May Reviews

Torty and the Soldier by Jennifer Beck

Reviewed by Stevie S. MRPS

Torty is a tortoise. Stewart is a kiwi soldier. Stewart didn’t want to kill but wanted to do his part for his country, so he enlisted in the ambulance corps. That is when he meets Torty.
This book is a small, heartfelt story that is true to the core. I had a spectacular time reading it.
I would recommend this book to 7-10 year old's. It is a tad too sad and a bit boring for ages over 10.
I would rate this book a 9.9/10, it is an amazing book but just a bit too confusing with events. 

Reviewed by Gabe G. MRPS

This interesting book is about a tortoise named Torty during a war.
The tortoise stumbled across some Kiwi soldiers and the soldiers looked after Torty.
Then Torty got squished like a pancake by the wheels of a cannon. He got saved by the soldiers.
Then the story goes back in time to when they signed up. I found out that they are medics and they lost the tortoise. Soon after the tortoise got saved again.
They went home on a ship and the leader didn't allow animals onboard the ship, but Stewart the soldier didn’t care about it.
When they got back to home, Torty ran away. The police gave up on him. Until a girl found him and Torty got returned to home.
Torty is still alive to today! When Stewart died Torty was upset.
​I recommend this book for 6+ because it is about war and it’s a short book. I rate this book a 8.5/10.

Reviewed by Jack P. MRPS

Torty and the soldier is an emotional and heartwarming true story about an everlasting yet unlikely friendship between a WWI soldier named Stewart Little and a tortoise.
Learn how Stewart saves Torty's life several times.
I really liked how the author used the dialogue in the story.
I recommend this book to ages 6+.
​I rate it an easy 9.5 if not 10.

Reviewed by Annabelle P. MRPS

This book was about a New Zealand soldier and his pet tortoise.
One day a young soldier named Stewart spotted a tortoise. It was badly injured by a carriage. Later that day, Stuart and his brother signed up to be  doctors in the war.
When they got to war, Stewart saw the same tortoise and helped it with it's injuries.
When Stewart was helping soldiers, his pet Torty the tortoise came as well, and soldiers loved the tortoise.
The next day, Stewart heard that there were no animals allowed, but he took his pet tortoise anyway.
I recommend this book to people who like real life storybook.
​I rate this book 9 out of 10 because I loved how the book was put as a real story because it is. 

Do Not Open this Book EVER by Andy Lee

Reviewed by Chase H. MPPS

This book is great because it goes through all the ages that Wizz can be.
I like that at the end of this book he turns into a Grandpa and continues on to the next book.
Anyone can read it and it is so fun! 
My rating is 10/10.

Do Not Open this Book OR ELSE by Andy Lee

Reviewed by Chase H. MPPS

This book continues on from the last book.
I like it because Wizz is getting smaller in all the pages. It makes the chocolate seem giant.
I would recommend this book for children aged 5-10
I give this book another 10/10 because it is so funny and he shrinks. 

Pretty Please Do Not Open this Book by Andy Lee

Reviewed by Spencer S. MPPS

This book is about a blue monster that does not want you to turn the page and does every thing to stop you from turning the page!
In this book there is the character Wizz. Just like in one of Andy Lee's other books where Wizz shrinks!
This book is great because there is always a twist which makes it funny.
I would recommend this book for children 5-10.
I give it a rating of 7/10, because the best one in the series is Andy Lee's original one.

When Jelly had a Wobble by Michelle Robinson

Reviewed by Evie S. MPPS

It's the time of year that every food looks forward to, the best food competition!
All the fruits and vegetables, all the sweets and savories, and all the meals and desserts are clamouring to know who won, but Jelly is terrified, thinking he could never win.
However, Jelly has some wonderful friends who encourage him to just be who he is.
I recommend this book for kids from 5 to 8.
​I rate this book a 7/10, because it was very touching and heartwarming, but it was a little simple for me.

Wonder by R. J. Palacio

Reviewed by Persephone H. MPPS

August Pullman, or Auggie for short, is very unique. He has a condition that make his face look different.
He might not be like other kids but he is a person one and all. 
This heart-warming story brings inspiration to any mind and has a great sense of humour.
I recommend it for people with open minds.
​I rate this book an 9-10 for all of these reasons and

Sidekicks by Dan Santat

Reviewed by Daniel B. MPPS

Sidekicks by Dan Santant is about a superhero called Captain Amazing who was too busy capturing villains that he didn't pay attention to his pets that are a dog, cat, hamster, and a chameleon.
The pets are starting to get their own superpowers, and they are trying to stop some villains from doing bad things.
They meet the cat who left home a long time ago. He tells them why he left home. It was because he left to become a better superhero.
They go and help Captain Amazing fight a very strong villain. The villain has Captain Amazing's DNA, and the hamster kills him with a peanut because Captain Amazing is allergic to peanuts.
I really liked this book because I am into comics like this with superheroes.
I would recommend this book to people 9+ because i think they will understand it more.
I rate this book 7/10 it was very nice and interesting, but it needs more action. 

Dragon Girls #1: Azmina the Gold Glitter Dragon by Maddy Mara

Reviewed by Persephone H. MPPS

Azmina is an ordinary girl until she discovers her forever friends Willa and Naomi.
Her backyard overlooks a beautiful forest, but not just any forest, a magic forest!
In this book you'll discover the adventures Azmina encounters, whether its flying high above the treetops or wandering around the tree queens sunny glade. Anywhere you go adventure will always follow.
I recommend this book for people of all ages big or small to learn about never ending friendships.
I rate this book a 10/10, because even though you might not fit in you'll always have friends! 

Dragon Girls #2: Willa the Silver Glitter Dragon by Maddy Mara

Reviewed by Persephone H. MPPS

You've already met Azmina and now there's Willa. This young girl isn't just any girl, shes a dragon girl!
In this book you'll dive deep underwater or create a potion to defeat the shadow queen and her sprites.
I recommend this this imaginative story to people who love a splash of excitement.
​I enjoyed this book as much as iI did with the first one, so I rate this book a 10-10.

Dragon Girls #3: Naomi the Rainbow Glitter Dragon

Reviewed by Persephone H. MPPS

Naomi is a adventurous girl who adores all colours. Even better, when she becomes a dragon girl she has all sorts of rainbow patterns covering her. When she teams up her bestie's Azmina and Willa, anything is possible!
In this gorgeous book the author allows readers to to enjoy every tenderhearted moment and shows that the key to life is always friendship!
​I recommend it for people of all ages big and small.
I rate this book a 10/10 because it makes me feel warm and fuzzy on the inside. 

The Princess and the Foal by Stacy Gregg

Reviewed by Sienna M. CPS

Princess Haya has a new governess that says, “oh that’s not very lady like” and doesn’t let her go down to the stables to see her horse, Bree.
So Haya does whatever it takes to go to the stables, even if that means jumping out of a second story window.
I thought that the Princess and the foal was really, really, great. I liked how Haya was a little bit mischievous.
I would recommend this book for kids aged 8+ because of the simple vocab and the interesting events.
I recommend this book for those who like to read adventure and who like royalty.
​I would rate this book a 9/10 because it was yet another one of Stacy Gregg’s amazing books.

The Girl who Rode the Wind by Stacy Gregg

Reviewed by Sienna M. CPS

Lola and her grandma (aka Nona) fly to Nona’s hometown, Siena, in Italy. There Lola learns about Nona’s childhood past during World War 2. She also learns how to ride in the famous Italian horse race The Palio.
I thought that the girl who rode the wind was amazing.
I enjoyed reading the chapters about Nona’s past.
My favourite thing was how Nona’s hometown is called Siena, and my name is Sienna.
I would recommend this book for kids aged 10+ because it does mention death and violence which might upset and make younger kids sad.
I would recommend this book for those who like adventure and geography.
I rate this book a 9/10, because I really enjoyed reading about it and learning about the Palio and learning some Italian.

The Thunderbolt Pony by Stacy Gregg

Reviewed by Sienna M. CPS

Evie is a young girl, who after her dad dies gets OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder).
In this book Evie’s house is destroyed by an earthquake and a war ship is coming to evacuate everyone, but Evie wants to take her horse with her. So, Evie rides Gus (her horse) with her cat Moxy and dog Jock all the way down to the port where the ship is. During the journey Evie overcomes her OCD.
I thought that the thunderbolt pony was great.
I loved how that everywhere Evie went there was always a problem to fix.
I would recommend this book for kids aged 8+ because of the interesting story layout.
I would recommend this book for people who like adventures and interesting tales.
I rate this book a 9/10, because it was a very interesting story.

The 196 Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton

Reviewed by Faith M. YPCC

This book is about 2 boys named Andy and Terry and a girl named Jill. Andy and Terry live in a 169-storey treehouse and Jill lives in an animal pharmacy.
On a Monday morning it starts raining then it gets really hot and sunny then there was a tornado!
Then, Jill ended up in Andy’s and Terrys treehouse saying “my pharmacy and all of my animals are gone”. Andy said don't worry, we will help get them all back.. Terry came and needed their help to close the soor to the 'whatever you want dome'. ”Bang!" The door is closed.
I would recommend it to 5 years old and above.
​This book is a 10/10 for me! It's a great read.

Wandi by Favel Parrett

Reviewed by Tilly L. BuniPS

This book is about a young dingo cub. The cub was a very curious cub.
One night he went out of the den, but then gets stolen by an eagle.
He gets dropped hurt and is alone. He longs for his mums soft and warm tail.
When he was on a journey to find his mum he sees a person, his first human he has ever met.
The human took him and now he’s the most Endangered Species of Dingo, the Alpine Dingo. Now he is locked up for everyone to see.
This story makes me feel sad because it’s a true story about a dingo.
I think this book is more fitting for Year 5/6, because of how large it is and how many chapters there are.
​I rate this book a 9 out of 10, because it makes me a little sad.

Bunny vs Monkey by Jamie Smart

Reviewed by Eli L. CPS

In Bunny vs Monkey there are the main characters named Winnie, Bunny, Monkey, Metal Steve, Skunky, Pig and finally Action Beaver.
In this book there is a series of events where Skunky and Monkey work in their lab and make evil inventions to take over the woods for Monkeyopia. But, Bunny's group of people are sweet and nice so they foil Monkey and Skunky's plan to take over the woods.
The book is a graphic novel and it is really funny.
I think Bunny vs Monkey is a great book for children audiences because the book is about friendship and rivalry, but also silly enemies.
I give Bunny vs Monkey a 9.5/10.

Keeper of the Lost Cities #5: Lodestar by Shannon Messenger

Reviewed by Evie S. MPPS

Sophie is back home, but war threatens the lost cities and many a traitor have revealed themselves, but not all for selfish reasons.
Things escalate when Sophie's tendency for creating accidental chaos leads to a terrible accident, in which she loses someone extremely close to her.
I liked this book because it has a beautiful story line and wonderfully thought out characters, credit to the author, Shannon Messenger.
I would recommend this book for ages 10+, as it is quite long and a little too violent for younger children.
I rate this book a 10/10.
Keeper of the Lost Cities is beautiful, and my favorite series ever! Once again, really good job Shannon Messenger.

Extreme Planet by National Geographic Kids

Reviewed by Annie M. BPS

This book is about extreme things around the planet. For example, did you know Lake Karachay in Russia is possibly the most polluted place on earth? It was used as a nuclear waste site, and its radiation levels are so deadly that just one hour of exposure would be enough to kill someone!
I love the extreme facts in this book even though its just a brief description. My favourite part is when it tells you about extreme lakes.
I recommend this book for any body 6+ who enjoy world facts.
I rate it 9/10 because I don’t know what all the words mean, but I hope other people enjoy this book as much as I do!

Just Doomed! by Andy Griffiths

Reviewed by Carter D. MPPS

Just Doomed is a series of short stories (like all "Just" books except Just Macbeth). It was VERY funny and it made me feel sorry for Andy. It's all about Andy's doomed life.
My favourite chapter was called 'Just Nude'. In 'Just Nude', Andy went to a resort where everyone was naked. Andy was very reluctant, but in the end he felt better about it and decided to stay.
I recommend this book for ages 9+, because it was a bit inappropriate.
​I rate this book a 10/10, because it was hilarious and it is my favourite book in the "Just" series so far.

Fartboy: Enter the Spewtank by Adam Wallace

Reviewed by Carter D. MPPS

This is the third book in a series of books - but you don't need to have read the first two books in my opinion, and luckily it has a "previously" section. Fartboy lives in the cleanest town in the world; awarded cleanest town for the last 17 years straight.
The cleanest town award is being given out, but there is someone trying to ruin their reputation, they call themselves Spewtank. The question is who are they, and why are they doing it? Will Fartboy stop Spewtank?
I recommend this book for ages 7 and under, because it was a bit underwhelming.
I rate this book a 4/10, because all of the humour was a bit childish.

Moving Big Trees

Reviewed by Ally B. DPS

This book is about moving trees so that they can build buildings and tunnels under the ground.
I liked this book because it teaches us how you can move trees.
I recommend this book for anyone!
​I give this book a rating of 10/10.

Gross Factopia! by Paige Towler

Reviewed by Bentley B. DPS

This book has facts about disgusting things like poo, brains and farts.
I didn't like this book because it was gross!
I would recommend this book for gross people.
​I give this book a 0/10.

Bluey: Pass the Parcel 

Reviewed by Evie M. DPS

This book is about kids going to different parties and playing pass the parcel. Lucky's dad has different rules.
I loved this book because it had different rules of how to play pass the parcel.
I would recommend this book for everyone!
​I would give this book a 10/10.

Winner Winner Bin Chicken Dinner by Kate and Jol Temple

Reviewed by Zoe A. DPS

This book is about a bin chicken looking for food. In the end, the bin chicken finds a school with a staff room that has lots of cakes, party pies and sausage rolls!
I liked this book because it's about a bin chicken looking for food and I like food.
I would recommend this book to ages 5+.
​I give this book a 9/10.

The Very Clever Bear by Nick Bland

Reviewed by Max W. DPS

This book is about a bear thinking about entering something to enter the carnival.
He does all these different things and lots and lots of tricks!
I liked this book because it's a funny book and I like people who use rhyming.
I would recommend this book for ages 6+.
​I give this book a 8/10.

Gotcha! by Jack Henseleit

Reviewed by Aly W. DPS

This book is about burglars robbing different shops.
I liked this book because it's fun that all the people just animals.
I recommend this book to kids to teens.
​I give this book a 8/11.

Bluey: The Weekend

Reviewed by Henni G. DPS

This book is about Dad asking Bingo what day it is and Dad stops them from watching TV.
He asked them about whether it's a magic statue, when he puts it down it doesn't move. But when he doesn't look it moves!
They rang the doorbell and when they went to look there was no one there. When Bingo picked Bluey up and rang the bell Dad caught them. Bluey was chased by Bandit.
Bingo looks at the bush and she sees a leaf moving in the tree and whispers to dad.
I liked this book because I love the show Bluey.
I recommend this book to anyone in the whole universe!
I give this book a 10/10!

Super Epic Dragon Quest: The Deadly Fang by Adam Wallace

Reviewed by Daniel B. MPPS

Super Epic Dragon quest written by Adam Wallace is a book series with 3 different books and a whole lot of adventure.
It is about a long time ago in Ticklebrook, where it used to be filled with all kinds of dragons. There was one super powerful dragon that powers the entire town.
The main thing about Ticklebrook is it's lemonade waterfall, a stone in the shape of a dragon that lemonade comes out of and into a pond.
One day the dragon went missing and the lemonade fall stopped and all the dragons went away. The queen found a book on how to bring back a super epic dragon and it said a hero needs to go find all the parts to rebuild one so she let anyone who wanted to do it join.
The problem was that she said they had to beat an obstacle course to join. The first guy failed because his pants got cut. The second person failed because she ate a cabbage and farted but she was in armour, so the fainted because of her own stinky fart. The third and fourth made it through.
Arlo and Julia are the two main characters in this book - they made it and now they have to go on a bunch of different journeys to get all the parts to rebuild the dragon.
I really like this book series because only after I read the first book I was so excited for more because it left on a cliff-hanger.
I would recommend this book to people who likes dragons and adventure
I think people aged 6-10 would enjoy this book most.
I would rate this book series a 7/10 because it could use a bit more funny jokes, because there were some but not enough.

Ronaldo Rules by Simon Mugford

Reviewed by Haniel A. DPS

This book is about Ronaldo. Ronaldo grew up with his family and he likes soccer a lot. He plays soccer every day. Everyone in the family likes soccer and he plays really well.
I liked this book because it's about Ronaldo and I like soccer.
I recommend this book to everyone!
I give this book a 10/10!

Reviewed by Ryan A. DPS

This book is about Ronaldo.
He played in five different teams and his first team was Sporting Lisbon.
He has broken about 7 Guinness World Records.
He has scored over 900 goals.
I liked this book because about football and I like football.
I recommend for football lovers.
I give this book 9.5/10 because it's not all of the information.

When Cookie Crumbled by Michelle Robinson

Reviewed by Eli S. DPS

This book is about a cookie that is named Michael.
The other cookies go and work, but Michael dresses up as different sweets. His sisters and brothers don't like it because they all have to be identical. Michael sprayed rainbow icing on everyone then they all partied and got up to mischief.
I liked this book because it's funny.
I recommend this for anyone who likes cookies!
​I give this book a 10/10.

Reviewed by Will J. DPS

This book is about when he decorates himself in icing and he sprays it on his friends. The friends party all night!
I liked this book because it reminds me of cookies.
I recommend this book to everyone!
I give this book a 10/10.

Reviewed by Mason N. DPS

This book is about Michael. He feel likes he's bleeding but it's just icing.
I liked this book because it makes me hungry.
I recommend this book to little kids.
I give this book a 10/10.

Dog Man #13: Big Jim Begins by Dav Pilkey

Reviewed by Logan B. MPPS

Big Jim Begins is a book written by Dav Pilkey. It is a book about where a dog and a cop get in a bomb accident and the dogs head goes on the cop's body and there's Dog Man.
Dog Man has been trying to capture a cat named Petey. Petey is a world wide criminal who tried to make a clone, and he got Lil Petey.
At jail there's a guy named Big Jim and he is trying to be a superhero/ commander cupcake and he is showing why he should be a superhero in this book.
When Big Jim was a baby a UFO dropped a note declaring Big Jim was the chosen one that means he would grow up to fulfil 'Supa Ancient Prophecies'.
I would recommend this book to ages 5-13.
I would rate this book 9.5 /10.
I hope you enjoy the book.

Sweet Valley Twins by Francine Pascal

Reviewed by Brydie M. DPS

This book is about two girls that dress the same, share a room, they're both 12 years old and their names are Jessica and Elizabeth.
I liked this book.
I recommend this to people that want to have a twin.
​I give this book a 8/10.

The Stinky Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith

Reviewed by Charlotte S. DPS

This book is about a baby donkey and mum donkey. The baby donkey loves every animal.
I liked this book because it was a mumma and a kid.
I recommend this to mums and kids.
​I give this 9/10.

Grumpy Monkey: Don't be Scared by Suzanne Lang

Reviewed by Fynn D. DPS

This book is about a monkey that gets bitten by a worm and it makes the monkey very angry.
It was Halloween so he dressed up as a grumpy monkey.
I liked this book because I liked the pictures.
I recommend this book to anyone!
​I give this book a 7/10.

Diary of a Minecraft Zombie #2: Bullies and Buddies by Zack Zombie

Reviewed by Faith M. YPCC

This book is about a zombie that got a game from his human friend, called Plants and Zombies.
The next day the zombie friend said that he got the game and you get to play it at the sleepover at my house.
Pretty much every one in the class came to the sleepover.
It turns out the game was about the plants eating the zombies and everyone was scared and ran home that night.
The next day the zombie friend gave the game back to his human friend. The human friend asked if the game was good the zombie friend said it was.
I recommend this book 7 years and up.
​I rate this book a 10/10.