Book reviews by Gabriel, Book reviews by kids

Book review: Michelle Simmons, Quantum computing scientist

Alphabet Soup
Michelle Simmons: Quantum Computing Scientist, story told by Nova Weetman

REVIEWED BY GABRIELLE, 13, NSW

Michelle Simmons: Quantum computing scientist, told by Nova Weetman, Wild Dingo Press, ISBN 9781925893496

Gabrielle received a review copy of this book.

Michelle Simmons: Quantum Computing Scientist is penned by Nova Weetman, recording the life of the Australian of the Year for 2019. It unfolds the remarkable journey of a young girl who develops into the unconquerable English chess champion and discovers her passion for quantum computing, eventually leading to a groundbreaking achievement—the construction of the first silicon based quantum computer. Alongside her triumphs, the narrative delves into the challenges faced by her brother, Gary, who struggles with Behçet’s syndrome, a rare and deadly blood disease.

When Michelle developed the idea of using silicon to manufacture millions of micro transistors to the atomic level, skeptics among the English scientific community dismissed it. Despite the prevailing belief that increasing the production of silicon wouldn’t yield significant benefits, Michelle found support for her vision in Australia. A multi-million-dollar project was started, demanding years of careful planning to ensure each component met the stringent standards, given that even the slightest imperfection could lead to failure. Ultimately, the first silicon quantum computer emerged—a machine capable of completing calculations in hours that would take a computer years.

I would rate this book 4.5 out of 5 for its touching narrative and the valuable moral lesson it imparts—that with dedication and persistence, the seemingly impossible can be achieved.

I recommend this book for readers aged 10 and above, especially those with an interest in robotics and science.

Take a sneak peek inside the book!

Gabriel is a regular book reviewer at Alphabet Soup. You can read more of his reviews here. To send us YOUR book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Book reviews by Aashi, Book reviews by kids

Book review: My Strange Shrinking Parents

Alphabet Soup
The cover of a children's picture book: My Strange Shrinking Parents by Zeno Sworder.

REVIEWED BY AASHI, 9, VIC

My Strange Shrinking Parents by Zeno Sworder, Thames & Hudson Australia Pty Ltd, ISBN 9781760761233

Aashi reviewed her own copy of this book.

My Strange Shrinking Parents is a great book by Zeno Sworder. His book Is a fantastic read with an important moral at the end.

The moral of this book is the circle of love. This means that when you are younger your parents give to you by giving you good food, education, and their time. But when they grow older you give to them by giving them food, medical care, and time they need. My Strange Shrinking Parents do that. When they want their child to have something, but they don’t have enough money, they give height. An example is when the giving parents wanted their child to go to school but then they didn’t have enough money the principal said, ‘Three inches of height for each year of school’. Then there were uniforms, school books, and many more items, so again they gave away height. Once the young boy grew into a handsome man and had his children, he was responsible for looking after his parents. He used cedar branches to carve a wooden house with little furniture. His parents lived happily in there watching their son grow.

I think My Strange Shrinking Parents is a book for ages 6 to 10. It teaches you morals and important lessons. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars! It engages you through the perspective of the parents and the boy. The book makes a spectacular read.

Read some sample pages from the book.

Aashi is a regular book reviewer for Alphabet Soup. You can read more of her book reviews here. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Book reviews by Elizabeth, Book reviews by kids

Book review: Scout and the Rescue Dogs

Alphabet Soup
The cover of a children's novel: Scout and the Rescue Dogs. The cover illustration shows Scout (a girl with red hair) and six dogs of various breeds. In the background is a blue truck.

REVIEWED BY ELIZABETH, 11, NSW

Scout and the Rescue Dogs by Dianne Wolfer, illustrated by Tony Flowers, Walker Books Australia, ISBN 9781760655860

Elizabeth received a review copy of this book.

Driving in Big Rig – Bill’s truck – Scout, who is in Year 7, and her dad deliver food to the dog shelters in Australia. Scout always wanted to own a dog herself after her mum passed away because dogs always reminded her of her mother. Her father allowed her to choose a dog, but Scout does not know which breed to choose because every dog is special in its own way. But bushfire season has sprung, and Scout discovers there are dogs in the dog shelter that no one wants. What will Scout do now with all the dogs and bushfire season?

What I found interesting was that Scout was being loving and kind to the people that were being disrespectful and rude to her. Two girls from school were laughing and mocking her but still she wrote a loving and generous letter and she forgave them.

I rate this book by Dianne Wolfer 10/10 because it is based on what happens in the bushfire season in Australia. This book has changed my perspective on what bushfires are really like such as how hard it is to live in the bush. 

Read an interview with Dianne Wolfer, author of Scout and the Rescue Dogs.

Elizabeth is a regular reviewer for Alphabet Soup. You can read more of her reviews here. To send us YOUR book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Book reviews by Gabriel, Book reviews by kids

Book Review: Countdown to Yesterday

Alphabet Soup
The cover of a children's novel: Countdown to Yesterday by Shirley Marr

REVIEWED BY GABRIEL, 13, NSW

Countdown to Yesterday by Shirley Marr, Penguin Australia Pty Ltd, ISBN 9781761340598

The publisher provided a review copy of this book.

Countdown to Yesterday by Shirley Marr introduces James, a 10–11-year-old boy whose world unravels when his parents suddenly divorce. The narrative unfolds with the aftermath of this disruption, as James grapples with the emotional fallout and the breakdown of the life he once knew.

Through Shirley’s skilful writing, the story delves into the mind of a young soul. “Countdown to Yesterday” becomes a heartfelt exploration of the fragility of happiness and the intricate interplay between past and present. Shirley’s narrative invites readers to empathise with James’ struggle while prompting reflection. He meets someone who has a time machine. But the past isn’t always what it seems. Layers and years of secrets buried in the past are uncovered.

With its relatability and emotional depth, Countdown to Yesterday is 5 out of 5 stars, leaving readers with a memorable and contemplative experience. I would recommend this book for children ages 9+ and who enjoy true stories with a touch of sci-fi.

Gabriel is a regular book reviewer at Alphabet Soup. You can read more of his reviews here. To send us YOUR book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Book reviews by Aashi, Book reviews by kids

Book review: Samara Rubin and the Utility Belt

Alphabet Soup
The cover of a children's book: Samara Rubin and the Utility Belt

REVIEWED BY AASHI, 9, VIC

Samara Rubin and the Utility Belt by Sharon Giltrow, illustrated by Thu Vu, Clear Fork Press, ISBN 9781950169887

Aashi received a review copy of this book.

Samara Rubin and The Utility Belt is a heartwarming story about a girl named Samara Rubin who is obsessed with geckos and faces bullying and teasing from her classmate, Toby King. Samara always wishes she could be granted one wish, standing up to Toby King.

On her eleventh birthday, Samara is gifted with a peculiar utility belt. It has strange tools called for example ‘The Restorer’ and ‘Cryptographic Sequencer’. But it comes with a catch, You have seven days to use all tools. You must meet this deadline. Otherwise …

I rate Samara Rubin and the Utility Belt 5 out of 5. It was a great book full of suspense and mystery, keeping you on the edge of your seat. It has a clear protagonist, kind and loving Samara, whose story is beautifully written. It also features an antagonist, Toby King, who adds depth to the story.

Overall, Samara Rubin and The Utility Belt is a charming and inspiring book that is perfect for young readers. It is a must-read for ages 8–11. I highly recommend it.

Aashi is a regular book reviewer for Alphabet Soup. You can read more of her book reviews here. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Book reviews by Aashi, Book reviews by kids

Book review: Gangsta Granny

Alphabet Soup
The cover of a children's novel: Gangsta Granny

REVIEWED BY AASHI, 9, VIC

Gangsta Granny by David Walliams, HarperCollins, ISBN 9780007371440

Aashi reviewed her own copy of this book.

Ben’s granny is your typical granny. She knits, loves Murray Mints, has fake teeth, loves Scrabble, has white hair, and is obsessed with cabbage. Ben reckons she’s the most boring person in the whole, wide world. Ben goes to Granny’s every Friday after school while his parents go and watch Strictly Stars Dancing live. Ben’s parents love ballroom dancing and say they discovered their love of ballroom dancing too late, so they got boring jobs at a nail salon and a security guard at a shopping mall. They want Ben to be a professional ballroom dancer, but Ben has other interests like becoming a plumber.

When Ben goes to Granny’s one day, he goes to get a chocolate biscuit but finds something thrilling instead. He is mind-blown by this discovery and is determined to find out more about this mystery. Ben is on the case!

This fabulous tale by David Walliams is a stupendous book and I rate it 5 out of 5. Walliams has made a thrilling tale that has so many twists and turns. It kept me on the edge of my seat! It’s a great book and I recommend it for 6–9-year-olds, it will surely be loved by them. Once again it was a stupendous book, and you should surely read it. I hope you read Gangsta Granny as your next novel.

Aashi is a regular book reviewer for Alphabet Soup. You can read more of her book reviews here. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

authors, interviews

Sharon Giltrow on Samara Rubin and the Utility Belt

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Sharon Giltrow, author
The cover of a children's book: Samara Rubin and the Utility Belt

Sharon Giltrow grew up surrounded by pet sheep, sandy beaches, fields of barley, and her seven siblings. Sharon is the author of three picture books – Bedtime, Daddy!, Get Ready, Mama! and Let’s Go Shopping, Grandma! – and a chapter book, Samara Rubin and the Utility Belt. Today we’re chatting to Sharon about that latest book, illustrated by Thu Vu.

​From the publisher:

Samara knows wishes don’t come true. But if they did, her wish would be to have the courage to stand up to Toby King, the meanest boy at school. On her eleventh birthday Samara is given a mysterious utility belt. A belt with magical tools. But the belt comes with a catch …

As the author of three picture books, what led you to write a novel?

That is a great question. The Utility Belt series started as a picture book manuscript. When I shared it with my critique group back in 2019, they suggested it would make a great early middle grade book. I loved that idea, although it was a bit scary. I examined the story to see how I could turn 500 words into 10,000 words. Then I enrolled in an online middle grade course to learn the skills needed.

Samara’s utility belt holds a range of interesting tools. How did you decide what went into her utility belt? Were there any tools you included in earlier drafts that were scrapped in later drafts of the book?

It all began with Samara’s sidekick. I brainstormed possible sidekicks for Samara. The sidekick had to be super cute, friendly and small enough to fit in Samara’s pocket. A gecko! Then I researched geckos to see which one would be best for the story. I chose a Madagascar Day Gecko because they are awake during the day and are beautiful. I researched all the superpowers geckos have. From there I invented tools for the utility belt. For example, many geckos can camouflage so one of the tools is camouflage drops. I thought about how and when Samara could use these tools.  At the start of the story Samara had to clean her room. But she didn’t want to so she used the camouflage drops to make the mess in her room disappear. Some of the tools that didn’t make it into the utility belt were a regenerator, rebreather, coloured looking glasses, flashlight, thermal rock, and a duplicator.

If YOU were given a utility belt for 2024, what are the tools you’d hope for in your own belt?

My sidekick would be a sugar glider because they show us what it means to take a “leap of faith” soaring to new heights, where we can the behold the view and gain a whole new perspective. The tools in my utility belt are already working because in 2024 I have decided to become a full-time author. I’ve taken the leap and given up my daytime job.

Do you have a tip for children who’d like to write their own chapter books?

Think about the whole story. The beginning, middle and end. What happens during these parts of the story. Then work out what happens in each chapter. If the book is to have ten chapters, two chapters would be for the beginning, six chapters for the middle and two chapters for the end. Also be sure to end each chapter on a cliff hanger. So, the reader wants to keep reading.

Can you tell us a bit about what you’re working on next?

Sure thing. I’m working on another early middle grade series about human evolution. And of course, there is a sidekick in this story, but I don’t want to give too much away.

Samara Rubin and the Utility Belt is out now! Ask for it at your favourite bookshop or local library.

The cover of a children's book: Samara Rubin and the Utility Belt

AWESOME EXTRAS

Watch a short book trailer for the book

Look at some of the illustrations from the book on Thu Vu’s website

Visit Sharon Giltrow’s website for more about her and her books

Book reviews by Aashi, Book reviews by kids

Book review: Wonder

Alphabet Soup

REVIEWED BY AASHI, 9, VIC

Wonder by RJ Palacio, Random House UK, ISBN 9780552565974

Aashi reviewed her own copy of this book.

Wonder is a multi-award-winning book by RJ Palacio. It features August Pullman, a boy with a facial deformity. August faces bullies, fake friends, and lots more disastrous, catastrophic events. How will he survive fifth grade?

August doesn’t just face bad stuff; he also faces good stuff. He has a loving family and a courageous dog who will always be there for him. He is a lovely character who has challenges.

I loved reading Wonder and I recommend it to 8–12-year-olds. They will truly love reading about August’s story. It teaches kids about important life lessons which they will never forget about.

I hope you read Wonder as it is an amazing book. I’m sure you will love it!

Aashi is a regular book reviewer for Alphabet Soup. You can read more of her book reviews here. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

authors, interviews

Kitty Black on The Starting School List

Alphabet Soup

Kitty Black has a background in psychology and teaching and believes stories are at the heart of who we are. Kitty is the author of many picture books, two of which have been translated into German and Turkish! Today we’re chatting to Kitty about her latest picture book: The Starting School List, illustrated by Cate James.

Kitty Black, a woman with red hair and glasses
The cover of a children's picture book: The Starting School List

From the publisher:

It’s Little Brother’s first day at school tomorrow. Luckily, Big Brother knows what that feels like. And what’s more, he has a list of what to expect …

You’ll learn where the loos are, and all about bugs.
You’ll learn a sad friend could do with a hug.
You’ll learn the best spot for sand that is slushy.
You’ll learn that tomato makes sandwiches mushy.

How did you come to write about starting school? 

I was actually asked if I wanted to write a picture book about starting school by my publisher, I’d never thought about it before, but I instantly loved the idea. We knew that we wanted the book to be full of good advice, and who’s better at telling younger kids what to do than their older siblings. In a loving, helpful way of course!

What’s your favourite memory about starting school? 

I wouldn’t call this my favourite memory, but it’s definitely the strongest memory I have of starting school, I got left behind on my first day. My older siblings told me to wait outside my classroom and they’d come get me on the way to the bus stop, but they forgot! A teacher drove me home, and just as we were pulling into the driveway my Mum was marching out of the house, car keys in hand, shouting at my siblings about how could they forget their little sister. They never forgot me again!

You’re the author of many picture books … and this one is written in rhyme. When you get an idea for a picture book, how do you know whether a story should be told with or without rhyme? 

This is my first rhyming book, and I was honestly surprised that I wrote it in rhyme. I tried writing the book without rhyme over and over again, but it just didn’t feel right. There was something about the first words in the book ‘Hey little brother, are you asleep?’ that just WANTED to rhyme. So, I guess I don’t know when a story should rhyme or not, but the story knows.

Do you have a tip for young writers who’d like to try writing their own picture books?

Go for it! Writing should be fun, so if an idea makes you giggle, make it into a book!

Can you tell us a bit about what you’re working on next?

I am working on ANOTHER rhyming picture book, which was inspired by my cheeky dog.

The Starting School List is out now! Ask for it at your favourite bookshop or local library.

Awesome Extras:

The cover of a picture book The Starting School List

See some sample pages from the book at Booktopia’s site

Grown-ups can enter a competition to win a Starting School pack with QBD books, closing 31 January 2024.

Check out Kitty Black’s website for more about her and the books she’s writing.

Check out Cate James’s website for more about her and her illustrations.

Book reviews by Aashi, Book reviews by kids

Book review: Positively Izzy

Alphabet Soup
The cover of a children's novel

REVIEWED BY AASHI, 9, VIC

Positively Izzy by Terri Libenson, HarperCollins Publishers, ISBN 9780062484963

Aashi reviewed her own copy of this book.

Positively Izzy is about two girls – one named Brianna and the other named Izzy. It is a beautiful story that takes you through the ups and downs of two interlinked stories.

Izzy is a girl who loves drama but isn’t the best at other subjects. She has been preparing for a talent show for months. Her mum is a nurse who works weird shifts so Izzy and her sisters must do lots of chores. Lately, Izzy has been getting bad grades and since her mum is all about grades, it is not going well for her.

Brianna, on the other hand, enjoys academics and always gets good grades. Both her parents are teachers, her dad works at a local high school while her mum works at Brianna’s school! Her mum is a fabulous drama teacher who everybody loves. She is always encouraging Brianna to join the Drama club.

Positively Izzy is a fun book to read as it provides the reader with a good sense of humour and gives two different but linked stories. It could improve on giving a bit more information about Brianna.

The age group I would recommend this book for is 9–10-year-olds. They will enjoy it and cherish it. I rate it 4.5 out of 5.

Aashi is a regular book reviewer for Alphabet Soup. You can read more of her book reviews here. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines. Happy reading!