Model Mania: the fabulous diary of Persephone Pinchgut

Model Mania: the fabulous diary of Persephone Pinchgut by Aleesah Darlison, illustrated by Serena Geddes (New Frontier Publishing)
PB RRP $14.95
ISBN 9781921042409
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton

Book two of Aleesah Darlison's series about ten-year-old identical twins Persephone and Portia Pinchgut has Portia aspiring to fame and fortune as a model. Unfortunately, as we see in Perse's diary entries, it all goes to Portia's head and she forgets about the importance of true friends. Portia is indeed lucky to have such understanding and supportive people around her who are prepared to forgive her foibles. In the end, however, she realises that an actor's seemed fabulousness in public can sometimes hide a totally different (and mean) personality, and that true friendship is more than skin deep.

The diary format will suit reluctant readers. Serena Geddes' black-and-white humorous illustrations are sprinkled liberally throughout the book, breaking up the text and adding that extra dash of quirkiness. The cover will appeal to the targeted readership with its diary look, stars and 'girl stuff'.

In book 3, Persephone and Portia head to Fiji with Gran. Fans of the series can also check out Perse's blog at www.totally-twins.blogspot.com

Musical Mayhem: The Fabulous Diary of Persephone Pinchgut

Musical Mayhem: The Fabulous Diary of Persephone Pinchgut by Aleesah Darlison, illustrated by Serena Geddes (New Frontier Publishing)
PB RRP $14.95
ISBN 9781921042348
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton
www.buzzwordsmagazine.com  


Musical Mayhem is the first in the Totally Twins series for younger readers by new author Aleesah Darlison. Twins Persephone and Portia Pinchgut are friends as well as sisters. However, Portia is the one who is good at everything (except being tidy) and Perse often feels inferior. This is heightened when the girls' teacher insists EVERYONE must audition for the school musical and Perse's singing is 'R.O.T.T.T.E.N.' Perse must find a way to not totally embarrass herself and still be included in the musical.The way Perse solves this dilemma is ingenious and the sisters resolve their differences to go back to being 'totally together twins'.

The writing is light-hearted and humorous and written straight from the head of a ten-year-old. Mum is kooky and Portia is annoying and exasperating as only sisters can. Perse has predilection for lists and I especially loved the 'Top Five Totally Trying Twin Questions People Ask'. It gave me a whole new insight into 'twin-ness'.

Serena Geddes' black-and white illustrations are sprinkled throughout and appear on nearly every page, breaking up the text and adding to the quirkiness of the book. The purple cover scattered with flowers and a picture of the twins provides instant appeal.

Musical Mayhem is a reminder about believing in yourself and your own abilities and not being too eager to compare yourself to others, even those whom you love.