Trouble for Toby

Trouble for Toby by Janet Reid, illustrated by Amanda Francy (Wombat Books) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN: 9781925563351

Reviewed by Anne Helen Donnelly

Toby wants a pet more than anything. He isn’t fussy, almost anything will do, a dog, a rat or a hermit crab. His parent’s response to his request is always the same, “We’ll think about it. But only if you’re good at school.” And this is where Toby’s problem lies.

Toby finds it difficult to stay out of trouble. First, he leaves his friend Sam buried in the sandpit, then he knocks two girls off the playground equipment, there is the unfortunate accident at the flying fox and then the inquisitive spider at the tranquillity garden. It seems, no matter how hard Toby tries to stay out of trouble he ends up right in the centre of it, until one day, when his quick thinking and swift action saves Jenna from a snake bite.

Toby’s bravery is acknowledged and rewarded but best of all, his parents let him get a pet and he decides to choose a snake.

Trouble for Toby is a junior fiction chapter book for children of ages 6+ years. It is aimed at Australian audiences with Aussie references, and the story flows well from chapter to chapter. It is set primarily in the school and school yard with funny and entertaining adventures that children will be able to relate to and enjoy.

Little Mouse

Little Mouse written and illustrated by Riikka Jantti (Scribble) HB RRP $17.99 ISBN 9781925321487

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

The first word that came to my mind when I saw this child-sized book  was ‘sweet’. By a much published and translated Finnish author-illustrator, this is the first in a series of books about Little Mouse. With its water-coloured illustrations on every page, it’s about Little Mouse who’s a naughty chap, disobeying Mummy Mouse by refusing to get dressed and then, when the two go out, splashing in a puddle and generally being difficult. (What mum doesn’t know the scenario?)

At the childcare centre, Little Mouse plays with his friends but when it’s time to go home, again he’s a handful. At last, in his stroller, he goes with Mum into the greengrocers. At home he presents a problem when it’s time to get off the computer. He keeps on being naughty until finally he’s in bed. And that’s where the story ends.

This is an ideal book for a parent – mum in particular – to read aloud to her child. No doubt it will provide much scope for discussion. The pictures with their many details during Little Mouse’s day will reward much searching. The fact there is no dad in Little Mouse’s story is well worth discussing, too.

This is a warm and humorous book which is sure to grab the attention of parents and children alike. Recommended for ages 3+ years.