April Reviews

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Delphie and the Magic Spell by Darcey Bussell

Reviewed by Abby A. MRPS

I love this series! Delphie and the magic spell is about how Delphie has a magic pair of ballet slippers that take her to Enchantia, a world of ballet.
An evil rat king has Enchantia under a spell of winter and will only undo it if he can marry a princess called Aurelia.
Delphie helps Suger, a fairy, to put a spell on a toad to turn her into the most beautiful princess ever.
She wants a sunny day on a wedding and the king rat that gives up to an Enchantia lives happily ever after.
I liked the pictures in the book but the length was short and it was like most fairy tales.
I recommend this book for ages 7-10 who like ballet.
​I give it a 7/10!

Cop and Robber by Tristan Bancks

Reviewed by Mitchell M. MRPS

This was a dramatic, actioned packed, thriller book. ​This book was about how Nash’s dad owes a lot of money to dangerous people. In fact it was something like $20,000 dollars
I loved most parts although some areas were a bit tricky to follow, like the part when there’s a dust storm at cross country and Nash runs though the town looking for his mum. But I do like how the mum is a cop and his dad is robber.
I do like how Tristan Bancks writes.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes mild length novels and Jackie French fans.
​I rate this book 8.5/10.

The Cat in the Hat Comes Back by Dr. Suess 

Reviewed by Andre P. MRPS

This book is about a cat (Cat in the Hat) and 2 kids. The mum of the kids told them to go clean up the snow because it snowed in the night so they went and cleaned up and Cat in the Hat came and ruined it.
I like this book because it is small and you can fit it in your pocket and it's not too long and not too short.
I think this book is made for kids 9-12.
I rate this book 10/10 because it’s really interesting because it has a lot of problems but it’s also very funny.

The Bad Guys #5: Intergalactic Gas by Aaron Blabey

Reviewed by Jesse C. MRPS

The text is about Mr Wolf going to space with his gang.
Dr Marmalade captures them and puts them in captivity.
They struggle to escape captivity.
I didn’t like the text because it doesn't really have any interesting parts to the book.
​I recommend this book to the 7-10 age group.
I rate the book a 5/10

Abdul's Story by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

Reviewed by Batel J. SCPS

This story stood out so much to me because a kid with the name of Abdul loved writing stories above anything. But when he looked around no-one had wiggly, sloppy and uneven words like him and he thought that his dream of becoming an author had been crushed, until a kind and caring author came along and showed him his note book and ever since that visit he has been feeling better than ever.
When the author came back finished reading all their stories he loved Abdul's the most and everyone applauded for him.
I definitely suggest this story to kids with the age of 7-10.
​I rate this book a 9/10 because it taught me not to compare my self with others.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid #20: Partypooper by Jeff Kinney

Reviewed by Alyssa L. BuniPS

It was fantastic, because Greg had a party and a deer broke the presents and the cake.
I would recommend it to anyone that loves funny stories.
I would rate it 10/10.

Drama by Raina Telegmeier

Reviewed by Abby A. MRPS

Drama features Callie and her friends. Callie is part of her school stage crew. There is an up coming show, 'Moon over Mississippi' is selling about no tickets. 
Then there is drama between Callie and her so called boyfriend and two cute brothers enter her life. She falls in love with one.
At the end of the book it turns out Callie doesn’t need a boyfriend.
I liked the book because of the theatre aspect.
I recommend this book for 10+.
I give it a 9.5/10 because of the great storyline and the length wasn’t too long or too short.

Magic Ballerina #6: Delphie and the Birthday Show by Darcey Bussell

Reviewed by Abby A. MRPS

In this book Delphie has a magic pair of ballet slippers that take her to Enchantia.
Princess Aurelia is putting on a show for queen Isabelle her mum. In the show there is a magic flower that if you squirt someone's eyes, the first person they see they fall in love with. They were using a fake flower, but someone, a.k.a. King Rat, swapped the fake flower for the real one.
Prince Forimund, Aurelia’s soon to be fiancé, accidentally squirted the flower in his eyes and now he’s in love with Sugar the fairy.
Will they be able to solve it?
I liked the story line because it wasn’t like most fairytales.
I recommend this book for age of 7 to 10 that like ballet.
I give it a 7 out of 10.

Diary of a Minecraft Zombie #14: Cloudy with a Chance or Apocalypse 

Reviewed by Alyssa L. BuniPS

Zombie, Skelee, Slimey, and Creepy are all going through growth spurts and Zombie is the only one who can stop the volcano.
I recommend it to anyone who loves Minecraft.
I rate it 10/10.

The Game of the Goose by Ursula Dubosarsky

Reviewed by Alyssa L. BuniPS

There was 3 kids Fred, Rowley and Rabbit. They played a game and when Rabbit rolled a 6 on the dice he disappeared and was in the game.
I recommend it for anyone who likes mystery books.
​I rate it 10/10.

The Bad Guys #11: Dawn of the Underlord by Aaron Blabey

Reviewed by Taylan M-F. MRPS

This text is about a group of friends whose names are Wolf, Piranha, Shark, Webs and Snake.
At the start of the book there was a news reporter speaking to Piranha about how he become so rich and wealthy and when he was explaining it to her he showed her around and met his friends including Wolf and Shark but Snake…Snake became VERY EVIL!
I recommend this book for 8 years and up because it’s a comic and I think they would enjoy it.
I rate this book a solid 10/10 because it’s interesting and a fun book to read.

Dog Man #3: A Tale of Two Kitties by Dav Pilkey 

Reviewed by Fletcher P. MRPS

This book is about a little kitten that is a clone of Perry. Perry wants the kitten to be evil, but the kitten doesn’t want to be evil.
Will kitten change her mind?
I rate this book a 7/10 because it was a exciting read, but it wasn’t challenging at all.
I would recommend this book for ages 7plus because it is a nice easy read

Dog Man #4: Dog Man and Cat Kid by Dav Pilkey

Reviewed by Fletcher P. MRPS

This is about Dog Man and Cat Kid. They are superhero heroes, but Dog Man gets defeated so 80 HD and Cat Kid come to save the day.
I liked this book because it was fun and enjoyable and this book is a quick easy read.
I’d recommend this book for ages 7+, because it was a really fun easy read.
I would rate this book a 7/10 because it was a easy read but enjoyable. 

Dog Man #5: Lord of the Fleas by Dav Pilkey

Reviewed by Fletcher P. MRPS

This book is about little kitten trying to make Perry be kind not evil.
Will the kitten change Perry's mind?
I like this book because it was a fun and engaging read.
I would recommend this book for age 7+ because it is a really fun easy read.
I rate this book a 8/10 because it was really heartwarming.

Snott Hernderson and the Orsom Towers Gang by D. G. Harris

Reviewed by Alyssa L. BuniPS

Ben Brady moved into Orsom Tower and joined the Orsom Towers gang and he had to get Maria’s pink tennis ball back from the ball sisters.
He has to clear his gangs name because the chairman said that the gang had broken the ball sisters shop window.
I recommend it for the people who love mystery.
I rate it 9/10 because it was good, but it leaves you on a cliffhanger and I don’t like cliffhangers because I want to find out what happens next.

Fartboy: Enter the Spewtank by Adam Wallace

Reviewed by Leroy B. SAPS

Fartboy the absolute most stinkiest superhero entered the spewtank then the town was full of chunky bits of spew.
I liked the book because it used very funny words/sentences.
I recommend the book for anyone that thinks farts are funny.
I rate the book 8/10 because it was very funny.

Fartboy: Booger Butt Boogie by Adam Wallace

Reviewed by Leroy B. SAPS

The disco man was using his wet slimy gross boogers to turn everyone into disgusting dancing zombies.
I liked the book because it was a funny and quite weird topic.
I recommend the book to anyone that thinks farts are funny
I rate the book 7/10 because it was epic.

Fartboy: Ready, Aim, Fart by Adam Wallace

Reviewed by Leroy B. SAPS

A disgusting evil madman was making sculptures out of ear wax.
I liked the book, it was highly entertaining.
I recommend the book to anyone that thinks farts are funny
I rate the book 5/10 because it was it wasn't as funny as the other books.

The Bad Guys #10: The Baddest Day Ever by Aaron Blabey

Reviewed by Alyssa L. BuniPS

Moe Wolf, Pepe Piranha, Lou Shark, Ellen Fox, Pam Cat, and Emmylou Warthog all think that Cedric Snake has died but he actually has absorbed all the Bad Guys powers and is now the most famous and dangerous animal in the whole entire multiverse.
I recommend it to anyone who loves series and there are 20 books in this one.
​I rate it 9/10 because I have read the series over and over and over again.

Tom Gates #1: The Brilliant World of Tom Gates by Liz Pichon

Reviewed by Leroy B. SAPS

Tom Gates loves drawing, has an annoying enemy sitting near him in class named Marcus and has a bad teacher that has beady eyes and is always looking at him to make sure he isn't drawing. He also has an extremely annoying sister.
I liked the book because it was funny and it used very high describing words. I recommend the book to any nerds that love reading like me and love books so much they cannot stop reading the books.
I rate the book 10/10.

Tom Gates #5: Tom Gates is Absolutely Amazing (at Some Things) by Liz Pichon

Reviewed by Leroy B. SAPS

Tom Gates was looking forward to the school trip, if he can find his form. Delia wants him to go as well because there are loads of fun things to do like making rafts, midnight feasts and watching out for some very weird creatures.
I liked the book because it was absolutely fantastic.
I recommend the book to anyone that loves reading about nerds
I rate the book 10/10.

Tom Gates #3: Everything's Amazing (Sort of) by Liz Pichon

Reviewed by Leroy B. SAPS

Tom Gates is entering the local dog show his singing voice is driving Delia crazy.
Granny Mavis wants to cook for Tom Gates' birthday, unfortunately and Marcus, who is Tom Gates' bully, keeps getting him into trouble because he is horrible dancer.
I liked the book because it was very detailed.
I recommend the book to any L. Pichon readers..
I rate the book 9/10 because it was very funny.

Zac Power #9: Blockbuster by H.I.  Larry

Reviewed by Alyssa L. BuniPS 

Zac Power went to the enemy organisation, BIG.
Zac’s organisation is GIB and he has to find and secure BIG’s thoughtvision camera and his mum said he has to write a thank you letter to GIB for letting him go and see the movie.
I recommend it to anyone who is interested in mystery books and books about secret spies.
I rate it 10/10.

Magic Ballerina #12: Rosa and the Three Wishes by Darcey Bussell

Reviewed by Abby A. MRPS

Rosa is whisked in to the world of Enchantia one last time.
Rosa and her fairy friend Nutmeg has to save Coppelia, a doll, and a globe from King Rat who wants to turn the doll in to his wife.
The toy maker wants his stuff back. He will not make toys until the items are back, so everyone in Enchantia wants toys but can’t have them.
Will Rosa and Nutmeg save Coppelia and the globe? 
I liked this book because of the detail to pictures and the story.
I recommend this book for ages 7-10 because of the length.
​I give it a 8/10!

Magic Ballerina #14: Holly and the Silver Unicorn by Darcey Bussell

Reviewed by Abby A. MRPS

Holly and the white cat are in Enchantia.
wicked fairy has several special animals trapped on a merry go round. Once she has the silver unicorn the animals will be stuck there forever!
Will Holly and the white cat save the unicorn in time?
I really like the flow of this book.
I recommend this book for ages 7-10 because of the length.
​I give it a 7/10!

Magic Ballerina #16: Holly and the Rose Garden by Darcey Bussell

Reviewed by Abby A MRPS

Holly is back in Enchantia. The Beauty and the Beast is being played out Before her eyes. But the beauty goes missing will Holly find her?
I like this book because of the twist in the plot of the beauty going missing.
I recommend this book for ages 7-10 because of the length.
​I give it a 7/10!

Magic Ballerina #17: Holly and the Ice Palace by Darcey Bussell

Reviewed by Abby A. MRPS

In this book Holly and the white cat have to save the winter fairy to stop it being super hot in Enchantia.
I liked this book because the pictures were epic.
I recommend this book for ages 7-10 because of the length.
​I give it a 7/10!

The 26-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton

Reviewed by Jack B. BuniPS

This book was amazing. It had shipwrecks crazy pirates and stories of how Terry, Andy and Jill found each other. It was silly and hilarious.
Terry thought it would be smart to wash his underwear in the man eating shark tank. That didn’t end well.
The pirates even overtook the 26 Story Treehouse, but eventually Andy, Terry and Jill came up with an idea to lose the pirates of doom, but somehow the party escaped. Luckily the big fish head landed on the pirate and he fell into the man eating shark tank.
I recommend this book for people that are looking for a book with lots of pirates with lots of bad luck.
I rate this book 8/10.

The 13-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths 

Reviewed by Jack B. BuniPS

This book is action packed! It’s got giant monkeys that loves giant bananas to monkey's that take over their lab just because Terry wants some sea monkeys.
First they give him a sea monster, second they give him a stack of monkeys and when they get rid of the monkeys with the giant banana they attract a giant gorilla.
Worst of all Terry won the drawing competition for Barky to come to your house. So Barky came and tried barking at the gorilla, but instead the gorilla stomped on him and he had to get shoveled up and taken away.
I think this book is for anyone that would like to how silly/funny books can really be.
I am 100% sure that this book deserves a 10/10.

Reviewed by Nellie W. SAPS

The 13-Story Treehouse is about their daily life. It is very funny when Terry was feeding the man eating shark.
Terry ordered sea monkeys but he got a mermaid. Then he got normal monkeys and they were wrecking the Treehouse. Andy tries to smack them with a giant banana.
I liked it because they do silly and funny things.
I would recommend the book for a 9-11 year olds.
I rate the book 9/10 because it was funny and silly.

HotDog! Party Time! by Anh Do

Reviewed by Chelsea M. MRPS

Party Time! (Hot Dog #2) by Anh Do is a hilarious children’s book following Hotdog the stretchy sausage dog and his friends Lizzie the lizard and Kev the Cat.
Hotdog and Lizzie are planning the best surprise party for Kev the Cat. They’re planning to give Kev the best birthday surprise party he has ever had.
Hotdog is planning to have lots of games like pin the tail on the donkey, watch a movie and Hotdog is going to put on a magic show. 
Lizzie is trying to get Kev the best present she could ever get him. Do you know what it will be?
But will a cranky rooster and a a rude donkey ruined the surprise party for Kev.
I liked this book because it is a funny book and it is by a funny author Anh Do.
I would recommend this book to people who like Ann do books. It is also good for little kids like the age of seven and up.
I would rate this book a 7/10 because it is a good book.

Sisters by Raina Telgmeier

Reviewed by Chelsea M. MRPS

Sisters is about two sisters who fight lots and how the oldest always wanted a little sister and she got that. She got two sisters but now she regrets wanting one because her younger sister Amara lost her pet snake and Reina hates snakes.
On the way to Colorado her car breaks down and her and her sister were stuck in the car alone together for about eight hours. After one whole week having to sit with her sister in the car, they get to the family reunion.
I like this book but don’t at the same time because it is boring, but is fun to read sometimes. I think it’s boring because it is a graphic novel.
I would recommend this book to kids under the age of 10.
I rate this book a 5/10 because it is good but boring.

Our Don Bradman by Peter Allen

Reviewed by Mitchell M. MRPS

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Victor’s dad is one of the last people that have a job in Stockton. But the depression is forces Victor’s family to move to Sydney with their relatives.
Things like the new guard, depression, and rival gangs are making it tricky for them.
Whenever Victor is in troubling times he looks up to Don Bradman (his hero). I like how the story is presented as a diary.
I recommend this book to cricket lovers and anyone who likes history.
I rate this book 10/10 because I like Don Bradman (and cricket), I like history and I’m still working on it.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid #4: Dog Days by Jeff Kinney

Reviewed by Maxwell S. DPS

In this story there is a boy called Greg. He has a clumsy personality and he has a friend called Rowley. Greg's room is so messy.
There are so many hilarious moments like when he tries to help his neighbour out to gain some money and ends up making a major mess of their house. They were furious and he didn't get time to clean it before they got home.
I really liked this book because it is so funny and there was absolutely nothing that I didn't like about it!
I would recommend this book to ages 5-12.
​This book is a 10/10! It is funny and I for sure would recommend this fun book!

Fartboy #4: Ready, Aim, Fart by Adam Wallace

Reviewed by Ollie C. MRPS

Fartboy: Ready, Aim, Fart is an amazing book talking about how Martin/Fart Boy saves the day once again defeating the evil Madam Wax.
He defeated Madam Wax by using his extraordinary butt powers.
Later on in the book after he had defeated her they found out that Madam Wax was in fact his school teacher.
This would be a good book for 5-12 year olds because it was funny of course, and very entertaining to read.
That is why I would give this book a 10/10

Marge and the Secret Tunnel by Isla Fisher

Reviewed by Ollie C. MPRS

This book Marge in Charge was one of the funniest and best books I have ever read. Marge, one of the characters, is always dressed weird followed along with her very crazy hair.
One of the best parts in the book that I liked was when they lost the cat and they found a little bit of proof. But crazy Marge wanted to be sure and climbed through the fence, she was rather large and got stuck. That’s when it got serious and she had to call the fire brigade dialing the number with her feet because the kids didn’t know how to.
The fire brigade got her out and found the cat in the end.
​After that I would give that book a conferdent 10/10.

The Bad Guys #20: The Bad Guys in One Last Thing by Aaron Blabey

Reviewed by Piper B. DPS

This book is about a character called Mr Wolf. He has done a lot of bad things but gets the chance to do one last good thing.
When he sees an old friend, they have a sad reunion that will make you emotional!
Mr Wolf then has to go back to his job of time travel.
I really loved this book mostly because I have read all of the other books in this series. This book is particularly my favourite because it is the most creative!
I would recommend this book to students aged prep-12 year old's because it is a friendly, inviting and funny book. Everything they would need or want to read about.
​This book is a 10/10! It is amazing!

Monty the Sad Puppy by Holly Webb

Reviewed by Hannah E. DPS

In this story a puppy called Monty starts to feel unwanted and miserable. She used to love her house but when things change she runs away and goes missing.
I didn't enjoy this book because it didn't keep me interested and it wasn't as good as some other stories I have read.
This book would be good for 8-10 years olds who like puppies.
​I would only rate this book a 6/10.

Dog Man by Dav Pilkey

Reviewed by Kane H. DPS

This book has a creative and unusual story. It is about a police officer and a dog who tried to stop a bomb but it EXPLODED!
They went to the hospital to be helped. The doctors sewed the dog's head to the man's body to save their life and they are now Dog Man.
I really like this book because some of the characters are animals that are good and some are evil and it has fantastic action.
I would recommend this book to 5-13 year olds because it is fun, different to read.
I give it a 10/10.

My Supercharged ADHD Brain by Dani Vee and James Layton

Reviewed by Bulldogs Read students at BPS

My Supercharged ADHD Brain is a picture book written by Dani Vee and James Layton.
This book is about a young girl who talks about having an ADHD brain and that she is always charged up with ideas. The book tells the reader about what it might be like to have ADHD and how you might feel.
The young girl is full of grand ideas. From a vacuum that walks and cleans up dog poop to the uni-chicken-corn. She explains that she thinks differently from the other students in her class.
We learnt from the story that it is okay to think differently, that there can be ups and downs having an ADHD brain and that it is okay to feel different. Our favourite part of the book was when she would zone out and start daydreaming about lots of fun things. She would imagine giraffes with hats and fire breathing dragons. We also enjoyed when she talked about how she couldn’t fall asleep because her brain was too busy thinking.
We would recommend this book for people in prep and up because the story tells us that all brains aren’t perfect and its okay to be different.
We give this book 7/10 stars because it is funny, easy to read and an enjoyable read for most.

Magic Ballerina #18: Holly and the Land of Sweets by Darcey Bussell

Reviewed by Abby A. MRPS

Holly and the white cat are back.
The lollipop carnival is here but the evil fairy has captured Sugar. The evil fairy wants to learn to dance from Sugar, but if Sugar is captured no one in the land of sweets can dance.
Can Holly and the white cat save the carnival?
I really liked the front cover because of the colours but didn’t like how short it was. This series is really good and kept me entertained.
I recommend it for ages 7-10 who like ballet.
​I give it a 7/10

Guts by Raina Telgemeier

Reviewed by Abby A. MRPS

Guts is about Raina. Raina is in year 6 and she hates vomiting.
When a bug goes around the school Raina freaks out. So much so that the word vomit makes her sick. 
Raina is put into therapy. She soon faces her fear and is still cautious just not as cautious.
Raina still faces some problems like her friend moving away and the school bully though.
I like the book because the illustration
I recommended for people age 9-14 ready to face their fears.
​I give it a 8.5/10!

Pig the Fibber by Aaron Blabey

Reviewed by Maryam W. DPS

This is one of the books in the Pig the Pug series.
In this story Pig the Pug would do naughty things that deserved a punishment and then blame it on poor Trevor!
I like this book because it is funny and the pictures match really well.
People that would love this book are ones that enjoy funny, rhyming, picture story books.
​I give this book an 8/10 rating.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling 

Reviewed by Liliana K. SPS

There is this boy named Harry, who lives with his Auntie Petunia, Uncle Vermon, and cousin, Dudley.
He then get letters that his uncle burns.
Harry then realises he is a wizard! He gets to go to a magical wizarding school called Hogwarts and he makes lots of friends.
I recommend this book to older people over the age of 10 and up.
I rate it 9.5/10

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr Suess

Reviewed by Andre P. MRPS

I personally don’t like this book. It is about lots of fish. You're probably thinking that it would teach you about them, but no it is about fish that have stars on them that are blue or red. One even has a car.
I recommend that this book is recommended for people ages from 2-5 or 6.
​I rate this book 3/10 because it was very boring and not engaging and not enough information.

Charlie and the War against the Grannies by Alan Brough

Reviewed by Taylan M-F. MRPS

This book is about a boy named Charlie who has a weird family whose mum has EAS and that means everyone’s aunty syndrome.  His dad loves talking about farts and Charlie, well Charlie is normal.
He has 3 friends: 2 are normal and 1 said give me 20 bucks and I’ll eat dog poo. So yeah, weird family.
I like the humour in the book because it really funny I would recommend this book for 10-15 because you might lose interest.
I rate this book a solid 9/10 because it has 76 chapters.

Crawf's Kick it to Nick by Adrian Beck and Shane Crawford

Reviewed by Jesse C. MRPS

This book is about a boy that is training on a Friday night and plays the same day. It states that it’s strange for being on the same day.
They knew that there was something eerie going on in the atmosphere. 
They begin playing and it feels even more strange and eerie.
It begins to fog up. They can’t see so the game stops.
I didn’t like it because it dragged on and on trying to have quantity not quality. It didn’t cut to the key events.
I recommend this book to the 9-12 age group because it has interesting words to pronounce and find a definition for each word.
I rate the book a 8.5/10.

Little Bont's Brave Play by Marcus Bontempelli 

Reviewed by Charlie M. MRPS

The book is about a boy named Marcus Bontempelli that has wanted to be an AFL player since has been a little boy.
He had a bad match but he had to go to his Nona's birthday. Everyone thought that would cheer him up, but it gave him a fright until he saved his Nona’s birthday dessert. That got him back in the mood to play footy.
I give this book a 6.5/10, because the book is pretty simple but it still gives a lot of information.

​Reviewed by Andre P. MRPS

This book is about Marcus. He was going to his Nona’s birthday lunch and he was playing a football match and he had the ball, but two big kids came and blocked his way. He handballed to his teammate right as the bell went so he was really sad with his self.
I recommend this book to everyone that likes football and likes Marcus Bontempelli.
​I rate this book 10/10 because it is very fun interesting and entertaining and engaging.

Tigg and the Bandicoot Bushranger by Jackie French

Reviewed by Jesse C. MRPS

This book is about a girl called Tigger, but they refer to her as Tigg the Bandicoot Bushranger.
It is set at the Ballarat goldmines.
She gets shot while stopping a coach going to Ballarat. She manages to get away before more conflict could happen.
She returns to Ma Murphy's and manages to get it sown up just in time.
I liked the book because it explains the events with detail and descriptive words and language to make a picture in your mind.
I recommend this book to the 10-15 year old age group because it has tier 4 words and language.
I rate this book a 10/10 because it doesn’t bore you. It also is by a great author

Tom Gates #1: The Brilliant World of Tom Gates by Liz Pichon

Reviewed by Abby A. MRPS

I think this book would be a great introduction to the Tom Gates series. It tells you about his parents, his friends and so much more.
This year at school Tom has been sat right at the front of the class where his teachers big beady eyes can see everything. For poor Tom that means no more comics, no more biscuit lists and most importantly no more doodling.
I especially love that part in the story that shows the excuses Tom has written to his teacher without his parents knowledge.
I like this book because of the pictures and the humour in the storyline.
I recommend it for ages 8-12 because it’s a nice size book and the comedy element of the storyline would keep the older end of the age range engaged.
​I give it a solid 8/10

Best Friends by Shannon Hale

Reviewed by Abby A. MRPS

Best Friends is about Shannon. Her friends are always making new rules like “don’t talk to boys who aren’t popular!” and “you can only like boys who are popular!”.
Some of Shannon’s friends end up being not so nice. Shannon really misses when she was little and she could play with anyone she liked and not get picked on for it.
This book really resonated with me as sometimes I miss being little and playing with anyone and everyone without the drama.
I liked how realistic the illustrations in the book were.
I recommend it for ages 9-13 as it’s a graphic novel but also touches on more mature themes.
​I give it an 8.5/10.

Tom Gates #13: Epic Adventure (kind of) by Liz Pichon

Reviewed by Abby A. MRPS

Tom Gates is a wonderful series of books. In this book Tom faces some issues with his hair and has to go and get it cut at a weird barber shop.
Even though Tom is worried about the barber he ends up with a really short but ok haircut.
Tom and all his friends are really looking forward to the upcoming tropical disco. It’s meant to be great! But as a surprise his grandparents ‘The Wrinklies’ are inviting everyone to a family outing, and it’s on the same day as the tropical disco. Will they make it back in time for the disco?
I liked the detailed pictures and the hilarious events in the book.
​I would recommend this book for ages 8-12 it’s a nice size book, and the comedy element in the story would suit the older end of the age range.
​​I give it a solid 8/10.

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

Reviewed by Abby A. MRPS

In this book Tom’s band ‘Dogzombies’ needs a new drummer. When the two most smartest girls in the school put their name on the sign up sheet Tom is ecstatic. However it turns out Marcus the annoying kids also put his name on the sheet to trick Tom.
Norman ends up the new drummer, down side of that is Norman can’t have sweets. And Tom loves sweets! But seriously who doesn’t?
Dogzombies play their first gig at the Leafy Green old folks home. The gig goes well because most of the audience can’t hear that well anyway.
I really liked this book because of how funny it was!
I recommend it for ages 8-12 because it’s a nice size book with lots of illustrations to engage younger kids and plenty of humour for older kids.
I give it a 7.5/10.

The Very Sleepy Bear by Nick Bland

Reviewed by Levi R. BuniPS

The fox tried to make Bear find a new cave to live in.
The first cave was near the train tracks. The second cave had bats in the cave! The third one had so much water because of the wave and the bear got wet. The bear wanted to go home and then his friends came over and bear went to sleep.
I think my mum would like to read this book because she wants to read with me.
​I give this book 10/10.

Ella Diaries #1: Double Dare You by Meredith Costain

Reviewed by Nellie W. SAPS

It is about Ella on the first day of term 1. She was waiting for her best friend Zoe when Peach her enemy came into class and was told to sit next to Ella. Peach and all her friends were at the peppermint tree ready to spin the shoe. Peach spins the shoe and then gives them a dare.
What I like about the book is that Ella stands up to Peach.
I would recommend this to 7-10 years olds.
I would rate it 8/10 because I liked it but it wasn't my favourite.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid #18: No Brainer by Jeff Kinney

Reviewed by Brian W. BuniPS

Greg is a very nice boy. His school did not do good in the test that the whole country has to do. So people started taking in snacks to help them focus, but it made them all distracted by the chewing. '
Because they were on the lowest score overall, most of the money was taken away from them. The principal had to make big changes, because they didn’t had enough money anymore. A few of the weird changes were renting multiple sections of the school to people that needed extra storage and even wanted to start their own little business.
They had to limit the amount of supplies the kids can have but the kids weren’t happy with that.
They started cutting teachers from work because they needed money that bad.
Despite all the changes the school didn’t have enough money anymore to continue. All the students got split between two different schools.
I would definitely recommend it for other kids because it’s very fun to find out what Greg does.
I give this book a 10/10 because it is very fun to read.