Secret Agent Mole, Book 1: Goldfish-Finger by James Foley, Scholastic Australia, ISBN 9781761200151
Reuben received a review copy of this book.
Before I read any book I always read the blurb, and in this book parts of the blurb are just black lines, like it was an agent’s file. When I got this book I thought it would be about a mole, in a tuxedo, with a grappling hook but the hook was a plunger. And I knew it was a graphic novel.
It was what I expected because the mole had a plunger in a grappling gun – and it’s very funny.
My fave character is Max because he is always telling dad jokes, and he’s the funniest character.
I am definitely looking forward to reading Book 2 in this series because I want to see if they manage to beat Dr Nude, the naked mole rat.
This is a great read for anyone who likes comics or animals or moles or insects/bugs and funny books.
James Foley is the author-illustrator of a stack of picture books and graphic novels. His work has been published as books, in anthologies, and in magazines and newspapers. Today we’re excited to chat to James about the first book in his brand new graphic novel series, Secret Agent Mole: Goldfish-Finger.
Max is a mole on a mission. With Helen Hippo and June Bug by his side, Max must stop the evil Goldfish-Finger from stealing a priceless, solid gold fishfinger. This dangerous, top-secret mission will involve explosions, a naked mole rat, and being flushed down a giant toilet. Will Max and the team defeat the fiendish fish? Time to rock and mole!
This is book 1 of a new series. How did you decide on the main characters for this series?
The whole idea came about from a conversation with fellow author/illustrator Matt Cosgrove. His publisher Scholastic had asked me to pitch them an idea for a book series, so I called Matt for some advice. I told him, ‘you can be my mole in the organisation‘. And that’s when the idea of Max Mole popped into my head. From there it was a pretty simple task to find his friends; all teams should have a variety of skills and personalities, plus when you’re drawing them it’s good to have a variety of sizes and shapes. So I picked a bigger, tougher animal (a hippo called Helena) and a much smaller, more fragile creature (a bug called Bug) to round out Max’s team. The main villain is a naked mole rat called Dr Nude, because naked mole rats are extremely funny.
What’s your favourite graphic novel/comic book sound effect and why?
Good question. Probably any of the big, loud action ones (e.g. CRASH, SMASH, THUD, KABOOM). It usually means there’s something big and silly to draw.
Can you tell us about how you create your graphic novels?
First I write the events of the book as a series of bullet points. I put all my ideas down in order until I have enough ideas for a book. Then I write the book as a script – just like you would for a play or a film. It’s just the dialogue plus descriptions of the action. Then I lay out all the pages into a program called InDesign. This lets me see how much room the words need and how much space I have left to do the drawings. I figure out where all the panels are going to go and I start drawing the book as rough sketches straight into the program. Once all that is approved by my editor, I get started on the final artwork. I do all the black outlines in Procreate on my iPad, then I finish off all the shades of grey using Photoshop on my big Wacom Cintiq drawing tablet and my laptop. After about 6 months, I’ve got a 200 page graphic novel.
Do you have a tip for kids who want to write a graphic novel or their own comic book?
You don’t have to be a great at drawing to make a comic book; if you can draw stick figures then you can make a comic.
The most important thing when making comics is to keep the reader in mind. Comics are meant to be shared, so you need to make sure that your reader will be able to understand the story you’re trying to tell. Every piece of information the reader will need must be on the page; you won’t be able to stand over their shoulder and help them if they get lost or confused. So you have to make sure every picture is large enough and clear enough; you have to make sure all the words are neat and readable; and you need to include enough pictures in the correct order to show what’s happening. It’s as simple and as complicated as that: make sure you have clear pictures and clear words in a clear order. If you can make those three things happen, then your reader will be able to understand and enjoy your comic.
Can you tell us a bit about what you’re working on next?
I’ve just finished all the artwork for Secret Agent Mole book 2: The Boar Identity. That was a heap of fun! It will be out in August/September 2023.
Next up, I have to start writing the script for Secret Agent Mole book 3. Wish me luck!
Secret Agent Mole: Goldfish-Finger is out now! Ask for it at your favourite bookshop or local library.
Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas by Dav Pilkey, Graphix, ISBN 9781338741070
Have you ever read a book that’s hilarious? Then I think you should read Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas because it is so hilarious. It started when Lil Petey and 80-HD were working and making a clubhouse and Dogman came downstairs. Lil Petey is a kitten and 80-HD is a robot. Dogman is a dog who is half man. Lil Petey told Dogman that they were going to be in a club. Lil Petey said, “We will call ourselves the Super Buddies.”
One reason I like this book is because Lil Petey is so funny. In the story Lil Petey says, “Hi, bad guys.” Two of the bad guys say, “Hi” and the boss of the bad guys does not. Another reason I like this book is because Dogman and Lil Petey work together. For example when Dogman is huge, Lil Petey wakes him up. A third reason I like this book is because Petey is sneaky. In the story the guard asks Petey if he was building a giant robot. Petey said, “no” when he actually was. These are some of the reasons why you should read this book.
I hope you get this book and read it right away! Do you want to find out more about this book? Visit your local library.
I recommend this book for kids ages 5 and up. I give this book 10 out of 10 stars.
Second grade students at Glenridge Elementary School (Missouri, USA) are guest reviewers at Alphabet Soup. Click here if you’d like to read more book reviews by Glenridge Elementary School. To send us YOUR book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!
REVIEWED BY CHIAGOZIEM, SECOND GRADE, MISSOURI, USA
The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey, Scholastic Inc, ISBN 9780545912402
Chiagoziem reviewed the school’s copy of this book.
Do you like books with talking animals? Then you should read The Bad Guys! because it is silly and funny. The characters’ names are Mr Wolf, Mr Shark, Mr Piranha, and Mr Snake. Mr Shark and Mr Piranha don’t need water to survive. Also Mr Piranha is Hispanic. There is a Guinea pig named Marmalade. Marmalade has a mum and dad.
One reason I like this book is because of the silly parts. For example, one time Mr Shark dressed up as an old lady. The bad guys aren’t bad, they’re good guys, in fact. The second reason I like this book is because sometimes what they say is funny. For example, Mr Piranha always says “Chico’s”. A third reason I like this book is because the characters are hilarious. In the story, they act like they’re mad all the time.
I think you should read this book because it has funny characters. I recommend this book for kids aged eight. I’ll give this book 10 out of 10 stars.
Second grade students at Glenridge Elementary School (Missouri, USA) are guest reviewers at Alphabet Soup. Click here if you’d like to read more book reviews by Glenridge Elementary School. To send us YOUR book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!
Geronimo Stilton: The Dragon of Fortune, Scholastic Inc, ISBN 9781338159394
Akshay reviewed his own copy of this book.
Do you like dragons, wizards, and talking lizards? Then you should read Geronimo Stilton: Dragon of Fortune. It is very funny. It is so interesting you want to read more!
In the story Geronimo goes with his friends to find the winged ring but people try to stop him. All the witches and also the cat tried to stop him. She disguised herself to go to the witch council in the Kingdom of Fantasy. Geronimo is scared of the cat but the wizard comes with him. Also in the story they call him Sir Geronimo of Stilton. Isn’t that funny?
One reason I like this book is because it has lots of adventures. What happens in the story is there is an enchanted book they use to fly to the witch castle. Pretty adventurous, huh? The second reason I like this book is because, for example, it has lots of pages. If you finish a hundred pages you have a lot more! My last reason I love this book is because the characters from the other books stay in the new book. For example, Geronimo, Scribblehopper, Blue Rider and others are in this book and different books in the series too.
I hope you get this book and read it right away! I recommend this book for ages 8 and above. I give this book 10 stars.
Second grade students at Glenridge Elementary School (Missouri, USA) are guest reviewers at Alphabet Soup. Click here if you’d like to read more book reviews by Glenridge Elementary School. To send us YOUR book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!
Biscuits, Bands and Very Big Plans by Liz Pichon, Scholastic UK, ISBN 9781743832868
Aashi reviewed her own copy of this book.
Like other Tom Gates books, cheeky little Tom Gates is the star of this book as well. Tom loves to doodle but it’s hard in school when he sits right at the front of his classroom. He can even see through his report through his teacher’s nostrils! Mr Fullerman is basically bald and is a very strict teacher.
Tom, Derek and Norman have a band called ‘dogzombies’. They have a big mission which is to get this band well known.
On the other side is Delia, Tom’s sister. Delia hates Tom and Tom hates Delia. One day when Tom goes snooping into Delia’s room he finds something unusual. What was it? Little did he know that there could be a purple curse coming.
I would rate this book 10/10 because it is funny, interesting and mysterious. It would be a great book for 7–9-year-old kids.
Tom Gates: Ten Tremendous Tales by Liz Pichon, Scholastic UK, ISBN 9781760974282
Aashi reviewed her own copy of this book.
Ten Tremendous Tales is a book with ten stories, all of the different ten stories are written by Liz Pichon.
The main character of the book is Tom Gates who likes to doodle. You must be wondering what doodling is. Well, it is practically drawing!
I like the book because there is a whole range of stories to read. Each story is unique and has a different moral, like one of them is about always to have hope. I liked this moral because in Covid times having hope is so important!
After reading this book I feel like I could read many more books where Tom Gates is the main character. He is super-duper at doodling but always gets into trouble. I won’t say more about Tom to keep some surprises for you.
This book is also cool as it is the tenth book in Tom Gates series by the author. The Brilliant World of Tom Gates was the first book and sent out to stores in 2011.
I would rate this book 9/10 because I think that some of the stories could continue a little bit longer. It will be enjoyed by children who are ages 7-11.
I hope you would like to read Ten Tremendous Tales.
This is Aashi’s first review for Alphabet Soup. To send us YOUR story, poem, artwork or book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!
Chickensaurus by James Foley, Fremantle Press, ISBN 9781925815788
The publisher provided a review copy of this book.
I liked Chickensaurus because it had some humour in it and I thought it could have a bit more humour. My favourite part was when Sally found out about Dexter’s sister (Lyssa). My favourite character was Lyssa because I liked it when she was a nice sweet girl and then she becomes a strong character. It just goes that girls can be just as strong as boys. I also like the pictures. My favourite chickensaurus was the dinosaur that was in the egg.
This book would be great for people who like humour, dinosaurs and comics. If you have read any other James Foley books and you liked them, you would like this one.
This is Alexia’s first book review for Alphabet Soup. To send us YOUR story, poem, artwork or book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!
Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Adventure by Jeff Kinney with help from Greg Heffley, Penguin Australia Pty Ltd, ISBN 9781760897888
Xavier received a review copy of this book from the publisher.
Xavier’s Awesomely Amazing Book Review
When the new book arrived, I felt excited because I have been a Wimpy kid fan for a long time. I have read every book many times over, so I know the story well. The book is written by Rowley and his adventures with his best friend Greg. There are twists and turns, which you’d expect from a Wimpy kid book, but they are told from Rowley’s perspective for a change.
My favourite part would be the twist at the end (no spoilers!). My favourite character would be Greg. Life for Rowley and Greg is exciting – vacations, blizzards and weddings. Their adventures are always funny and entertaining.
I feel like kids who like adventure and funny books would love this book since it is a combination of both. Other Wimpy Kid fans would definitely like it, there is no doubt. I believe kids aged from 7 to 13 would like this book (and series). I have read them since about 7 years old and still enjoy them at almost 12.
The book is 4.5 stars out of 5 because it is funny and you want to know the ending because Rowley is making a book which is a change from the other books in the series.
However, for me the story is quite a bit shorter than other books I am reading so I read it very quickly. If you are new to reading books and like a laugh this book is for you.
This is Xavier’s first book review for Alphabet Soup. To send us YOUR story, poem, artwork or book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!
Ella Diaries: Worst Camp Ever by Meredith Costain, ill. Danielle McDonald,
Scholastic Australia, ISBN 9781760157180
Worst Camp Ever is part of the Ella Diaries series. The book is a fiction book written by Meredith Costain in a diary style form, through the eyes of an Australian girl named Ella. This book and series would suit girls between 8–12. There is another series for girls a bit younger called Olivia’s Secret Scribbles, which is written through the eyes of Ella’s younger sister. The books are illustrated by Danielle McDonald, in simple but very funny and effective drawings, that often make me laugh out loud.
The books are fun, a bit naughty, focus a lot on school friendships and are filled with adventure, mostly set at school, gymnastics and at home. They also contain some new and fantastic words like ‘fantabulous’ and always have some funny poems or songs.
Worst Camp Ever is one of my favourites, as it is about going on school camp, the excitement of bunk beds, activities like the big swing and kayaking, also fears, personal challenges, enemies, playing pranks, noises at night and scary stories. There is also crazy boys, food fights, potatoes that have to be peeled, points to be earned and lost and so much more.
I have read and own all the books of this series that have been released and my sister is reading the younger version. Every time I come home with a new book I’m so excited to find out what happens next, I need to read it from start to finish in one night. I just can’t wait for more books to be released and I know you will enjoy them too. 5/5
This is Jessie’s first book review for Alphabet Soup. If YOU would like to send us a book review, check out our submission guidelines.Happy reading!
REVIEWED BY JESSIE, 10, VIC
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