Phyllis Wong and the Forgotten Secrets of Mr Okyto by Geoffrey McSkimming - book review

It took me a while to get in to Phyllis Wong and the Forgotten Secrets of Mr Okyto. It's not a book that grabs you in the first few pages but it does grow on you and I was somewhat surprised to find how often Phyllis crossed my mind during the day.

Phyllis Wong and the Forgotten Secrets of Mr Okyto is about a young girl with a family history of magic helping her friends and the local Chief Inspector solve some unexplainable thefts.

There's lots of information about different magic tricks and some about the history of magic so it will really appeal to kids who are into magic, or who love a good mystery.

I hate book reviews that compare one book to another - it is completely useless if you haven't read the one being used for comparison and always feels a little patronising, as if the reviewer is thinking "Oh, you haven't read it ... goodness" - but I am going to break my own rule and say that this book really reminded me of Odo Hirsch's book Pincus Corbett's Strange Adventure.

Both have mysterious crimes and a dark, slightly sinister feel to them, plus really quirky characters. And neither of them assume that in order to interest children you have to immediately overwhelm them with action. Both authors give children's attention spans the benefit of the doubt and the books feel richer for it.

It is always interesting to read books that are intended for kids but where the main child characters behave, and are treated, like miniature adults. That is definitely the case here, and while it is totally unbelievable that Phyllis would be allowed to poke around the scene of a crime, it is a useful tool for the author and also would potentially be very appealing to kids reading it.

One of the things I loved best about Phyllis Wong and the Forgotten Secrets of Mr Okyto is the outstandingly cool cover. I especially loved the picture of Phyllis which was drawn by Peter Sheehan. She just looks so quirky and interesting, and it gives you a great sense of her character and the book.


Who'll love this: Thoughtful girls aged about nine to 13 - there's not a mention of boyfriends, music or clothes and for some girls that will be a massive relief! Plus anyone who is in to magic will definitely enjoy it.
Cost: $14.95
Published by Allen & Unwin

In the Lion by James Foley - book review

In the city there's a zoo.
In the zoo there's a lion
And in the lion there's ...

In The Lion is story about a lion who eats his dentist, hairdresser, chef and many more, until a brave little boy called Richard decides to put a stop to this very naughty behaviour!

With bright, fun pictures and a highly entertaining story this is a really lovely picture book that a wide range of kids will enjoy.

The text has wonderful repetition which gives it a really nice rhythm for reading out loud.

Little kids often like being able to repeat some of the words in a story with you and In The Lion really encourages that. If children are paying close attention to the pictures, or if you have read the book a few times, you might even find they are yelling out who is going to be eaten next.

The illustrations are fantastic, especially the expressions on the people (and lion's) faces, and there are lots of detail to discuss, especially if the children have been to a zoo themselves.

Adults reading the book will really enjoy the illustrations of Richard's parents and their naughty twins, although some of their experiences might feel painfully familiar.

In The Lion is an awesome book. It's bright, engaging and fast paced and I kept liking it, even when I had read it six times in a row (surely the sign of a well written book!).


Who'll love this: Little boys in particular, although all children will enjoy it.
Cost: $27.95
Published by Walker Books Australia