Twin Magic: School Bully, Beware!

Twin Magic: School Bully, Beware! by Kate Ledger, illustrated by Kyla May (Scholastic Inc)

PB RRP $6.99

ISBN 978-0-545-48026-0

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Lottie and Mia are twins but they are not the same in every way. Mia is an early riser while Lottie likes to sleep in; Mia is tidy while Lottie's room is always in a mess. But one thing they have in common is their best friend Toby who they walk to school with.

One day at school there is a new boy who is mean. He scowls, pushes in and doesn't play fair in the school yard. All it takes is a little misdirection by Toby and some 'twin magic' and Lottie and Mia can discover what Max's true problem is.  Once again the twins link pinkie fingers and chant the magic spell:

            ‘When Twins get together

We’re stronger than ever!

Twin magic azam,

Let’s do what we can!’

The bright colourful illustrations are very attractive for younger girls, those just beginning to read, and the appeal of magic, unicorns and twins are fairly universal in this young female age range. The themes of friends, teamwork and seeing beyond surface appearances are good issues to explore too.

School Bully, Beware! is the second in the new Twin Magic series for girls between six and eight (after Lost Tooth Rescue) and is a good start for stand-alone reading.

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Twin Magic: Lost Tooth Rescue!

Twin Magic: Lost Tooth Rescue! by Kate Ledger, illustrated by Kyla May (Scholastic Inc)
PB RRP $6.99
ISBN 978-0-545-48025-3
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Lottie and Mia have just started at a new school. They are twins but are not the same in every way. Lottie is messy while Mia is tidy, Lottie is shy while Mia is forward, and they like to dress differently. But they are identical when it comes to magical powers. When the twins link their pinkie finger and say the magic spell:
         
             ‘When Twins get together
              We’re stronger than ever! 
              Twin magic azam,
              Let’s do what we can!’

they become magical Super Twins. In Lost Tooth Rescue! Super Twins power is needed, and together with unicorn Rosie and new friend Toby, they find Anna’s lost tooth.

The illustrations are colourful and fill the whole page with the focus split evenly between pictures and text. This clearly places the book between a picture book and an early reader chapter book. The drawings are not detailed, but rather emphasise the important aspects of the story and the expressions of the children. They reflect the thoughts and actions of the twins, highlighting their similarities and differences.

Interestingly, Lottie and Mia are much clearer individuals as girls than when their Super Twin persona is activated. Lost Tooth Rescue! is the first in a new series for girls between six and eight. It is good for stretching readers a little, while sticking to a simple storyline which includes relatable concepts such as starting school, losing a tooth or helping a new friend. This, combined with the appeal of twins, magic and unicorns, will ensure the Twin Magic series will be a hit with young girls.