But this seabird is not the only creature on the hunt. With her mate caring for their chick back in the gannet colony, she spies something happening out across the water.

Other sea animals are making the most of clever dolphins who have corralled a school of fish into a ball of swooping, leaping, frantic silver.

Just one. That’s all this bird mum needs to take back to her chick. She spies a fish on the outside of the whirling action below, tucks her wings in tight, and dives…

She hits the water at 100 kms per hour, slicing through the water. But others want her fish. Bigger, faster, greedier creatures. She must try and try again, so she can take something back to her white fluffy feathered chick waiting for her.

Living in Napier, I know and love the beautiful Gannet. Nearby Cape Kidnappers has the world’s largest accessible mainland gannet colony, hosting around 20,000 birds, and busloads of people visit every year to get up close to these birds.

Ned Barraud has brought this experience to life and taken readers so much further with a mother Gannet, away from the colony and across the waves.

The story reveals a mission and how important it is, and the gorgeous illustrations portray the skill of the Gannet and the action and constant danger she is in just trying to find a meal for her chick.

Other sea creatures feature in this full colour picture book, but the Gannet is the star. To learn more about this amazing bird and the others who try to defeat her mission, flick to the back of the book where there are two whole pages of information on them.

(This book is going to be a hit in Napier for the many visitors who have taken the trip to Cape Kidnappers.)

Author / Illustrator – Ned Barraud

Picture Book

(2026, Allen & Unwin, Non-Fiction, Aotearoa New Zealand, NZ Author, NZ Illustrator, Gannet, Birds, Sea Creatures, Dolphins, Mako Shark, Bryde’s Whale, Fish, Kahawai, Northern Giant Petrel, Common Dolphin, Action, Real Life, Animals)

The post Tākapu the Lone Hunter Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Leon is one of seven children in his family. They are all confident and happy with loving parents, but Leon feels different much of the time. He needs his alone time, is obsessed with cats and is upset that his best friend has moved away for a year.

A new student named Victor arrives in his class, and decides he’s going to be Leon’s friend. Soon they are seeing each other everyday at school and home, where Leon’s family takes Victor under their wing. This makes Leon feel more alienated, no matter how hard he tries.

Plot summary of Stuck in the Middle (No Spoilers)

Leon knows the exact number of days it will be before his best friend Jacob returns from Alaska. He’s not sure what to do in the meantime, because they did everything together. When a new kid starts at their school, Leon’s teacher tasks him with the job of showing Victor around.

There is no way Leon can accept a new best friend, but looking after Victor isn’t so bad. Victor is a little intense for Leon however, and he struggles a bit with their ‘friendship.’

Victor is hiding something, and when Leon discovers it, he’s confused. Suddenly Leon is not only following him at school, but staying in his room. Leon’s siblings and parents accept Victor whole heartedly, and he them. Although Leon is Stuck in the Middle age wise amongst his siblings, he feels more and more detached, and more and more as if Victor is taking his place

Review

This novel is all about family, being accepted for who you are within that family, and even unexpected dynamics that bring change. The author is one of nine siblings, and this shines through in the dialogue and actions of the main character’s siblings. There are squabbles, teasing and loud chaos, but also love, kindness, and funny banter between them.

Readers will relate to day to day life within Leon’s family home and at school, and also encounter another family who needs a helping hand for a while. Leon is an introvert among the siblings, and easy to like as he reveals his confusion in trying to do the right thing, but dealing with emotions of jealousy, resentment and insecurity.

A funny and authentic real-life read.

Book Style

286 pages / 37 Chapters + Epilogue

Chapter headings indicate coming events

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

9+

Where & When is it set?

An Australian town / Present

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

1st person / Present tense

Is there Violence?

No

What genre is Stuck in the Middle?

Middle-Grade Real Life / Humour

Themes

Family / Change / Friendship

Is it part of a series?

No

If you liked this, you may like:

Finn’s Epic Fails

Hari Kumar – Superstar

Author

Anton Clifford-Motopi

Publisher

Allen & Unwin

(2026, Allen & Unwin, Australia, Funny, Humour, Family, Friendship, Emotions, Introvert, Cats, Animals, Homelessness, Kindness, Siblings, Big family, Change, Real Life)

The post Stuck in the Middle Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Jake Whyte is in Year 10 (NZ), and is keen to put meat on the table at home. He teaches himself hunting techniques, while avoiding a guy at school who taunts him with the nickname Great White Hunter. Without planning it, he is soon on hunts with his nemesis and his family members. Jake also has a crush on his bully’s sister which makes things even more awkward.

But hunting together and finding themselves in danger, helps them to confront their differences.

Plot summary of Jake Whyte Pig Hunter (No Spoilers)

Jake is hungry. Meat is scarce in their home where his mum works three jobs to look after them and pay for Jake’s sister’s care in a school in Dunedin (NZ).

After Jake brings home an injured piglet one day, and it doesn’t make it, he realises he can help his mum put meat on the table. Studying books and Bear Grylls shows, Jake learns how to hunt without a gun. There is a guy in his year 10 class named Bevan, who he knows goes hunting regularly with his dad and guns, but Jake knows his own mother would never allow it.

But after bringing home meat for the table and freezer, Jake’s mum agrees to let him go on a supervised hunt. Sure, Jake finds it a little awkward going with Bevan who has taunted him for years about his name, but Jake doesn’t want to pass on Bevan’s dad’s invite to hunt properly with real pig dogs and guns. It also helps that Bevan’s sister Georgie is along for the hunt, as Jake has a crush on her.

Hunt after hunt, Jake builds his skills, but the tension between he and Bevan builds until it overflows into danger. Alone and with only each other to rely on, they finally face off and sort out some misunderstandings.

All the while, Jake has been hiding the fact that he has a disabled sister. He’s worried what the backlash will be after being taunted by Bevan and his friends for years. When everything is finally out in the open and they are faced with a huge boar they’ve all been hunting for weeks, they must work together to survive.

Review

There are never enough hunting books on the shelves, and Jake Whyte Pig Hunter is a cracker!

With its fast pacing, short, punchy chapters and dialogue full of Kiwi lingo, this novel ticks so many boxes for so many different kinds of readers. It suits reading ages of Year 6 to Year 11, reluctant readers, lovers of action, or adventure and with Kiwi characters they can relate to.

Each chapter begins with a sketch by Cat Chapman, portraying the action or an item important to the chapter. It’s not just about hunting, either. Main character Jake has feelings for his nemesis’ sister, and he’s also hiding a secret, he knows he shouldn’t. These emotional developments are handled deftly and authentically, adding to the narrative.

Anyone who has ever wanted to hunt wild pig in the New Zealand bush can experience what it is truly like in this novel for 11+

Book Style

147 Pages / 40 short chapters / Each new chapter begins with a new illustration

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

11+

Where & When is it set?

Milford in Fiordland / Sth Island, Aotearoa New Zealand

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

First person – direct to the reader / Present Tense

Is there Violence?

Hunting violence

What genre is Jake Whyte Pig Hunter?

High Middle-Grade Action

Themes

Hunting / Action / Family / Relationships

Is it part of a series?

No

Author

J D Crouchley

Illustrator

Cat Chapman

Publisher

Bateman Books

(2026, Bateman Books, Aotearoa New Zealand, Intermediate (NZ), NZ Authors, NZ Illustrator, Hunting, Fiordland, Milford, Tramping, Pigs, Deer, Fishing, Trout, Courage, Solo parent family, Disabled family member, Crush, Relationships, Action, Adventure, Family, Bully, Rivalry)

The post Jake Whyte Pig Hunter Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Everyone calls it The Beast, but Cass is not so sure. Terrible tales swirl through the villager’s gossip and minds, but Cass want to know the truth.

At night when the moon is at its highest, Cass sits watching the dark and finally sees the creature everyone is afraid of. All Cass can think of is how it must be hungry. She knows she is brave enough to help and is soon on a wonderful journey.

The 1st picture book from the author of The Raven’s Eye duology, Cass and the Beast is a tale of courage, kindness, and wonder. It reminded me of another girl and a frightening creature which also shows a child with more curiosity in her heart than fear (Black Dog – Levi Pinfold)

The age-old but important concept of not judging a book by its cover, (or a creature by its size), rings true here.

The illustrations by Jill Calder are gorgeous (in the same tones of the cover) throughout, as a child goes on an epic night time escapade. The starring creature behaves as all large creatures might, crunching small animals as snacks, so this isn’t for the tender hearted.

Any child with a heart full of spirit who dreams of adventure, will enjoy this hardback picture book by New Zealand’s own Claire Mabey, and Scottish illustrator Jill Calder.

Author – Claire Mabey

Illustrator – Jill Calder

Picture Book

Age – 5+

(2026, Gecko Press, Aotearoa New Zealand, NZ Author, Creature, Beast, Courage, Kindness, Adventure, Suspicion, Mistrust, Animals, Misconceptions, Judgement)

The post Cass and the Beast Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Charlie and her mum move to the small NZ town of Coalburn. Her mum loves to study cemeteries and they have moved in right next door to Coalburn’s graveyard.

A new friend is made in local, Tam and Charlie joins the local rugby team. While exploring the graveyard, Charlie finds a headstone that might interest her mum and with Tam’s help they investigate its owner.

Charlie and Tam discover an intriguing mystery and a heart breaking connection between them.

Plot summary of Charlie, Tam and the Singing Canary (No Spoilers)

There is a new girl at Tam’s school named Charlie. Tam and Charlie hit it off right away, sharing their family dynamics and a love of words. Tam is intrigued in Charlie’s life of moving around with her mum, following her need and interest in researching headstones in cemeteries around the country.

They get to know each other’s family dynamics and history, but there are things Tam wants to know about her own family, but has always been to afraid to ask. When Charlie asks Tam to help investigate a headstone in the local graveyard, Tam is keen to help.

Their investigation leads to family members on both sides revealing truths long held close, and the mystery of the gravestone finally brought to light.

Review

This middle-grade novel was so easy to immerse myself in, that I read it in one sitting.

Set in a small NZ rural town in the South Island of New Zealand, it has a slice of everything that makes a great read – A new kid in town, a mystery, a ghost and family secrets. Stir in a little rugby, a love of words and intriguing friendship and family dynamics, and it is a real-life tale with a touch of supernatural.

An authentic, captivating kiwi read. Kids are going to love it.

Book Style

217 Pages / 51 Chapters

3 Parts – Coalburn / The Kissing Kauri / The Singing Canary

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

9+

Where & When is it set?

A fictional town called Coalburn – a small town on the West Coast of New Zealand

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

Omniscient / Present tense

Is there Violence?

No

What genre is Charlie, Tam and the Singing Canary?

Middle Grade Mystery

Themes

Mystery / Friendship / Family / Secret / Ghost

Is it part of a series?

No

Read a sample here

If you liked this, you might like:

Children of the Rush

The Ghosts on the Hill

Enemy Camp

Author

Bill Nagelkerke

Publisher

Copy Press New Zealand

(2026, Copy Press, Aotearoa New Zealand, West Coast, South Island, Otago, Ghost, Cemetery, Graveyards, Headstone Art, New girl at school, Family, Secrets, Friendship, Grandmother, Tramping, Rugby, Old fashioned Words, Old fashioned Phrases)

The post Charlie, Tam and the Singing Canary Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

“And how about the time we got lost in The Land of Lost Things?”

When one friend can’t remember, the other decides to refresh his memory.

“It all started like this…”

Beginning in front of their cosy fire in their clubhouse, they’d decided to go on a new adventure because they were a bit bored.

Jumping into their (homemade) adventure suits and then their uncrashable adventure car, they were off!

Their uncrashable car is also all sorts of amazing other things and it takes them into their new adventure, only to land in The Land of Lost Things.

While they are there, looking for special objects they have lost themselves, they find tons of other stuff and meet others doing their own searching.

But there is also danger, a knucklehead or two and a very cranky bull. Flying watches and socks, turtles, books and a rabbit pirate. The friends must quickly determine who is friend or foe, along with remembering what they were looking for in the first place.

Such an entertaining jam-packed read full of amazing illustrations, and a funny story.

Every turn of the page brings new pictures and the font size is in a clear easy read style. There are maps, and double page spreads to pore over. Search and finds, comic strips and stories within this story are extras, along with tons of clever gags to make you laugh.

Yes, I laughed out loud while reading this book and am looking forward to sharing it with new young readers I meet.

The Land of Lost Things is definitely worth more than one read, it has so much to look and laugh at. I like it even more than the famous and hugely popular Treehouse series by Griffiths and Terry Denton.

Author – Andy Griffiths

Illustrator – Bill Hope

Age – 7+

(2024, Action, Humour, Adventure, Friendship, Fantasy, Animals, Bull, Rabbit, Cat, Funny, LOL, Laugh Out Loud, Turtles, Pirates, Flying Car, Gags, Sayings, Series)

The post The Land of Lost Things – Adventures Unlimited appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Two friends reminisce about another action packed adventure they’ve had together, when they became giants but ended up in the Land of the Giants. These giants were MUCH bigger than them, loved donuts and had a very familiar looking leader.

Plot summary of You & Me and the Gigantic Knucklehead (No Spoilers)

After visiting the Knucklehead Quarters down the road for a cup of sugar for baking, they discover a wrecked home, no Jimmy or Johnny Knucklehead, and some green puddles.

Deciding jumping in the puddles might be fun, splashing each other with the green liquid results in them beginning to grow, and grow and GROW! Being giants is even more fun, but they create too much chaos in town and are soon shipped off to Land of the Giants.

Although giants themselves, they are tiny in this new place. The giants are all made of boulders and love stomping on things! The friends spend their time just staying alive and become slaves to the giant king. This is also a land of donuts, and this king likes a LOT of them.

Will the friends survive, ever get home, or want to eat a donut ever again?

Review

The third episode in the You & Me series, this book is jammed with hilarious illustrations and a completely Bonkers adventure. I laughed out loud at the antics of these adventure hungry friends who bite off way more they can chew – even if it involves a LOT of donuts!

This is probably my favourite book yet in the series. I love poring over Bill Hope’s illustrations and the tiny reactions in the backgrounds of many of his drawings.

This series is the perfect amount of text and pics for reluctant readers, anyone who loves to laugh out loud, or read something completely bonkers and brilliant fun at the same time.

Book Style

As with previous books in the series, one of the characters is reminding the other of an amazing adventure they’d had together. Also as before, this episode is highly illustrated with funny pics on every page.

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

7+

Where & When is it set?

A fictional land, across an ocean, and in the Land of the Giants

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

First person narration of a past event

Is there Violence?

Stomping-Giant threats

What genre is You & Me and the Gigantic Knucklehead?

Middle Grade Fantasy / Humour

Themes

Humour / Action / Adventure / Series / Friendship / Fantasy

Is it part of a series?

Yes

1. You & Me and the Land of Lost Things (2025)
2. You & Me and the Peanut Butter Beast (2026)
3. You & Me and the Gigantic Knucklehead (2026)
4. ?

Find the friends first adventure here

Author

Andy Griffiths

Illustrator

Bill Hope

Publisher

Pan Macmillan Australia

(2026, Pan Macmillan Australia, Series, Funny, Humour, Silly, Giants, Friendship, Adventure, Action, Donuts, Land of the Giants)

The post You & Me and the Gigantic Knucklehead Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Three kids aged between 9 and 12 are on the run and in hiding trying to figure out who and what they are. A year before, they woke up in a clearing in the dark and soon discovered they can change into animals. Even when not in animal form, they have amazing abilities far beyond those of a normal human child.

Searching for their past, including their own names, they discover others like them. Together, they hunt down the truth.

Plot summary of Beast Mode (1) (No Spoilers)

Caine, Blue and Ember have been in hiding for a year on the streets of London. To survive, they have mastered tricks to steal items from others, working as a team. Little do unsuspecting targets know that these three kids are not just kids. They are animal shapeshifters.

Caine can turn into a large cat, Blue, a black husky, and Ember, a fox. Caine is their leader, adept at planning ways to survive and keep them together and safe. Blue is cocky, with a flair for looking good when he can, and the muscle of the team, and Ember is a very skilled tech hacker. None want to hurt anyone, but they are able to protect themselves – all while trying to learn about their pasts.

One night they run into a creature that has been dubbed The Night Terror by the authorities. This huge black animal seems to coral them towards a particular address. This is where they meet a girl named Salia. She too is looking for answers about her life and is soon on the run with the three.

Constantly fleeing from The Night Terror and the police is fraught with danger, but slowly they piece together clues to find out who and what they are. When they realise that there are others after them, even more dangerous than the police or the creature that stalks the streets at night, they have to be even more careful.

Finding a relative helps them to fill in even more blanks in their stories, but danger is never far away. They must determine who is friend and who is foe, before they can really fight back. More than one betrayal bites them hard, but there is no time to process it as they are attacked again and again.

Has staying alive together all been for nothing?

Review

The action in Beast Mode is non-stop. There is also humour, tons of hand to hand (or paw) combat, loyalties stretched and proven, secret after secret revealed and of course, the awesome shapeshifting into a clever cat, a wily fox and a burly husky, all bigger, stronger and faster than they should be.

The history and lore behind these young shapeshifters is intriguing. Do we really know who or what walks among us? This history is to be further explored in the next novel in this series (released April 2027), and I’m looking forward to learning more from these character’s pasts.

If you like action, animals and (almost) super powers, you’re going to love Beast Mode.

Book Style

305 Pages / 36 Chapters

2 Points of View to allow two stories to develop, cross over and separate again throughout novel

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

10+

Where & When is it set?

London, England / Present

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

2 Points of View alternating through novel

Third person / past tense

Is there Violence?

Yes

What genre is Beast Mode (1)?

Middle Grade Fantasy

Themes

Blended family / Fantasy / Science / Mystery / Series / Action / Animals

Is it part of a series?

Yes

1. The Animal Awakens
2. ?   April 2027
3. ?

Author

J J Arcanjo

Publisher

Hachette / Starboard

(2026, Hachette, Starboard, Secrets, Blended Family, Fantasy, Series, Action, Animals, Crime, Hacker, Shapeshifting, On the run, Ancient race, Science, Betrayal, Identity, Courage, War, Trust)

The post Beast Mode (1) The Animal Awakens Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

17 year old Fliss is with her art lover father at an estate sale when she finds a famous painting. It is purchased immediately and from that moment, terrible things begin to happen around Fliss and her friends.

A true crime buff and budding investigative journalist, Fliss investigates the paintings as part of a college course she is doing with her best friend Izzy.

Plot summary of Paint Me Like Your Dead Girls (No Spoilers)

After finding a famous painting in an estate sale Fliss attends with her dad and his new wife, they take the painting home and organise it to be verified by an art expert. Learning it really is a legendary painting from a famous crime last century, Fliss is just as excited as her father. He wants it to be an important part of the art gallery he works for, and Fliss wants to investigate the crime behind the face in the painting.

As he leaves for his honeymoon in the Maldives, Fliss helps out at the gallery event showing the painting, only to be part of a murder investigation by the end of the night. There is word of a curse that follows the painting around, and Fliss’ best friend Izzy is worried that it’s true.

Against her better judgement, Fliss hosts a party with Izzy while her dad is away and to her horror, not only does it not go to plan, another death occurs. Her dad can’t get back to her due to bad weather, and Fliss convinces her mum (living in Aust) that she’ll be fine. In fact, she is even more determined to find out about the painter and his victims in four other paintings called – The Four.

Izzy loses patience with Fliss’ investigation and Fliss refuses to believe in any curse. They are soon faced with the truth and can’t believe what and who they have discovered.

Review

Paint Me Like Your Dead Girls is a catchy title and instantly made me think of Titanic when Rose asks Jack to draw her like his French girls, but the protagonist doesn’t actually meet the artist in this YA Thriller. She does investigate him however, and with flashbacks to 1911 when four murders occur, readers will learn more about him.

This novel is also interesting in the way best friends Fliss and Izzy view five creepy paintings and their history. Fliss believes in straight facts and nothing else, but Izzy believes in a curse that is said to come with the paintings. You’ll have to read it to find out who is right….

Another interest factor is the way the plot flicks back to 1911 to allow readers to learn a little about each of the historical victims in the story, and more clues each time reveal the women’s true fates.

I thought I’d figured out the villain in this YA thriller, but I had it completely wrong. That in itself made it a good read. The plot reminded me a little of Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, but it’s perfectly fine for readers aged 12 and up, including Intermediate (NZ) readers.

Book Style

352 Pages – with some chapters taking readers back to 1911 and unsolved crimes that are key to the story.

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

12+

Where & When is it set?

A fictional US town, its art gallery and a local college

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

First person / Present Tense

Is there Violence?

Yes

Is there sex?

No

What genre is Paint Me Like Your Dead Girls?

YA Thriller

Themes

Mystery / Art / Crime / Murder /

Is it part of a series?

No

Author

Cynthia Murphy

Publisher

Penguin Books

(2026, Penguin Books, Crime, Thriller, Murder, Serial Killer, Historical Sections, Art, Gallery, Famous Paintings, Investigations, Mystery, Summer College Program, Creativity, 1911 crimes)

The post Paint Me Like Your Dead Girls Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A young ghost is trying to figure out who he is, and why he can’t leave the grounds of a historical slave plantation many years after it was abandoned.

When three teen podcasters arrive to investigate an unsolved murder, the ghost knows he must protect them from the evil forces that still remain on the estate.

Plot summary of The Visitors (No Spoilers)

A ghost moves through the grounds of an abandoned plantation, visiting other ghosts and wondering for the millionth time, who he is and why he can’t leave. It’s good to have other ghostly company, but endlessly wandering the grounds is no afterlife at all.

The only interesting things that happen are when real people make their way up the long driveway which is hidden from the main road, to explore the plantation buildings and site of so many stories. Many believe it to be haunted, or if not haunted, at least intriguing to check out.

The ghost’s job is to make sure The Visitors leave again without causing too much damage or more to the point, while they can leave. There is a much darker force that resides at Hollow Pines Plantation. This ghost is of a man who was cruel and evil when he was alive, and now as a spirit, is even worse. Especially to anyone alive.

Three young explorers arrive one morning on bikes. They have a camera and a podcast to prepare for a competition and are investigating the disappearance of a young boy many years before. The young ghost recognises the name of the missing boy, but doesn’t know why. Could these three help him finally remember his past?

Review

A tragic history, ghosts, danger and a missing boy? So many things intrigued me about this book. Meeting a tween ghost who didn’t know who he was, was a great way to hook me in early. Learning there is another mystery to solve about a missing boy, hooked me further.

There are many tragic stories behind the ghosts in this novel, and then again about the missing boy. The story flicks away from the ghost every now and then, to this boy. Readers meet him and learn what life is like for him as he faces a terrible betrayal and the fallout afterwards. This tugs at the heartstrings and even more so, as the story progresses.

Both the ghost and the missing boy are characters to feel for, and then my heart was thumping at the danger everyone at the Hollow Pines Plantation is suddenly under.

Greg Howard writes beautiful stories with queer characters, and The Visitors is another to savour and think about afterwards. His author’s note explores how the real history of slavery in South Carolina was not taught when he was a student, and the personal struggles he also faced.

Book Style

253 Pages (including Author’s Note & Resources) / 26 chapters

In the rear of the book are chapters from 2 more Greg Howard titles

The Whispers & The Travellers 

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

10+

Where & When is it set?

A plantation based on the author’s own memories as an exploring tween. South Carolina. USA.

Modern day and 1960’s America

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

Two points of view

1. A ghost in first person    2. A boy betrayed in third person (years before)

Present tense / Past tense

Is there Violence?

Yes

What genre is The Visitors?

High Middle-Grade

Themes

Horror / Historical / Mystery

Is it part of a series?

No

If you liked this, you may like:

Too Bright to See

Find more Ghostly reads here

Find more LGBTQ+ reads here

Author

Greg Howard

Publisher

Nancy Paulsen Books / Penguin

(2026, Nancy Paulsen Books / Penguin Books, Ghost, Historical, Murder, Mystery, LGBTQ+, Bullies, Conflict, Friendship, Horror, Gay, Slave Plantation, Loss, Grief, Evil, Souls, Courage, Memory, Podcast, Animal, Dog)

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

This gets Billie’s interest and deciding she’d like some excitement and her ball back, she launches the Secret Mystery Club. Their first case will be The Mystery of the Spooky House.

Now out in graphic novels, the classic and popular Billie B Brown series will delight even more young readers!

This 1st episode as a graphic novel is in full colour and the captivating format of illustrations will keep kids reading, not to mention the intriguing story.

But it’s not just about a mystery. Billie and her group of friends not only learn about the spooky house in their neighbourhood, but how to be a good friend too.

Author – Sally Rippen

Illustrator – Aki Fukuoka

Graphic Novel

Age – 6+

(2026, Hardie Grant, Witch, Spooky, Creepy, Secrets, Club, Friendship, Mystery, Graphic Novel, Courage, Series, Adventure, Real Life)

The post Billie B Brown’s Secret Mystery Club (1) Spooky House appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Yep. So far so good. The next thing on his list is to sing one of the special songs she taught him to let other birds know he has arrived. An unexpected guest arrives from above, but it’s not a bird. It’s a spider. Wary at first, they begin to get to know each other.

Both are looking for a friend, so they put their heads together to work out a plan to find one. After a day together of fun and laughs, singing and dancing, Bird is a little sad at no bird visitors. How will he ever find a best friend to have fun and laugh with?

The first in a new graphic novel series by the author/illustrator of Big Little Blue,  BIRD! is also about friendship dynamics.

This time the characters are not the usual types that stick together, and they haven’t quite figured out that they are exactly what they are both looking for.

Both are a little different from their peers, but they are perfect for each other. The illustrations are all set in Bird’s new tree home, and Raymond McGrath captures the unlikely friend’s emotions perfectly on their faces. They experience wonder, fear, happiness, cooperation and awe together. But, what is that cat doing……?

Absolutely delightful.

Author / Illustrator – Raymond McGrath

Graphic Novel

Age – 6+

63 pages of full colour, with 3 parts. The Tree / The Nest / The Song

Find more books written / illustrated by Raymond McGrath here

(2026, Graphic Universe – Lerner Publishing Group, Unlikely Friendship, Aotearoa New Zealand, NZ Author, NZ Illustrator, Birds, Spiders, Tree, Animals, Cooperation, Series, Humour)

The post Bird in Spring – Along Came A Spider Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Spider reminds Bird that he should be doing the Summer Song his mum taught him. Especially if he is still looking for a best friend. But Bird is just too hot.

Spider helps with the heat and gets Bird back on his feet. Together, they do the Summer Song – and this time, someone hears Bird’s tune. They leave the tree and find a worm not far away.

He too is hot and needs a little help. Bird and Spider discover that Worm doesn’t have any friends either. It seems to be a common problem…

Continuing Bird and Spider’s story from book 1 – Bird! in Spring (Along Came a Spider), this episode connects wonderfully, with laugh out loud results. Helping each other with problems, they also share the worries about finding friends.

Young listeners and readers are going to enjoy Bird and Spider’s story and its new character, Worm, as he shows them his home.

Looking forward to the next season for these friends, who haven’t realised they are friends yet.

But I’m still keeping my eye on that cat…

Absolutely delightful.

Author / Illustrator – Raymond McGrath

Graphic Novel

Age – 6+

47 pages of full colour, with 3 parts. The Bird and the Spider / The Worm / The Worm Hole

Find more books written / illustrated by Raymond McGrath here

(2026, Animals, Humour, Funny, Series, Friendship, Bird, Spider, Worm, Aotearoa New Zealand, New Zealand Author, New Zealand Illustrator)

The post Bird in Summer – The Worm Turns Up Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Beginning with an introduction from the author who is disabled herself, she shares what meeting other disabled teens was like when she was younger, and how inspirational her research was for this book.

Out of the Box shares the stories of 25 Kiwis. They are Activists who have stood up for disabled people’s rights, Adventurers who have achieved sporting excellence, or set challenges thought near impossible, and Artists who have shared their souls in dance, writing, illustration and the stage.

These three categories are mixed throughout this hardback book of nearly 160 pages, with a coloured illustration of each Kiwi beginning their story. The stories are succinctly written with about 3 pages + illustration for each, allowing readers to open the book anywhere to read a disabled Kiwi’s story.

There is a clear Contents page in the beginning of the book to aid readers in finding a particular person.

Some of these amazing New Zealanders are:

Don McKenzie who had to prove to a bus company that his guide dog knew how to behave on a bus. Before this, no dogs were allowed on buses which restricted disabled people’s transport options. He went on to be the first blind person to become president of the Royal NZ Foundation for the blind.

After receiving her grandmother’s advice to… “Just go for it” Libby Hunsdale did just that. She won an international award for acting, modelled, trained as a barista, and became an ambassador for a project to help disabled people into work and advocate for other peoples with Down Syndrome.

Eve Rimmer won 4 medals at the 1968 Paralympic Games. She was the only woman on the New Zealand team and the only medal winner. She was made a paraplegic in a car accident at 15, but after seeing a paraplegic sports event, she knew what she wanted to do. Eve held the record for 36 years, of being Aotearoa New Zealand’s most successful Paralympian.

When an unexploded bomb fell on Paul Curry and broke his back, he didn’t let that stop him having great adventures. He and his mates designed, built and hand pedalled across Cook Strait, Lake Taupo, Lake Wakatipu and other international stretches of water.

Adam Hall has spina bifida, but speeds of 100kms+ per hour is normal when he’s competing in ski slalom events. At 22, he competed in the Winter Paralympic Games in 2010 to win gold. He has inspired other Paralympians and gone on to win more medals.

Chanelle Moriah wasn’t diagnosed with autism until she was an adult. All her troubles at school were finally understood. Being neurodivergent has helped her write two successful books in record time and Chanelle credits her ADHD for her focus. Her books, I Am Autistic and This is ADHD have also led her to become an advisor for Austism NZ. “I am Autistic, not broken!” says Chanelle.

There is more to learn about these special Kiwis, and 19 others, in Out of the Box.

The flag on the cover signifies these New Zealanders:

“…putting a flag in the ground claiming their own space. They’ve said, ‘ I’m doing life my way’ and ‘this is what I need, in order to be who I am.’

The book also includes a Timeline of Deaf and Disability History in Aotearoa New Zealand, which in itself is a fascinating journey of how Disabled people’s rights have changed from the 1840’s right up to today. This includes language used, laws made or scrapped, ideas and beliefs challenged, and communications improved.

Out of the Box is a must for bookshelves in schools and homes. It highlights 25 inspiring New Zealanders and shows readers another part of Aotearoa New Zealand’s history that isn’t well known or accessible to young readers.

This particular journey through our history shows the changes made in our society, and the courage shown in hard-won battles by disabled New Zealanders for their rights to be who they are, receive the support they need, and the respect they deserve.

Author – Trish Harris

Illustrators – Benjamin Ackerman & Peter Woodfield

NZ Non-Fiction

Age – 12+

(2026, Otago University Press, Aotearoa New Zealand, Disabled, Disability, Rights, NZ History, Inspiring, Sportspeople, Artists, Activists, Dancers, Comedians, Filmakers, Laws, Neurodivergent, ADHD, Autism, Adventurers)

The post Out of the Box Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A boy goes to live with relatives in rural Kansas after his parents go missing. He’s given a room in the attic in their home, and no-one is sure how long he’ll be staying. When he hears a thump in the wall one night, he investigates and finds some compass-like objects in the wall, along with many small different sized doors.

With one of his cousins, they begin to learn what these strange little doors are all about. They also learn about the mystery of the locked room in the house which has been locked for two years, since since their grandfather passed away.

The strangest thing of all is learning about his own past, he knew nothing about.

Plot summary of 100 Cupboards (No Spoilers)

After a long bus ride, 12 year old Henry York meets his aunt, uncle and three cousins, Penelope, Henrietta and Anastasia. They stare at the new arrival in their home and their cat is even less friendly.

His attic room is sparse and he finally falls asleep that night, only to be woken by a thump from inside his wall. He gets up to see a stranger come out of the bathroom and then escape into a room he’s been told is locked and no-one in the family has been able to open it.

He keeps this to himself, and gets to know his relatives. He finds his uncle a little odd, but friendly enough, and he begins to settle in a little. The next night, the thump in his wall is joined by a crack. Henry peels away the wall plaster to discover strange compass-like wheels in the wall, and the more he peels away, he finds many small doors.

His cousin is excited about his discovery and they keep it to themselves, but soon the strange doors are revealed to be doors to other times, places and people – and not all of them are good.

Henry’s aunt and uncle have something they need to tell him, and it’s the last thing he imagined.

Review

I’d never heard of this series before I saw this new graphic novel version. The first book in the series (100 Cupboards) was published in Dec 2007. I immediately began to source the four books in the original series (including a prequel) because this graphic novel was not only intriguing but completely captivating!

The story is quite eerie with its sparse attic setting, strangers appearing in the night in the main character’s (Henry York) new home, and things grabbing him when he ventures his hand inside one of the small doors he finds in his bedroom wall.

Henry’s uncle struck me as odd from the beginning of the story, but his aunt and cousins seem normal, so I didn’t give it much thought. But learning the truth made me want to know more about him and his past.

The illustrations are often dark, so a well lit reading spot would be helpful. The next book in the series can’t come quick enough.

Book Style

Graphic Novel / Begins with an elderly man writing in a journal about something he has hidden away for safety reasons. That something suddenly shows up and the story jumps to 12 years later, and Henry York’s story.

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

9+

Where & When is it set?

Rural Kansas in a small town called Henry in USA / No cell phones or screens present

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

Objective POV / Omniscient

Is there Violence?

Yes

What genre is 100 Cupboards?

Middle Grade Fantasy / Graphic Novel

Themes

Family / Fantasy / Supernatural / Mystery / Series

Is it part of a series?

Yes

Prequel – The Door Before (2017)

1. 100 Cupboards (2007)
2. Dandelion Fire (2009)
3. The Chesnut King (2010)

Author

N D Wilson

Illustrator

Forrest Dickison

Publisher

Harper Collins

(2026, Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Mystery, Family, Small doors, Evil entities, Witch, Strange creatures, Portals, Other Worlds, Courage, Cousins, Creepy, Eerie, Good vs Evil, Grandfather, Secrets)

The post 100 Cupboards appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A 12 year old boy interrupts two men digging in his Nan’s field in the middle of the night. They are digging for Roman artifacts which they will sell on the black market.

Jake joins forces with two kids from Nan’s little town to track down these men and their gang (Night Hawks), as a deal made to a ghost who is connected to the artifacts.

Plot summary of Hunt for the Night Hawks (No Spoilers)

Jake is staying with his Nan in a small country town in his summer holidays. It is a break from the city and the recent loss of his dad. One night, he interrupts two men digging in the middle of his nan’s field, in the middle of the night. He is attacked, threatened, and left reeling by the encounter, but something else is even more startling. He begins to see a strangely dressed teenage boy, that no-one else can see.

He soon makes friends with a chatterbox local, and a girl who loves to follow nature. Jake shares his exciting tale which results in archaeologists taking over the field as there are indeed items of national significance. Again Jake sees the teenage boy. He learns that this boy is a ghost and his family are connected to the stolen artifacts.

Jake makes a deal with this ghost named Marcus Lucius Gallus, to get the stolen items back. This results in more dangerous events for Jake and his friends and also a betrayal that is hard to take.

Review

With short chapters and a larger font, this is a great read for emerging middle grade readers. These short chapters draw the reader through the book as the tension increases about the mystery of who is responsible for the Night Hawk gang, and all while a ghost is needing answers.

There is also a story thread of loss as both the main character and the ghost are grieving loved ones. This is effortlessly woven through the story, as Jake comes to terms with his grief, and finds his love for life again.

Hunt for the Nighthawks is perfect for those who love a mystery, action, and the added bonus of a wandering ancient ghost.

Book Style

177 Pages / 30 Chapters, numbered in Roman numerals

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

8+

Where & When is it set?

Rural England near Cambridge, South Central England / The present

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

Third person / Present tense

Is there Violence?

Yes

What genre is Hunt for the Night Hawks?

Middle Grade Mystery / Action

Themes

Mystery / Friendship / History / British Archaeology / Crime

Is it part of a series?

No

If you liked this, you might like:

Max Beast

The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good

Author

Felice Arena

Publisher

Penguin Books Australia

(2026, Penguin Books Australia, England, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, Metal Detectors, Crime, Digging, Roman Artifacts, Skeletons, Mystery, Action, Small town, Gang, Betrayal, Grief, Ghost, History)

The post Hunt for the Night Hawks Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

The year is 2070 and the New You Foundation has become successful giving humans the option of becoming a replica of themselves (A Pleeka), in a body that doesn’t eat, drink, sleep, injure itself or fall ill, allowing endless productivity and work hours, and no ageing.

Another huge plus that helps sell this to the public is that there is much less draw on Earth’s resources if you choose to become a Pleeka.

But the New You Foundation isn’t telling the whole story.

Plot summary of New You For Ever (No Spoilers)

Anders Jones and his dad have a popular good news program that is shown on several news shows across the UK. Called And Finally… it is a popular feature at the end of news that is usually bad. Leaving school at 14, (as most do in 2070) Anders began helping his dad Daniel with ideas and filming these good news slots.

They have seen how popular the Pleekas have become and are soon learning more about them as they work with the New You Foundation in showing all the positives of having your memories, and all brain activity copied into a body that can never age or die.

Anders becomes concerned about how often they are doing this, as his hero Tera Helstrom has been quite vocal about the negatives of the Pleekas for the individual and the planet.

When Anders sees some famous people who have become Pleekas malfunction, and then Tera begin to talk positively about the Pleekas, he becomes suspicious.

As Anders and his father become more involved with filming at the New You Foundation, they experience more and more behind the scenes problems with Pleekas. Not to mention the foundation are marketing becoming a Pleeka to younger and younger people.

Something isn’t right at the New You Foundation, and when Anders meets his hero Tera, the full truth is revealed.

Review

Wow! What a concept. This novel has a clever premise which begins with:

This story takes place in the year 2070. But it could happen sooner than you think.

Deemed Dystopian-Cli-Fi fiction, the above statement rings true as you read it. With technology racing ahead every moment, could the reality of new synthetic bodies be possible? The exciting part of this novel is the truth and lies of the foundation making and marketing them, but the topic of the novel is a thought-provoking one.

Longer than many Dyslexic novels from Barrington Stoke at 123 pages, this is also full of intrigue, action and parallels to our own lives – making it even more engaging.

Gripping!

Book Style

Produced particularly for Dyslexic Readers / Begins with main character talking directly to the reader about what happened to him, finishing the chapter with:

Read on. I’ll fill you in. 

136 Pages

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

Reading Age 8+ / Interest Age 11+

Where & When is it set?

Set in a large city in the UK / The year is 2070

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

First person / Present tense

Is there Violence?

Yes

What genre is New You For Ever?

Middle Grade Dystopian-Cli-Fi / Thriller

Themes

Dystopian / Future / Climate Fiction / Action / Truth

Is it part of a series?

No

Find a link for a Reading Sample of New You For Ever here

Find more books set in the Future here

Find more Dyslexic / Reluctant Reads here

Author

Steve Cole

Illustrator

Chris King

Publisher

Barrington Stoke/ Harper Collins

(2026, Harper Collins, Barrington Stoke, Dyslexic Read, Dyslexia, Reluctant Read, Future, 2070, Dystopian, Action, Truth and Lies, Big Corporation, UK, Cover-up, New bodies, News stories, Secret)

The post New You For Ever Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Vinny’s teenage sister is angry all of the time, and if she isn’t storming around the house or slamming doors, she’s talking loudly with her friends on her cellphone and then getting upset.

His dad is working longer and longer hours and lately doesn’t even come home.

Not sure how to help his family members, Vinny doesn’t want to make things even worse with his own problems. He has two very good friends who he hangs out with at school and plays D&D on the weekends with. But even that’s changed lately after two girls join their tight group of three in a class project.

One night, while home alone, Vinny looks at his mum’s old blog and sees unanswered questions. Some seem far too complicated, but some seem perfectly simple to Vinny. The solution he gives to many is the solution he wants for himself – to be able to talk to somebody about his worries.

This story has been published with dyslexic readers in mind, with special fonts, paper and presentation, but as with all Barrington Stoke novels, the topic is universal for all readers.

A home full of busy people who have become disjointed from each other due to work stress, influencer expectations, time restraints and teen dramas left to boil over, is a possible scenario for many families. Vinny is neurodivergent and when he doesn’t have his family or his friends to talk to, he is also left struggling on his own.

A thought provoking and credible read from a Costa Book Award shortlisted author.

Author – Helen Rutter

Illustrator – Julia Christians

Dyslexic Read / Reading Age 8 / Interest Age 9+

Find more reads for Reluctant Readers or Dyslexic Readers here

(2026, Barrington Stoke, Intermediate (NZ), Harper Collins, Dyslexic, Dyslexia, Reluctant Readers, Family, School, Friendships, Growing up, Real Life, Secret, D&D, Dungeons & Dragons, Friendship Dynamics, Problems, Questions, Someone to talk to, Solutions, Parental split)

The post Advice from a 12-year-old Nobody Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

She is a girl who loves the wild, the outdoors and Nature.

A tree is a friend, long grass a sanctuary for bugs and butterflies, and a pool a place to tangle her toes.

Eleanor loves to spend her days outside with creatures big and small and,

…things with fur and fin.

Going to bed one night, she dreams of all she loves, only to wake and find.

…the Wild had come in!

A story of imagination, wonder and the Wild – The Wildest Thing reminded me of a famous picture book with monsters, but with a little girl called Eleanor, instead of a cross boy named Max.

Each book overflows with imagination, strange playmates and their own fantastical world.

This beautifully illustrated hardback picture would make a gorgeous gift…

…for everyone who has ever known they are more than they seem. 

Author / Illustrator – Emily Winfield Martin

Picture Book

(2026, Penguin Random House, Imagination, Wild, Nature, Creatures, Play, Freedom, Animals)

The post The Wildest Thing Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

One wonders what the ‘Other’ people are thinking about on the other side?

The second boy asks about the ‘Other’.

“Are there different kinds of people?”

 

Back and forth, they discuss the ‘Other’ people. One is sure they are very ‘Other’.

“They look different. They talk different. Everything about them is different.”

 

“Do they have heads and bodies? Do they have scales and feathers? Do they have hearts and brains?” asks the other.

 

More questions about the ‘Others’ reveal more and more that they’re not so ‘Other’ after all.

Even ‘here’ or ‘there’ is explored, until from the top of the hedge they discover that,

 

“Here is the same too!”

Kobi Yamada is a personal favourite, so I knew this full colour hardback picture book would be something special, even before I opened it.

Charles Santoso has captured the wonder and confusion of two boys talking, with a hedge between them and a strange, unknown, concept on the other side. The illustrations are on clear white backgrounds, without distractions from the boys or their dialogue.

The more questions asked and answered through the pages, the clearer the ‘Other’s become in the illustrations on the other side of the hedge, until in fact they look and feel and sound, just like us.

Maybe there isn’t really a here? Maybe there isn’t really a there? Maybe there’s just us?

Author – Kobi Yamada

Illustrator – Charles Santoso

Picture Book

(2026, Penguin Random, Empathy, Them & Us, Others, Refugees, Immigrants, Questions & Answers, Differences, Caring, Discovery, Family, Feelings, The Same, Racism, Prejudice, Real Life)

The post Others – A story for all of us Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.