Sage Cookson’s Fishy Surprise

Sage Cookson’s Fishy Surprise by Sally Murphy, illustrated by Celeste Hulme (New Frontier Publishing) PB RRP $9.99

ISBN 9781925059755

Reviewed by Rebecca Newman

Sage Cookson’s parents are television chefs and Sage goes with them whenever they travel to locations to film. Now the Cooksons are off to Crystal Bay in Queensland, and Sage is thrilled about bringing her best friend along.

Soon after they arrive their excitement is dampened when Sage thinks she’s seen Nancy. (Nancy had a run in with the Cooksons in an earlier book). Could Nancy be behind the hundreds of rotting fish on the beach? Is someone trying to sabotage the cooking show? Sage finds herself in hot water — as usual — when she tries to investigate on her own.

This is the third book in the Sage Cookson series of chapter books for early readers. The short chapters have occasional black and white illustrations. Each title in the series includes a themed recipe at the back of the book and this time the recipe is beer battered fish and chips. These books are sure to be popular with readers aged 7 and up, budding chefs, and young fans of cooking shows like MasterChef.

The series also has its own website www.sagecookson.com.au featuring sample chapters, more of Sage Cookson’s recipes, and activities related to the books.

About the reviewer: Rebecca Newman is a children’s writer and poet. She is the editor of Alphabet Soup’s website and former editor of Alphabet Soup’s print magazine. rebeccanewman.net.au

Sage Cookson’s Sweet Escape

Sage Cookson’s Sweet Escape by Sally Murphy (New Frontier) PB RRP $9.99

ISBN 978-1-92505-961-8

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Sage Cookson has a life many young people would envy. Her parents are famous television cooks and food experts who travel the world to many exotic locations, taking Sage with them. Although she misses her best friend Lucy when she travels, Sage enjoys this lifestyle. And to make sure she doesn’t miss school either she has tutors to keep her schoolwork up to date.

On this first adventure, the Cooksons travel to Western Australia to be guest judges at the Newhaven Cooking Contest. Sage senses something strange is going on when they are offered a tour of a chocolate factory. Things turn grim and she and her parents need to be brave and resourceful to get themselves out of a sticky situation.

Celebrity cooking and foodies are very popular themes currently and combining these with adventure and suspense makes for a clever and appealing series for 7 to 10 year olds. Sage is a realistic and likable character, the villains aren’t too villainous, just a bit naughty and there is a smattering of facts about food and cocoa beans throughout the story. 

Short chapters, which mostly end with a hook, make this a hard-to-put-down adventure story. It is well written, easy to read and the recipe at the end of the book – Cheat’s Chocolate Fondant – is pitched perfectly at the readership age.

Sage Cookson’s Sweet Escape will appeal to a wide range of interests with themes explored being cooking, travel, adventures, family, celebrity status and friendships. I liked Sage’s voice and enjoyed spending time with her on her adventure. This is the first book in a new series and I look forward to travelling with the Cookson family again.