Thanks to the efforts of translator Emma Ramadan, English language readers can now enjoy this absolutely brilliant novel by French author Emma Tholozan. It is such a bizarre and provocative story which will readily capture readers’ interest and keep them intrigued until the end. Imagine being in a relationship with a lover who vomits up money, Euro notes that need to be cleaned and hung up to dry, pegged on lines across a tiny apartment. At what point would the excitement of instant wealth overtake concern for the human money machine becoming more frail and exhausted with each expulsion? This is the moral dilemma Tholozan explores.
It all begins when Anna, a philosophy graduate, meets Lulu at a celebratory end-of-year party, and the attraction is instant. Anna’s world is that of intellectuals and academics, exploring philosophies, theories and ideas; studies that have no application in the working world. Lulu is different, his hands are rough, he hasn’t been to university, his obsession is fixing broken appliances. When he moves into her apartment he doesn’t have the usual baggage, none of the assorted household items and memorabilia; he just brings two gorgeous budgerigars in a cage. He actually lives the non-materialistic life that Anna and her friends purport to espouse.
But then everything changes when Lulu becomes strangely ill, and when he vomits he brings up screwed up Euro notes coated in saliva. Suddenly Anna can buy the designer bags she previously scorned, she can buy expensive fashions, travel to exotic locations and mix with the superficial wealthy elite. She revels in being one of those beautiful people you see in magazines. Former relationships no longer matter, her obsession with the rich lifestyle becomes overwhelming.
The question becomes one of human values: how far would you go, how many people would you hurt to get what you want? How far can a relationship stretch when each person wants something different? Tholozan’s novel is a scintillating expose of both the shallowness of consumerist society, and of over-indulgent intellectualism. She grounds her moral questions in a scenario where the repercussions of the consumerist drive create actual physical consequences for the people concerned. The more Anna craves money, the more Lulu deteriorates. It becomes quite grotesque, but it is fun, and highly thought-provoking as well. It's a short novel with a punch that will stay in your thoughts long afterwards.
If one can judge the quality of a biography on the research behind it, then Mark Oppenheimer's Judy Blume: A life has to be good. Footnotes throughout each chapter reveal the extent of Oppenheimer's examination of Blume's life. They refer to the innumerable sources of Oppenheimer's information from Judy's unpublished memoir, from emails to and from Oppenheimer, from Judy's numerous other letters, from yearbooks, interviews, her novels, her speeches, from interviews, from her communications with editors, from documentaries, from reports, from note cards for speeches, from the material and writers that inspired her, from newspaper articles, biographical notes from other authors, magazines, appraisals... the list is extensive.
Judy was a prolific writer and communicator. Judging by the number of emails between Oppenheimer and Blume it seems that Blume had a fair idea about what Oppenheimer was to write and some input into this biography. 404 footnotes span 31 chapters and Epilogue. Oppenheimer also includes a note on sources where he discusses two of the documents cited. The first is the notes that Judy took for her unpublished memoir which she gave to Oppenheimer. They became an "invaluable resource" for him but covered only her early childhood. The second resource Oppenheimer used is most important - that of Judy's comments, memos, disagreements and thoughts on his draft biography. This reveals the extent of Oppenheimer's collaboration with Judy (though he does say that he "rejected many of her suggestions...") "... but I took many and I fixed the errors she caught." The index is extensive and helpful and a double spread photograph of Judy from Getty Images graces the front pages. Photo credits are given for the pages of black and white photographs in the middle of the book.
Oppenheimer is well qualified to write a biography. He holds a PhD in religious studies from Yale and has taught at Stanford, Yale, NYU and other prestigious institutions. In addition he was a columnist for The New York Times for six years, has written for The New Yorker, The Nation, GQ, Slate and many more publications and is the author of five books including the poignant and powerful Squirrel Hill: the tree of life synagogue shooting and the soul of a neighbourhood.
Oppenheimer traces Blume's writing path from her early and unpublished work through to the well-known novels that children have been so familiar with eg. Tales of a fourth grade nothing and Sheila the great for primary years and Are you there God? It's me Margaret for Middle years readers. Oppenheimer offers possible links and parallels between Blume's own feisty personality and complicated childhood, marriages and life which evolved into her becoming a great advocate for free speech and contemporary literature. With his sensitive, clear-eyed and respectful approach, readers of Judy Blume: A life will find some interesting information, some surprises and some Aha moments. It is hard to forget the picture of the teenage Judy Blume that Oppenheimer manages to extract. What a smart and spirited girl she was! She had a crystal clear way of seeing people and situations for what they were and for taking on people. This aspect of her personality plus her drive for achievement and her single-minded focus, drove her life in gutsy ways that most middle- class 1940s/50s women would not have dared. This bold characteristic empowered and influenced her life- her sexual experiences, her relationships and marriages and seeped into her books. She became an author who wrote books for adolescents that did not shy away from the messier side of growing up that other writers avoided. Thus Blume had to fight with her books becoming banned from time to time. In this way, she reshaped young people's literature.
Blume has had an extraordinary impact on literature for children and (in this writer's opinion) especially for Middle Years readers. Her influence is international and Oppenheimer has written a biography that lifts the veil and sheds a light on the life that shaped the writings of the remarkable Judy Blume.
Themes Judy Blume's life and work.
Wendy Jeffrey
Mr Bean's entertaining escapades by Official Mr Bean
Entertaining Escapades is a laugh-out-loud graphic novel that perfectly captures the timeless chaos and charisma of the iconic Mr Bean. As part of the Official Mr Bean – 10 Hilarious Comics series, this book is once again jam-packed with ten riotous, comic-style stories, plus a bonus adventure. For lovers of Mr Bean, this colourful collection will deliver plenty of side-splitting laughter.
Bursting with bold, bright, glossy pages, each jam packed with full-colour panels of expressive illustrations, the visual gags and perfectly timed comedic moments are captivating. The format works beautifully for Mr Bean’s style of humour, which has always relied heavily on visual storytelling. With caption boxes, short dialogue and the exaggerated expressions and energetic artwork every mishap is made crystal clear and endlessly entertaining.
Containing a wide variety of scenarios, every story offers a new ridiculous situation. Whether Bean is causing chaos in public, muddling up everyday tasks or turning ordinary activities into awkward and uncomfortable situations, these stories have it all. The humour ranges from silly and playful to amusingly absurd, ensuring there is something to make every reader giggle.
Mr Bean’s usual slapstick humour is conveyed in a format that feels fresh, lively and irresistibly fun for readers of all ages. The comic format allows the jokes to land quickly and keeps the pacing moving swiftly - making it ideal for both reluctant readers and confident comic fans.
The short episodic stories make it easy to dip in and out, perfect for quick reads, shared laughs with a friend or longer independent reading time. With high visual storytelling, this book will appeal to graphic novel fans and Mr Bean fans alike.
Overall, Entertaining Escapades is an engaging, energetic and highly entertaining graphic novel that proves Mr Bean’s comedy works brilliantly in any format. Silly, vibrant and packed with giggles, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have kids (and adults) simultaneously reading and laughing on repeat.
Themes Humour, Social Situations, Problem Solving.
Subtitled, The perfect bedtime book, and with a charming image of grandparents and the children going to bed, picking up this book will aid caregivers who at the end of the day, need a rhyming story to set the mood for sleep. As they say goodnight to their old and new toys, read stories with their grandparents, they recall the things they did during the day with their grandparents: tickling, walking, playing, baking, in all sorts of weather. Lovely images of the older people with their young grandchildren cover each page and readers will see the range of things children do with their grandparents. One amongst many likeable images of the neighbourhood, shows end of day activities: brushing teeth, reading a story, walking the dog, tucking into bed, and then lights out. Each activity reveals the love they all share, and even when they are far apart, they know they are always in their hearts.
Grandparents are kind, courageous, caring and clever, and these qualities are given a front line in this warm hearted story. Kids will want to share their images of grandparents and the things they do with them, and how much impact they have on their lives.
The text is supported by warmly humorous illustrations of the two children and their grandparents, doing all the activities mentioned in the text. Bright, detailed full colour illustrations show a loving family doing many things together, coming together at bedtime with routines that lead the children to snuggle into their beds, love and kindness in their hearts.
Themes Family, Relationships, Grandparents, Grandchildren, Sleep, Bed time, Humour.
Fran Knight
The secrets and scandals of Melody Moss by Helen Dallimore
Penguin Random House, 2026. ISBN: 9781761354199. (Age:10-14) Recommended.
Melody Moss is on the cusp of turning 13 and she is negotiating friendship faux pas, trying new things, organising a birthday celebration, working out where boys fit in her life and continuing to love musicals. This light-hearted journey into the mind and mystery of Melody Moss will reveal many of the turmoils of turning 13 and working out how to be a successful friend, as well as coping with the spectral appearance of a gathering of unusual characters who seem to interrupt her life. This ‘normal life’ crossover with fantasy is almost a homage to a life on stage (or a side-reference to her mother’s unusual cooking style), but the effect is comical and yet a real glimpse of the roller-coaster of growing from childhood to teenage life.
For pre-teen and early teen readers this book will bring a touch of joy. Readers who have loved Dork Diaries will also love this strangely insightful glimpse into the wonders of the social dramas of High School life (where even the transition from year 7 to year 8 can seem like a giant leap and Primary School can be a world away!) Melody Moss is the type of character that has a naive quality, yet a self-awareness that comes across through her journal entries, sometimes written sharing her fears before a big day or event, and also reflecting after those same situations. Helen Dallimore’s own stage and TV experience shines through in the writing about Musical Theatre Club, and closet stage performers will love these references. Mostly though this is just a funny, tween-friendly look at growing up with stumbles and smiles along the way… less a hormonal roller-coaster, and more a dance with destiny (and dating with handholding and kisses on the cheek.) For readers aged 10-14.
The old fire is a book this reader will reread and soon and urgently because I am drawn back into its pages. It has disturbed and left questions and discomfort. What really happened? What did I miss? What did that fire mean? What happened to the two central characters, the sisters Agathe and Vera when they were young? Why did Vera stop speaking at age six? What connections did I, as a reader, miss? The relationships and the interactions are simultaneously everyday and charged. There are anomalies - things don't quite add up; things that leave a bad taste... The author, Elisa Shua Dusapin, scatters a trail of understated, quiet and enigmatic incidents, conversations and situations and the perturbed reader must try to join dots. Regrettably, as in life, we can never see the full picture and Dusapin is not going to resolve it for us. This must be Dusapin's great skill as an author. She reveals a little... but we cannot know everything...tantalising!
Dusapin was born in France and raised in Paris, Seoul and Switzerland. Her first novel, Winter in Sochko was acclaimed and won (in its translation into English) the 2021 National Book Award for Translated Literature. Aneesa Abbas Higgins has translated again for Dusapin with The old fire. Somehow the writer and translator have worked their magic to produce a powerful and evocative book. At 165 pages, The old fire is a short novel but it packs a punch. Dusapin's writing is spare, economical...compact.
The atmospheric story absorbs and captivates the reader. New York film maker Agathe arrives in the dark in pouring rain at her old family home which used to be part of the estate of the neighbouring chateau, Le Pigeon Froid in the French countryside near the village of Perigueux close to prehistoric caves. "The building looks tired, the ivy-covered roof sagging above the brickwork, like a weary giant gasping for breath..." The house is to be knocked down and the stones are to be salvaged to restore the chateau's pigeonnier which burned down. ..."The chateau looms above us, curved in on itself like a snail, the tower and the pigeonnier its antenna." There are cluzeaux - natural galleries once used as shelters. Caves feature repeatedly in this book as do the army of ants that troop through the house and are described in minute detail. Dusapin is attuned to minutiae - the precise, the detail. And this is what Dusapin may be saying about life. We see fragments and we choose to not see fragments. We see a lot but we can't see inside someone else's persona - their interior world. We have a limited perspective and yet we see another person's actions; how they act in public, how they respond to crises, how they act privately and within the domestic family situation. Knowing the other is an abiding theme within the novel..."I was never able to let go of the suspicion that Vera had intentionally denied me access to her inner world." Ironically, Agathe cannot see the pain she causes Vera by not letting her know of her pregnancy.
Spanning from the 6th-14th November, the story describes a week when the two sisters spend time together clearing up their childhood home after their father's death. They haven't seen each other in fifteen years. They sift through a lifetime's collection of belongings and their enforced togetherness is bitter sweet. Memories bubble to the surface and neither woman can connect with the other. Worrisome memories emerge - erupting and tamped down. What happened to that kitten? Was the problem swept under the carpet? What is wrong with Vera? Is she manipulating? It seemed that her lips moved when she spoke to Swann, daughter of Octave, and Swann said that it was a secret. Is Vera playing a terrible game? What is she capable of? The narrative flashes between events in the past and the present all in the first person voice of Agathe.
Dusapin's writing is beautiful - spare and powerful, intimating the multi-layered threads that make up shared lives and histories and the misunderstandings and passions in the closest of relationships. The old fire is a very powerful but subtle, potently descriptive and elegant novel.
Not universally acknowledged it nevertheless is a day for celebrations. Many books will come to mind and a short perusal of library shelves will reveal more. But Grandparents can be celebrated everyday, with books being published all the time recognising the significance of grandparents in a child’s life.
My Nonna loves evokes all the warmth of a loving Nonna who takes her grandchild on her many journeys through the day. She loves dressing up, then dancing around the room with Nonna; she loves feeding the chooks, collecting the eggs and helping when an egg is poached.
She loves shopping with her, going to the market, gathering the ingredients to use later in her kitchen, talking to the stall holder about the custard tarts she buys for when they get home. Nonna loves sauce day, where the whole family comes together to make passata, the grandchild helping fill the jars.
This lovingly told story of a woman who takes every day as it comes, will thrill younger children, seeing their own grandparents on each page. Nonna loves to gossip, spending a lot of time at night speaking to family in Italy. She loves Christmas, when all the family gets together, eating heartily, then opening presents and lounging contentedly under Nona’s spreading grape vine.
Nonna loves baking, and often offers her biscotti to others, passing some over the fence to her neighbours. And she loves her husband, Nonno. When it is time for the child to be taken home, Nonna zips up her parka, and they walk together, the child basking in Nona’s love.
Each page is filed with bright floral illustrations, provoking the readers to seek out the detail on each page, asking them to name the interesting features. They will recognise the role of a grandparent in their lives, and spy the things that grandparents do for their grandchildren.
The warmth and closeness of families sings on each page, underlining the days that are important to families, but also showing the important place that a grandparent has in the family, and how love binds all members of the family together. And they will learn few Italian words as they read.
Cruise concierge, Molly, loves being aboard the luxury liner, The Titan Pacifica, and constantly seems to have a finger on the pulse, knowing how to support the passengers, including the uber wealthy, tricky personalities on deck nine. When the wealthy but very dysfunctional Fairchild family boards, this trip becomes something other than the magical mystery tour one might imagine. Each of the characters not only has secrets to hide, they also exhibit varied personality traits and flaws.
The patriarch, Irving Fairchild, immediately proves himself to be a rude, self-absorbed, and totally unlikeable individual, treating everyone he meets badly, playing his family members off against one another for his personal entertainment. As the relationships between the characters and their backgrounds are slowly revealed, one grows to dislike each person more intensely. Scandals and secrets come to light, amidst the grandeur of the setting. The greedy, entitled group quickly begins to show their true natures, with motives for murder being exposed.
As a first-time reader of Ali Lowe, but someone who enjoys murder mysteries, I wasn’t sure what to expect of this title. Beginning with a Hitchcock quote, a cruise itinerary, the reflections of a character whose life is about to end, and the transcript of the podcast The Deadliest Cruise of All Time as the introduction, it was immediately obvious that it was going to be an interesting ride. Quickly, I found myself unable to put the book down. Interspersed with podcasts, transcripts and alternating views, and a large font, this was such an easy read. Whenever I thought I had guessed where the story was going, I was proven wrong, and the plot had me engaged until the very last word. I’m now keen to investigate Lowe’s other titles.
Themes Crime, Mystery, Family, Greed, Secrets.
Jo Schenkel
Guinea Wigs: Fur power! by Rebecca McRitchie & Shiloh Gordon
Fur Power, the first book in a brand-new series Guinea Wigs by Rebecca McRitchie, bursts with fun, frivolity and laughter. With lively black and white illustrations by talented illustrator Shiloh Gordon, the story delivers a delightful blend of comedy, cuteness and chaos - perfect for emerging independent readers.
The story introduces five adorable guinea pig friends whose ordinary lives take an unexpected turn when they discover a mysterious box of unwanted wigs. However, these are no ordinary wigs! Each has a bizarre superpower when placed on their furry heads and suddenly the guinea pigs are dealing with abilities that they are not sure how to control. Unfortunately, their early attempts at superhero status doesn’t go quite to plan. Mishaps, mayhem and plenty of laugh out loud moments follow as the friends try to figure out how their new wigs work.
Just when these friendly fluffballs begin to feel a little defeated, they are presented with another opportunity to prove themselves: the chickens need help. Working together, the five friends use teamwork, resilience and a little superpower fun.
This is a great book that will appeal to many readers. The easy-to-read text, short chapters and graphics will captivate the audience and keep them turning each page. With short, fast-paced chapters this text and visual combo will keep readers engaged and motivated - making it an ideal choice for children building confidence in their independent reading journey.
Fans of quirky, animal-led adventures will especially enjoy this new series. Readers who love the similar comedy and easy read layout of Ratbags by Tim Harris or Real Pigeons by Andrew McDonald will find Fur Power a fantastic new addition to their bookshelves.
Overall, Fur Power is a funny, lively and engaging start to what promises to be a popular new series. With its playful concept, lovable characters and reader friendly layout, it is sure to spark laughter and encourage young readers to keep reading.
Themes Animals, Adventure, Humour, Superpowers.
Michelle O'Connell
The new Famous Five: Five and the smuggler's code by Chris Smith
In the next exciting instalment of The New Famous Five the three siblings, who are grandchildren of Dick from the original adventurers, join up with George (do not call her Georgina!), also now much older, and pursue a mystery involving the old house on Smuggler’s Top. It seems that there are nefarious happenings going on above ground, and probably in the tunnels below the mysterious old building and its nearby town. Can the children thwart the local master criminal before it is too late and will they need to work on their own to rescue the adults as well?
Mingling the Enid Blyton characters and their mysteries from the past with a new generation of children and their adventures is a winning combination. In this book in the series by Chris Smith, the past influences the present and the older generation adventurers again make cameo appearances. (Note: Timmy is not able to reappear, as a dog’s life span makes this an impossible request, but the children have their own dog - Gilbert, who serves as a capable replacement.) The delight of this series is this weaving of the generations, and readers who have already encountered the original Famous Five will be equally enthralled with the new stories. Congratulations to the author on this clever literary embroidery. The adventure in this story has moments of excitement and risk, but never enough to be too scary for a young audience aged 8 -12. As a shared story from a parent, grandparent or teacher it could also enthrall younger listeners, 7+. I would recommend this as a read-aloud gem! As the children demonstrate remarkable independence, intelligence and problem-solving capacity, this is a great story to foster these qualities. Perhaps they sometimes take risks that require an adult to assist, but as with the Blyton stories, the children are true adventurers. I have loved this series so far, reminding me of the pleasure of my own childhood reading journey, and can only delight that there is another book in the series to come!
The Paradise Heights Miniature Railway bust-up by Kate Solly
Affirm Press, 2026. ISBN: 9781922863058. (Age:Adult, young adult)
Mother of three young children, Flec Parker, not only needs an outlet where she can meet other adults but she also needs a mystery to solve. The Many Hands Craft Centre, a cooperative where women can meet and craft together, meets some of the first but she has been struggling with the second until she sees new graffiti on some local shops. The challenge is too easily solved leaving Flec unsatisfied, considering if she should investigate how to become a real private detective. Meanwhile she has forgotten 6-year-old Sam’s class are to dress up as old people and there is a last minute burst of creativity required so Sam and best friend Joseph can comply. They look good, but not as great as Asher, Helen Greythorn’s grandson, a Super-senior, with a sparkly cape and a U3A badge there to disrupt the ageist agenda. Flec’s husband Matthew, who volunteers at the Paradise Heights miniature railway has just the investigative challenge she needs. Supplies have been going missing and the organization is experiencing quite significant losses. The railway is a favourite outing for the family so investigating gets off to a flying start, initially disguised as Flec’s first foray into Parkrun, which just happens to pass near the railway. This is the second in the series featuring Flec Parker and some of the relationships and character building must have been covered in the first, but it does stand alone as a quick entertaining read. As a mother of 6 the author has been able to draw on a wealth of entertaining everyday moments with young children, like having to negotiate a purchase of pegs from a three-year-old while hanging out the washing or buying imaginary cups of coffee with bark chips in the playground. The smooth dialogue and deprecating humour carries the story, touching on mental health issues, disability and women’s poverty without becoming preachy.
Themes mystery, crime, womens fiction.
Sue Speck
Cosy Easter: Cute and cosy colouring book by Amelia Green
Cosy Easter: Cute and Cosy Colouring Book is a delightfully creative escape, perfect as a relaxing, feel-good activity for the Easter season (or any time of year). Designed for colouring enthusiasts of all ages, this charming book invites the audience to slow down, get comfortable and enjoy hours of mindful colouring.
One of the standout features of this colouring book is the high-quality paper and bold, solid outlines to make colouring especially enjoyable. Markers, pencils, or crayons glide smoothly across the pages, and the clear linework helps colours pop beautifully. A particularly helpful touch is the colour-testing page at the beginning. This practical addition encourages experimentation and gives helpful recommendations so each colouring artist can achieve successes and satisfaction.
The book includes 45 delightful illustrations, with a wide range of designs on each single sided page, there is a cheerful collection of Easter eggs, blooming flowers, adorable animals and sweet seasonal scenes. The variety is perfect: some pages are simpler while others are more detailed and intricate; perfect for a wide audience and different colouring experiences. This balance also ensures the book never feels repetitive and keeps creativity flowing from start to finish.
Another feature is the invitation to connect with the colouring community. Readers are encouraged to visit the author’s TikTok or Instagram pages for inspiration - or even share their own finished creations. This adds a sense of community and inspiration that extends beyond the book itself.
Warm, cheerful, and wonderfully calming, this colouring book offers a perfect blend of creativity and relaxation. Whether used during the Easter holidays or throughout the year, it’s a cosy companion that promises mindful fun and artistic enjoyment for all ages.
Themes Easter, Colouring, Animals, Mindfulness.
Michelle O'Connell
Mouse can't stop! by Beck Blake. Illus. by Shiloh Gordon
Little Hare, 2026. ISBN: 9781761212550. (Age:3+)
Life’s journey can be different for different people, but this book encourages us to stop and smell the daisies, to take time as we journey, to be aware of what is around us, and to make friends.
Mouse and Bear set out to climb the mountain. Mouse can’t wait, he tears ahead, leaving Bear behind. On the mountain they meet a bee who invites them to visit his garden. Bear wants to visit, but not Mouse who keeps humming ahead. In the garden, Bear smells the beautiful flowers, the daisies and daffodils having the most exotic perfume. Bee shows Bear a secret tunnel, allowing him to catch up with Mouse. Ahead they spy a rabbit, who asks them for help to find his lost key. But again, Mouse says he cannot stop and runs ahead. Bear stops and finds the key which opens Rabbit’s house and there he has a wonderful meal with the family.
Next, Bear and Mouse are asked by if they would like to rest under a tree. Mouse of course is in too much of a hurry, while Bear stays and has a rest, good enough to give him enough puff to catch up with Mouse. Once at the top, Mouse is disappointed that the top of the mountain does not match the sign below. He can see nothing amazing. He starts on down, while Bear stays at the top with the birds, the rabbit family and the bee. Bear has had an amazing time and met many new friends.
A lovely story of spending time with others, the characters of Bear and Mouse will amuse readers as they see from the start how different they are, but their actions bring them together at the end.
I love the pages of verse where Mouse gives his reasons for keeping on going. I can imagine the reader and the audience saying these lines with gusto, predict the rhyming words and urging Mouse forward, while Bear stays behind to smell the daisies. Full of humour, the illustrations will delight, as the readers’ eyes follow the events in the text. One frustrated Mouse is seen on many pages, urging his friend forward, while Bear is content to hold the baby rabbits in his arms and talk to the birds and the bees as they fly around his soft, friendly face. The looks on both their faces is a study in opposites, and the readers will laugh with glee as Mouse comes to realise that perhaps the mountain is amazing after all.
Themes Humour, Friendship.
Fran Knight
Fearless Finn by Kristin Martin. Illus. by Lauren Mullinder
Talented South Australian duo, author Kristin Martin and illustrator Lauren Mullinder, have collaborated beautifully to create Fearless Finn, a delightful and vibrant narrative. This larger than usual picture book offers young readers a heartfelt and visually engaging story that celebrates bravery and overcoming feelings of fear.
When farm boy Finn is milking Maude, a dragon destroys all the hay. She continues to cause havoc by burning trees and slightly blackening a goat. In the meantime, Finn has become Fearless Finn – a dragon fighting knight - with homemade armour, sword and shield.
Don’t worry, I am…Fearless Finn… a… dragon-fighting…knight! I’ll find that dreadful dragon And I’ll challenge her to fight.
Off Fearless Finn goes following the dragon’s trail of havoc. When Finn finds the dragon he challenges her to a fight but…all is not as it appears. Is the dragon as fiery and dangerous as Finn first thought?
The skilful rhyme is a pleasure to read aloud, perfectly complemented by softened pastel digital illustrations that trace Finn’s journey and thoughtfully share his shifting emotions and changing expressions. The well-crafted and satisfying ending will be welcomed by young readers with the inclusion of the special recipe in the final pages - a fabulous addition and enjoyable (& edible!) extension to the narrative.
When your best friend is sinking into addiction, how do you help? Or, can you?
Two best friends in Year 10, going to a party. A couple of pills, just to boost confidence. First time for Mia, she’s cautious, but she follows Sophie’s lead. And then she gets a goodnight kiss from Lewis, the hottest guy in the school. The fragile glass beneath Mia gives way as she gets pulled further into the world Ecstasy gives her; a world where she is confident, risk-taking, everything she isn’t.
Things take a turn for the worse, and the girls’ relationship is strained. Sophie gets sexually assaulted by Lewis’s dealer, and Mia starts to Ecstasy more recklessly. Their friendship is strained, and Sophie can no longer recognize Mia, who has become a shell of her former self. But their bond brings Mia back from the edge she was unknowingly walking off.
Kate McCaffrey uses her powerful writing to build the worlds of Sophie and Mia, shown from the alternating perspectives of each girl. Her raw words carefully show a user’s decline as the story progresses through months, engaging readers. Her words are uncomplicated yet engaging, and you can relate to the simplicity of her writing. With shifting points of views, her book is about both friendship and drugs, in equal part.
The book isn’t action-driven but compelling. The story stretches across the course of several months, but the events are steady in pace and gripping in nature. Through words, it shows Mia’s first time taking Ecstasy, Sophie’s withdrawal, the girls’ splitting up and the slow recovery. While the ending isn’t absolute, it speaks of hope and renewal, with both teenagers looking forward. Sophie and Mia are both built with purpose. Their character and personality are uniquely different and creatively portrayed. McCaffrey’s writing makes them real, with their faults and flaws but the remaining, underlying good in both of them.
While it isn’t a thriller, In Ecstasy is gripping. I’d recommend this contemporary novel to anyone searching for a raw, original story that starts important discussions.
Themes: Friendship, Self-esteem, Drug addiction, Depression, Anxiety
