JESS JUST READS

A BOOK REVIEW BLOG

The Quest Diaries of Max Quest by Jules Faber

Hi everyone! I’m Max Crack and this awesome book is all about me and my quests and my best friend Frankie!

Max Crack is new in Piddown.

He decides that a new town means a new beginning and resolves to embark on a series of quests, such as:
Make a new best friend
Win a trophy.
Solve a mystery.
Find hidden treasure.

He meets Frankie on his first day in town (Quest No. 1: tick). Now all he has to do is win a trophy, solve a mystery and find hidden treasure… The story is presented as Max’s diary, and it’s a visual feast: full of speech bubbles, doodles, asides, highlighted words, and crossed-out words.

Buried treasure, new school, doodles, peanut butter and honey toast, best friends, horrible blobs, mysteries, Meddlyslop, spelling bees (hard words, harder words), more doodles, comics, World War Undies … this book has it ALL.

The Quest Diaries of Max Quest is the debut children’s book from cartoonist and illustrator Jules Faber. Faber is well-known as the illustrator of WEIRDO.

This is a great read for a child aged approximately 10-12. The Quest Diaries of Max Quest definitely reads like it’s skewed more towards male readers, but female readers will find a lot to enjoy about this series.

The writing is very much stream of consciousness — chaotic, manic and fun. Young readers will be able to relate to the style of voice, and many parents will recognise the language and the dialogue.

Scattered throughout the book are detailed comics with speech bubbles and intricate diagrams. A lot of the humour actually comes from the drawings, rather than just the text.

“Frankie’s learned how to hide from attacks in his cool hideout. His hideout is in the attic past his bedroom and the upstairs lounge room. His house is really HUGE too. His dad built it using bricks made by convicts when the country was first settled by Europeans. Frankie showed me some THUMBPRINTS and POSSUM FOOTPRINTS still in the bricks.”

Max and Frankie are both really sweet, thoughtful, and imaginative. They’re kind and considerate, and their creativity knows no boundaries.

Even for an adult, it’s fun to follow Max’s quests. The comics are fun to explore and the chaotic nature of the storyline is enjoyable for all readers, not just young.

“Even with his eye problems he might win it. Especially if he does get super spelling powers. I’m going to have to work extra hard if I want that trophy, and I do. It’s the second quest on my list and, because I’ve ticked the first QUEST off already, I want to keep the streak going.”

I think the illustrations are the biggest strength of this book. The writing is good, but the illustrations are what will really entertain a young reader.

A solid children’s book debut, full of laughs and joy for young readers. Parents should feel confident buying this for their young child, and kids will find enjoyment reading the book and scanning the illustrations and comics.

Thank you to the publisher for mailing me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Quest Diaries of Max Quest
Jules Faber
September 2019
Pan Macmillan Publishers

Review and Author Interview: Laugh Your Head Off 4 Ever

9 authors. 9 stories to make you laugh your head off 4EVER

Just when you thought you were safe…nine of Australia’s favourite kids’ authors are ready to get heads rolling – again!

A runaway pram + an artsy alien + a cereal monster +a word-stealing curse + one dancing dad + three feral fairies + an evil genius + a hairy birthday + a super-duper pig = one hilarious book.

Filled with delightfully quirky illustrations by Andrea Innocent, Laugh Your Head Off 4 Ever will appeal to both girls and boys, from middle to upper primary.

AUTHOR INFORMATION
Andy Griffiths: author of the bestselling and award-winning Treehouse series.
Felice Arena: author of the bestselling and award-winning Specky Magee series.
Yvette Poshoglian: author of the fabulous Frankie Fox Spy Girl series.
Marcus Emerson: author of the immensely popular Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja series.
Matt Stanton: bestselling author and illustrator of the Funny Kid series.
Katrina Nannestad: award-winning author of The Girl, the Dog and the Writer in Rome.
James Roy: acclaimed author of the Edsel Grizzler series.
Lisa Shanahan: author of the hilarious My Big Birkett.
Penny Tangey: comedian and author of Clara in Washington.

Laugh Your Head Off 4 Ever is a collection of short stories by some of Australia’s funniest writers — Andy Griffiths, Felice Arena, Yvette Poshoglian, Marcus Emerson, Matt Stanton, Katrina Nannestad, James Roy, Lisa Shanahan and Penny Tangey.

Last year, I read and reviewed the previous title in the series: Laugh Your Head Off Again and Again. Every year, Pan Macmillan publish a compilation of funny short stories for children. It’s the perfect Christmas present for young readers and writers.

Each story is the perfect length for children. They’re long enough to allow for an exciting, inviting adventure but short enough that it’s manageable for young readers to maintain interest in the book.

“Of all the things I’ve ever done, this would have to be the most stupid. I’m lying on my back squashed into a pram. Sucking a dummy. Waving a Porky Pig rattle. Wearing a nappy.”
ANDY GRIFFITHS

Laugh Your Head Off 4 Ever is a gorgeous hardback book, bright yellow with pink font and stunning illustrations within the pages. Andrea Innocent’s illustrations are scattered throughout the stories, brightening each addition to the book.

“Before we go any further, there’s something about me that you need to know: I love snakes. Not real snakes, of course — I think real snakes are creepy and scary. No, I mean jelly snakes.”
JAMES ROY

I’d recommend this for parents and younger readers. It’d be great under your Christmas tree, and there are three other books in the series you can get your hands on.

Laugh Your Head Off 4 Ever is available now, Macmillan Australia, RRP $19.99.

***

AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH FELICE ARENA

Congratulations on the publication of Laugh your Head Off 4 Ever. Tell us a little about your story in this book.
It’s about a boy who is mortified to see his father take over the dance floor at his school dance. (“He was only supposed to chaperone, not dance!”) The boy will do anything to stop his father from dancing and embarrassing him in front of his friends.

What was the inspiration behind your story?
Dads dancing in general is funny. They think they look cool, but for kids it’s horrifying. Middle-aged men shouldn’t dance, right?

What do you look for when writing a funny short story?
It varies. But for this story there had to be an element of truth to it. I had to present something that we could all relate to. When we see ourselves in stories it strikes more of a chord with us – especially the stories that show us in awkward and funny situations.

What’s something you’ve always wanted to write about but it hasn’t made its way into a story yet?
Talking animals. Yes, it’s a subject that authors writing for children have made good use of over the centuries. I would love to write a story about a moose. I think moose are cool.

What is your editing process like? Do you write many drafts?
I edit as I write. I go over and over my story before I submit it to my editor. And she still always finds something to improve on. I usually end up writing about three drafts before my book is ready to go to the printers.

Is there anything you would change about your writing career?
Perhaps my name. I sometimes think I’d prefer a catchier name than Felice, one that’s easier to remember. Something like Felix Figg. Or I.P. Often. 😉

What are you working on next?
A historical action adventure for older reader entitled A Great Escape. It’s set in Berlin 1961. It’s coming out next March.

Finally, how best can readers or schools get in contact with you?
Via my website FelixFigg.com… just joking. It’s www.felicearena.com.
Or they can reach me on my Instagram account: www.instagram.com/fleech

Thank you to the publisher for mailing me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Laugh Your Head 4 Ever
Featured authors: Andy Griffiths, Felice Arena, Yvette Poshoglian, Marcus Emerson, Matt Stanton, Katrina Nannestad, James Roy, Lisa Shanahan and Penny Tangey.
November 2018
Pan Macmillan

The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell

Once there was Magic, and the Magic lived in the dark forests.

Wizard boy, Xar, should have come in to his magic by now, but he hasn’t, so he wants to find a witch and steal its magic for himself. But if he’s got any chance of finding one, he will have to travel into the forbidden Badwoods.

Xar doesn’t realise he is about to capture an entirely different kind of enemy. A Warrior girl called Wish. And inside this book, at this very moment, two worlds collide and the fate of the land is changed forever. Xar and Wish must visit the dungeons at Warrior fort, and face the evil Queen. But something that has been sleeping for hundreds of years is stirring …

The Wizards of Once is the first book in a new middle grade fantasy series by Cressida Cowell, the author of How to Train Your Dragon. It’s about two kids — completely different from each other and too stubborn to want each other’s help or guidance — who must band together to destroy an evil that plagues both of their worlds.

Deeply rooted in history and legend from ancient Britain, this book takes place in a land filled with dark magic, mysterious forests, and suspicious characters. It isn’t too hard for the reader — child or adult — to grasp the history of this setting. There are warriors (no magic), witches (evil and magical), and wizards (good and magical).

“Giants are big and they tend to have BIG thoughts”

The warriors lived beyond the sea and were invaders. They disliked the witches and wiped them out years ago. Since then, they’ve also been wanting to wipe out wizards as well. However, as the novel begins and we are introduced to the cast of characters, we learn that there’s a mutual hatred amongst the neighbouring lands in the Kingdom because both warriors and wizards are very much still alive and they despise each other. The warriors haven’t been successful in their plight to destroy wizards and their magic. And so begins the story of Xar (the King Enchanter’s Son) and Wish (Warrior Princess).

 

The Wizards of Once is suspenseful and intriguing, with sketchy, scratchy illustrations scattered throughout the book. Kids will love the story, and although it’s a large book, some pages have no text on them and so kids won’t feel too daunted when picking this up to read.

At times I did find that the pace slowed a little too much, and I started skim reading just to keep things moving a little faster. In retrospect, Cressida probably could’ve trimmed the book in certain sections to keep the pace from slowing.

Despite this, the characters are brave, bold and really fun to read. They’re incredible flawed. They’re polar opposites and they compliment each other well. They learn to trust each other and to support each other, and together they work to tackle a common evil. Scattered throughout the story are moments of humour, reflection and depth.

Cowell’s world is delightful and fun and The Wizards of Once is a rollicking adventure — I’d recommend this to children aged 8-13.

Thank you to the publisher for sending me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Wizards of Once
Cressida Cowell
September 2017
Hachette Book Publishers

Team Hero 1: Battle for the Shadow Sword by Adam Blade

Welcome to Hero Academy! Join Jack and your other new classmates at this secret school, where the lessons are more exciting than Maths and PE. But when a portal from the evil underground realm of Noxx is discovered beneath the school, Team Hero needs your powers. The next invasion is upon us!

Surprisingly, I had a lot of fun reading this and I’m about twenty years older than the intended audience!

Jack Beacon is a school kid with scaly hands that he keeps hidden in gloves. His classmates tease him, until he manages to stop a moving car simply with his hands. Before he has time to work out what’s happening, a woman named Miss Steel finds Jack and brings him to Hero Academy. He joins other classmates who all have different types of powers. Here, they train and learn how to defeat the evil underground realm Noxx.

“With low mutterings, the students edged forward. Jack gasped as he saw what lay within the wall. It wasn’t a pool at all but a pit. At its base were horribly life-like statues, moss-covered and flaking. There were skeletons wielding swords and things like giant bats, wings speed as if about to fly away.”

Team Hero is actually really fun. Adam sure knows how to end each chapter with suspense and intrigue! The book is filled with illustrations, making it easy for kids to read. The chapters aren’t too long and the words aren’t too difficult. I’d say this book is perfect for kids who have just started learning to read chapter books, so age 6+

This book, with its comic-strip type illustrations, actually reminded me of a lot of animated kids shows I watched as a kid. The combination of superpowers and an academy would no doubt really draw a young reader in.

“Then Jack felt it too, through the soles of his feet — a tremor, then a rumble. Within the low stone wall, the statues began to tremble. Jack set the bike down quickly.”

Battle for the Shadow Sword is the first book in the Team Hero series. There are eight books coming out in total.

I recommend this to parents who are looking for something adventurous for their young child to read. Given that I loved reading it and I’m an adult, at least a parent would enjoy reading it to their child (after all, it’s always good if the parent actually likes the book as well as their kid).

Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Team Hero 1: Battle for the Shadow Sword
Adam Blade
July 2017
Hachette Book Publishers

Running on the Roof of the World by Jess Butterworth

Tash has to follow many rules to survive in Tibet, a country occupied by Chinese soldiers. But when a man sets himself on fire in protest and soldiers seize Tash’s parents, she and her best friend Sam must break the rules. They are determined to escape Tibet – and seek the help of the Dalai Lama himself in India.

And so, with a backpack of Tash’s father’s mysterious papers and two trusty yaks by their side, their extraordinary journey across the mountains begins.

This is a wonderful debut novel from Jess Butterworth. Set against the backdrop of political turmoil in Tibet, Sam and Tash escape the mountains after Tash’s parents are arrested by the Chinese police. The kids are carrying a coded message from Tash’s father and the resistance, and they embark on a long, arduous journey to India in search of the Dalai Lama. Tash and Sam believe that the Dalai Lama will help Tash get his parents back.

“We move silently through the alleys, away from the patrol. My shoulders and neck ache from the weight. We pass the Yak stables. Eve sticks her head over the half-door. She watches me with her dark eyes and sniffs with her big nostrils. Her pupils are wide; she knows something is wrong. I wish I could take her with me.”

The book consists of extremely short chapters, which is perfect for kids who can’t read for too long without being distracted. There are decorative illustrations lining the pages and chapter title pages, which make it a beautiful children’s book for older middle grade readers.

“Have you had any more ideas about the code?’ I whisper to Sam.
He shakes his head.
‘Come and eat,’ says the younger man, ushering us back to the truck. I shove the letter back in my pocket.”

Jess’ prose is very choppy and abrupt, allowing the story to move forward at a fast pace and helping to keep the reader interested. It’s also very evocative writing. The sentences string together effortlessly and the dialogue is extremely realistic.

“The last row of soldiers passes and we lie and wait until they’re far enough away. I watch a spider rotating in its web from the vibrations.”

This is a children’s book that is both enjoyable and informative, allowing the reader insight into the political relations in Tibet and India. People might think this book could be a little heavy for young readers but I found it to be the opposite – Jess Butterworth has written a children’s novel where the topic is really accessible to readers. It doesn’t beat them over the head with it. At the end of the day, this is an adventure story. It may be about two children fleeing their homes in search of safety, but it’s also a tense, fast-paced adventure. And at times, there are a few mysteries involved that kids will love reading about and trying to decipher.

“I wonder just how many people are in the resistance and think about the different reasons they might have joined. I know I’m not the only one with parents in prison.”

This is a great book for kids who want adventure and journeys to read about, but also those kids who struggle to stay focused on a book and need something that doesn’t have overly long chapters. The writing is wonderful and so are the characters and the story. The beauty of the book is the simple way it tackles the topic. It certainly opened my eyes, and I imagine it would other readers as well.

Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Running on the Roof of the World
Jess Butterworth
June 2017
Hachette Book Publishers
Children’s Book for Ages 9-12