Nine year old Albertine’s Nanny has died. Albertine knows she will miss her, not knowing that Nanny Tobbins has no plans on leaving her. Much to Albertine’s confusion, her beloved Nanny appears every midnight, insisting on continuing her lessons.

Along with a new stepmother who has no idea how to behave around children, Albertine isn’t sure what to do. Her father doesn’t believe her about a visiting ghost, believing all the trouble caused at night is Albertine’s way of misbehaving with all the changes in her life.

Albertine must figure out a way to convince Nanny Tobbins she is dead, before she gets into more serious trouble with her Pappa.

Plot summary of R.I.P Nanny Tobbins (No Spoilers)

When Albertine’s nanny has a fatal riding accident, Albertine is sad to have lost her. Nanny Tobbins was her constant companion, always guiding her on day to day manners, expectations, and teaching her about the world around her.

It’s not the only change, and despite her father telling her that his new wife is “…sweet like cake,” she is nothing like Albertine imagined. Her new stepmother takes up all the free time her father used to have for her, and when rarely together, hardly says a word to her step daughter.

Luckily, Albertine still has friends within the household. The cook (Cookie) and the chambermaid (Susan) are kind, and the paperboy is a special friend of a similar age.

Albertine suddenly feels quite alone, when her dead nanny begins to visit every night at midnight. She insists on Albertine getting up to do her lessons – whether it be in her room, or playing the piano which wakes up the whole household.

Albertine tries to explain to her Papa that Nanny Tobbins is back and she was just following her instructions, but although he is loving and understanding at all that has changed in his home of late – he refuses to believe in a ghost.

When a new governess is hired to try and curb Albertine’s strange behaviour, Nanny Tobbins continues to visit every night. It begins to take a toll on the house, but on Albertine especially. How is she going to prove to her father she is not being naughty, and all the trouble is coming from her dead Nanny?

Review

Set in Victoria London, I enjoyed this middle-grade novel. Albertine is an innocent, much-loved daughter and member of a wealthy household. She is well-liked among the staff, and she and her dog Quiver are delightful. The blurb for this book says it’s very funny – which is not how I found it at all.

It’s endearing, with a problem to solve, a young girl missing the close relationship she had with her father, and kind people around her trying to help.

The stepmother surprised me, and the main character’s solution did also. Readers 8+ will enjoy this. I’m definitely going to seek out the sequel.

Writing Style

38 Chapters beginning with a short chapter introducing main characters Albertine, her father and Nanny Tobbins. This scene at bedtime portrays the love and respect between the three, and the multi-lingual (English/German) component of the home.

FAQS

What age is it for?

Age – 8+

Where & When is it set?

London, England – 1851

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

Third person (Albertine’s POV) / Past tense

What genre is R.I.P Nanny Tobbins?

Historical Middle-Grade Fiction

Themes

Friendship / Historical/ Ghost / Family

Is it part of a series?

Yes

1. R.I.P Nanny Tobbins
2. Nanny Tobbins and the Midnight Plan

If you liked this, you might like…

Evie’s Ghost

Ferris

Author

Lucie Stevens

Publisher

Harper Collins

(2026, Historical, Friendship, Ghost, Animals, Family, Love, 1851, London, England, Series, Victorian, Stepmother, Governess, Dog, Maids, Footman)

The post R.I.P Nanny Tobbins Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Something strange is happening to children’s magic. Not to mention magical creatures and dwellings falling ill. Eglantine’s sentient house Huswyvern has a cold and each time he sneezes their entire household is left topsy-turvy.

Can Miss Hegotty’s Secret Society of young witches figure out what is causing all the problems?

Plot summary of Witchlight

Eglantine’s house Huswyvern is sick. She has been searching Hus’ Grimoire for a spell to help, but hasn’t had any luck.

Her friends and fellow Secret Society Members are hard at work trying to solve another mystery. Something is happening to children’s magic – especially to girls or those who aren’t deemed wealthy or important.

Has the Department of Isle-Spark got something to do with it? An undercover operation, accidental trips back in time and ghosts with warnings, lead them to the culprits – but also terrible danger.

Can they go up against the Department and scheming Royal Court to save the lives of all their magical friends and family?

Review

Diving back into the world of Witchspark is a real treat!

Both girls from the first novel in the series are back – stronger, braver and more determined than ever to put things right in their magical world, especially for girls.

Victoria’s place as the future queen is suddenly in jeopardy and Eglantine’s very life is at risk. These challenges raise the stakes as those who wish to rule their world have no regrets at any lives lost in their malevolent plans.

The conclusion of the this duology left me nodding at its ‘rightness’ also filling me with relief for characters I’d fallen in love with (especially the sentient house named Huswyvern.)

Book Style

Beginning with a flyer and news articles, this sets the scene for a problem the characters are facing.

267 Pages / Individual illustrations and titles in each chapter heading / Letters, advertisements and government notices appear throughout the book along with black and white full-page illustrations, in times of peak action.

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

9+

Where & When is it set?

A fictional Fantasy Victorian London, England

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

Third person / Past tense

Is there Violence?

(The threat of – yes)

What genre is Witchlight?

Middle Grade Fantasy

Themes

Magic / Fantasy/ Family / Friendship

Is it part of a series?

Yes

1. Witchspark (2025)
2. Witchlight (2026)

Author

Dominique Valente

Publisher

Harper Collins UK

(2026, Magic, Series, Friendship, Sentient House, Portals, Villains, Princess, Curses, Magical Creatures, Courage, Time-travel, Betrayal, Conflict, Fantasy, Ghost, Historical)

The post Witchlight appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A 12 year old boy named Eddie is concerned about a missing boy from his school. When he goes looking for him, it seems to kick off a series of events around him, and then frightening physical changes to his body. He feels increasingly strange inside and out and isn’t sure who to tell.

Surrounded by AI tech, it’s a secret that is hard to keep to himself. His parents have minimised the technology in their family home, but it’s 2045, and it is used in every aspect of human life. Finding a balance is an ongoing problem. Keeping his secret but continuing his search, Eddie tries to fight his body’s alarming changes. Soon the local authorities get more involved, which sparks a dangerous mission.

Plot summary of The Wild Unknown (No Spoilers)

Eddie isn’t looking forward to going back to school. His brother Jude is not only a good student but seems to excel at everything he does, which leaves Eddie feeling like he is always trying to catch up. When a boy named Theo from his school is reported missing, Eddie can’t let it go. He wants to help find Theo. Eddie and his best friend Kit begin to investigate near a river where Theo was seen last.

It is 2045, and Eddie’s parents try to limit the ever-increasing technology in their home. They are also very safety conscious with their sons. Eddie knows he’s not allowed near the river, so when he and Kit find something strange, they’re not sure who to tell. When the item goes missing, Eddie is more confused and worried about Theo. Soon after their river clue-finding expedition, Eddie begins to feel strange. Was something in the water?

When his body begins changing physically, he’s terrified someone will find out. It is far from normal and he can’t find answers. He’s relieved when he learns he’s not the only one. With his big brother and his friends, they dig deeper into the mystery of the missing boy, and Eddie’s changing body, whilst avoiding robot dogs, spy drones and strange deliveries.

Review

The Wild Unknown is something different and being set less than 20 years in our future, the featured technology is quite believable.

This novel for 10+ explores the ever increasing role of AI in our daily lives. Although much of it is helpful, The Wild Unknown highlights that it is a balance we must constantly keep track of and also always remember (no matter how much AI bots seem to be almost human) AI is a machine.

I enjoyed this look into our perfectly possibly future of AI, Science, family and friendships and the possible fallout caused by technology’s power.

Book Style

328 pages / 42 Chapters with Chapter headings in a futuristic font

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

10+

Where & When is it set?

Australia / 2045 – 2046

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

Third person / Past tense

Is there Violence?

Minor bullying at school, and threat of violence from robots

What genre is The Wild Unknown?

Middle Grade Dystopian

Themes

Future / Technology / AI / Artificial Intelligence / Mystery

Is it part of a series?

No

Author

Emily Gale

Publisher

Text Publishing Australia

(2026, Text Publishing Aust, Australia, Future, Dystopian, Friendship, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Missing Boy, Investigate, Clues, Politics, Computers, Robots, Technology, Bots, Science, Secret)

The post The Wild Unknown Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

He has his routine with his mates before and after school and basketball at lunchtime. Liam enjoys the competition amongst his friends but it’s all getting a bit… boring.

One day his teacher introduces a new student to his class. Clint is tall with a gold chain around his neck and a face so chill, no teacher introductions could ever embarrass him.

Liam is intrigued, and is keen when given the job of showing Clint around. Not that Clint gives any indication that he cares. It’s not long before Liam feels that Clint’s friendship is what he’s been missing – he’s cool, and seems older than everyone else  somehow.

But Clint has another side that Liam soon gets caught up in. What’s even worse is now he has no-one to tell, as his other friends won’t speak to him.

Part of the Wombat Shorts book range – ‘Minimal Words, Maximum Impact‘, Bring it Back will appeal to reluctant readers, and sports fans, particularly boys.

Both key characters mirror real-life situations, making this a book readers may see themselves or their mates in.

This short but true-to-life novel gets straight to the story and portrays a challenge kids face every day. It’s about choices, making the right decisions for themselves, and despite trouble coming their way, ultimately has a redeeming ending.

Author – Deborah Kelly

Age – 11+

Find More Short Reads here

(2026, Rhiza Press, Australia, Wombat Books, School, Basketball, Sport, Cool, Last year of primary, Reluctant Readers, Choices, Decisions, Secret, Friendship, Real Life, Crime)

The post Bring It Back Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

10 year old Michael explores the run-down garage at his new home and finds a strange man sitting amongst discarded carpet, boxes and bags of cement. He keeps the man a secret as he hardly believes what he saw.

His parents have worries enough with his new premature baby sister in and out of hospital. Michael must deal with his secret, the strange girl down the street, and worries about his very ill sister.

Plot summary of Skellig (No Spoilers)

Michael can hardly believe his eyes. There is a man inside the garage at his new home,  sitting amongst the rubbish that fills the space. This man wears an old black suit and is covered in dust and spider webs. His voice comes out croaky and dry.

After being told to stay out of the crumbling garage by his parents, Michael doesn’t want to tell them about the strange man and he’s not even sure what he saw. When he finally does share his secret, it is with the girl called Mina who lives down the street.

Mina is home schooled and seems so much wiser than his own friends, so in between them, they decide to help the stranger who tells them he is called Skellig.

Holding this secret close, Michael is also dealing with the worries that fill his home. Mum is in and out of hospital with her premature baby girl, while Dad spends many hours redecorating for when they return, and Michael hangs out with Mina.

Tension rises as Skellig builds his strength, but his baby sister gets sicker. Who or what is Skellig? Will his baby sister be okay?

Review

This is the 3rd time I’ve read Skellig over the past 20 years, and I love it more every time. Winner of the Carnegie Medal 1999, and the Whitbread Children’s Book of the Year Award, Skellig is also now deemed a classic.

I’m a strong believer in,

“Just because it’s an older book, doesn’t mean it’s not worth reading.”

Skellig can be read by anyone now (2026), and enjoy it just as much as when it was published in the late 1990’s.

David Almond has a unique way with his stories, and Skellig is a mix of reality and fantasy for a boy of 10 dealing with big issues. I love all of the characters of this novel, who seamlessly slot themselves in your heart as they face the challenges in front of them.

The themes of new life, hope and love are mirrored in the oncoming of Spring, Skellig‘s health improving and Michael’s baby sister receiving the help she needs.

A beautiful story.

Book Style

170 pages / 46 chapters (short)

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

11+

Where & When is it set?

Newcastle Upon Tyne England / Late 1990’s

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

First person / Past Tense

Is there Violence?

No

What genre is Skellig?

Middle Grade Fantasy-Mystery

Themes

Fantasy / Friendship / Family / Love

Is it part of a series?

Yes

1. My Name is Mina (2010) Prequel to Skellig
2. Skellig (1998)

Author

David Arnold

Publisher

Hodder Children’s Books

(1998, Hodder Children’s Books, Family, Love, Secret, Animals, Fantasy, Friendship, Growing up, School, Award Winners, England, Football, Angel, Stranger, Premature, Heart, New Baby in Family, Illness)

The post Skellig Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A trained hunter hunts down and captures reapers in her city. Reapers follow their addiction for stolen magic – siphoning it from children which usually results in death.

This reaper hunter has a painful past which comes back to meet her in the shape of a family member who has become a reaper.

But he’s not who or what she believes him to be.

Plot summary of Shadow Reaper

Viridian Solace is an accomplished Reaper Hunter. When one of the most hunted and powerful reapers is arrested – she knows she must speak with him.

She has been seeking retribution and answers about her parent’s death by reapers 7 years before. But what she uncovers is even worse. Children are going missing from her city and no-one seems to have noticed.

The more she digs, the more she discovers about the captured reaper, the past 7 years, and her own past.

Myth and magic are in the mix, and a simmering attraction builds between her and an enemy – even after she learns the truth about his connection with her parent’s deaths.

The tension mounts as an age old plan for power approaches with the coming of a comet. This plan might begin with missing children, but could end in a citywide catastrophe.

Review

Shadow Reaper is a fast-moving, YA fantasy with tons of action, twists and a simmering romance between enemies. There were several times throughout the novel where I exclaimed “No way!”, out loud, and lots of fight scenes where I held my breath.

This novel is cleverly constructed within great world-building and finishes with a humdinger of an ending.

Book 2 cannot come fast enough.

Book Style

Beginning with a map showing the City of Aravell and its surrounds, it is followed by a glossary of terms used in this YA fantasy world.

Dispersed between the chapters of this nearly 500 pages of magic and enemies-to-lovers adventure, are sections of a journal written by an ancient mage of Aravell.

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

14+

Where & When is it set?

A fictional fantasy city of Aravell in the isle of Elverdine

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

Third person / Past Tense

Is there Violence?

Yes

What genre is Shadow Reaper ?

YA Fantasy

Is there any sex in the novel?

No

Themes

Fantasy / Magic / Romance / Action / Family / Power

Is it part of a series?

Yes. Shadow Reaper is No. 1 in a duology.

1. Shadow Reaper
2. ?

Author

Lynette Noni

Publisher

Penguin Australia

(2026, Penguin Australia, Fantasy, Magic, Power, Romance, Tension, Family, Kidnapping, Comet, Tension, Friendship, Secrets, Adventure, Action, Grief, Addiction, Series)

The post Shadow Reaper Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

When he is chosen by a Circus Scout, he can’t believe his luck. He’s survived a disaster at the Orphanage and the Scout believes he might do amazing things at the Circus of Light.

Beatrice is mourning the loss of her father but with his dying words, and with his diary in her hands, she sets off for his childhood home – The Circus of Light, or as the occupants know it, The Circus of Lost Children.

When they reach their destination, they along with another new recruit are in total awe of a circus run entirely by children. The children sleep in hammocks high off the ground, practise death defying feats with fire, and show Marlon more kindness than he’s ever had in his life.

This Circus of Lost Children is organised, well-fed, and incredibly skilled, but they have a nemesis in a rival circus. Marlon & Beatrice along with their new friends are soon caught up in a plot to destroy this magical circus with age-old magic.

Can a boy who has never known friendship, kindness, heard music or ever danced, summon enough courage to save his new home?

Can a girl still mourning her father become someone else long enough to unravel an evil plot against them all?

This is the 1st in a brand new series by the best selling author of Dragon Defenders and Children of the Rush. This time James Russell takes readers into the lives of a circus with children running every aspect of it.

The settings are richly portrayed, the characters engaging, dealing with past troubles or keen to prove themselves, and the plot sears with ever increasing tensity.

James Russell’s writing effortlessly grabs the reader early and completely. I read into the night, keen to know the fates of the characters.

I think Marlon Foundling and the Circus of Lost Children is his best yet!

Author – James Russell

Age – 10+

Find more exciting books by this author here

(2026, Dragon Brothers Books, Circus, Orphans, Friendship, Stallion, Horse training, Big top, Rival circus, Earthquake, France, England, Conflict, Family, Award Winning Author, Aotearoa New Zealand Author, Series, Magic, Fantasy)

The post Marlon Foundling and the Circus of Light (Out 15 June 2026) appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Cousins Ana and Frog discover a much-loved horse is missing from her paddock. They begin an investigation around their small rural town, learning about other residents as they go.

The sleuthing points them to classmates, to other cousins, into town and out again.

Plot summary of Ana & Frog (No Spoilers)

When cousins and best friends Ana and Frog arrive to ride Whaea McCready’s horse Minty, they immediately know something is wrong. Minty is a 25 year old horse and she is not in her paddock.

Days pass and the police have been, but there is still no answer. Where is Minty?

The cousins soon learn that other horses have gone missing in the area. The mention of a local dog-food factory makes their minds spin. They know they must start looking for Minty themselves.

The girls are led one way then another as they follow the clues and soon the police are involved, but not for the right reasons. Will they ever find Minty?

Review

A purely kiwi yarn, with close cousins hanging out, using their reo in day-to-day events and allowing kiwi kids to see themselves in print.

The tension of a much loved horse rises as days pass, but plenty of humour is also present throughout, as the cousins investigate. They are close but very different, complimenting the exciting plot. The story leads the reader through a fun-to-read mystery with a surprising but satisfying ending.

Book Style

151 pages / 14 Chapters / Some full page illustrations sprinkled through story by Story Hemi-Morehouse.

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

8+

Where & When is it set?

Small town Aotearoa New Zealand

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

Third person / Past Tense

Is there Violence?

No

What genre is Ana & Frog?

Middle Grade Mystery

Themes

Family / Mystery / Friendship / Animals / Determination / Cooperation

Is it part of a series?

No

Author

Shelley Burne-Field

Publisher

Allen & Unwin NZ

(2026, Allen & Unwin NZ, Rural town, Small town, Aotearoa, New Zealand Author, Animals, Horses, Mystery, Cooperation, Friendship, Bullies, Dementia, Crime, Humour, Funny, Real Life)

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

Plot summary of The 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.

Review

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

Find a full review here

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.

Following the first book in this duology (The Final Year), this verse novel is about a boy in the first year of high school, dealing with new friendships, teachers and classes. Other new challenges include serious bullying, school expectations and his absent father entering his life for the first time.

Plot summary of The First Year (No Spoilers)

Nate is excited to be going to the local high school, even if he and his mates feel weird in their school blazers and new routines. He knows he’ll miss Mr Joshua from primary school but is keen to take the next steps into his new schooling life.

He meets new teachers and students including a girl who seems remote but is the opposite with those close to her. She soon becomes part of his friendship group who surround him when he needs them for both challenging school and home-life problems.

Review

The sequel to the multi award winning The Final Year, this verse novel packs just as much punch as it portrays a normal kid in his first year of high school in Manchester England.

After dealing with so much in The Final Year, this novel is even more personal as Nate deals with a face from his past school, a new face who brings him strength and understanding, and a face he has dreamed about but has never been sure they would ever be part of his life.

He’s also dealing with different teachers who are stretched for time, understanding and patience, unlike his primary school teacher. Constantly under pressure, the high school teachers prefer to stick to the school rules instead of trying to understand challenging behaviour, and Nate’s writing is acknowledged but not nurtured as much as before.

Although the health issues of his little brother seem sorted, he begins to drift away from his siblings with all that high school places upon him. He takes more time for himself as he wrangles with the feelings about his father entering his life, and the higher expectations of school.

I was lucky enough to listen to The First Year, read by the author himself, with the accent, dialect and slang of the place and time – right now.

Writing Style

Verse novel in 6 parts. Readers see the end of Year 6 and the start of Year 7 and further.

There are illustrations throughout by Illustrator Joe Todd-Stanton sharing the story with readers.

Each page/poem begins with a title, and the novel is written in the vernacular or slang of the Manchester setting. Only when Nate recites one of his actual poems does his language change.

What age is it for?

Ages 10-12  for those beginning 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?

Yes

What genre is The First Year?

Middle Grade Verse Novel

Themes

School / Family / Change / Social challenges / Friendship

Is it part of a series?

Yes – The first book in the duology – The Final Year, covers the year before at Nate’s last year of Primary 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, Poems, Writing, Poetry, Social challenges, Poverty, Friendship Dynamics, Change, Siblings, Brothers, Multi Award Winning, Series, Duology, High School, Bullying, Violence, Absent Father, Growing Up)

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

Ash’s mum was known as a mammoth whisperer, and as Ash grew up, she learnt everything she could about these amazing animals. Ash lives on a remote and high security Research Base in the Arctic with her dad. She misses her mum who has passed away, but she remembers her mum’s advice.

Struggling with dyslexia and other learning challenges, Ash hates her schooling – whether it be in the classroom or remotely at the base. It takes her so long to read and understand everything before she even tries to answer the maths problems or writing exercises. But she knows she must do well to be able to work alongside her well respected father, with the mammoths she loves so much.

Her mother’s words and skills come when they’re needed one day on the ice, and Ash inadvertently bonds with a new and very special calf. It is pure white, and has been kept a secret from the outside world, but its existence is out and poachers are after it. Although against the rules, Ash names the calf by the sound it makes, and they get to know each other.

This growing bond is exactly what Ash needs when she and her friends realise that something is not right at an exclusive party at the base – for investors and interested scientists.

Suddenly it’s not only the white calf in danger, but Ash’s father, everyone on the base, and Ash and her friends too. They must work together to outwit a merciless group of trophy hunters while facing a reeling betrayal.

Mammoth Rider is full of action, ice, friendship dynamics, and mighty mammoths raging across the tundra!

Ash is a likeable character, wanting to do the best she can for these creatures that modern technology and science have brought back to life with the help of elephant DNA. She is dealing with the loss of her mum, but falls back on her mum’s mammoth advice again and again within this novel.

Three pre-teens up against the villains makes an exciting story, and their combined talents of mammoth knowledge, general smarts and sheer bravery and confidence, are used to try and prevent a terrible tragedy both for human and mammoth lives.

Lovers of Hannah Gold’s The Last Bear series will love Mammoth Rider. I mean who wouldn’t like a ride on one of these majestic creatures in a mad dash across the ice to save a megaherd of them!

Author – S J Poyton

Age – 9+

(2026, Simon & Schuster Australia, Harper Collins, Mammoth, Elephant DNA, Arctic, Research Base, Science, Albino Calf, Friendship, Danger, Courage, Snow, Animals, Climate Change, Environment, Revenge, Betrayal, Blended Family)

The post Mammoth Rider Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

The rain hasn’t stopped for weeks, and the flooding is apocalyptic with every building, including homes, schools, shops etc drastically flooded.

The main characters are constantly busy, making sure they stay dry and safe as their mansion home begins to fail under the onslaught to constant rain.

They must get to somewhere safe before that happens, but there is no sign of any emergency services, or government aid anywhere. They must survive on their own.

Plot summary of When the Rain Came

This novel begins with a wealthy home surrounded by water, nearly to the 2nd floor. It hasn’t stopped raining for weeks and 17 year old Aurora is now living with her new foster parents Nico & Jada. They are well prepared for this event as they are preppers. They have food, a radio, weapons and maps.

Aurora gets a taste of what these new foster parents would be like in a normal situation, but that changed as the waters rose, and their circumstances became more dire. Rising waters aren’t the only threat however, as Nico tells Aurora that other people may have what they have stockpiled, and want to take it by force. She didn’t expect to be learning how to throw a hatchet with accuracy, and wonders if she could actually throw one at a person.

When she finds herself alone, she must draw on all that she has learnt. Escaping the house is a must, and finding a boy a little younger than her a surprise. They quickly form a close bond and must not only navigate the rising floodwaters in the constant rain, but avoid strange things in the water and other people wanting all that they have for their survival.

Finding a refuge is the most important thing, but the journey is dangerous, and the final destination a risk.

Review

When the Rain Came intrigued me in the beginning by its cover. Experiencing more rain events than ever in NZ, this novel felt entirely possible. The story is a gritty one, with society collapsed and no rules applying to anyone – including empathy and common decency.

Life is desperate, and many will not hesitate to take what they believe they need by force. The characters and their actions were believable in this horrifying scenario, and easy to root for.

The setting is rich in description – constant rain, thick clouds and endless damp crept off the page and into my imagination. Trying to comprehend being surrounded by water under endless rainfall and the noise it brings, is a tough one.

I’m looking forward to the sequel, When the Sun Returned, as the scenario is flipped to never ending, intense sun and the need to escape and survive it.

Thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and Net Galley for the ARC.

Writing Style

When the Rain Came is written in Aurora’s point of view in present tense. This allows the reader to be right there in the action as she ventures out onto the floodwaters, teams up with a younger boy and is forced to make tough decisions constantly.

The 1st page of each chapter has a raindrop above the chapter heading and a dark pattern at the bottom of the page. The chapters are short to medium length, making it easy to carry on reading to find out what happens next.

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

12 – 18 years

Where & When is it set?

Mostly on top of floodwaters inside floating craft / Near future / USA

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

1st person / Present tense

Is there Violence?

Yes

What genre is When the Rain Came ?

YA /  Dystopian

Is there any sex in the novel?

No

Themes

Family / Courage / Climate Change / Survival / Societal Collapse / Adaptability

Is it part of a series?

Yes. When the Rain Came is No. 1 in a duology.

1. When the Rain Came
2. When the Sun Returned  (Release around Sept 2026

If you liked this, you might like:

Alone

Day of Now

Author

Matthew Eicheldinger

Publisher

Andrews McMeel Publishing (US)

Simon & Schuster (Aust/NZ)

(2026, Andrews McMeel Publishing, Simon & Schuster, Survival, Rain, Action, Betrayal, Conflict, Courage, Dystopian, Family, Series, Adaptation, Prepping, Societal Collapse)

The post When The Rain Came Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A podcaster is asked by her brother to investigate a mystery note and find its sender. The note has been sent to a friend of his, who he is trying to help. She has lost her twin and home to a devastating arson.

Plot summary of I Know What You’re Hiding (No Spoilers)

Zoe and her friend Niamh are crime podcasters. They don’t have a large following (less than 100), but they are passionate about what they do. Zoe is an excellent investigator, using quick thinking, intensive research and a desire to uncover the truth in her work. Niamh is a skilled cyber sleuth, using technology to aid their investigations.

When Zoe is asked by her older brother to investigate something for him, she’s intrigued. It involves a friend of his who has lost a twin and gained terrible scars in a house fire. She also has a secret.

When she receives a note that looks like it’s been written in blood, she’s scared. Someone claims to know her secret and it’s the last thing she wants known to the world. They have demanded $10,ooo to keep quiet. Can Zoe figure out who is sending the notes?

What follows is an investigation that begins with a note that could be blood, or could be tomato sauce? Zoe relishes a challenge and with Niamh’s help just a call away, they get to work.

Review

Jack Heath novels are always so readable. By which I mean – so easy to immerse yourself in from very early in the story. I Know What You’re Hiding has an intriguing prologue (which unfortunately for me, gave too much away), but not enough for me to put the book down.

A key thing for me in this YA Mystery Thriller was main character Zoe. An old saying goes, she has the hide of an elephant. This is Zoe through and through. She can just about talk her way out of anything, find ways to extract information from possible suspects or witnesses with cunning wee plans, and keep her cool while doing it. Even with this kind of personality, I still felt her relief or thumping heart after each stunt.

There is action, mystery, and fear for the characters as truths are revealed and villains appear in full colour.

I know What You’re Hiding is a clever, thrilling ride.

Writing Style

Begins with a prologue sharing an event that is the catalyst for a mystery to unravel.

The rest of the novel continues three years after the event with chapter headings showing an ever decreasing time limit to solve the blackmail attempt in.

FAQS

What age is it for?

Age – 12+

Where & When is it set?

University Mid Term Break – Present Day / Mostly in a fictional University town – Australia

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

Third Person / Present tense

Is there Violence?

Yes

Is there any Sex?

No

What genre is I Know What You’re Hiding?

Real Life / Contemporary Mystery Young Adult Fiction

Themes

Mystery / Secrets / Family / Blackmail

Is it part of a series?

No

If you liked this, you might like…

Nothing Bad Happens Here

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series

Author

Jack Heath

Publisher

Scholastic Australia

(2026, Scholastic Aust, Action, Crime, Murder, Family, Humour, Mystery, Secret, Twins, Arson, Fire, Scars, Investigation, Podcasters, Cyber sleuth, Blackmail, Siblings, University)

The post I Know What You’re Hiding Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

There’s the cow to milk, the sheep to count, and the garden to tend to. Before she finishes for the day she must put all of her animals to bed in their sty, shed, stable or coop.

Finally it’s the farmer’s turn to go to bed. But where are her pyjamas? There is nothing for it. She must try to sleep without them.

The next day is just as busy as the last. At the end of the day she hopes to find her pyjamas. But they are nowhere to be found! Sleeping without them is just not the same.

Again – she’s up and out on the farm the next morning, but it’s not long before even the animals know something is wrong….

The Farmer’s Pyjamas is a funny, perfectly rhymed picture book that made me laugh out loud. Kids are going to love it!

The poor farmer just isn’t the same without her pyjamas. The less sleep she gets, the more muddled the day becomes. Young readers will be shouting, “No! That’s not right!”

Released in hardback in full colour, all the favourite farm animals have a starring role in this mystery.

Loved the ending.

Author – Illustrator – Ruth Paul

Picture Book

Find more reads from Ruth Paul here

(2026, Walker Books, Aotearoa New Zealand, Award Winning Author, Humour, Animals, Mystery, Farm, Problem, Farm Chores, Bedtime, No Pyjamas)

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It’s not like her Grandma are Pop aren’t nice to be with. Grandma loves her books, and it shows with the piles everywhere in their villa. Pop loves his daily newspapers. But seven old people and a middle-aged dog aren’t the best company for such a long time.

A couple of other residents do have grandchildren too, but they aren’t exactly the type to hang out with. Cousins Zane and Yasmin visit their grandmother Mrs Bassal every week. They are very popular at school because of their successful social media presence but way too cool for Claudia. The other young visitor is Orphi McAdoo whose grandfather used to live in the village. He is the very opposite of cool, and Claudia would like to avoid him as much as possible.

This soon becomes impossible because a malfunction to the gate of the retirement home locks them all in – together!

Claudia does her best to keep herself occupied, and thinks maybe, just maybe – she could make friends out of cool Zane and Yasmin. Especially since the handyman won’t be back to fix the gate until after the long weekend ahead of them.

It’s not long before they discover something to keep them all occupied. Strange notes begin being found around the premises. Who wrote them and what could they possibly mean?

While they wrangle the very few clues and the seven elderly residents, Claudia and co track down answers to a ever deepening mystery.

With illustrations peppered through the text, intermittent fun fonts popping up as main character Claudia has an idea, and a growing mystery to solve, this middle grade novel is a fun read.

Being stuck inside a small retirement village where everyone knows everyone (very well), but who don’t all get on (very well), there are upsets, reveals, grumbles and gripes, along with baking, quizzes, cooks and books galore.

Throw in some strange notes and this closed off community have nothing but time and an opportunity to sort things out, find a brother, win a dance competition, discover a real home, reveal a secret or two and band together for their future.

Through Claudia, readers get to know each resident with their quirks and hilarious, annoying, kind and grumpy personalities.

(Look out for the next in the series – The Clueless Guide to Catching a Thief)

If you liked this you might like:

The Girl and the Ghost series

Violet and the Velvets Series

Author – Samera Kamaleddine

Illustrator – Hykie Breeze

Age – 9+

(2026, Angus Robertson, Harper Collins, Elderly, Retirement Home, Friendship, Family, Humour, Mystery, Secret, Series, Villas, Locked Gate, Social Media, Written notes, Investigating, Clues)

The post The Clueless Guide to Solving a Mystery Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

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.

Review

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 non sports fans.

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 / Past 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?

Review

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.