August Reviews

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Wings of Fire Legends: Dragonslayer by Tui Sutherland

Reviewed by Annie M. BPS

​This book is about three regular humans with great destinies woven together. Wren, a grumpy little girl that was sacrificed to the dragons but managed to survive, Leaf, a boy who is determined to slay a dragon because of his little sister’s fate, and Ivy, a girl inspired by the wonder of dragons.
Can these three children save the humans from the dragons, that find humans perfectly bite sized snacks?
My favourite part is when Wren meets Sky because she takes care of him.
I recommend it to children aged 8+ who enjoy a bit of adventure.
​I rate this book 9/10 stars!

The Hour of Magic by Geronimo Stilton

Reviewed by Jess C. BPS

This book is about a little mouse called Geronimo Stilton and his friends Scribblehopper, Little Princess Buzzy, Queenie, Solitaire, Dragon of Time and Hee Haw.
They find a kingdom of fancy for another adventure.
The group go to a shop where they sell lots of clocks. Also, there is a house called Eclipse, this is one of the witches queens home. It has thirteen floors each with different bedrooms.
My favourite part is when all of Geronimo Stilton and his friends go in the elevator and go to the top floor to visit friends up top.
I recommend this book to year 3 and up because it has lots of pictures and not many words.
​I rate this book 10/10 because it is funny and very easy to read.

Unicornia: A Magical Birthday by Ana Punset

Reviewed by Jess C. BPS

This book is about a a girl called Pippa who is having a birthday party and she is inviting her friends. She can’t wait to see her presents, her cake and to visit the Enchanted Fall Theme Park.
Here are some treats that are at her party: fruit chews, lollies and endless flavours of bubblegum.
My favourite part is when she gets to have some lollies and lots of cake and presents because she is a spoiled girl. I also like that she can have friends come to her house for her party. 
I recommend this book to year 2 and up because it is very funny and easy but there are some challenging words.
​I rate this book 9/10 because it is funny and makes you happy.

Minecraft: Guide to Farming by Mojang

Reviewed by Will M. BPS

Minecraft is a game that has been made in to books, so people can play and read about Minecraft.
The book is about farming in Minecraft. It tells you how to make crops such as wheat, beetroot and many more. It also tells you how to farm blocks and mobs, because for some blocks need you need to have enchantments on your pickaxe, like silk touch to break ice blocks and keep them in your inventory. Some mobs such as creepers drop gunpowder which is used to make TNT.
My favourite part is when it tells you how to make wheat crops because I play Minecraft and it helps me a lot.
I recommend this book to 5 years + because younger ages might not understand it.
This book is great to help those playing the game.
​I rate this book 10/10.

Tom Gates #2: Excellent Excuses (and Other Good Stuff) by Liz Pichon

Reviewed by Chloe M. BPS

The book is about a young boy named Tom failing in school and making a band with his friends. But, Tom hates his sister. Tom even wrote a hate song about her.
His tooth started to annoy him, so much that he could not focus in class. Then he got signed up for a school band. He was not excited to do the school band. Everyone was laughing at him and he found it annoying. And what was worse a teacher signed him up.
My favourite part of the book was all the songs he made up. They were really funny and there was a happy birthday song as well as a song about his annoying sister.
I recommend this book to year 3 and up because it has lot of hard words in the story.
​I give this book 5/10 rating because I didn’t find the book super interesting.

I Survived: The Sinking of the Titanic, 1912 by Lauren Tarshis

Reviewed by Johanna VDH. BPS

It’s 1912, 4 days before the titanic struck an iceberg. George Calder and his sister Phoebe were sailing to New York on the Titanic with their aunt. They were the luckiest kids alive.
They met another child called Enzo. He was four years old and he lived with his dad. His mum died when he was 2, he said to George. George says that his mum had died too.
His dad rarely gave him attention at all. His dad gave him this grumpy look all the time which made him feel like he wasn’t important.
George knows the ship like the back of his hand by day two.
On day 4 tragedy struck! The Titanic was sinking! But Phoebe was…MISSING!
This is the bit where the lemon drops became good luck! There was a trail of lemon drops on the ship! Phoebe loves lemon drops, so George followed them and found her in steerage (third class) with Enzo and his dad.
The workers locked the gates, George and his friends were stuck … or were they?
You know how I said George knew the ship like the back of his hand? Well, there was a ladder where the steerage slept, so George told them to go up the ladder.
A lot of people made it off the ship, but not everyone. Enzo’s dad and George were still on the ship. So Enzo's dad said that’s there is nowhere else to go but in the water so he counts to 3 …1…2… (splash).
George felt like one hundred knifes were stabbing him just as he hit the ice-cold water.
Two hours later they find a ship and they hear Enzo and Phoebe. They were safe.
My favourite part was when Phoebe made a trail with her lemon drops around the ship, for her brother to find.
I recommend this book to ages 8 and up because it can be a bit scary for younger years.
​I rate this book 10/10 because I like how it is based on a true story and that it is set up as a graphic novel.

Ninja Kid 5: Ninja Clones by Anh Do

Reviewed by Gabe G. MRPS

This adventurous book immerses you into action and awesomeness. It makes you feel like you're actually in the story because Nelson (the main character) and Kenny's (Nelson’s other ninja friend) grandma builds them a clone so they can defeat the main villain doctor Andrew Kane.
On Nelson’s tenth birthday he discovers he has special powers. This seems to mean that he has a sense for danger, strength and stamina. But Nelson is still in school and him and his class go on a field trip to a nearby forest that is secretly hosted by the one and only doctor Andrew Kane.
Nelson and Kenny discover this so doctor Andrew Kane reveals himself. Nelson and Kenny fight doctor Andrew Kane but who will win?
This was a simple storyline and a quick read, it was also written in large font making it mostly easy to read and sprinkled with cartoon like illustrations. After reading this it filled my mind with many questions like why was Andrew at that camp?
I would recommend this book to people over the age of 7 because of the violence but with no gory features.
This book is a definite 9/10 because of the well-plotted storyline and the well thought characters. 

Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas by Dav Pilkey

Reviewed by Braxton K. MRPS

This book is about a dog and a man who got hurt in a explosion. When they got to the hospital the doctor said to the dog I’m sorry but your body is dying and your head is dying too cop. But, the nurse lady had an idea and said "what about we sew the dogs head on the cops body" and that was how Dogman was made.
On the way Dogman made friends Sarah Hatoff, who is a news reporter, Zuzu a poodle and Dogman's boss chief. Also, Dogman's enemy is a cat called Petey.
I liked the book because it had entertaining comics and was super funny.
I would recommend the book to kids aged 7+.
I would rate the book a 9.5/10 because it had astonishing illustrations and it was an unputdownable book.

Factopia!: Follow the Trail of 400 Facts by Kate Hale

Reviewed by Jack P. MRPS

Did you know the rings on an adult mountain goat’s horns tell you how old it is? Or that before the universe began it was millions of times smaller than a full stop? Well, in this outstanding book of facts surprised me every time I flipped the page. I couldn’t possibly close this book even after reading it 2 or 3 times.
Every fact is a mind-boggling journey of surprise, shock and utter disbelief. With just over 400 facts it wasn’t too long nor was it too short.
I loved how the author added little paths with hidden links and connections.
I recommend this book to anyone craving a delicious fact, but be warned this is going to hurt your brain trying to think how on earth could this be true?
I recommend this book to years 10+
I rate it a 10/10. Come on fact nerds get on it!

Little People, Big Dreams: Amelia Earhart by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

Reviewed by Ivy F. MRPS

I kind of found this book a bit poor and boring. I found the pictures were talking to me instead of the text because of the facial expressions and the backgrounds. It really spoke to me and showed such passion Amelia had for planes and the sky without talking.
Just a reminder, these Little People Big Dream books are true story for anyone wanting to read them.
It was a bit boring reading the text but looking at the picture has me looking at the pages for HOURS!
Find out what happened to Amelia by reading the book or looking up online!
I would recommend this book to 5+ because there aren't too many words and heaps of pictures that tell you what’s happening often and yes she went across the pacific and the Atlantic just shows how much she loves planes!
This book would have to be 5/10. Once again , I didn’t really enjoy the text but the pictures were FANTASTIC. I could not stop re-reading the book. 

Wings of Fire #6: Moon rising by Tui Sutherland

Reviewed by Isabelle M. BPS

Moonwatcher is a young NightWing who hatched in the rainforest under two full moons instead of on the volcano where every other NightWing was born.
After an unfortunate incident at the volcano, the rest of the NightWings are in the rainforest under the rein of Queen Glory of the RainWings.
The prophecy dragonets opened a new school called Jade Mountain Academy for all tribes, and they have invited Moonwatcher (Moon) to be one of the first students. Moon is incredibly nervous for good reason. Being born under two full moons, Moon has the secret NightWing powers of mindreading and prophecy and she is the first to have them in thousands of years.
At the school, Moon hears a mysterious voice in her head. Who is it? Moon also has a mysterious new prophecy. What does it mean? What lies ahead for this dragonet and her friends? Will Moon change the world and stop the prophecy from unfolding or will Jade Mountain fall first?
My favourite ting about this book is how Tui has designed this book. I love how all her books are intertwined in an elaborate web.
I recommend it for grade 4+ who enjoy fantasy.
I rate this book 9½ /10. 

Runt by Craig Silvey

Reviewed by Jess C. BPS

Runt is a novel about an adopted stray dog whose name is Runt.
Annie is an eleven-year-old girl from Upson Downs. She lives on a sheep farm with her parents Bryan and Susie, her brother Max and her grandmother Dolly.
Annie and Runt have a special bond.
Runt goes to a dog show called Krumpets dog show in London and wins a medal for the best tricks.
My favourite part is when Runt goes to a dog show and wins a medal. I also like that Runt and Annie have a big special bond together.
I recommend this book to Year 4 and up because it has some challenging words. It is a beautiful book because it warms you heart when you’re sad.
​I rate this book 10/10 because it is heartwarming and a special book.

Macca's Makeover by Matt Cosgrove

Reviewed by Chloe S. BPS

This book is about an Alpaca called Macca. Macca is a caring Alpaca. He loved hanging out with his gang but he wished he was cool like his friends. So, he asked his friend Al what was his secret to being cool. He replied, hair! So, Al dyed and shaved Macca’s hair. His hair got tangled.
He went to the Yaks and the Yaks said their secret are accessories so he put some sunglasses on and walked into a tree.
Then he went to the muscly llama and he said you need to work out so Macca skipped, jogged, punched and then he tripped. Then he felt like a fool and he started crying.
His friend rushed up to him and told him we don’t care about your designer specs, biceps or pecs. They said you’re cool as you are.
My favorite bit was when all his friends came to him and supported him when he was sad because it made me get the warm fuzzies.
I would recommend this book to year 1 and above because it is an easy read but some words kids may not understand.
​I rate this book 8/10 because it can teach you how to be kind to other and love the way you are.

Jetty Jumping by Andrea Rowe

Reviewed by Chloe, BPS

This book it about a girl who was swimming with her friends and then they jumped off the jetty, but she was too scared to jump off of it.
She sat on the edge of the jetty and looked down at the water. As she looked down, she could see shadows of sharks and rocks. All of her friends jumped off the jetty into the ocean. But she stayed.
Suddenly, her bracelet fell off into the water. She quickly got up and looked down at the water and saw her bracelet. She was scared to jump, but finally she jumped! It was a big splash!
She quickly swam to the bottom and picked up her bracelet and went back to the surface to take a breath.
All of her friends were glad that she jumped off the jetty and they all played together in the water.
My favorite part was when she jumped off the jetty, because it showed how brave she was to jump.
I would recommend this book to age 5 and up because it is an easy read.
​I rate this book a 6/10 because I didn’t really find it interesting but some bits were nice.

The Scarecrows' Wedding by Julia Donaldson

Reviewed by Max W. DPS

This book is about two scarecrows called Harry O'Hay and Betty O'Barley. They want to get married but they need to find some things for the wedding around the farm.
They need a dress of white feathers, a necklace of shells, lots of pink flowers, 2 rings and some bells.
I recommend this book for ages 5 and up.
I give this book an 9/10 because it is by one of my favourite authors.

Jonty Gentoo: The Adventures of a Penguin by Julia Donaldson

Reviewed by Max W. DPS

This book is about a gentoo penguin named Jonty. He lives in the zoo but decides to escape to see his real home the South Pole.
Jonty takes a wrong turn and ends up at the wrong pole - the North Pole.
A polar bear helps him find a tern to show him the way to the South Pole
I recommend this book for ages 5 and up.
I give this book 9/10, because it is about penguins, and I like penguins. It is also interesting and a bit educational.

Kaboom Kid #2: Playing Up by David Warner

Reviewed by James B. MRPS

The Kaboom Kid: Playing Up, is about young cricket sensation, David Warner.
What makes Davey so good at cricket it his bat, Kaboom. But to Davey’s devastation, his grumpy old teacher, Mr Mudge, confiscates Kaboom for not being good in class. He was dumbfounded, 'how can I play cricket without Kaboom', Davey thinks.
What makes it even more disastrous is that there is a selector coming to club practice. It was his big opportunity, but he did NOT have Kaboom. And even more worse, Davey has been asked by his brother to play up, which he really wanted to.
I really liked this book because it was about Cricket, my favourite sport. I love books like these, and especially when it is about one of my sports hero’s.
I liked how Davey is so determined to get his bat back. It was so interesting reading every single word because surprises were everywhere.
I recommend this book for children aged 8 to 13, because it’s about kids that are 10, 11 and 12 years old.
The book didn’t take to long to read and it has illustrations but they aren’t coloured.
​I rate it a solid 9/10, it was just a great read, it was relatable and was funny. I’m so excited to read the rest of the series.

HotDog! #1 by Anh Do

Reviewed by James B. MRPS

“I was hoping to fly my kite today, but that would have to wait”.
Hotdog and his friends go on a crazy adventure to help a baby bird who with a gust of wind, blew out of his nest. They noticed that he couldn’t fly to get back up to his nest because he was still a baby.
They then proceeded on a super adventure to find his Mother. First over a lake. As they were plonked right in the middle of the lake, the baby bird decided it was time to poop. It stank them all out. After they dealt with that they then they passed through a farm where they encountered a karate-chopping rooster. After all that they still couldn’t find his mother. 
Next, they flew up to the top of a lighthouse with a kite Hotdog wanted to play with at the start. But still, no sign of the birds mother.
This book was short but sweet. I really liked the humour Anh Do used and made me feel engaged although it was definitely for younger people. I also liked how they went on adventure past and through lots of obstacles.
I think it could have been more interesting in the sense of the baby bird not being able to talk to make it more realistic and more of a difficult challenge for Hotdog and his friends.
I recommend this book for primary school aged kids. It’s funny, short and enjoyable. Not too complicated, it’s an easy read. It’s an adventure packed story which I love.
​I rate this book 6/10 because it was probably for younger readers.

Ronaldo Rules by Simon Mugford

Reviewed by James B. MRPS

“GOAAALLL!” This fact filled biography about Cristiano Ronaldo had my mind blown.
It all started in a small island in Portugal, with Cristiano kicking a plastic bottle around as a ball. He joined his local club and was by far the best one there.
At the age of 14, Cristiano dropped out of school to play soccer, how crazy is that!? Him and his family flew to Lisbon so Ronaldo could join Portuguese soccer giants, Sporting Lisbon.
After some phenomenal performances there, he signed for Manchester United, one of Europe's biggest soccer clubs. After that, the other clubs he proceeded to join were, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al Nassr. But don’t forget about all the trophies and medals he has won.
This book blew me away with many, many facts. They were all interesting. But I do believe the book could have gone a bit deeper into his life and not just facts. I think it should have added more about how he felt at times, and some news and interviews that happened.
I recommend this book to ages 5-9; it wasn’t a big book and could be read easily. Not many tricky words if any at all. There are many pictures, put all in black and white. If you like facts upon facts, you’ll love this book.
I rate it a 6.5 out of 10. Not for my age, nor do I like lots and lots of facts and not much story. It was okay but wouldn’t recommend it to many people.

The Land of Lost Things by Andy Griffiths

Reviewed by James B. MRPS

This crazy adventure story is about 2 characters, one meant to be the reader, and the other, the main character. They get up to lots of adventure, but this one is about one of their best, favourite, most awesome adventure the universe has seen.
These two want to go on an adventure, a crazy one. But sadly there is one problem. They’ve lost their lucky rabbits foot, but luckily they do have a lucky four leaf clover.
They go on an adventure in their indestructible car then drive it right of the edge of a cliff. They then turn on flight mode and fly to The Land Of Lost Things. Whilst they are here they try to find the rabbits foot. On their walk they find a foot shop which has their foot, they trade and get the foot until…the very, very, very large cat who traded it wants to eat them. Then they get chased out to sea by snapping turtles until they find a pirate ship with a rabbit on board. And you guessed it, the foot belonged to the rabbit.
I really loved all the adventures they got up to. Especially when they encountered the rabbit.
My favourite bit was when the sign said napping turtles, so they hopped on the back of them. But it was meant to be snapping turtles, so they tried to eat them alive.
I didn’t like at the end how they just popped out of the bottom of the couch, because it made it seem like the amazing adventure didn’t happen and was disappointing. Being so crazy, some parts did not make sense. Especially when they came across the book that helped them find their way.
I recommend this book for ages 6-9. Being able to read it in under 3 hours, it wasn’t very long. Lots of illustrations helped me to understand the madness that was going on. At least 10 of the 300+ pages were just illustrations.
I love how Andy Griffiths makes it so crazy and action packed, it was a blast to read. I
​I rate this book a simple 7/10. Not to long, not to short, achievable to read in 1-4 days. Great for young children. It impressed me, but wasn’t for my age group. So it could be an awesome for you.

Shep: Our Most Loyal Dog by Sneed B. Collard III

Reviewed by James B. MRPS

This true story is about a shepherd dog named Shep. Shep and his master were best friends. He would curl up next to him at the campfire and loved herding sheep.
But one day, his master fell ill. Normally he would get sick and then get better again, but this time he didn’t. Sadly, his master passed away.
Shep watched him get carried away in a box and put on a train. He waited at the train station for a while, hoping his master would come back. But he never did. Eventually, some people who worked at the train station noticed him. They gave him food scraps and kept him well-fed. No one officially adopted him, but the community looked after him.
When he was about 11, Shep couldn’t hear very well. One day in January, he was in the middle of the train tracks trying to pull a bone from the rails. A train came, beeping its horn and trying to stop, but it was too late.
I really enjoyed this book. To me, it had a sad feeling throughout the whole story. There was suspense, which made me want to keep reading.
I liked the part at the start when Shep curled up next to his master by the campfire, the illustrations of the flames were beautiful. It made me feel really sad knowing it was a true story.
It’s heartbreaking that both Shep and his master died so early.
I liked the emotion the author used in the book, it made me feel like I was a part of it.
At the end, there’s a section with more information about the true story of Shep, which helped me understand it even more.
I recommend this book for ages 8 and up. I feel younger children might find it a bit too sad, but I still think many people would enjoy it. Some parts were a bit hard to understand, like when it said “buckboard.” I was sitting there like, 'what is a buckboard?'. It’s a short read, which I found on Epic! It’s definitely my favorite book from there by far.
I rate this book an 8.5 out of 10. It’s a great story that I definitely recommend reading, but not quite a perfect 10.

Demon Slayer #1 by Koyoharu Gotouge

Reviewed by Hudson H. YPCC

In Taisho Era Japan, a 13 year old boy named Tanjiro was getting ready to do his job of selling charcoal to the village, and when he got to the bottom of the mountain, he started helping the townsfolk.
When it was night time, a man named Saburo told him to stay in his house because there have been man eating demons around. The next day, he came home to a tragic sighting, someone had murdered his entire family! He picked up his dead sister and ran down the mountain. Halfway down the mountain, she woke up and turned into a demon, attacking Tanjiro.
As he was running away from the attacks, he fell off the cliff behind him.
As he thudded, his sister Nezuko was already down there, about to attack. After he got pinned to the ground, he opened his eyes and realized that Nezuko was starting to cry.
In a split second, a demon slayer on level “Hashira” came and attacked Nezuko. After Tanjiro said she was his sister, Giyu Tomioka (Hashira) sent them to Sakonji Urokodakis house at the bottom of Mt. Sagiri. As they got there, Urokodaki wasn’t there but A demon was. As it attacked, Nezuko sat there as Tanjiro fought with a hatchet.
After Tanjiro was about to die, Nezuko kicked the demons head off, they thought it was over but the body worked perfectly normal. The whole body went for Nezuko and the head went for Tanjiro. Tanjiro used his hatchet to pin the head to a tree.
As the sun rose, the demon got burned and died. He felt somebody’s hand on his shoulder, so he turned around and saw Urokodaki. The next 2 years, he had helped Tanjiro learn “Water Breathing”.
He also made it so Nezuko won't attack humans.
He got told to cut a boulder with his sword to become a demon slayer. As he struggled, two ghosts named Sabito and Makomo appeared and helped him. As he left, the book ended.
I really liked this book and would recommend it to ages 9-15.
I’d rate it 10/10 because of the art and illustration.

Pythor's Revenge by Meredith Rusu

Reviewed by Charlie M. YPCC

The Lego Ninjas is an awesome book. It's got Lego ninjas and bad guys. There is fighting and weapons.
The book is for grade 3 and up.
I rate it a 10/10.

Pig the Blob by Aaron Blabey

Reviewed by Jeedara W-D. YPCC

It was good and very funny because Pig the Pug was very lazy and the owner didn’t care about his health, but the other dog Trevor did.
I recommend this book to an audience of 4+.
I rated this book a 5/10 because it really was good, but it didn’t really care about health.

Minecraft: Wither Without You #3 by Kristen Gudsnuk

Reviewed by Marlee V. YPCC

There was a boy. His name was Steve and he had seeds on him and then they were a chicken and the chicken only wanted Steve.
So, when he told his friend she could have it and then the chicken bit her and she said 'Ow! You are an evil chicken'. Then Steve said I like you now.
I think this book is suited for 5 to 19 year old’s. I would read this book again.
​I rate this book 10/10.

Amazing Cricket Stars: Mitchell Starc by Clive Gifford

Reviewed by James B. MRPS

“He did play so well. He deserved it,” the commentator uttered as Mitch fell one run short of a century.
Learn about Australian cricket star Mitchell Aaron Starc and how he takes the cricketing world by storm. This unofficial biography is about a young, skinny kid who turned into one of Australia’s greatest fast bowlers. Mitch loved cricket from a young age, playing for Northern District as a wicketkeeper.
As Mitch grew, his coach told him he should try fast bowling. From there, he became one of the most talked-about young cricket players in the world.
Mitch was in and out of the Australian squad at the age of 20 but never played a game, until eventually, his time came with Australia in 2010 when he played a One Day International (ODI) match against India. After that, he kept working hard, and he became the player he is today.
I’m not just saying you have to work hard to be a star sportsperson; you also need the right attitude, teamwork, and resilience, and Mitch had all these qualities.
In April 2016, Mitch married Alyssa Healy, with whom he shared wicketkeeping duties in junior cricket. Love, heartbreak, or success, this biography told me everything I wanted to know about Mitch. I
t turns out the big, tall, fearsome person he was on the field was nothing like he was off the field, always putting the ‘team’ first and helping others.
I liked when Mitch went on rampages and took multiple wickets in a row, and how Clive Gifford wrote, “Out! Out! Out!” in bold, black letters.
Some parts didn’t make sense to me, but it was still a great book.
I’d recommend this book to sports lovers. It does not have pictures, but the interesting words make up for that. The book isn’t too long, but it does take some time to read, with 144 pages. This book would be best understood and enjoyed by cricket fans, due to the language and terminology used. Clive Gifford has done a great job with this book, and I think he has targeted kids aged 8 and up with this one.
I rate it an easy 9/10, just perfect for cricket fans (including myself) wanting to know more about one of Australia’s greatest fast bowlers. It made sense in a way that was interesting and exciting. So my advice is: go find a copy of this book and have a read. I bet you’ll love it.

Max Champion and the Great Race Car Robbery by Alexander McCall Smith

Reviewed by James B. MRPS

“They had cheated all their lives, but sometimes cheating is not enough to win …” This exceptional, inspiring story, written by Alexander McCall Smith, is about a young boy named Max. Max Champion.
Max lived with his grandfather named Gus and his mother, Molly. They weren’t a wealthy family, but they had enough to get by.
Gus had a passion for cars. He even used to make and race them. Until one day when his favourite treasured car, Arabella, and his ideas book were stolen by their arch-rivals in the Grabbers.
Gus wasn’t happy, but he didn’t show it because of the sweet personality given to him by Alexander McCall Smith.
When Max found himself in the Grabber mansion helping his mum with her huge job of making a daunting 2,000+ sandwiches, he had a brilliant idea that just might work…
This book had me feeling a mix of emotions. I loved when Max was executing his brilliant idea, it was so action-packed and nerve-racking. But I really didn’t like the Grabbers. They were nasty people.
But at the end, believe it or not, Max and the child from the Grabbers, Pablo, became very good friends, and I’m unsure how I feel about that.
I liked the gradual build up to the big action. This book was thrilling, intriguing and emotional, so I recommend it for ages 7+. I believe this because I think children under the age of 7 would struggle to keep up with the full-on action towards the end. It wasn’t the lengthiest of books and didn’t have amazing vocab, but it still kept me, at 11 years old, engaged with the story.
An 8/10 rating from me: decent illustrations, simple storyline and lots of action. The things that make a great book. When action came, it was sort of hard to understand where they were and what they were doing. But in the end, I believe Alexander McCall Smith has just outdone himself with this children’s book. Always stand up for what is right.

I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scott

Reviewed by Stevie S. MRPS

This book is an eye-opening story about a boy with a stutter, seen as unnatural. People laugh and stare, making it harder to speak.
This book uses alliterations and metaphors to get the theme and message of acceptance across to us.
It was a beautiful, short read that I finished fast, but it sticks forever.
I would recommend this book to ages 7+, The illustrations are amazing, such as the words.
I would rate this book a 9/10. I loved everything about this book but it didn't live up to its full expectations. 

Reviewed by Evelynn M. MRPS

This was a beautiful book based on a true story about a boy who feels like he can’t talk to anyone.
At school when the teacher asks him a question, everyone laughs at him because he doesn’t talk.
After school, his dad takes him to a river and they look for colourful rocks and bugs.
When his dad sees that he is sad, he tells him that “he talks like the river”.
At school the next day, he tells the class about his most favourite place in the world, the river.
I liked this book because the pictures showed a lot what the main character was thinking throughout the story.
I would recommend this book to people who are very shy or aren’t very social.
I rated this book a 7/10 because it shows a lot about how the author has felt throughout his life.

Reviewed by Zanda F. MRPS

This book was heartwarming. It was about a boy who stutters (a speech impediment).
At first he had a lot of sounds and words that are stuck in his mouth. He can’t say all of the words that he is thinking. He experienced a lot of stress because he stutters.
At the end of the story he is able to work out his stuttering problem. He’s proud of his talking like a river.
I like this story because he doesn’t mention his name. The author didn’t tell us what was wrong with the boy which helped us understand more about what he was feeling.
I recommend this book to Year 5/6 students because it would be too hard for others to understand.
I would rate this book 9/10.

Reviewed y Braxton P. MRPS

This book is about a young boy who is scared and shy about what others will think about him.
He has a stutter and some days he can speak really well and others he can’t even get a letter out.
On bad speech days his dad picks him up and takes him to his favourite place which is the river.
His dad says he talks like a river.
I really liked the illustrations because it told the story by facial emotions, whilst the words from the story told it by his perspective.
I would recommend this book to kids who can relate to the kid having a stutter being shy or scared.
I personally, rate this fantastic book a obvious 10/10 because people can relate to having a stutter being shy or just scared of what others think.

Reviewed by Gabe G. MRPS

This heartfelt story based on a true story is about a soundless boy that doesn’t speak.
He’s really shy and only likes being at home or his favourite spot the river he goes to the river when he is feeling down and after he has had a hard day at school. His dad says he talks like a river because his voice bubbles, whirls churns and crashes.
Overall this book is amazing and should win a book of the year award.
I would recommend this book to people over the age of 7 because it is very kid friendly with the use of words and the illustrations is relatively easy to understand.
I rate this book a solid 8.5/10 because I love the illustrations and it used kid understanding words.

Reviewed by Ivy F. MRPS

This book was amazing. The author of this book really shows you with pictures how they felt in real life which really puts an impact for the reader and gets you thinking on their life.
It shows the struggles with stuttering and problems this author had to face. “It’s just a bad speech day” his father always told him, and then took him to a river.
This was mainly was about how he’s different and he’s proud of himself because he can talk like a river and the struggles in life which is really emotional.
I would recommend this book to those who have the same struggles or others going past this response can read, ages 9+ might enjoy this book it’s really inspiring and interesting, so enjoy!
This book would have to go with a 10/10 because this book can really help someone with their struggles and ways to calm down and be yourself! This picture book might not be long but tells you everything with facial expressions which really makes this fantastic book special. I’m certain this book is worth reading! 

Reviewed by Annabelle P. MRPS

This was an amazing, beautiful book. It was about a boy who had trouble speaking, but in his mind he had a beautiful perspective on the world.
He would get very shy when he was picked in class. That day his dad took he to the river just knowing. They looked for colourful rocks and bugs . Then his dad said you talk like a river.
I loved this story because the author was so brave to talk and write about what happened to him when he was a kid. I loved all of the language that was used in the text and the beautiful pictures.
I would recommend this amazing book to all ages because this book can be great for people who were afraid to speak up or have trouble speaking.
I rate this book a 10/10 because there’s nothing I thought it could’ve been changed. This book was just amazing and I loved it.

​Reviewed by Jack P. MRPS

This book by Jordan Scott & Sydney Smith is a heart-touching story about a young boy who struggles to express his amazing thoughts. He wakes up every morning to the sounds of nature.
After a ‘bad speech day’ where his tongue ‘twists in two’, his dad takes him to the river where he finds his true happy place.
I really enjoyed this book because it showed a clear message that I could relate to and I’m sure you could too!
I rate this book a 9.5/10 and highly recommend that if you are someone that struggles to speak that you read this book.

Reviewed by Jake B. MRPS

This book is about a boy that can talk but is very very shy.
It is his turn to talk about show and tell today. It is his turn and he gets very nervous and shy. Then he had like 12 kids looking at him and getting worried.
The teacher called his dad. After that, his dad took him for a drive to a river were he thought it was a marvelous place. Then he can have a swim and get all the pressure off him and relax.
I liked this book I thought it was a glorious book.
 I recommend this book for a kid that is shy and is in a bubble all the time.
I would rate this book 8/10

Reviewed by Braxton K. MRPS

This is a book about a boy that has speech impediment. At school he always hides in the back of the class hoping he doesn’t have to talk. They tease him saying that he doesn’t talk like them and saying that his face looks weird.
Then one day after school his dad sees that there is something wrong and brought the boy to a river and helped him saying “see how the water moves that’s how you speak”. And he relaxes.
I liked the book because I enjoy books based on true stories. The book ends with the author talking about his speech problems and that made it feel real to me.
I recommend the book a 8+.
I would rate the book a 8.5/10 because it had astonishing illustrations because it helped me really understand about the book it only needed a little bit of more writing.

Diary of a Wombat by Jackie French

Reviewed by Noah E. DPS

This book is about a lazy wombat always demanding things and being naughty and cheeky to get things.
I like this book because the wombat is funny and cheeky, always doing things like bashing bins, eating the door and making a dust storm to get his carrots.
I like this book because he looks fat from eating lots of carrots and always sleeping.
I like this book because it was a good funny book to read.
I would recommend this book for 7-10 year old's.
I rate this book 8/10. It was a happy funny book.

Chatterpuss by Josh Pyke

Reviewed by Charlotte S. DPS

This book is about a cat being very naughty to a chicken.
I liked this book because the cat is very cheeky.
I recommend this book to people who love cheeky cats.
​I give this book an 8/10.

Feathers for Phoebe by Rod Clement

Reviewed by Charlotte S. DPS

This book is about a little grey bird that wants to stand out in the crowd and be noticed. She does this by trying out feathers.
I liked this book because she meets a small grey bird just like her.
I recommend this book to bird lovers.
​I give this book a 9/10.

Trashy Tales #1: Cuck for Cover! by Kate and Jol Temple

Reviewed by Charlotte S. DPS

This book is about a bin chicken who tries to find his food.
One of the seagulls asked him to do a challenge, but the seagulls win over the chips.
I liked this book because it was funny.
I recommend this book to people that laugh very easily.
​I give this book a 10/10

Little People, Big Dreams David Attenborough by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara 

Reviewed by Jack P. MRPS

This book follows the inspiring and adventurous story of how David Attenborough got to be one of the most well renowned naturalists in the world.
From the university in Leicester to hosting over 100 TV shows and documentaries, David’s work with animals has changed what everyone originally thought about many species of animals.
This book shows that it doesn’t matter what you start with you can achieve anything.
I recommend this book to years 7+ because it was a short yet descriptive biography.
​I rate this book a 8/10 but could’ve been improved with some more information.