nature

When the Mountain Wakes by Matt Shanks, Affirm Press, ISBN 9781923419056

REVIEWED BY MARLEY, 10, WA

The publisher provided a review copy of this title.

The Mountain Wakes is a picture book about persisting until you get what you need. It’s a great story about hope and how the littlest things in life can make a difference to even bigger things.

The illustrations are very detailed and scientifically correct. And the pastel colour palette is really pretty.

I think this book would be enjoyed by kids from Year 1 or 2 onwards, because younger audiences might find it a bit complicated to understand what they’re seeing.

This book is a great inspiration for those who reach for the stars.

Marley is a regular book reviewer for Alphabet Soup. You can read her earlier reviews here. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines.

BOOK REVIEWED BY KAILANI, 11, QLD

The Spectacular Spencer Gray by Deb Fitzpatrick

The Spectacular Spencer Gray by Deb Fitzpatrick, Fremantle Press, ISBN 9781925164671

Kailani received a review copy of this book from the publisher.

Spencer Gray is just an ordinary kid, he lives in a family of four, goes to school at his local high school, hangs out with his mates and plays football at break time. But one day, while retrieving a football from the bush behind the oval he sees a man run off, almost like he had been disturbed and then the sound of a motorbike. Spencer is suspicious so he decides to figure out what is going on.

From that day on, Spencer’s life changes — secret rescue missions, midnight bike rides and dangerous situations. All to save one of Australia’s most endangered marsupials.

I don’t normally read books with strong male characters, but this book was different. It combined the element of adventure with the Australian bush and caring for animals and nature. I also really liked the vivid description that the author used in the book, it really painted a picture in my mind of every scene, helped to build the tension and made me want to read on.

I recommend this book for boys and girls aged 10–14, especially if you enjoy mystery, adventure and looking after Australian wildlife.

[You can read a sample chapter from the book via the publisher.]

We are pleased to welcome Kailani back as a reviewer at Alphabet Soup. Check out Kailani’s earlier reviews here. Kailani also has her own blog!

If YOU would like to send us a book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading …

Read a review of the first book in the series — The Amazing Spencer Gray — in a post from 2013.

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Tag: nature

Book review: When the Mountain Wakes

Book review: The Spectacular Spencer Gray