Camp Spooky: Attack of the aliants by Pip Harry & Kate Foster. Illus. by Joanna Bartel

Isla and Archie are about to attend a junior ‘Sports superstars of the future’ residential camp. Isla hates sport and would rather play her flute, but Archie is a swimmer who aspires to greatness. But strange things are happening en route and in the first days of the camp. Some kids become ‘supercharged’ and lights and strange smells lead Archie and Isla to investigate. The discovery of very strange ‘out of this world’ creatures takes over from training and the pursuit of excellence but leads the pair into a firm friendship and the discovery of their own strengths (and the power of chewing gum!) 

This is a charming and not-so-spooky story that will entertain young readers aged 8-10. The simplicity of the tale and the characters trying to perform sports under pressure, in combination with a bit of alien nonsense is an appealing read. This is an uncomplicated book that will hit the mark for those who like sports, the occasional ‘gross’ moments and who enjoy it when children seem more mature than adults.

Themes: Sport, Aliens, Mystery, Friendship.

Carolyn Hull