Book Reviews
Take a closer look at some of our authors' books.
Here you can get a flavour of some of the books written by the authors who support us. Once a month we will add a new review, to give you an idea of what the book is about, who it might suit and how it might make you feel.
Our Book Reviews
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![Book cover of 'Monster Doughnuts - Cyclops On A Mission' by Gianna Pollero]()
Monster Doughnuts
Cyclops On A Mission
by Gianna Pollero -
![Book cover of 'Big Sky Mountain- The Forest Wolves' by Alex Milway]()
Big Sky Mountain
The Forest Wolves
by Alex Milway -
![Book cover of 'Einstein The Penguin' by Iona Rangeley]()
Einstein The Penguin
by Iona Rangeley
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![Book cover of 'Harley Hitch and the Fossil Mystery' by Vashti Hardy]()
Harley Hitch and the Fossil Mystery
by Vashti Hardy
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![Book cover of 'Tall Story' by Candy Gourlay]()
Tall Story
by Candy Gourlay
Review Coming Soon
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![Book cover of 'Solve Your Own Mystery - The Missing Magic' by Gareth P. Jones]()
Solve Your Own Mystery
The Missing Magic
by Gareth P. JonesReview Coming Soon
Monster Doughnuts: Cyclops on a Mission
by Gianna Pollero
256 pages | 7-10 years
3 words: hilarious, caper, whacky.
Best bits: A fun read, monster glossary.
Grace and her sister run a bakery ‘Cake Hunters’. But don’t be fooled. This is no ordinary bakery for Grace is a Monster Hunter. She has a brilliant tactic to get rid of the monsters. In this book she is joined by the ever so charming (NOT), 360 year-old cyclops: Mr Harris. Can they save the city from the Bottom-Biter?
You will not be able to hold in the giggles and to be caught up in the mayhem that is this wonderful book. Warning: do not read in a place where people might look at you funny when you are howling with laughter!
Big Sky Mountain: The Forest Wolves
by Alex Milway
176 pages | 5-8 years
3 words: adventure, engaging, fun.
Best bits: Wolves, brilliantly written.
Alex Milway weaves his writing magic again with this engaging short chapter book for younger children. Set in the great outdoors it is an excellent adventure which is sure to capture imaginations and appeal to children who love animals. Nan and Rosa set out to discover if their latest visitor, a cute little wolf, really is part of the vicious pack of wolves which live in the woods. The characters are relatable and the story structure intriguing. Moreover, Milway doesn’t shy away from using challenging vocabulary and building suspense for this younger age range. Come and explore the mountain; learning more about how we can understand nature and animals through this glorious original story.
Einstein the Penguin
by Iona Rangeley
224 pages | 7-10 years
3 words: funny, adventure, quirky.
Best bits: Einstein, charming illustrations scattered throughout the book, can’t put it down.
What would you do if a penguin arrived on your doorstep? In this adventurous, funny first novel by Iona Rangeley, you will discover what happens to Imogen and Arthur and their new found friend. Einstein nudges young Arthur to come out of his shell and pushes Imogen to perfect her detective skills. Can they find out why Einstein is there? Who is the man in the white coat? AND, more importantly, can Einstein stay?
Harley Hitch and the Fossil Mystery
by Vashti Hardy
224 pages | 7-9 years
3 words (sorry, it’s 4!): page turner, intriguing, funny
Best bits: Brilliant writing, Harley
Harley is back for the third in the series of her inventive adventures. This time it’s laced with lashings of dinosaur and time travel! Vashti creates suspense and humour in equal measure while writing in scenes which young readers won’t fail to relate to. Harley is a great role model with her love of STEM and her practical ‘can do’ attitude. While on a school trip she discovers a fossil and the possibility of discovering a new dinosaur. Meanwhile, she invents a time machine to compete with her nemesis, Fenelda. Harley is unsure if her time travel machine works but when strange things begin to happen around Inventia and the arrival of a real dinosaur, she is not so sure! AND there is a map inside too!
Support the BookFest
From sponsorship and donations to opportunities to fundraise there are many ways to get involved. Each year Children’s BookFest ensures that thousands of local children are gifted new books. Your support makes all the difference!