfect mix of adventure and science. It introduces scientific facts in an hilarious magical realism concept. The storyline is rich in laugh-out-loud moments and lots of toilet humour.

 

This newest edition also includes a bonus story that features a stolen cloned pachyderm and a trip to Mars in Sally's latest invention.

 

Recommended age: 8 - 12 years

 My rating 5 / 5 🪲🪲🪲🪲🪲 

 

Teaching notes and activities can be found at Fremantle Press.

 https://fremantlepress.com.au/books/dungzilla-now-in-colour/

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 1st April 2025

Series: S. Tinker Inc #2

Genre: Middle Grade / Graphic Novel 

Pages: 120

RRP: AU$17.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Bravepaw and the Clawstone of Rotwood Mire by L. M. Wilkinson

Bravepaw and the Clawstone of Rotwood Mire is book two in L. M. Wilkinson's endearing A Tail of Adventure series.

 

In book one, Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria, Titch and friends acquire the Heartstone staff and are on their way to heal the heart of Alluria. However they soon find there is more to this quest, and more to the prophecy, than they first thought. 

Titch, Huckleberry and the very cute little Dollop are back again in this rip roaring adventure as they fight a giant bog monster, save a village of brainwashed squirrels and become one step closer to unleashing the power of the Heartstone staff and healing the heart of Alluria.

 

With themes of being brave, believing in yourself and working together combined with lashing of action, adventure and danger Bravepaw and the Clawstone of Rotwood Mire is sure to delight and entrance middle-grade readers keeping them enthralled from the very first page. 

Wilkinson champions cleverness, courage and friendship in this delightful addition to the Bravepaw series.

 

Together with their new friend, a fearless red squirrel named Briar, the group head off on their next quest.

 

Large print, wonderfully descriptive prose and enchanting illustrations by Lavanya Naidu make this suitable for even the youngest readers.

Content: mild battle scenes

               not so scary monsters

 

 

My rating 5 / 5 🐭🐭🐭🐭🐭

Recommended age: 5 -12

Publisher recommended: 7-11

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children's

Publication date: 25th February 2025

Series: Bravepaw #2

Genre: Middle Grade / Fantasy

Pages: 192

RRP: AU$16.99

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Other books in this series:

Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria by L.M. Wilkinson

 Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria

by

L. M. Wilkinson

illustrated by Lavanya Naidu

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Imprint: Albert Street Books

Series: Bravepaw #1 

Genre: Middle Grade / Fantasy

Publication date: 3rd September 2024

Pages: 192

RRP: AU$16.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria

Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria by L.M. Wilkinson is the first in a new fantasy series for young readers.

 

Titch, a young mouse, is enamoured with the legend of Bravepaw - the bravest mouse who ever lived. She loves to swing her sword and pretend to be a warrior.

 

Her mother tells her they don't need warriors as there are no monsters anymore. However, when the monsters return, trying to suck all colour and heart from their world, Titch, along with her friend Huckleberry, must draw on all her courage to defeat the curseworms and save the villagers.

 

Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria is the most endearing tale. The book opens with a map and a prophecy which had me immediately engaged. This story has action, danger and suspense in bucketloads. Titch is the cutest protagonist I've seen in a long time and you can't help but love her.

 

This enchanting tale is about friendship, bravery, believing in yourself and doing the right thing by others. 

Filled with adorable characters, from the lovable Titch and her faithful friend Huckleberry to the oh so cute little Dollop. I'm excited to read the next book to see what adventures and dangers await this little trio as they venture on their quest to heal the heart of Alluria.

Large print and enchanting illustrations by Lavanya Naidu make this suitable for even the youngest readers.

Content: mild battle scenes

               not so scary monsters

My rating 5 / 5 🐭🐭🐭🐭🐭

Recommended age: 5 -12

Publisher recommended: 7-11

 

Book Review: Kelpie Chaos by Deb Fitzpatrick

 Kelpie Chaos

by

Deb Fitzpatrick

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 1st May 2024

Genre: Junior Fiction

Pages: 112

RRP: $14.99AU (paperback)

 

Review: Kelpie Chaos

When Eli's friend Max tells him that a kelpie pup is going to be sent to the pound if it isn't adopted, Eli's family decide they are ready for a new dog in their life. They go as a family to visit the farm and pick up their new dog and name him Zoom.

 

In Kelpie Chaos Deb Fitzpatrick portrays the challenges of having a new pup in the house as Zoom gets up to lots of mischief and the family needs to adjust to his puppy stage.

 

I liked that the whole family took on the job of exercising Zoom and taking him for walks. The parents didn't push the chores solely on the children.

 

Kelpie Chaos is an action packed read with lots of fun moments as Zoom likes to chase lawnmowers, at the local park, as though he is rounding them up. 

Lots of danger and suspense when Zoom goes missing during a picnic in the bush and as night falls they still haven't found him. Eli and his family refuse to give up hope.

Kelpies are fast becoming a popular family pet and Kelpie Chaos shows the fun in owning such an energetic dog and also the commitment required when sharing your life with this breed.

My rating 4.5 / 5 🐕🐕🐕🐕½

Age recommendation: 6 - 10 years

See Fremantle Press website for teaching notes or to read an extract.

https://fremantlepress.com.au/books/kelpie-chaos/

 

Book Review: Fledgewitch by Lian Tanner

Fledgewitch

A Dragons of Hallow book

by

Lian Tanner

Illustrated by Martina Heiduczek

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 3rd April 2024

Series: Dragons of Hallow #2

Genre: Middle Grade / Fantasy

Pages: 352

RRP: $17.99AU (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Review: Fledgewitch: A Dragons of Hallow book

I am so glad I read Spellhound first. Although it isn't really necessary. If you have a copy of Fledgewitch and can't wait to read it there is some backstory. So jump right in!!

 

" Here are the Three Laws of Quill, carved in stone outside every town hall, and learnt by every schoolchild:
There shall be No Witches.
There shall be No Dragons.
There shall be NO SECRETS."

 

Our narrator from Spellhound is back with another enchanting tale filled with even more danger, magic and super cute characters than the first book. If that's even possible.

 

The book opens in the mountains of Quill with Brim living with her mum, dad and brother. She is taken away accused of being a fledgewitch and her parents are told she needs to be cured. Brim is sure she is not a witch, even if she has feathers growing from her elbows.

 

A young horned-glob named Snort (like a little calf) jumps in the car with Brim. Horned-globs are easily forgotten so Snort has no trouble venturing around as no-one remembers him. He wants to find the dragon, although he is terribly scared of them, to save his family.

 

This is another fast-paced immersive read. Brim and Snort are the cutest characters, they shake with fear but are courageous when the time comes.

Fledgewitch is a delightful tale of friendship, never giving up and using your powers for good.

 

Brim has her magic power in knitting. I loved this and wouldn't it be wonderful if it encouraged some children to try knitting themselves.

 

Bumbling laugh-out-loud villains and lots of jaw-dropping twists, which is something Lian does so well. I never see them coming.

Fledgewitch is a delightful story of family, love and working together. Championing commonsense, determination and perseverance.

 

My rating 5 / 5 🐮🐮🐮🐮🐮

 

Publisher recommended age 7 - 11 years 

My review of Spellhound

 

 

 

Book Review: Spellhound by Lian Tanner

Spellhound

A Dragons of Hallow book 

by

Lian Tanner

Illustrated by Sally Soweol Han

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 4th April 2023

Series: Dragons of Hallow #1

Genre: Middle Grade / Fantasy

Pages: 351

RRP: $17.99AU (paperback)

Source: own purchase

Review: Spellhound: A Dragons of Hallow book

"In a quiet corner of Hallow, far from cities and towns, roads and railways, walls and witches, there lived a family of Spellounds.

Of course you have never heard of Spellhounds. They are one of the Three Great Secrets of Hallow, a country that loves secrets almost as much as it loves green jellybabies."

Spellhound is a truly adorable and fun story that will be loved by children and adults alike. Delightfully narrated bringing the reader right into the story.

 

Flaxseed (Flax) is a minch-wiggin, a tiny tree-dwelling creature. She has grown up knowing she is 'the one' destined to save Minchfold from the dragon. Flax is a wonderful character, she is scared and doesn't want to be the one to save everyone. Luckily they hadn't seen a dragon for 100 years. Then she meets a Spellhound pup who says his parents were taken by a dragon and Flax knows she must help him find them. It's her destiny. When the time comes she shows great courage and intelligence. 

 

Spellhound is filled to the brim with adventure, danger and ever so endearing characters. This is a fast-paced novel that I am certain middle-graders will find hard to put down. Short chapters and cliff-hangers make this an engaging read.

There is a crossover into the human world of Harrow when Felicia, the 10 year-old Queen of Harrow, is introduced to the mix as she goes searching for the puppy she could hear crying in the night. The young trio must draw on all their courage to confront the dragon.

 

A giant magical pup, a tiny tree-dwelling animal, a 10 year-old girl and a talking sword take centre stage in this fantastical adventure story with danger at every turn, jaw-dropping twists, magic wielding enemies, nonstop humour and boundless friendship. 

My rating 5/ 5 🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

 

 

 

Book Review: Firestorm (Sky Dragon #7) by Anh Do

 Firestorm: SkyDragon 7

by

Anh Do

illustrated by James Hart 

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 31st October 2023

Series: Skydragon #7 

Genre: Children's Middle Grade

Pages:208

RRP: $15.99AU (paperback)

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Firestorm

Firestorm is another fast paced read in the Skydragon series. 

Dot is an avid reader of many of Anh Do's series with Wolf Girl and SkyDragon being amongst her favourites.

Firestorm has Amber and her new-found brother Reggie trying to escape the evil agents of the National Service. The action never lets up as they use their special powers to first evade capture, save a family from a burning forest, then work together to find information about their parents. 

I like that Amber isn't always brave, sometimes she is overwhelmed and breaks down and cries. Crying isn't a sign of weakness. This edition is all about family and helping each other and the grandmotherly Irene is always close by to offer love and sound advice.

These books are an easy read, they flow well and the plot line isn't taxing. Filled with pages of detailed monochrome comic style illustrations that add a visual comprehension to the story.

Each book has it’s own mini story and resolution but I would recommend reading the series in order to get the full picture.

Firestorm is a superb addition to the Skydragon series which I am sure will be read over and over as fans wait for the next book in the series. Perfect for younger readers and reluctant readers.

recommended age 8 -12 years

My rating 4 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Anh Do is one of Australia's best-loved storytellers. His series, including Wolf Girl, Ninja Kid and WeirDo, are adored by millions of kids around the country.

About the illustrator

James Hart was raised in the Uk on English Comics and classic eighties and nineties cartoons before moving to Australia and studying illustration, electronic design and multimedia. James's illustrations can be viewed at jameshart.com.au

 

 
 

Book Review: The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright by Reece Carter

 The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright

by

Reece Carter

illustrated by Simon Howe

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 3rd October 2023

Series: Elston-Fright #2

Genre: Middle Grade / Fantasy (8-12)

Pages: 352

RRP: $17.99AU Paperback 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Review: The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright

The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright is every bit as good as A Girl Called Corpse.

The town of Elston-Fright doesn't believe in magic anymore. It has been so long that everyone has forgotten it exists. Everyone except Flip, who lives in the lighthouse with his grandmother. Flip knows he has to find the light and return it to the lighthouse to restore its lost magic but there is something stirring in the air and Flip feels it is something bad.

The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright is book two featuring Corpse (a girl made of wax and seaweed), Girl (a ghost) and Flip (a young boy). The story reads well as a standalone and includes some backstory but you will want to read book one, A Girl called Corpse. It's the book that endeared me to Corpse.

Flip has a greater role in this book as the three friends face a new danger in the Poltergusts (malevolent winds) and embark on a mission to find the light.

Reece Carter has come through with another highly imaginative tale rich in danger, suspense and magical battles. Both Flip and Corpse learn some truths about their family's past and that friendship is the strongest magic of all.

The addition of a new magical creature, the seafoam sprites added another level of fantastical appeal. But are they friend or foe?

Told through the alternating voice of Corpse and Flip we see both characters embrace bravery and true friendship. Girl seems to be a side character in this book so I do hope she gets a bit more purpose in book three.

There is a subtle lesson included about doing the right thing even if it is a difficult choice.

 

The story ends on a breath-holding cliff hanger leaving me eager for the next book.

 

The wonderful black and white sketched illustrations by Simon Howe add a visual dimension  to the story.

 

Content: Allusion to child murder. "..the Merchant handed me to the Witches like I was nothing. In return, she asked them to take my heart and encase it inside a layer of silver." 

About the author

Some of Reece Carter's earliest memories involve books. His love for stories - especially those filled with whimsy, magic and a little bit of weirdness - began as a child growing up in rural Western Australia. There was an unfortunate lack of witches and ghosts on his family farm, and so Reece had to find them in books instead. It wasn't until high school, though, that Reece thought to try his hand at writing his own stories. He loved it, and never looked back. Reece now lives in Sydney.

 

Book Review: Orson the Great by Colm McElwain

 Orson the Great

by

Colm McElwain

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 5th October 2023

Genre: Middle Grade

Pages: 214

Format read: eBook

Source: Courtesy of the author

 

Review: Orson the Great

Orson Whitlock is Orson the Great a 12 year old who is also one of the world's top magicians.

The story opens with 12 year old Orson and his assistant Agatha finishing up a performance. An ominous feeling hangs over the story as Orson is being followed and then threatened by another magician, Daxton the Destroyer.

 

Daxton vows to beat Orson in a magic competition and become the new leader of the Magicians Guild.

The story then jumps back ten years to when Orson was 10 and how he became the greatest magician in the world.

The magic scenes in the story were so well portrayed, I could picture it all. Orson is a likeable and relatable protagonist. He always wants to please. Agatha, Orson's assistant and manager, is another wonderful character, a very worldly wise 12 year old.

The story is rich in tension, danger, suspense and (of course) magic. Orson the Great has all the right ingredients to keep middle grade readers enthralled. It may even get them interested in trying a few magic tricks of their own!

Do you believe in magic!?

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

The book is currently available for pre order on Amazon. 

About the author

 

 Colm was raised and educated in Monaghan, Ireland. He has always loved storytelling, whether through literature or film. Orson the Great is his third novel. He is the author of the James Clyde book series. 

 

My review of Colm's previous book:

 

https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogspot.com/2018/12/book-review-james-clyde-and-tomb-of.html 

Book Review: Sink or Swim - Wolf Girl 9 by Anh Do

 Sink or Swim - Wolf Girl 9

by

Anh Do

illustrated by Lachlan Creagh 

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children's

Publication day: 4th July 2023

Genre: Illustrated Middle Grade

Pages: 256

RRP: 15.99AU (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Sink or Swim

In Sink or Swim the reader is immediately plunged into the drama as Wolf Girl and her canine friends are being chased by the Hornets.

They escape in a small boat and soon come across a village being destroyed by a landslide. Here Wolf Girl meets Jarrod, a local athlete, and he convinces her to compete in the Championship Games where the winner receives one wish. This is where Wolf Girl is presented with a moral dilemma with who she should free with her wish. Although this dilemma isn't played out in this book.

With simple writing and full page illustrations throughout this isn't a challenging read. The pace starts out fast but slows towards the end of the novel. This is a series that needs to be read from the start as there is no backstory. The baddies are evil and Wolf Girl's doggie friends are fearless and dedicated. I loved the banter between the dogs it added some fun humour to the story. 

 

Extensively illustrated throughout with half and full page black and white sketches which add an extra element of comprehension to the story.

Sink or Swim ends on a cliff hanger that will have readers eager for more.

 

Rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Anh Do is one of Australia's best-loved storytellers. His series, including Wolf Girl, Skydragon and WeirDo, are adored by millions of kids around the country.

Book Review: The Breakfast Club Adventures: The Ghoul in the School by Marcus Rashford

 The Breakfast Club Adventures

THE GHOUL IN THE SCHOOL

by

Marcus Rashford with Alex Falase-Koye

illustrated by Marta Kissi

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Publication date: 26th April 2023

Genre: Middle Grade / Illustrated

Pages: 280

RRP: $16.99AU (paperback) 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher 

 

Review: The Ghoul in the School

Book two in The Breakfast Club Adventures is every bit as suspenseful as book one. The Breakfast Club Investigators (BCI) are back in this exciting mystery The Ghoul in the School.

 

The BCI haven't been doing so well in solving mysteries lately and Marcus is concerned the club will close and he will lose his friends. When Gbenga, the captain of the school's basketball team, asks for their help Marcus thinks this mystery will get them back on their feet. The school's basketball team has been losing all their games. They think they are cursed and a ghoul is haunting the courts.

This is a great story about friendship, working together and not being afraid to ask for help when needed. It has themes of learning from your mistakes and trying again. I love that Marcus and his friends all have different personalities and each brings a different skill to the club. The club is a mix of boys and girls and they all work together to solve the mystery, there is no defined leader and everyone's opinion is listened to.

The Ghoul in the School is a fun story, easy to read and filled with page turning suspense.

I love that Marcus includes a welcome note to his readers in the front of each book.

 

"I hope that through this book you can broaden your horizons, you can dream bigger, you can champion and celebrate the differences in one another, and realize that difference isn't a negative, it's a strength.' - MR

Recommended age: 8 - 11 years

My rating 5 /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the authors

 

Marcus Rashford MBE is Manchester United's iconic number 10 and an England International Footballer. in October 2020, he was appointed MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours. Marcus has committed himself to combating child poverty in the UK.

 

Alex Falase-Koya is a London native. He was a winner of Spread the Word's 2019 London Writers Awards for YA/children's. he now lives in Walthamstow with his girlfriend and two cats.

 

About the Illustrator

 

Marta Kissi studied BA Illustration & Animation at Kingston University and MA Visual Communication at the Royal College of Art. her favourite part of being an illustrator is bringing stories to life by designing charming characters and the wonderful worlds they live in. She shares a studio with her husband James.

Book Review: A Girl Called Corpse by Reece Carter

 A Girl Called Corpse

by

Reece Carter

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 5th October 2022

Genre: Middle Grade

Pages: 339

RRP: $16.99AUD Paperback

Source: Beauty & Lace Book Club 

My review of A Girl Called Corpse

This review appeared first on the Beauty & Lace Book Club

 

A Girl Called Corpse is a magical tale of a young ghost who must draw on every ounce of courage to defeat the evil witches and escape the rock-that-doesn’t-exist to find out who she was and where she belonged.
 

Corpse is the most endearing character and I couldn’t help but cheer her on. She lives in the attic of the witches hut and with the bits of magic she has picked up from the witches she has made herself a body from wax, seaweed and shells from the beach. Her best friend is a huntsman spider and together they will face insurmountable danger, cruel witches, a sea monster and a scheming merchant. She is not always brave but she knows she has to be strong to succeed.
 

Reece Carter has created a fantastically imagined world with a delightful and spirited (pun intended) main character. Perfectly crafted for the Middle Grade audience A Girl Called Corpse is jam-packed with danger, adventure, breath holding suspense, magical battles and a touch of ghostly humour. I was totally engaged throughout the entire book!
 

I enjoyed Corpse’s growth throughout the novel. She learnt a lot about friendship and the magic of love. I eagerly await her next adventure! 

My rating 5 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Reece Carter grew up on his family farm in Tammin, Western Australia. There was an unfortunate lack of witches and ghosts though, so Reece had to find them in books instead. Roald Dahl, Paul Jennings and Emily Rodda were some of his first favourite authors. When Reece moved away to boarding school at the age of eleven, he could regularly be found hiding in the library, tucked away in the corner with a good book. With the encouragement of his English teacher, Reece started writing his own stories. After a few years travelling overseas, Reece moved to Melbourne. But even while working as a nutritionist by day, Reece maintained a secret double life, continuing to write middle-grade novels by night. Now, he lives in Sydney and writes kids' fiction full-time. When not reading or writing, Reece can usually be found talking to his dog Hagrid - and hoping that one of these days Hagrid might decide to talk back. A Girl Called Corpse is his debut novel.

 

 

Book Review: Always, Clementine by Carlie Sorosiak

 

Title: Always, Clementine

Author: Carlie Sorosiak

Publisher: Nosy Crow 

Publication date: 1st November 2022

Genre: Middle Grade

Pages: 320

RRP: $14.99 Paperback

Source: Publisher 

 

My review of Always, Clementine 

 

Always, Clementine is the sweetest book! An epistolary novel narrated through letters from Clementine to her friend Rosie a chimpanzee. 

 

Clementine has been freed from a research lab by a concerned worker and finds herself in the home of Gus and his grandfather, Pop. They soon learn that Clementine is no ordinary mouse, she is exceptionally smart. The lab scientists are determined to get Clementine back to continue their experiments but Gus and Pop have a plan to save Clementine and her friends.

 

The voice of Clementine is so funny, sweet and cute you can't help but fall in love with her.

Carlie Sorosiak has written a gentle book about the important topic of animal testing laboratories.

I loved that Clementine still had all the little idiosyncrasies of a mouse even though she had super intelligence and could understand humans.

 

Always, Clementine is a gorgeous tale of friendship, kindness and always trying the best that you can. It is an immersive story that is filled with enough suspense and danger to keep any child engaged.

 

This story will be an extra delight to chess players as Clementine is involved in a mega chess challenge.

 

My recommended age 8+ 

A book that will be enjoyed by children and adults alike.

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author

 

Carlie Sorosiak grew up in North Carolina. She has a master's in English from Oxford University and another in publishing from City, University of London. She is the author of two novels for young adults, If Birds Fly Back and Wild Blue Wonder. Her goals include traveling to all seven continents and fostering a wide variety of animals. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and her American dingo.