Sexism in the sport of surfing, and how best friends Jerri and Frida (who are so different), step up against it.

Through their own surfing skills, and turning a school project into something so much more, Jerri finds the courage not only to confront something that deeply offends her, but to courageously put aside that hurt – to save lives.

Plot summary of  (No Spoilers)

Jerri is sick of it. Despite being skilled surfers, her and her friend Frida are constantly put down, whistled at, commented on and even photographed by men – young and old.

Told to stay on the beach where they belong, or at least in the shallows, Jerri knows they are just as good, and often even better than any of the guy surfers who they wait among out on the swells to catch the next wave.

Frida is even more confident in her abilities on the waves, competing with surfers older than her in Surf Comps. Even if her sponsors provide inappropriate bikinis and wetsuits for her sport, she brushes off the catcalls, the inappropriate photos on social media, and the sexist opinions of the adult male surfers.

With a school project as the catalyst, Jerri finally sees an opportunity to portray her disgust at the way teenage girls are objectified, and made to feel somehow less because they don’t fit a stereotype. With Frida’s help they open a door for any girl who wants to surf, to take the next step.

Along the way Jerri learns about her mother’s surfing past, her father before she was born and another local tragedies. Her secret mini crush becomes something more, and together they help prevent yet another surfing tragedy in their small New Zealand Surfing-Mad town.

My thoughts

Although not a surfing fan, or even one for sea swimming, I wondered what I’d find among the pages of Sarah Johnson’s new novel. I found a tale of strength, conviction, courage and roaring ocean action.

The contrasts between best friends Jerri and Frida allow thought provoking themes to emerge, which can be applied to all sports, not just surfing – and even among those who aren’t sporty in the slightest.

Jerri shies away from any attention, but when hurtful issues burn too bright within her to ignore, she steps bravely into the mix to address them. The initial animosity from an older character is intriguing, along with revelations from another about Jerri’s mum’s own surfing life.

Jerri becomes stronger throughout the novel in so many ways, and is an inspiration to herself and others around her. Readers (whether interested in surfing or not), will enjoy this multi-layered Young Adult novel.

(Thanks to OneTree House for my ARC)

Writing Style

26 Chapters – 346 Pages – In main character Jerri’s POV

FAQS

What age is it for?

Age – 12+

Where & When is it set?

Raglan, West Coast, Nth Island, New Zealand

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

Third Person / Paste Tense

Is there Violence?

No – But there are altercations among the waves

Is there any Sex?

No.

What genre is Not A Babe?

Real Life / Contemporary Young Adult Fiction

Themes

Friendship / Surfing / Sexism / Misogyny / Courage / Sport

Is it part of a series?

No

If you liked this, you might like…

Nor’ East Swell

We Saw What You Started

You’re Not the Boss of Me

Author

Sarah Johnson

Publisher

OneTree House

(2026, OneTree House, Aotearoa New Zealand, New Zealand Author, Friendship, Action, Sport, Girl-Power, Surfing, Waves, Ocean, Sexism, Sexist, Misogyny, Proving Yourself to yourself – not others, Wetsuits for Women, Dare)

The post Not A Babe Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A street kid caught up in a pick-pocket and thieving gang discovers he has the gift of magic after surviving a terrible event. He is torn between his old life on the streets and a new life as the apprentice of a highly respected Dream Maker.

A comet is hurtling towards Eortha as it does every 75 years, and his entire city of Starsgard is celebrating its arrival. It’s believed to be a changebringer and omen of good times ahead.

But Crow’s new master knows something about the comet that others don’t. It’s the opposite of anything good.

Plot summary of Crow – Thief of Magic (No Spoilers)

Crow lives on the streets of Starsgard of Eortha – bonded by fear and control by the Reaver gang. The only good thing in his life, is time spent with his close friends Sal and Jonas. They share their food they scrounge or buy with their meagre spoils of pick pocketing allowed by the gang or anything else they can earn. They also share their dreams to escape the gang and finally be free of them.

While working on a plan for their future, a job goes terribly wrong and lives are lost. Crow’s life is suddenly changed forever as he finds himself under the care and then tutelage of the city’s Dream Maker.

Viktor Avery is wealthy and famous in Starsgard, but he isn’t all he seems. Crow must decide whether to believe a strange ghost’s warning about Viktor, or Viktor’s kindness and care of him.

Crow discovers his special knack to stay alive on the rough dark streets of the city is more magic than street smarts. Can he harness it in time to save himself, his friends and the entire city?

My thoughts

Beginning with a detailed map, Crow’s world was easy to immerse myself in. He’s a kind and thoughtful character, living on the streets where food is scarce and kindness even more so.

His bond and loyalty to his friends is heart warming in such a harsh life, and his unexpected apprenticeship to harness the full power of his latent magic, an intriguing story line.

Crow’s magic is connected to Dreams, and to his horror, Nightmares too, which bring important contrasts to this novel and Crow himself. Rich world building kept me reading right up to an exciting climax and satisfying conclusion.

Perfectly paced with action, tough choices to be made, and deciding who to trust as a young street-kid, this middle-grade novel is an engaging read. I cared about Crow very early in the narrative and was keen to see him come into his own on the streets of a fictional medieval-styled, fantasy city.

(Thanks to Harper Collins NZ for my ARC)

Writing Style

Chapters are numbered and named, and also include a countdown of days until All Souls’ Eve – (Readers learn along the way why this is important to the inhabitants of Starsgard)

What age is it for?

Age – 10+

Where & When is it set?

A fictional city called Starsgard in the Northern Isles of Eortha / Medieval Times

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

Third Person (Both Crow and Viktor) / Paste Tense

Is there Violence?

Yes.

What genre is Crow – Thief of Magic?

Middle-grade Fantasy

Themes

Friendship / Loyalty / Fantasy / Poverty

Is it part of a series?

Yes. This is the first book in a three book series.

If you liked this, you might like…

Arkspire series

Hidden Treasure

Deep Dark

Author

Fiona Dixon

Publisher

Harper Collins UK

(2026, Harper Collins UK, Fantasy, Series, Gang, Medieval City, Poverty, Friendship, Dreams, Magic, Nightmares, Dream Maker, Secrets, Revenge, Lies, Eternal, Comet, Good Luck, Power, Action, Betrayal, Bullies, Courage, Animals, Cat)

The post Crow – Thief of Magic Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

The life of war hero Nancy Wake from age 16 in Australia, to the end of WWII. This YA novel takes the reader from Australia, to England then France. It shares Nancy’s exciting, but death defying journey from a junior journalist to being an important part of the French Resistance.

Plot summary of A Flame in the Dark (No Spoilers)

Nancy Wake knows she cannot live with her mother any longer. At 16 years old she yearns for more. Setting out on her own, she longs for adventure and has a strong belief that she has something important to achieve.

With an unexpected gift, Nancy can finally venture out into the world and she makes her way to London and then her dream city of Paris. Becoming a journalist, she meets many interesting people and even someone she can love for life.

When Hitler rises to power and she sees first hand the punishment of innocent German citizens, she wants to fight back, but isn’t sure how. When France is in Hitler’s sights, Nancy steps up again and again as the French Resistance forms, grows, and battles the invading forces.

Nancy’s courage grows exponentially as she aids in escapes and then must make her own. She endures endless dangerous situations, interrogations, and constant harsh conditions as she performs small tasks, right up to leading men in and out of battle.

Her famous bike ride is portrayed with all the terror, pain, and determination it would have needed to succeed, and help bring the freedom of her beloved France.

(The rear of the book has photos of all the important people in Nancy’s life and many of her. There is also a glossary of French and Spanish words used in the text.)

My thoughts

Wow! I didn’t know much about Nancy Wake beyond that she was a kiwi war hero and worked in the French Resistance. A Flame in the Dark has filled all the blanks in my knowledge with bold colour, and a plethora of emotions along the way.

Beginning with a captivating first page in Chapter 1, I was hooked. Maria Gill took me on a journey with Nancy from family in Australia, to love and terrible danger in France. Nancy Wake was a supremely courageous, determined, and intelligent woman who often proved herself more skilled than the fighting men that constantly surrounded her. But she still craved sleeping comfort, clean and tidy clothing, and her beloved red lipstick.

Each chapter heading has a title indicating what’s next and a newspaper snippet which also includes a date. This allows readers to place Nancy in this important time in history.

The settings are rich without too much exposition, the characters thrive on the page, and Nancy’s thoughts and feelings are portrayed realistically.

Maria Gill’s extensive research, including walking in Nancy Wake’s footsteps and riding a bike on the very French roads Nancy did, is woven expertly into her first YA novel.

Both Teen and Adult readers will enjoy this portrayal of this amazing woman who saved so many lives while constantly endangering her own.

I’d be surprised if A Flame in The Dark isn’t in future Award lists.

(Thanks to OneTree House for my ARC)

Writing Style

A short prologue begins the story.

Each following chapter has a title and an image of a torn out newspaper headline also showing the date. This is historically accurate based on true events.

An epilogue, photographs, a glossary and author’s note finish the novel.

What age is it for?

Age – 13+

Where & When is it set?

Australia / England / France – 1932-1944

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

First person / Past tense

Is there Violence?

Yes

What genre is A Flame in the Dark?

Historical Narrative Non-Fiction

Themes

War / Courage / Historical / Real Life

Is it part of a series?

No

Find Teacher Notes and see the Book Trailer here

If you liked this, you might like…

The Secret Sparrow

Author

Maria Gill

Publisher

Onetree House NZ

(2026, Onetree House, Aotearoa New Zealand, War, Courage, Historical, Romance, Love, Animals, French Resistance, Nazis, World War II, WWII, Prejudice, Racism, Journalism, Fighting Back, Violence)

The post A Flame in the Dark Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

12 year old Olive and her 19 year brother Ben (training to be a police officer), pursue their father who has been on the run from police for five years.

After he appears outside her school, Olive is keen to tell her father what he did to them when he stole thousands of dollars, then fled his family and his crime. Olive won’t give up on her chance to also ask questions that have never gone away.

Plot summary of Raised by Wolves (No Spoilers)

When Olive sees her father outside her school, she can hardly believe it. She hasn’t seen him for 5 years, since she was 7 years old.

Her father pulled his wife and children into a crime, then fled and has been on the run ever since. Olive’s trust in others has been severely damaged since, and her need to know why he did it and did he ever love her at all, still burns hotly inside. She decides she wants and needs answers.

She follows him, then makes a terrible decision that pulls her and her brother back into her father’s destructive orbit.

Olive is tough for a 12 year old, and refuses to give in despite knowing there will be even more fallout in their lives.

My thoughts

Tristan Bancks books are always a cracking good read and Raised By Wolves is no different. The sequel to Two Wolves (2014), this novel is a solid stand alone and is full of action, emotion and danger.

With each chapter heading there is also a time of day, pulling readers even further into the narrative.

While reading, part of me thought, Leave it, let him go. But another part thought, GET HIM! Olive’s emotional journey is a real one as her confusion about her father’s actions throughout her life need answers.

Great read!

Main Characters

Olive – 12 years old. Self sufficient and feisty. Finds it hard to trust anyone besides her mum and big brother. No friends at school. Is full of hurt and anger and grabs her opportunity to get the truth from her father.

Ben – 19 years old. After wanting to be a police officer since young, has nearly achieved his dream. But Olive has always come first, and he leaves his police academy in a heartbeat when he knows Olive is in trouble. He doesn’t agree with a lot of Olive’s decisions, but doesn’t know the whole truth either. Still, he is by her side as she is determined to get to their father.

Ray Silver – A terrible husband and father before he left his family, and no better now. His mind is on the money he stole then lost then rediscovers, but he also has more secrets of his own that his family know nothing about.

Writing Style

Beginning at 3.07 pm one school afternoon, and culminating in an action-packed finale close to midnight the same day, 12 year old Olive pursues her father.

The final chapters are nearly 2 years later.

What age is it for?

Ages 10-14

Where & When is it set?

Australia

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

3rd person / Past tense

Is there Violence?

Yes. Guns also present

What genre is Raised by Wolves?

Middle Grade Action Novel

Themes

Family / Crime / Real Life / Mystery / Action

Is it part of a series?

Yes – The 1st book in the series is called Two Wolves (2014) It won the YABBA and KOALA children’s choice book awards in 2015.

Raised by Wolves can be read on its own

If you liked this, you might like…

Avalanche

Stealing Happy

If you tell anyone, you’re next

Author

Tristan Bancks

Publisher

Penguin Australia

(2026, Family, Crime, Action, Conflict, Courage, Mystery, Real Life, Series, Duology, Siblings, On the Run, Violence, Police, Guns, Car chase)

The post Raised By Wolves Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A solemn ritual used to mark significant events, this ceremony welcomes special visitors, is part of a new chief’s appointment or used for marking important occasions in a village.

Sauniga O Le ‘Ava Samoa – The ‘Ava Ceremony of Samoa takes the reader through each part of the ritual including blessings, speaker roles from both host and visitor, and the actual serving of the ‘ava drink itself.

‘Ava is a drink that is mixed by a son or daughter of the highest village and chief, then a young man from the village gives it out in a shiny coconut shell.

Gifts are exchanged between visitors and hosts, of food, cloth, mats and money.

There are also special places to sit in the ceremony.  At the end of this full colour non-fiction picture book, The House of Samoa and the assembling of participants in this custom are shown clearly to readers on the page.

A final section about the origin of the ‘ava plant, is told in the format of a well-shared myth.

Co-published by Oratia Books and Auckland Council Libraries, this picture book is perfectly timed for Samoa Language Week – 31 May – 6 June 2026. It shares an important part of Samoan Culture, allowing other cultures more understanding of another.

(Thanks to Oratia for my ARC)

Author – Tauanu’u Perenise Tapu Sitagata

Illustrator – Ani Huia Ligaliga

Picture Book

Non-Fiction

(2026, Oratia Books, Samoa, Ritual, Ceremony, Village, Samoan Language Week)

The post Sauniga O Le ‘Ava Samoa – The ‘Ava Ceremony of Samoa Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A boy in the last year of primary school, dealing with friendship, family and health challenges in his life.

Plot summary of A Final Year (No Spoilers)

Nate has two younger brothers aged 5 and 8. They live with their mum and don’t know their fathers. The brothers are all very different, but a tight knit group.

It’s the final year of primary school, and with his best mate Parker, they are looking forward to the future. They spend all their time together, but when Parker returns from a summer holiday, Nate and Parker begin to drift apart.

Nate is hurt but makes a new friend in Caleb. Nate is a talented poet, and Caleb an artist, and with their new teacher’s encouragement, their friendship and creativity flourishes.

Being the oldest, and with mum often hungover after Bingo nights, Nate looks out for his younger brother’s needs at home. But when one falls sick, life is even messier.

The Final Year of primary school is the hardest and most complicated of Nate’s life yet.

My thoughts

What a beautiful story. This verse novel has won over a dozen awards, and was shortlisted for 7 more!

The Award image on the front cover drew me to this novel, as I hadn’t seen it before in NZ. I’m so glad I got to read it, because it truly is worth every accolade.

I felt for main character Nate and the struggles he faces in the final year before high school. There’s lots of love at home, but not much structure or support and he looks out for his younger sibling’s needs along with his own. Messy friendship dynamics challenge him further, but he takes it all in his stride.

His new teacher Mr Joshua is a powerful force and guiding light in the novel, helping Nate find himself and his people through his writing. Inspiring teachers always strike a chord with me because they truly have the power to change young lives. This story tells it like it is for this boy and his family, with the way he thinks, speaks and lives.

The Final Year will make a great gift for students in their final year of primary, wherever they live.

An inspirational read with an authentic delivery.

Main Characters

Nate – 10 years old, loves football, words and books. Is a talented poet, but he’s not aware of it until a new teacher sees him writing. Nate is responsible, thoughtful, and loving with his younger brothers, but does have darker feelings sometimes that threaten to appear as ‘The Beast’. He has had counselling to learn to control it.

Parker – Nate’s best mate. Parker is an only child and unlike Nate, his family can afford better food, clothing and family holidays. This isn’t a problem until one summer holidays in their final year.

Mr Joshua – New teacher who is also a musician with many years of trying to make it big behind him. This teacher is kind, insightful and supportive of Nate and his creativity. He is also there when Nate needs him when his family is truly struggling.

Writing Style

Verse novel told in 6 parts. The 1st part introduces the characters and sets the scene for the reader, to fully appreciate time and setting.

What age is it for?

Ages 9-11 – for those leaving Primary school and going to Intermediate (NZ) or High school.

Where & When is it set?

Manchester, England / Present

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

First person / Past tense

Is there Violence?

A few punches thrown in a school fight

What genre is The Final Year?

Middle Grade Verse Novel

Themes

School / Family / Change / Social challenges

Is it part of a series?

Yes – The sequel The First Year, covers Nate’s 1st year of High School

If you liked this, you might like…

The Wrong Shoes

The Invisible

The Bridge Home

Author

Matt Goodfellow

Illustrator

Joe Todd-Stanton

Publisher

Otter-Barry Books

(2023, Otter-Barry Books, Verse Novel, School, David Almond, Skellig, Poems, Poetry, Social challenges, Poverty, Friendship Dynamics, Change, Siblings, Brothers, Multi Award Winning. Series, Duology)

The post The Final Year Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A ten year old girl named Cassie is navigating changing friendship dynamics, a very busy home with five siblings, and feelings of being different from her peers.

Plot summary of Dream On (no spoilers)

Cassie’s home is a very busy one, so when her mum asks her to empty the mailbox she resists at first. After all, she’s done her chores and the mailbox is her sibling’s job.

Amongst the mail she finds a sweepstake offering grand prizes of holidays, jetskis, furniture and cars. She can’t believe her luck! Especially after receiving a gold prize sticker.

Sharing this good fortune with her best friend Vali, Cassie is feeling wonderful. Maybe she can choose prizes for her mum? Surely that will make mum notice her a bit more at home?

When her favourite teacher Mrs Farmer changes the seating plan in their class, Cassie isn’t sitting next to Vali anymore. She struggles with this change, and sees Vali making a new friend named Stesha. The more time Vali spends with Stesha – at school then even after school, the more it hurts Cassie’s feelings.

But she’s always been told she is over sensitive. Is she the problem?

My thoughts

Friendship dynamics are often hard, and I remember my own struggles in primary school. I wish I had books like Dream On to help me understand what was happening, and what to do about it.

Cassie has a very busy home where she wants to be noticed, but is given responsibility for her younger siblings instead. She yearns for simpler times when she was younger, and had a little more attention. This on top of fraying and changing friendships is a tough time for her, and a very real and authentic story for girls aged 9 and up – who may find themselves in the same situations.

It’s by no means an easy journey, and Shannon Hale tells it like it really is in school, with Marcela Cespedes capturing Cassie’s conflicting emotions on the page brilliantly.

A must read for Primary & Intermediate school girls.

Main Characters

Cassie – Aged 10 and one of six siblings in a very busy home on a tight budget, but full of love. A sensitive girl, she can still see the wonder in  things around her, even as she is teased by her classmates and older sister. She also feels the hurt when her best friend changes and another student excludes her from things.

Vali – Also aged 10, Vali is Cassie’s best friend and they have always understood each other and enjoyed each other’s company. When getting to know another girl named Stesha after a seating change in class, she is led away from her friendship with Cassie, and also struggles with what is okay, what is deemed babyish, and how to keep from becoming the excluded one.

Steshi – Although the same age, Steshi acts much older, deeming many games babyish, and is not scared of telling anyone what she thinks. But maybe she has a reason for her hurtful behaviour?

Writing Style

Full colour graphic novel, with point of view character Cassie’s thoughts in orange speech bubbles, and normal speech with other characters in white bubbles. Flashbacks in Cassie’s life are shown in pastel toned sections.

FAQs

What age is it for?

For readers 9+

Where & When is it set?

USA 1980’s

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

1st person / Present tense

Is there Violence?

No

What genre is Dream on?

Middle-grade Graphic Novel

Themes

Family / Historical / Growing Up / Friendship Dynamics

Is it part of a series?

No

If you liked this, you might like…

Cross my Heart and Never Lie here

The Emmie & Friends series here

Author

Shannon Hale

Illustrator

Marcela Cespedes

Publisher

Roaring Book Press

(2026, Roaring Brook Press, Graphic Novel, School, Bully, Growing Up, Family, Friendship Dynamics, Historical, 1980’s, Feelings)

The post Dream On Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A 13 yr old girl has a strange ability to go back in time on New Year’s Eve. Most of it is not planned, accidental and completely surprising.

Lily must navigate each time until she can return to her own, whilst not giving away she is from the future.

Plot summary of Lily Tripp: Diary of an Accidental Time Traveller (No Spoilers)

Lily Tripp lived a normal life until the age of 9, when suddenly she is thrown back in time. The 1st time she does this she finds herself in 1842. Then the time of the Romans in the year 122, and forward again again she finally wakes up in her own time at the age of 12.

No one has noticed her absence, and when back in time, her family members and friends are also there, but completely unaware of anything strange. Lily is pleased that her secret crush pops up in each time, but so does her long-time nemesis from school.

Lily grows up whilst time-jumping, realising who is friend, who is foe, and also a lot about herself.

My thoughts

I love anything with time-travel, and this middle-grade novel has a fresh twist on it. Lily Tripp is funny, loyal and a perfectly normal girl besides her accidental time travel.

She is dealing with all the normal things in life at age 13. Her secret crush, best friend, peer friendships and a school bully-nemesis are parts of many young teen lives, and the fact that these challenges travel with her back and forth through time, make this novel even more engaging.

This is a fun novel, styled as a diary as Lily copes with the peculiar life she is living. Her many lists on what she wants to achieve or has learnt along the way are funny, poignant and also help readers get to know her even better.

Readers learn about the different times as Lily experiences them, and at the back of the book there is more information about the strange quirks and behaviours of these times in real life.

Loved the end!

Main Characters

Lily Tripp – Carries a diary everywhere, including back in time where it changes to suit the times. She is loyal, funny, keen on a boy (since forever) and is constantly working on plans to tell him how she feels. All this while navigating time jumps of hundreds of years.

Poppy – Lily’s best friend, with a determination to be herself, no matter what others think. This changes during the novel, bringing tension and misunderstandings between the friends.

Georgia – Lily’s nemesis who is free with her opinions which are usually negative – particularly with Lily. She is the mean-girl in every time jump.

Ollie – Lily’s crush who is oblivious to it.

Writing Style

Diary format with dates and times with each entry, letting readers know where and when Lily is. These are clear for the reader. Lily is talking directly to the reader with all her thoughts, feelings, both happy and sad, as she becomes a young teen.

FAQs

What age is it for?

For readers 10+

Where & When is it set?

UK 2025 / 1621 / 1976 / ?

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

1st person / Present tense / Told direct to the reader

Is there Violence?

No

What genre is Lily Tripp: Diary of an Accidental Time Traveller?

Middle-grade Humour

Themes

Time Travel / First Love / Historical / Growing Up / Friendship

Is it part of a series?

No

If you liked this, you might like…

More Time travel novels 

Author

Amelia Tait

Publisher

Hachette / Hodder Children’s Books

(2026, Hachette UK, Time Travel, School, Bully, Nemesis, Crush, 1621, 1976, 2025, Diary Format, Growing Up, Family, Friendship, Historical)

The post Lily Tripp: Diary of an Accidental Time Traveller – Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Talking with his farm boy, Digger Dan about the problem, they go through ideas together, from stealing fruit to having a garage sale. It’s not until Gumboot is reading his newspaper later, that an idea hits him.

Meanwhile, Pippa Davidson lives on a bigger, better and much happier farm near their town of Dargaville. They have cows, sheep, and it’s a sheep called Lulabelle that is Pippa’s very special favourite. Lulabelle feels the same about Pippa.

So when Lulabelle is stolen one dark night, Pippa knows she must do everything she can to get her wooly best friend back!

Gumboot Gary and Digger Dan’s terrible plans to make money for their farm are going well – until they enter a competition in the town show. Pippa is suddenly onto what they’ve been up to.

With the help of Dargaville’s top cop Mike Te Hira, they are quickly caught up in a dangerous mission to save many sheep along with Lulabelle.

Set in Dargaville NZ, many small-town Kiwi kids will love seeing themselves in a novel.

This Kiwi caper will bring lots of laughs as two criminals come up against a brave girl with a stolen sheep friend, and the local police, on hand. There is word play with many recognisable (but completely coincidental) items, authors, bands and books in the text – with funny footnotes. eg. SpongeGreg Rectangle Shorts.

Pippa and the Sheep Snatchers is illustrated throughout with all the sheep shenanigans and possum problems, making this story even more entertaining for Kiwi kids.

Author – Lauren Middleton

Illustrator – Robyn Glendinning

Age – 7+

Find more Great New Zealand Fiction here

(2025, Bateman, Dargaville, Aotearoa, New Zealand, Farm, Animals, Sheep, Rustling, Town Show, Possum, Traps, Police, Crime, Humour, Funny)

The post Pippa and the Sheep Snatchers Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Newly orphaned siblings Charlotte, Emily and Jack are sent to live on an island with a grandmother they never knew existed, let alone met. This is an island ominously cut off by the tide and surrounded by large black rocks. It is far from welcoming or friendly and is increasingly more malevolent, the longer the children stay.

Plot summary of Don’t Let Them Leave (no spoilers)

Charlotte, Emily and Jack are grieving the loss of their parents. Only days later they are whisked off to a strange island to live with their grandmother. Their father never mentioned her, so they are wary, but one must do as the adults say, so they follow all the instructions and get on a train.

They find little of the comforts they knew at home. Their grandmother’s home is on a strange island which is ruled by the tides. It appears empty and abandoned, but that is far from the truth.

The longer they stay, the longer Charlotte wonders about the swift change in their lives and the inhospitable life they have found themselves in. She reaches out to a boy who helped them on their journey, and learns more about the island and its history.

A history so horrific, she wants to leave, but there are building haunting forces that want to prevent it.

My thoughts

From the first page to the last, I was captured by this novel. Newly made orphans Charlotte, Emily and Jack grabbed my heart early, and I felt for their plight and hastily scraped together courage. I understood their apprehension in meeting a relative they knew nothing of, and how their lives were going to change so drastically, through no fault of their own.

The island itself adds more fear and indecision, as they nearly lose their lives trying to get to it, and the longer they stay the higher the tension rises. It’s positively creepy and the malevolence builds into pure horror, as a historical revenge plot reveals itself.

The answers the siblings are seeking are truly terrible, and nothing I imagined.  Gripping, creepy and well worth a read.

Characters

Charlotte (13)  Now in charge of her younger siblings, she has to keep pushing her grief at the loss of her parents down, just so she can keep functioning. She and her brother and sister have been raised in a wealthy home, so suddenly having to do everything for themselves is challenging. Charlotte bravely steps up to all that they face, and must work out how to ensure their survival from an island with evil intention.

Jack (9)  At only 9 years old, Jack has already picked up tips and behaviours from his father which are helpful in their sudden new and demanding life. He has always been a quiet boy and often kept mostly to himself at home, but now must be brave in all they face. At home, he and little sister Emily would often squabble, but now he sees the need to look out for her, and also help his big sister who he now looks to for guidance.

Emily (6) Always full of chatter and questions, Emily never goes anywhere without her beloved soft rabbit Munchkin. Being the youngest, she struggles to comprehend what is happening to them. She baulks at Charlotte’s instructions at first, but after only a few days in their new strange home, quickly learns to listen to Charlotte, even if she doesn’t understand all that they are experiencing.

Writing Style

A prologue begins the novel, set deep in a mine in 1855 – 3rd person/past tense.

13 year old Charlotte tells the story directly to the reader (1st person). The setting is 1930’s England, so Charlotte speaks proper English, the way she has been raised by her wealthy parents. We hear her inner thoughts throughout the novel as she struggles first with grief, responsibility of her younger siblings, and then the terrifying situation they find themselves in.

FAQs

What age is it for?

12+

Where & When is it set?

1930 London, then a journey to an island on the southern tip of England, which is cut off by the tides twice daily.

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

1st person / Past tense.

Is there any Violence?

Yes

What genre is Don’t Let Them Leave?

Young Adult Horror

Themes

Horror / Family / Courage / Revenge

Is it part of a series?

No

Author

Mike Lucas

Publisher

Penguin Random House Australia

Find more creepy novels by this author

Click here

If you’re looking for more Horror Reads

Find some here

(2026, Penguin Books, Horror, Revenge, Island, Siblings, Grief, Tin Mines, Lodestone, Historical, 1930, England, Train journey, Grandmother, Ghosts, Cat, Ravens, Courage, Mystery, Creepy, Eerie)

The post Book Review – Don’t Let Them Leave appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

High achiever Amy Middleton is the head of the School Ball Committee and after much before-ball preparation on the actual event, dress, makeup and hair, she is expecting a night she will never forget. This comes true for her and her classmates, for completely the wrong reasons.

Plot summary of My Wonderful Disgrace (No Spoilers)

Amy is ready! She has worked very hard with her Senior Ball Committee and the night is approaching fast. There is only one flaw in her plans. She doesn’t have a date.

Much to her sheer delight, this is soon rectified. Amy and her friends dress, apply makeup, prepare their hair updos and drink champagne while waiting for the event opening.

Soon after arriving on a dream-like high, Amy’s perfect plans begin to crumble, then plummet into impending doom. Others are also caught up in the destruction of her dream, ball experience.

A forbidden tryst, a silent protest action, a bomb exploding on social media and the death of an innocent but borrowed goat, turn Amy’s night to remember into a horror story of epic proportions.

My thoughts

This YA novel began predictably with a girl wanting her Senior School Ball to be a life-changing experience and a doorway to adulthood. Amy achieves the life-changing experience and memories that are seared into her brain forever, but anything beautiful about it is very short-lived.

My Wonderful Disgrace is all of that and more. It made me laugh out loud, gasp in horror, and cringe in anticipation of the shocking, funny (shouldn’t laugh) things that were about to happen.

Intrigue is achieved early as Amy’s diary of excitement is soon followed by her school principal’s reports and police interviews. Suddenly I was thinking…. “Hang on a minute. What happened at the ball!?”

This is a quick read, but mostly because I couldn’t stop reading as things went from bad to worse, to gob smacking to funny.

Loved it.

Main Characters

Amy – Head of the School Ball Committee. Has spent a lot of money on a designer dress, spent hours and hours on preparation and planning, and dreaming of a night of bliss, attention, and romance. After her beautiful bubble is popped beyond repair, she tries to sort out the nightmare of the evening. I couldn’t help but like her as she goes in damage control and finally concedes defeat for the dream.

Leo – Completely unaware of Amy’s feelings for him. He’s happy to go along with her and her friends to the Ball, but is distracted constantly with his phone. He too is a likeable guy as he tries to fix his part in the disaster of the evening. He is trying to keep others out of trouble but must concede he isn’t at fault.

Gabby – Amy’s best friend, who inadvertently does the most embarrassing damage. Not once but twice. She also means well, which makes the mistakes she makes even more cringe worthy.

Many other characters add to the comedy of errors.

Writing Style

Told in many formats from different points of view.

There are:

• Amy’s Journal entries
• The School Principal Community Newsletters
• Police Interview Transcripts
• Mobile Texts between students
• Emails
• Police Statements
• Letters
• Incident Reports
• and Group Chats

These are clearly set out in different styles and fonts – suited to the source.

They all connect brilliantly to give readers a complete picture of the mayhem. There are also two maps included in the novel to help readers view where the action happens.

FAQs

What age is it for?

Age – 14-18 years

Where & When is it set?

Mainly in a fictional city event venue (The Pacific Crest Hotel) and surrounding area / The present

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

Mostly 1st person / Present Tense

Is there Violence?

Minor (except for the unfortunate, accidental fate of a goat)

What genre is My Wonderful Disgrace?

Young Adult Humour

Is there any sex in the novel?

Actual? No

Themes

Humour / School / Social Media / Friendship / Expectations

Is it part of a series?

No

If you liked this, you might like…

The Worst Perfect Moment

Slowcoach

Catherine, Called Birdy

For more Real Life Reads, find them..

here

Authors

Angourie Rice & Kate Rice

Publisher

Walker Books Australia

(2026, Walker Books Australia, School, Senior Ball, Dreams, Social Media, Disasters, Plans go Awry, Humour, Funny, Crushes, Friendship, Goat, Mishaps, Inappropriate Relationship, Real Life, Secret)

The post Book Review – My Wonderful Disgrace appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Iris is an animal lover and is excited when she receives an invitation to attend a magical school that trains animal lovers like her to be carers of magical animals.

Plot summary

After saving a baby bird after it had been knocked out of a tree, Iris is pleased to have helped, even if her friends went on a bike ride without her.

Not long after, she hears the doorbell of her home and goes to check who might be at the door. It’s not a person, but a small dog with a postman’s hat, an envelope, and a wink. It’s an invitation to enrol in a magical school, that teaches children how to look after magical animals.

She knows she’ll miss her mum and dad, but attending a magical school is too exciting to turn down. She settles in, meeting other students and staff. Her only worry is whether she’ll make a bestie at her new school. Her roommate Luna is quiet and seems shy, and Iris wonders if they’ll ever be friends. It’s only when something goes wrong that they finally connect.

Soon after they are working on solving a mystery that has been upsetting to many.

Characters

Iris Marvels – loves animals, and will put them first before people. Is worried that the other students are achieving things she isn’t yet, which is a knock to her confidence.

Luna – is from a magical family, and knew about the magical school already. She doesn’t join in with the groups at first, keeping to herself. It’s only when she goes to help Iris, that they finally talk to each other properly, despite being room mates.

Writing Style

Told in 13 chapters with bold Chapter headings and illustrations on almost every page.

FAQs

What age is it for?

6+

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

3rd person / past tense

What genre is the Iris & Luna series?

Chapter Books to Middle Grade

Themes

Animals / Magic / Friendship

Is it part of a series?

Yes

If you liked this, you might like these?

Millie and Stella

Luna Grace

Author

Aurora Quirón

Illustrator

Isabel Escalante & Chezalbi

Publisher

Harper Collins

(2026, Harper Collins, Magic, Animals, Friendship, School, Animal Care, Unicorns, Magical Creatures, Series, Room mates)

The post Book Review – Iris & Luna (1) A School Full of Magic appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

(Little do we humans know that the animals that surround us, whether it be, mouse, rat, frog or cow, are always looking out for us.)

The meeting is for the animals of the town of Redhill to report in about their unsung kindnesses to humans.

They might not receive recognition for what they do, but like the Animal Creed says…

…Coexistence is our aim.

patience is the remedy.

Let’s never forget,

idiots are not the enemy.

Humans can’t help being stupid after all, and that’s why Duck and his fellow animals are always on alert to put things right. But when the Redhill humans do something unforgivable, Duck, and Mouse want revenge. Well, mostly Mouse, but Duck can totally understand his point of view.

Not only do a bunch of hi-vis humans destroy something important to them, Duck, Mouse and their dog friend Steve, find more humans acting strangely. They are all lining up outside a huge black dome which definitely was not there before. The sign outside says The Coffee Dome, and Duck has a bad feeling about it.

Determined to know more about this “…giant shiny butt cheek” of a building, Duck decides they need to get inside.

What he finds changes everything!

From the funny man himself (author & illustrator of Funny Kid), DUCK is the first book in a new series.

A side character in the hilarious Funny Kid series, DUCK is now the star. He and his mates Mouse and Police Dog Steve, mean well, but cause chaos in this novel which is part chapter book, part comic and a whole lot of laughs.

Scattered throughout the novel are small comic strips that add to the chapter with gags galore, instead of normal style illustration.

The tension rises during the novel, leaving readers wondering what DUCK is about to do…. Will he really change everything between animals and humans in the town of Redhill forever?

Author / Illustrator – Matt Stanton

Age – 7+

Find more funny books by Matt Stanton here

(2026, Harper Collins, Funny, Humour, Series, Animals, Duck, Mouse, Dog, Revenge, Cunning Plot, Coffee, Laugh Out Loud)

The post DUCK Look Who’s Talking! Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A 12 year old girl is keen for adventure. She sets out on a quest to defeat a shadow being from consuming the isles she loves.

Plot summary of The Unchosen One (No Spoilers)

Tassie has always craved more.

More sights, more people, more experiences, more adventure. When she’s summoned by her guardian, The Chief Steward of the Citadel where she lives, she thinks she’s in trouble again.

But she saw a strange woman enter through the Citadel’s security gates, and she is intrigued. Being told she is part of a prophecy and is “The Chosen One” is not what she is expecting – but she jumps at the chance to finally explore outside the Citadel.

With her best friend Spin by her side, she meets others along the way to realising she really isn’t “The Chosen One”, but must find the right person – whoever or whatever they may be.

My thoughts

In a world where humans, elves, griffins, goblins and all manner of creatures live together, The Unchosen One is a real twist of the middle-grade fantasy quest genre.

Tassie is the complete opposite of what a hero should be, with zero experience of the world beyond her home’s guarded walls. It’s her strong spirit of fairness, and guilt of past clumsy misendeavours that make her the perfect protagonist to take readers on a fantastic and fun tale.

The Unchosen One is funny, action-filled and has two narratives that blend together. The Villains aren’t what is expected either, and they too will make readers smile.

Hero vs Villain is an old trope but this middle-grade novel turns all the fantasy quest expectations on their head.

Such a fun read! Looking forward to the rest in the trilogy.

Main Characters

Tassie (Tassalonia Monk) 12 years old. Tassie lives in a walled Citadel town on an island. She yearns for adventure, dislikes her lessons (especially Gnomology), and is always in trouble. Her guardian is patient with her, but she is always rushing everywhere, keen to know what’s going on, which inadvertently causes some disruption.

She’s often breaking things, including her best friend’s beak (you’ll have to read the story to find out how), but has a strong sense of right and wrong, fairness and care for others. She’s funny, brave and her own worst enemy.

Spin is a griffin, and Tassie’s very best friend. A very clever griffin who puts his smarts into inventing things. His inventions have come in handy around the citadel, and also on their quest together. He isn’t as keen on adventure, so when Tassie calls her looming quest a research mission, he decides to go with her. Deep down he would probably go with her anyway as their bond is strong. He’s patient and kind and good to have along.

Darley is an elf. He’s street savvy, knows how to navigate spooky woods and is crucial in their quest. He’s also a slippery fellow, and Tassie and Spin often wonder if they were right to pay him gold coins for his knowledge let alone trust him to keep them alive.

Writing Style

This novel begins with a prologue introducing a far forgotten forgotten prophecy of a shadow that consumes everything and a chosen one to fight it.

Each chapter heading after it, has an illustration giving a clue to where it is leading the reader. The writing style is fun and fast moving, and will bring smiles to readers – both in chapters in main character Tassie’s point of view and also the villianous wraths who are following her.

FAQs

What age is it for?

For readers 9+

Where & When is it set?

Medieval times on a fictional island called Peryll

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

Third person / Past tense

Is there Violence?

Yes as the characters battle with the villains.

What genre is The Unchosen One?

Middle Grade Fantasy-Humour

Themes

Humour / Quest / Friendship / Adventure

Is it part of a series?

Yes – This is the first in a trilogy

If you liked this, you might like…

The Wondrous Tale of Lavender Wolfe

The Arkspire Trilogy

Author

Amy Sparkes

Publisher

Walker Books UK

(2026, Walker Books UK, Fantasy, Humour, Funny, Quest, Griffin, Elves, Goblins, Wraiths, Series, Battles, Caves, Shadow Beast, Chosen, Courage, Friendship, Prophecy, Creepy Creatures)

The post Book Review – The Unchosen One appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A teenage girl named Lotta finding out her way of life on an island isn’t what she has been taught. Folktales and suspicion are key factors.

Plot summary of Song of the Saltings (No Spoilers)

A 16 year old girl helps a teenage boy save his horse from the bogs that spread across their island. They clash at first, as he is one of the exiled people from their village. His family hid him as a child from the annual village lottery, which choses a child to sacrifice for the good of the village.

The ruling Council believes that a child must be given to the mythical creature below the island called the Glimm. This ensures the coming year’s crops will thrive and all manner of good will fall upon the village.

The girl herself is an anomaly, as she was chosen by the lottery years before, to be payment to the Glimm. But for the first time ever, the creature took her horse instead. She is part feared and part revered by the villages, but besides the stable work she does for a Councilor, the villages are wary of her.

She knows she is different. She hears and feels the Glimm below the island and is somehow connected to it. It pulls haunting song from her, and somehow she is connected to the weather elements too. This knowledge, and advice from village elders, send her on a trek to find the truth about the Glimm, the island’s past, and herself.

The answers she seeks shocks her to her core, and the result is part horror, part wonder, and found love.

My thoughts

Wow! This YA novel had me captured from the first few sentences to the very last, as I turned the pages faster and faster. The pacing of the story is excellent, building the setting, characters gradually (but not slowly), giving me all the understanding I needed to fully appreciate what it was like living on an island of contrasts.

There were the rich, their followers, and the exiled, banished for the crime of hiding their children from harm. The characters are lush and credible, with convincing motivations, and actions, tugging on my own emotions while reading.

The bleak, remote, island setting is eerie at times, especially around the bogs and moors at night where the villagers fear to tread.

Tension builds throughout the novel, as hearts are broken, others found, truths are revealed, and choices made.

Song of the Saltings is beautifully written by NZ’s own multi-award winning author, reviewer and past literary festival director, Rachael King.

My favourite YA read of 2026.

Main Characters

Lotta Salter – Aged 16 and works hard in the Manor stables of Councilor Lewis – one of the important men of her island home of Brack. She has a natural affinity with horses, and is head groom. She lives above the stables and has had the apprenticeship for three years.

Besides her friend Daphne (daughter of the Manor), she’s not close to anyone. Lotta fell out with her parents after they meekly did the Council bidding when she was chosen as the Glimm sacrifice. Everyone else was wary of her, after the Glimm let her live. Lotta is brave, detests cruel treatment of person or animal, and will stand against it when she can. Her connection with the Glimm is growing, but she doesn’t fear it.

Moss Smith – is labelled a hideling by the villagers. This is spoken as an insult, no matter how many times he tells people he didn’t ask to be hidden by his parents. This was done to prevent him being entered into the annual sacrifice lottery, but it has done much more harm than good.

Their life of exile is now one of poverty and hardship. His eyesight has also been affected, and he avoids bright clear days, preferring to be out at night.

Marten Salter – 18 years old and works with the gardener for the same Councilor as Lotta. He is in love with the Councilor’s son Roderick, and they grab whatever time they can together, often in the stables while Lotta and Daphne are on watch. His love for Roddy soon becomes a broken heart, which sends him to drink and trouble.

Writing Style

Prologue / 42 Chapters in 2 parts / Epilogue

The story follows Lotta and Moss’ points of view, blending along the way.

FAQs

What age is it for?

12+

Where & When is it set?

A fictional remote island named Brack in the Scottish Isles  “…in an alternative history or possible future.”

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

Third person / Present tense

Is there Violence?

Yes

What genre is Song of the Saltings?

Historical / Folk Horror / Young Adult

Is there any sex in the novel?

No

Themes

Truth, Mythical Creatures, Sacrifice, Control, Courage, 1st Love, Community

Is it part of a series?

No

Find a junior series by Rachael King here

Find an award winning middle-grade novel by this author here

Author

Rachael King

Publisher

Allen & Unwin

(2026, Allen & Unwin NZ, Aotearoa New Zealand, Multi Award Winning Author, Suspicion, Folktales, Family, First Love, LGBTQ+, Folk Horror, Sacrifice, Horses, Mythical Creature, Serpent, Connection, Control, Truth, Lies, Historical, action, Betrayal, Love, Secrets)

The post Book Review – Song of the Saltings appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Readers will find themselves out in the ocean, far from any sign of land.

They are now in the realm of sea creatures that live, roam and die Through the Darkening Sea.

“A whale falls…”  beneath the waves and below the diving seagulls and dolphins that frolic above.

It falls past where the seals play, deeper and deeper past migrating krill and down into the depths of no light or colour at all. Only anglerfish, jellyfish and squid see it sink further until it reaches its resting place – the sea bottom.

The whale’s body then becomes another part of the life cycle of the sea. Fish feed. Crabs crawl. Worms wiggle.

These too become food for other creatures, which reaches up towards the light and another whale about to give birth to a calf.

Peter Cheong’s art takes readers down into the deep blue and then dark of the ocean floor. Readers then rise back up again through the water to new life.

Through the Darkening Sea is a picture book to savour, and a different way to experience the Circle of Life.

This would make an excellent starting point to Sea-Week studies in a classroom, encouraging students to learn about the many levels of the ocean and its inhabitants.

Read more books about Whales here

Author – Claire Saxby

Illustrator – Peter Cheong

Publisher – Harper Collins Australia

Picture Book

(2026, Harper Collins Australia, Whale, Death, Ocea, Sea, Circle of Life, New Life, Sealife, Fish, Animals, Science, Biology)

The post Book Review – Through the Darkening Sea appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A young teen named Dell is upset that her mother has returned to their small town after years of being away. With no thought for her four daughters and loving husband, she left five years before when her youngest daughter was only a toddler. She has been chasing UFO sightings and crop circles around the world.

Dell decides the only way to protect her family is to prove the new local crop circles in their small town that her mother has returned to see, are fake.

Plot summary of Running in Circles (no spoilers)

One Sunday, Dell and her best friend Teddy are walking home from a local creek after looking for a special type of frog.  On the way past a corn crop, they see it moving and decide to take a look.

Not only do they see a large area of corn mowed down in a perfect circle, they find Dell’s mother. Dell hasn’t seen her Mum since she left years before – to chase UFOs.

The only reason Mum has returned is that crop circles have been discovered in local cornfields of their small town called Tully. Dell decides not to tell her dad and 3 sisters that Mum is back in town, hoping she’ll leave as fast as she appeared. This decision backfires terribly, even though Dell just wanted to keep everyone from more heartache and disappointment.

With faithful Teddy at her side, with their entire town turning UFO crazy, and news stations flocking to Tully, Dell decides to prove the crop circles are fake. She knows that the sooner she does it, the sooner her mother will leave again, and things can get back to normal.

Review

Running In Circles is a story of family, love and how messy they can be. There are 3 generations in the mix, as grandparents come to the rescue as four sisters and their dad are tipped out of their chaotic comfort zone, as their awol mother and wife unexpectedly comes back into their lives.

Main character Dell is a character churning with complicated feelings trying to protect everyone around her. All as her best friend Teddy tries to protect her. Dell’s love of everything ‘weather’ is shared in the chapter headings.

Dell’s passion for the environment and humankind’s havoc on it, is woven effortlessly through the book. These are all reminders about what is happening around us, along with the ability to get people to believe something without scientific evidence.

Whether an event is a hoax or not is quickly swept aside by the sensationalism of it. People of the town are quick to believe media and town gossip, instead of making decisions themselves. Something for young readers to think about?

A wonderful read.

Characters

Dell – (Adelaide) Aged 12 and 2nd oldest of four siblings (sisters). She wants to be a storm chaser or a climate scientist when she grows up. Fascinated in weather science, she has built her own weather station in her front yard (in an optimal position for correct readings, of course).

Dell looks out for her younger sisters, no matter how annoying their constant squabbling is. She is increasingly worried about her 15 year old sister Summer, who she shares a bedroom with, and about the fallout her mother’s return will inevitably bring.

Teddy – Dell’s best friend. Dell sticks up for him against a verbal bully at school, as Teddy is a kind, thoughtful boy who loves frogs as much as she loves weather.

Mum – Left her family to chase UFO’s and everything connected to them. She seems oblivious to the hurt she causes coming and going, and this time is no different as she treats her youngest daughters with donuts and car rides, and confuses her eldest with possible escape.

Writing Style

Dell tells the story as it happens. She talks about her day with her sisters, her friend Teddy and going to school. Readers learn about family quirks and dynamics and day to day life in their household. She is honest about her feelings about her mother’s leaving and then return and the turmoil it causes in her family – all in the authentic voice of a 12 year old girl.

FAQs

What age is it for?

9 -12 years

Where & When is it set?

Tully – a small town in Australia

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

First person / Present Tense

Is there any Violence?

Not physical. There is a class bully who is verbally teasing a classmate.

What genre is Running in Circles?

Middle-Grade / Contemporary / Real Life

Themes

Family, Friendship, Love, Science, Alien Crop Circles, Hoax?

Is it part of a series?

No

Author

Shivaun Plozza

Publisher

University of Queensland Press

(2026, UQP, University of Queensland Press, Australia, Small Town, Aliens, UFO’s, Crop Circles, Family, Love, Complicated emotions, Siblings, Sisters, Grandparents, School, Bully, Hoax, Conspiracy, Selfishness, Environment, Science, Secret)

The post Book Review – Running In Circles appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

The tap tap at her window at night

The creaks and cracks of the whole house too

Then there are scary shadows, and ladders, balloons and more!

Another girl named Annie Venture isn’t so scared of everyday things. In fact she revels in all the things Bea fears.

Annie scales new heights with ladders

Calmly casts shadows aside

Blows balloons without popping a sweat!

But how does she do it? wonders Bea.

This hardback picture book shows two girls who are very different. Bea Ware can’t enjoy life with her fears swamping her days and nights. Annie Venture on the other hand, looks at things around her very differently.

Fearless is clever in text and illustration. The text has excellent word play that older children will appreciate, as younger siblings or students connect with the story itself.

The illustrations show waves of words. For Bea, they flow with uncertainties, but for Annie they are fun to splash in and enjoy every day.

Fearless is something different in stories about fears, worries and anxiety.

Author / Illustrator – Kelly Canby

Picture Book

(2026, Freemantle Press, Feelings, Anxiety, Worries, Courage, Resilience, Growing Up)

The post Book Review – Fearless appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

When he finally gets home, the police in his driveway is the last thing he expects. They’ve come to talk to his father who works in a bank.

Before he knows it, he and his mum are leaving Dad behind to sort things out. She’s decided to visit her cousins, far from the city, basketball, and any cell coverage.

Josh thinks he’s going to be bored stupid, but Mum’s cousins are great. There is a lot to discover, learn and experience amongst the forest where they are staying, and he enjoys Holly and Nicole’s company.

He also learns about the fires that swept through the area three years before, burning anything and everything in its path. It sounds scary, and before he knows it, he and Holly are smelling smoke, dodging flying embers and fleeing for their lives!

The novel from 2020 is now out in Graphic Novel format. This joins the incredibly popular I Survived Series, and will be sure to be snatched off shelves as soon as they arrive.

I Survived the Californian Wildfires is fast-paced, in full blazing colour, capturing the heat and intensity of the fires the main characters find themselves in.

This raises the tension throughout the novel. A separate story thread is woven into the narrative about troubles at home, which adds substance to both character and story.

A non-fiction section is included in the rear of the book with more information about the terrible fires that have plagued California over previous years. 

Author – Lauren Tarshis

Illustrator – Cassie Anderson

Age – 8+

Graphic Novel

(2026, Scholastic, Graphic Novel, Series, Friendship, City to Wilderness, Basketball, Wildfires, Firefighters, Firestorm, Animals, Lizard, Action, Family)

The post Book Review – I Survived the Californian Wildfires 2018 appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Timble enjoys Orris’ company because he always has great stories to tell from the discarded books in the abandoned barn where he lives.

One night as they gazed up at the stars together, Timble offered something to Orris. Would he like to see more of the world around them?

The thought of leaving his safe barn is too big for Orris, and his instant answer is a definite NO!

But Timble continues to offer this gift to Orris until one day Orris gives a different answer…

Another gorgeous story from one of America’s literary giants – Kate Di Camillo. Orris and Timble are firm friends, and this gentle early chapter book brings them even closer together.

This is part of a series, but there is no need to read the 1st two books to really enjoy this episode.

This story will make a perfect bed-time story, read-aloud to young listeners or stepping stone from early chapter books to longer reads.

Author – Kate Di Camillo

Illustrator – Carmen Mok

Age – 5+

(2025, Owl, Mouse, Friendship, Courage, Flying, Stories, Stars, Bravery, Choices, Barn, Animals, Series)

The post Book Review – Orris and Timble (3) Star Stories appeared first on whatbooknext.com.