Frankie DuPont and the High Seas Heist

Frankie DuPont and the High Seas Heist by Julie Anne Grasso, illustrated by Alexander Avellino (Julieannegrassobooks)

PB RRP $14.95

ISBN 9780994321602

Reviewed by Ashling Kwok

This exciting new chapter book is the latest in the Frankie Dupont series. The book follows the adventures of Frankie as he sets out to solve another crime, even before it is committed. This time the story takes place on a luxury cruise liner filled with chocolate sculptures, devious chocolatiers and more twists and turns than you can imagine.

The lively adventure sees Frankie and his friends set out to solve a mystery on board the ship by following a trail of clues and investigating suspects using DNA tracking machines, famous chocolate recipes and a trusty dogs nose.

Frankie DuPont and the High Seas Heist is perfect for middle grade readers aged 7-10 or anyone who enjoys a well-written book filled with fun, laughter and intrigue. Readers will learn the value of friendship, teamwork and perseverance and how anything can be achieved if they don’t give up.

Julie’s writing is fast-paced, animated and creative. And although this is another installment in the Frankie DuPont series, it is an original and entertaining story that will have readers dying to turn the page.

The cover of the book is enticing as it is brightly coloured and features cool images to hook young readers. The text is easy to read and the sentence structure clear and concise. The illustrations add a nice touch and break up the text.

Frankie DuPont and the High Seas Heist is an excellent book that starts strong and manages to maintain the reader’s interest throughout. It is a smart, well-written adventure and the perfect book to encourage kids who don’t love reading to give it a go.

Frankie Dupont and the Mystery of Enderby Manor

Frankie Dupont and the Mystery of Enderby Manor by Julie Anne Grasso, illustrated by David Blackwell and Samantha Yallope (Julieannegrassobooks)

PB RRP $10.00

ISBN 978-0-987372-54-3

Reviewed by Jacque Duffy

  

First impression of this chapter book was that it would be perfect for boys age 7 -10. The cover illustration of our young detective Frankie, in front of a mysterious building, surrounded by ‘clues’, invites the reader to open the cover and investigate for themselves. I was reaching for this book over others in my ‘to read’ pile and I am sure the cover would have a similar effect on kids.

Julie Anne Grasso’s story of young Frankie and his search for his missing cousin Kat has many twists and turns, the ending is of course satisfying, but not at all expected. The setting for the story, Enderby Manor, is a strange building filled with strange characters and bumbling Inspector Cluesome whom I assume will be a consistent character in future Frankie Dupont stories. The story is written in a way that children will relate to. The lyricism in the text will sound wonderful to a read-a-loud ear and will capture a confident reader’s imagination.

Julie’s writing is flavoured with recognisable smells, sounds and sights and is a delight to read. “Frankie took a bite and his whole mouth tingled with delight as though his taste buds were giving a round of applause.”

The layout of the book is clean and easy to follow. The illustrations are a big part of the book and keep the story flowing nicely giving affirmation to the younger reader who may be a little unsure. Each black and white illustration is strong and appears to be full of life and colour.

Young readers will enjoy this book and I very much enjoyed this book. I look forward to reading more by this author.

  

Jacque Duffy is the author and illustrator of The Bear Said Please picture book and the series ‘That’s not a …” learn to read books used in all Queensland State Primary Schools and one local history coffee table book.