Ninja Girl

Ninja Girl by Anh Do. Illustrated by James Hart. Scholastic Australia 2025. Junior Fiction paperback graphic novel RRP $17.99. ISBN 9781760264949.

Reviewed by Debra Williams.

Anh Do is a prolific writer of children’s books. This is the first book in a new series aimed at 7—to 10-year-old readers.

Niki (around 10) is having a wild week. She discovers that she is adopted. Then, whilst playing ‘tips’ with her school friends, she accidentally crashes into a bush where the school gardener is planting shrubs. A mysterious purple gem suddenly appears in the dirt, a gem with strange crystal flecks. The principal calls the museum, and a specialist team removes the gem.

Some of the kids think it’s from outer space and could have special powers. The class teacher, Ms Bing, arranges an excursion to the museum to see the gem. At the same time, Niki is attempting to deal with a rat plague in her parent’s garden. She enlists the help of her cat, Connor, who really isn’t interested to learn about catching rats.

Niki begins to experience some kind of superpowers, abilities she hasn’t had before. On the day of the excursion, Connor sneaks into her school bag and causes havoc at the museum. He accidentally smashes the display case holding the gem and appears to become ill. Then he goes missing.

The evil Dr. Kane appears, attracting hundreds of rats to Niki’s school. He has discovered that there are space gems on the grounds and wants the school to himself.

Niki’s abilities intensify and she eventually realises that she is a Ninja, after a series of events, where she tries to work out how to use her superpowers to save the town from the evil Dr. Kane. Connor reappears, and is suddenly a talking Ninja cat sidekick, who rescues Niki from the grasp of the evil doctor.  

After Niki and her cat agree to become a Ninja team, the story is left open for the next book, Ninja Girl 2.

Pow Pow Pig: Forest Secrets

Pow Pow Pig: Forest Secrets by Anh Do, illustrated by Peter Cheong (Allen & Unwin) PB RRP $16.99 ISBN: 9781761069833 

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

In this sixth installment of the Pow Pow Pig series, the time machine drops the Z Team into the middle of a fruit battle in ancient Japan. The monkeys and the foxes both blame each other for theft of jewellery from their communal workshop. Pow Pow Pig and his friends – Kung Fu Duck, Cha Cha Chicken, and Barry the Goat – convince the animals that war is not the answer and set out to discover who the real thief is. A trip into a creepy forest uncovers the culprit, as well as a secret romance between the daughter of King Fox and the son of the Monkey Queen. 

The humour in Anh Do’s tale is sharper than a samurai sword, and it will appeal to little ninjas aged six to ten. Absurd action springs from page to page, with twists and turns that keep a tight hold of young readers’ attention. The power of togetherness is an obvious theme, but even the toughest warrior in the story learns something new: the value of being true to oneself.

Peter Cheong’s angular, black-and-white cartoons add a dynamic layer to the book, bringing the action to life and letting it fly across the spreads. The images also help to break up the text into bite-sized chunks. Hesitant readers will appreciate being able to clearly picture the characters and events described in the story.

With time-travelling heroes, as well as animals of all shapes and sizes learning to live in harmony – plus plenty of puns along the way – Pow Pow Pig: Forest Secrets is sure to be another smash hit for Anh Do.

Talent Quest: Smarty Pup 4

Talent Quest: Smarty Pup 4 by Anh Do, illustrated by Anton Emdin. Allen & Unwin 2024. Paperback Junior Fiction Graphic novel. ISBN 9781761069857 RRP $16.99

Reviewed by Debra Williams

Lily and her super talented canine sidekick, JJ, want to buy the perfect birthday present (a new drill), for Dad, but haven’t been able to come up with enough money between them. What to do?

An opportunity arises in the format of a school talent quest. The cash prize on offer is just what they need to purchase Dad’s drill. However, with the categories of Public Speaking and Dance off the menu, they are left with the singing category….and this is where the difficulty begins! JJ is advanced at many things… (why, even cake making)! … except singing! When he accidentally breaks a tooth, it seems as though all is doomed. Or is it?

Brightly illustrated and peppered throughout with “Dad” jokes, Anh Do has created a wonderfully funny tale of persistence, working with what you have and teamwork. Even though the singing may not win the day, there is a surprise offer awaiting the two friends, which will surely please Dad.

The book comes with a wonderful 3D cover and a bonus sheet of stickers in the back. This will be enjoyed by young readers aged 8-10+ years of age.

Rise of the Mythix: Prophecy’s End

Rise of the Mythix: Prophecy’s End by Anh Do, illustrated by Marcelo Baez (Allen & Unwin) PB RRP $15.99 ISBN: 9781761068935

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Kelly, Minh, and Jimmy – the Golden Unicorn, the Minotaur, and the Griffin – are teenagers with special powers. They seek their loved ones who have been trapped in paintings by the nefarious Collector. Their journey leads them to mischievous twins, Ralph and Alph – ‘the reincarnation of the Leprechaun’ – and the Sunken Temple of Tears, where the Collector’s secret hoard is stashed. Will they locate their human jewels before their world literally comes crashing down around them?

In this sixth instalment of the Rise of the Mythix series, Anh Do dives deeper into the heroes versus villains’ trope. Although it is helpful if readers are familiar with the characters, ten- to fourteen-year-olds who are new to the books will soon be swept along the river of adventure. Kids will appreciate the bubbles of puns that allow them to come up for air occasionally.

Resembling traditional comic-book images, Marcelo Baez’s illustrations are dynamic and detailed. They bring to life the many turbulent situations in which the characters find themselves, ensuring that hesitant readers are not left behind as the story surges forward.

Action-packed and absorbing from beginning to end, Rise of the Mythix: Prophecy’s End will be lapped up by Anh Do’s young fans. It is ideal for kids who enjoy the blend of superheroes and mythology found in many Marvel movies

Pow Pow Pig: Snow Action

Pow Pow Pig: Snow Action by Anh Do, illustrated by Peter Cheong (Allen & Unwin) PB RRP $15.99 ISBN: 9781761068928

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera 

In this fifth instalment of the Pow Pow Pig series, the time machine drops the Z Team into a very chilly landscape: the North Pole. They discover that two of Santa’s reindeers have been kidnapped, and his sleigh has disappeared, too. Pow Pow Pig, Kung Fu Duck, Cha Cha Chicken and Barry the Goat get straight on the case, interviewing suspects and following clues. They soon discover who the culprit is – but can they catch him as he escapes on the flying sleigh?

Anh Do’s fast-paced story barrels along like a snowball gathering speed down a steep mountain. Cool quips are flung at readers from left and right, and most of them land smack bang on the funny bone. Kids aged six to ten will adore the antics of the animal characters, as well as every hair-raising minute of page-turning turmoil.

Peter Cheong’s angular, black-and-white illustrations add a sharply humorous edge to the tale. They glide into and around the text with ease, helping to both animate the action and split the paragraphs into easily digestible chunks.

Successfully skating the fine line between giggles and groans, Pow Pow Pig: Snow Action is stone cold stupendous. Middle-grade readers will plough their way through this pun-tastic book in no time.

The Champ vs The Werewolf Warriorz

The Champ vs The Werewolf Warriorz by Anh Do, illustrated by Dave Atze (Allen & Unwin) PB RRP $15.99 ISBN: 9781761065637

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Summer needs to buy a present for her brother’s birthday, but she can’t afford it. Then she sees a poster for the Rockstone Autumn Fair. The first person to receive 100 tokens at the carnival games will win a MyFone 5T! Summer decides to transform into her secret alter ego, The Champ, and use her superpowers to collect a ton of tokens. But her archnemesis, the Book Witch, is determined to find out The Champ’s identity, and sends in an army of life-size werewolf toys to wreak havoc. Can Summer save the day and score the grand prize?

The third volume in Anh Do’s rollicking superhero series is a howl-a-minute page-turner for kids aged seven to twelve. Reluctant readers in particular will enjoy getting their teeth into the snappy action, which is dripping with globs of giddy humour. 

Dave Atze’s black-and-white cartoon illustrations are bite-size bits of fun that add to the readability of the book. As well as breaking up the text, the images help to bring the crazy cast of characters to life for youngsters.

A light and lively story, The Champ vs The Werewolf Warriorz will be gobbled up by Anh Do fans in next to no time. Even those who are new to his unique brand of amusing adventure will soon be eagerly devouring each entertaining page.

Superhuman Army: E-Boy 5

Superhuman Army: E-Boy 5 by Anh Do (Allen and Unwin), RRP $15.99 Middle Grade ISBN 9-781761-065668

Reviewed by Susan Hancy

It’s a futuristic world and Ethan (E-Boy), Penny (an artificial intelligent robotics scientist) and Gemini (Penny’s AI robot creation) need to evade Agent Ferris and his army of androids to find and protect the Grapes of Atlantis, a mythical power source -- although, Penny knows the grapes are not a myth. She already has possession of one grape, entrusted to her from her former oceanography professor, and she’s used it to power Gemini. When Gemini, who is increasingly taking on more human characteristics as he learns and adapts, taps into in his internal power source, the precious grape powering him reveals the clue to the location of the other 99 grapes. With E-Boy directing Gemini’s super physical abilities through his own mental ability to tap into and control systems, along with Penny’s wits, the trio race to stay ahead of their foe to prevent the grapes from falling into the wrong hands. 

 

E-Boy is a fast-paced and easy-read chapter book interspersed with illustrations by Marcelo Baez to bring Ethan, Penny, Gemini and their opposition to life, well-suited for kids aged 8 plus. It’s the fifth book in the E-Boy series which, on its own, provides enough context to understand the plot and leave you waiting for the sixth book to find out what happens next. Fans will want to read this series from start.

Smarty Pup (Book 2) JJ and the Giant Panther

Smarty Pup (Book 2) JJ and the Giant Panther by Anh Do, illustrated by Anton Emdin (Allen & Unwin) PB RRP $15.99 ISBN 9781761068720

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Lily and her genius talking dog JJ return in Smarty Pup (Book 2) JJ and the Giant Panther. Upon the announcement of an upcoming school camping trip, Lily and her classmates convince Mr Hosking that JJ is an essential member of the class and must join them. The dynamic duo and the rest of the class set off for Camp Pinecone to test their bravery skills and compete for the Bravery Award.

The class is divided into small groups and then challenged with a range of activities, including abseiling and rafting, to earn bravery points. Lily and JJ are teamed up with Timmy, who tells jokes when he is nervous. Lily and Timmy both admit they do not feel brave, but JJ confidently announces that he has enough bravery for everyone. Everything is going well until JJ thinks he sees a giant panther!

Smarty Pup (Book 2) JJ and the Giant Panther is a highly illustrated chapter book for readers aged 6 years and older that explores themes of self-doubt, bravery, and teamwork. A young audience will love the fast-paced action, full colour cartoon illustrations, and humorous storyline.

Sky Dragon – Brave the Storm

Sky Dragon – Brave the Storm by Anh Do, illustrated by James Hart (Allen and Unwin) ISBN 978-1-76106-560-6 PB RRP $ 15.99

Reviewed by Nean McKenzie

The beginning of the fourth book in the Sky Dragon series, sees main character Amber injured with concussion, from her fight with Money Man in the previous book.  She realises that her normal powers – being able to summon insects and transform into a sky dragon – are gone. She goes on a trip with her grandmother Irene to the jungle in Asia, to relax and regain her powers.  Meanwhile, Agent Ferris does a deal with a woman called Scarlet Stewart for something called ‘Project Aquarius’ and Firefighter struggles with his memory loss.

Full of action, the story tells of Amber’s struggle between being ‘normal’ and wanting her powers back. In the rainforest she meets a girl called Lin who is initially suspicious of Amber but has a struggle of her own. The villagers are fighting against Evercorp, a group of mercenaries who have come to steal the legendary diamonds in a nearby cave. The group includes Scarlet Stewart and two robots. As they fight against the mercenaries, Amber and Lin become friends.

Fast paced, the story set in the jungle is quite exciting, with blow darts as weapons, vines to climb up the sides of cliffs and a special blue smoke signal to ask for extra help when in trouble. Amber only regains her powers when she is most in need of them. Frequent illustrations and the eye-catching green cover add to the characterisation and setting. At the end, when Amber’s story is wrapped up, Agent Ferris discovers Firefighter (who has regained his memory) has disappeared, setting things up nicely for Sky Dragon 5.  

Sky Dragon Brave the Storm is suitable for middle-grade readers. A chapter of Anh Do’s next Wolf Girl book (number 7) is included as a teaser at the end of this book.    

Rise of the Mythix – Legends Unite

Rise of the Mythix – Legends Unite by Anh Do, illustrated by Chris Wahl (Allen and Unwin) ISBN 978-1-76087-906-8 RRP $15.99 (PB)

Reviewed by Nean McKenzie

Book four in the Rise of the Mythix series, Legends Unite, throws us right into the action from the first page, with a battle against Cerberus, a three headed dog. The Mythix from the first three books – the golden unicorn (Kelly), the minotaur (Minh) and the griffin (Jimmy), win the skirmish and hop on a freight train to Capital City. Accompanied by Stanley, they go to Jimmy’s brother’s house to hide out from their enemy William the Collector. But then he makes the moon disappear by ‘painting’ it and they must work together and quickly to avoid worldwide disaster.

Very fast paced, this story requires knowledge from the other books in the series, although some explanations are included at the start. For instance, early on the story Kelly heals injuries with her power and listens to the thoughts of the train driver, which demonstrates her abilities. The three Mythix have super strength and power but they’re still teenagers. There’s a bit of competition between the boys for Kelly’s attentions (when they have time to draw breath between the action scenes). And there’s some friction between Jimmy and his brother, who remembers he was never the ‘special’ one. 

Scattered on each page throughout the book are comic artist Chris Wahl’s lively black and white illustrations which show the attractive main characters complete with wings, horn, and muscles. Onomatopoeic sound effects such as POW! CRACK!  and PHWOOM! also add visual drama to the storyline.

Anh Do has written several other series of books for the middle-grade audience, such as Wolf Girl, Skydragon, E-boy and more. This latest book will be followed by a fifth in the Rise of the Mythix series, coming soon.

WeirDo

WeirDo by Anh Do, illustrated by Jules Faber (Scholastic Australia)
PB RRP $12.99
ISBN 978-1-74283-758-1
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

It’s Weir’s first day in a new school and he knows he will have trouble living down his name – Weir Do. He does not understand why the rest of his crazy family has normal names, Sally and Roger, while he got lumped with his mother’s maiden name as a first name. But he does manage to get through the day, make a new friend and even impress the seventh-best-looking girl in the class.

As soon as I saw the author’s name and the moving animated cover of a bird on Weir’s head I was eager to read it, expecting a funny story. And I was not disappointed. WeirDo is full of the dry humour Anh Do dishes up in his comedy. This humour, mixed with Weir’s crazy and embarrassing family, awkward school life and the wonderful illustrations by Jules Faber, makes for a very entertaining read. With as much illustration (in black, white and red) as text, children between six and eight will be comfortable reading this alone. The humour is beautifully suited to this age group.

Anh Do is a comedian, television personality and award-winning author. WeirDo is the first book in a new series.