Book Review: South With the Seabirds by Jess McGeachin

 South With the Seabirds

by

Jess McGeachin

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 3rd September 2024

Genre: Non Fiction / Picture Book

Pages: 40

RRP: AU$29.99 (hardback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

 Review: South With the Seabirds

At the moment Jay is really enjoying true stories and stories about penguins. Imagine his delight when we received South with the Seabirds; a true story with penguins!! Wide eyed he asked me if this is a true story. "Yes". "So it really happened." "Yes, a long time ago."

South With the Seabirds, written and illustrated by Jess McGeachin, is the true story of Mary Gillham, Hope MacPherson, Susan Ingham and Isobel Bennett. The first female scientists to join an Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition.

Through simple language and full spread colour illustrations Jess tells the amazing story of these four women who were trailblazers for all women interested in science and the environment. An inspiration to both boys and girls and a reminder to follow your dreams even if the odds are against you.

South With the Seabirds is a fabulous resource for environmental talks for primary aged children. It includes information on the trip from Melbourne to the subantarctic Macquarie Island. The birds, ocean life and land animals of the area are illustrated and labelled.

Through the work of environmentalists Macquarie Island is slowly recovering from the damage caused by introduced species.

There is also a timeline of Macquarie Island, photo and bio of the four female scientists and notes on what young naturalists can do to help heal our world.

My rating 5 / 5 🐧🐧🐧🐧🐧

Recommended age: 6 -12 years

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: Scorpion's Curse (Sky Dragon #8) by Anh Do

 Scorpion's Curse

by

Anh Do

illustrated by James Hart

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 30th July 2024

Series: Sky Dragon #8

Genre: Middle Grade / Fantasy

Pages: 200

RRP: AU$16.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Scorpion's Curse

Scorpion's Curse is another fast-paced and adventure filled story in the Sky Dragon series.

 

When Amber is asked to help rid a town of a scorpion plague she doesn't hesitate to accept and Amber and Irene are on the next plane to Toroc. 

 

As Amber tries to understand where the scorpions are coming from she finds herself in a life or death situation and time is running out.

 

Scorpion's Curse is a suspense filled ride as Amber must manoeuvre through a labyrinth of traps chased by the evil Scorpios.

Amber is a fabulous hero for middle graders to admire. She is smart and brave but is not without fear.

The evil money-hungry men from MineCorp make another appearance in Scorpion's Curse this time they have stolen precious artefacts, gold and gems.

 

Scorpion's Curse is a compelling plot driven adventure with an engaging protagonist and a villain that adds humour as well as suspense. 

 

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 its own mini story and resolution but I would recommend reading the series in order to get the full picture. 

 

recommended age 8 - 12 years

My rating 5/ 5 🦂🦂🦂🦂🦂

 

Book Review: Hide and Seek (Wolf Girl #11) by Anh Do

 Hide and Seek: Wolf Girl 11

by

Anh Do

illustrated by Lachlan Creagh

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin 

Imprint: A & U Children's

Publication date: 2nd July 2024

Genre: Middle Grade

Pages: 240

RRP: AU$16.99 (paperback) 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Hide and Seek

Hide and Seek is the eleventh installment in Anh Do's smash-hit Wolf Girl series.

 

Gwen and her canine friends escape Moon City but the Braxans are not too far behind them. With the help of friends they manage to evade the soldiers and hide in an abandoned shopping centre. But they soon find out they are not alone!!

 

Hide and Seek is another action packed addition to the Wolf Girl series. There are no boring bits in this story, it's action galore!

There is lots of danger and also lots of fun as an assortment of tricks and traps are set up to thwart the evil Braxan soldiers. Wolf Girl's canine friends add plenty of humour with their doggie banter and funny antics.

 

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

 

The search for her parents continues as Gwen and her canine friends move on to a new adventure. 

 

Wolf Girl is a series that needs to be read in order as it is an ongoing story and there is no backstory included.

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Recommended age 8 -12 years 

 

Other books by Anh Do I've reviewed:

 

Brave the Storm: Skydragon #4 

Firestorm: Skydragon #7 

Sink or Swim: Wolf Girl #9

Talent Quest (Smarty Pup #4)  

The Race is On: Wolf Girl #10 

Book Review: The Vanishing by Mark Greenwood

 The Vanishing

by

Mark Greenwood

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 2nd July 2024

Series: History Hunter

Genre: Middle Grade / Non Fiction 

Pages: 112

RRP: AU$14.99 US$9.95 (softcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Vanishing

The Vanishing is one of four books written by Mark Greenwood for the History Hunters series.

 

The Vanishing delves into the 1978 unsolved disappearance of a pilot whilst flying across the Bass Strait.

 

Mark Greenwood recounts the disappearance of 20 year old pilot Fred and his plane after radioing the control tower about seeing a UFO. After extensive air and sea searches no sign of the plane has been found.

 

Greenwood sets out the facts and includes Fred's radio conversation, photographs, newspaper articles and the submitted flight plan.

 

It's up to the reader to decide what could have happened in this cold case disappearance.

 

If your child is fascinated by all things extra-terrestrial they will love The Vanishing! 

Fascinating and a little bit eerie.

 

My rating 5 / 5 👽👽👽👽👽

Recommended age: 8 -12 years

 

Teaching notes and activities can be found at Fremantle Press:

 https://fremantlepress.com.au/books/the-vanishing/

Book Review: The Dragon's Treasure by Mark Greenwood

The Dragon's Treasure

by

Mark Greenwood

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 2nd July 2024

Series: History Hunter

Genre: Middle Grade / Non Fiction

Pages: 112

RRP: AU$14.99 US$9.95 (softcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Dragon's Treasure

In his wonderful new history hunter series Mark Greenwood brings the stories of lost explorers, glittering treasure and baffling mysteries to life. Awe filled stories to entice young readers to explore the unimaginable.

 

History Hunters is a four book series with books 1 & 2 out now.

The Dragon's Treasure opens in 1931 Australia when two young boys find ancient coins on a Western Australian beach. However it started long before this with a shipwreck off the coast of WA in 1656.

 

Mark Greenwood recounts the story of the shipwreck and the subsequent search for the ship and survivors but nothing was found. It wasn't until 1963 when divers found the wreck of the Gilt Dragon and it's sunken treasure. To this day no-one knows what became of the survivors.

 

Wonderfully written with the inclusion of photos, illustrations and maps it will ignite the imagination of young readers and hold their attention through the whole story.

The Dragon's Treasure is a fascinating story that will have junior readers searching for more information on the Gilt Dragon and its treasures.

My rating 5 / 5 🪙🪙🪙🪙🪙

Recommended age: 8 -12 years

Teaching notes and activities can be found at Fremantle Press:

https://fremantlepress.com.au/books/the-dragons-treasure/

 

 

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: Into the Blue by Cristy Burne

 Into the Blue

by

Cristy Burne

illustrated by Amanda Burnett

 

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 1st may 2024

Genre: Junior Fiction

Pages: 112

RRP: $14.99AU (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Review: Into the Blue

Blair and his cousin Drew go on a school snorkelling trip on the wreck of the Omero. Blair sees this as the perfect opportunity to "borrow" his brother's GoPro. When he accidentally drops the GoPro and it is lost on the ocean floor Blair's excitement turns to panic. But no-one knows he took it so Blair can keep it a secret. If he can live with the guilt!

Into the Blue is a delightful story. We feel Blair's excitement and anticipation of going snorkelling, the chill of the water as he first enters the ocean then the panic and devastation as he realises he has lost his brother's precious camera.

The reader feels Blair's anguish as he goes through days of knowing what he has done but can't face up to the consequences. The guilt gnaws away at him as his brother is punished for losing the GoPro.

 

I loved that Into the Blue is educational as well as fun. I learnt that the Omero wreck is a real shipwreck off Perth's coastline near Coogee Beach and it is a big snorkelling attraction.

Cristy Burne combines a moral message with themes of adventure and this is a fun way to open discussions on honesty and respecting others belongings.

Blair's great-grandmother is introduced as a safe adult for Blair to open up to and I found this a heartwarming inclusion to show that the older generation is full of experience and sound advice.

 

Into the Blue is a story about owning up to your mistakes and facing the consequences. 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Age recommendation: 6 - 11 years

Book Review: Mawson in Antarctica by Joanna Grochowicz

 Mawson in Antarctica:

TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH

by

Joanna Grochowicz

Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children's

Publication date: 4th June 2024

Genre: Children's Non Fiction

Pages: 272

RRP: $19.99AU (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Mawson in Antarctica

I've always been fascinated by the great explorers. Men and women who brave deadly conditions to advance our understanding of the world we live in.

 

Joanna Grochowicz has written a gripping rendition of Mawson's Australasian Antarctic Expedition which ran from 1911 - 1914. Their main goal was to chart a section of the coast.

I liked the addition, in the front of the book, of a list of the men who were part of the expedition and the job each man was assigned to although, once there, it was soon clear that everyone had to pitch in wherever. 

The unforgiving landscape and the men's battle with exhaustion, hunger and frostbite is all vividly described and as I read I was never in doubt of how bitterly cold it was and how dangerous a sudden change in the weather could be.

In Mawson in Antarctica Grochowicz uses the notes and diaries kept by the explorers, plus extensive research, to recreate the ambience and conversations between the men to write a highly engaging story about ordinary men who rose to extraordinary heights of courage and endurance.

Perfectly written for the intended age group of 10 - 14 years. I love that children are not only getting a totally immersive and gripping read but they are also learning an important part of Australian history and I hope, like me, it encourages readers to search for more information on Mawson and his team of adventurers.

 

Includes insert pages of photographs taken during the expedition.

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Publisher recommended age: 10 -14 years

My age recommendation 12+ years

CONTENT: The men are reduced to eating the dogs to stay alive.

 

Book Review: Cargo and His Little Brother Elvis! by Paul Dekmetzian

 The Adventures of Cargo the Army Truck

Cargo and His Little Brother Elvis!

by

Paul Dekmetzian

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 12th January 2024 

Series: The Adventures of Cargo #6

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32 (softcover)

Source: Courtesy of the author

 

Review: Cargo and His Little Brother Elvis!

Cargo and His Little Brother Elvis! is book 6 in The Adventures of Cargo series. In this book Cargo introduces his little brother and the different things they like. Cargo likes the cold, freezing weather and the mushy snow whilst Elvis prefers it nice and hot. Even though they liked different things they loved to catch up when they have their annual mechanical check-up. Sometimes they are apart for long periods but their friendship never changes.

 

Cargo and His Little Brother Elvis is another wonderful picture book filled with adventure as Elvis visits a crocodile and hippo park and a takes a family to the beach.

 

Large, bright full page illustrations and a fun storyline are sure to delight little car and truck enthusiasts.

 

 

All books in the Cargo series can be purchased on Amazon in paperback or Kindle. There are even matching colouring in books to purchase.

 

My rating 5 /5 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚

Publisher recommended age: 4 -9 years

My recommendation 2 - 9 years 

 

 

Book Review: Rosie by Lisa Van Der Wielen

 Rosie

by

Lisa Van Der Wielen

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 9th April 2024

Series: Rosie #1

Genre: Children's First Chapter Book 

Pages: 64

RRP:  The book can be purchased on Amazon in softcover and eBook.

Source: Courtesy of the author

 

Review: Rosie (book 1)

Meet Rosie, she is a cute little toy poodle who loves to comfort humans and give them lots of love.
She also manages to get into all sorts of mischief. She is inquisitive and loyal, guarding her family from danger; like the postman and garbage trucks.

One day she is accidentally scooped up into the green-waste recycling truck.

Rosie is a fun first reader narrated by Rosie and noting all the mischief she gets into (although she doesn’t think it’s mischief) and a suspense filled ride in a green-waste recycling truck.
How will she get back to her family?

Perfect for read together from 3+years and read alone from 5+years. Large text and super cute illustrations give added appeal.

End notes on recycling green-waste and making your own compost make a perfect intro to talks on sustainability. 

My recommended age 3 - 10 years

Publishers recommended age 6 - 10 years

 

Rating 4.5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 

 

 

Book Review: Cargo and His Mates! by Paul Dekmetzian

The Adventures of Cargo the Army Truck

Cargo and His Mates!

by

Paul Dekmetzian

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 19th July 2023

Series: The Adventures of Cargo #5

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 26 (soft cover)

Source: Courtesy of the author

 

Review: Cargo and His Mates!

Cargo loves road trips with the other army trucks!

Book 5 introduces Cargo's vehicle friends. Tippy the tip truck, Shorty the land rover, Bella the rescue helicopter, Bevan the jeep and Big John the crane truck.

Bevan the jeep works in Italy, England, France and Australia. Famous landmarks are named in each country he visits.

Shorty the land rover was with the military police then he went to work on a farm.

Tippy the tip truck worked on the roads doing road repairs.

Bella the helicopter is busy flying sick children to hospital and rescuing lost hikers from a mountain top.

Big John is a crane truck and he can lift the heaviest loads.

Travel around the world with Cargo's friends as they tell you all about the places they have been and the important work they do.

This is another great addition to the Cargo series and is sure to be loved by little truck enthusiasts.

Beautifully illustrated with full colour spreads and an engaging storyline. 

 

All books in the Cargo series can be purchased on Amazon in paperback or Kindle. There are even matching colouring in books to purchase.

 

My rating 5 /5 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚

Publisher recommended age: 4 -9 years

My recommendation 2 - 9 years

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Kip of the Mountain by Emma Gourlay

Kip of the Mountain

by

Emma Gourlay

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publication date: 1st October 2023

Genre: Middle Grade / Fantasy

Pages: 256

RRP: $24.99AU (hardcover)

Source: Own purchase

 

Review: Kip of the Mountain

I purchased this book for Dot hoping to entice her into the Middle Grade Fantasy genre however I was so disappointed with the delivery of the plot it never did make it into her hands.

Firstly the book is set in 1985 in Cape Town, South Africa. A time when apartheid was prevalent but this is not fully explored, just mentions of signs on the beach and a boy injured after using the wrong water fountain. A 2020's middle grade reader needs more explanation than vague mentions. 

Eleven-year-old Kip lives with her eccentric father and is bullied at school by students and the teacher. On her 12th birthday a bottle drops from the sky and it contains an egg which hatches into a small furry animal and Kip is happy she now has a best friend. When Buffel is kidnapped she must face all her fears to rescue him.

The problems I had with this book were that the humour was a bit ludicrous, the conversations felt unnatural and the racism was never fully explained.

What I did love was Kip, she was strong and resilient. She didn't let the bullies worry her and didn't let her father's distant behaviour affect her. 

The story dragged a bit but I have to say the cover is beautiful and that's what initially drew me to the book.

My rating 2 / 5  ⭐⭐

Recommended age 8+ years

 

Book Review: Into the Mouth of the Wolf by Erin Gough

 Into the Mouth of the Wolf

by

Erin Gough

Publisher: Hardie Grant Children's

Publication date: 1st May 2024

Genre: Young Adult / LGBT

Pages: 384

RRP: $ 22.99AU

Source: Publisher

 

Review: Into the Mouth of the Wolf

Into the Mouth of the Wolf is set in a dystopian world where earthquakes are happening all over Sydney and people are escaping the  city.

Rohan Moretti has evidence that a big corporation is putting profit over safety. Rohan and 17 year-old daughter Iris are now being pursued. They must be silenced!

Lena is feeling isolated by her sexuality, she hasn't met anyone like her. When she meets Iris online there is an immediate spark and as they get to know each other an affection grows. Iris desperately needs to escape her pursuers and Lena promises to help.

I raced through this story. It is a fast paced mystery read with a whole host of likeable strong teens who face moral issues head on. There is plenty of drama to keep the reader invested.

Into the Mouth of the Wolf is part thriller, part climate fiction with a side of romance.

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recommended age 12+

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: The Witches Council: Lily Halfmoon by Xavier Bonet

 The Witches Council: Lily Halfmoon #2

by

Xavier Bonet

translated by Marie Trinchant 

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 3rd April 2024

Series: Lily Halfmoon #2

Genre: Middle Grade / Fantasy

Pages: 80

RRP: $ 17.99AU (softcover)

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Witches Council

The Witches Council is the fabulous second book in Xavier Bonet's Lily Halfmoon series.

In book one Lily finds out she is a witch and learns all about the Royal Library of Magic, all the different gems and magical spells.

 

In The Witches Council we are back with Lily and her friends GiGi and Mai for the biggest day of the year when witches all over the world get together to introduce their gems and guardians and learn new skills.

 

Lily is faced with a moral dilemma when she has choices to make about her future. This is also a story about the power of empathy and understanding how others feel.

 

The Witches Council is a fun and bewitching graphic novel with bright, eye-catching illustrations with journal pages, symbols and charts. There is plenty to pore over and readers will find new things as the book is re-read over and over again.

 

This is an enchanting book that is sure to delight the middle-grade fantasy enthusiast.

My rating 5/ 5 🪄🪄🪄🪄🪄