The Besties to the Rescue by Felice Arena
Illus. by Tom Jellett. Puffin, 2019. ISBN: 9781760890971. 80pp.
(Age: 5+) Very highly recommended. Felice Arena and Tom Jellett of
the Sporty Kids series have released a new series that will
appeal to newly independent readers and parents alike. The series
focuses on best friends Oliver and Ruby who have been friends
forever. Ruby loves to learn new tricks on the trampoline and Oliver
is more interested in working on his drawings in his treehouse.
In the first book of the series, Oliver is recording Ruby performing
a new trick on her trampoline when they capture the neighbour's cat
knock a baby bird our of its nest. Oliver and Ruby decide to look
after the bird until they can get it back to its mum.
The story follows the efforts of Ruby and Oliver to protect the baby
bird and get it back to its mother.
This is a very funny story that will engage children in the younger
years and would work as a read-aloud, read-along or as a first novel
for young children.
The addition of activities and jokes in the back of the book makes
this a series to remember. I believe that this series will become
very popular within the school library setting as it is an easy read
that is interesting and follows two children who encourage each
other's interests and embrace their differences and friendship to
work together to solve problems. Themes: Family, friendship, nature.
Mhairi Alcorn