Book raves
Here’s your chance to have a rave. Is there a book you have read recently or are reading at the moment that you couldn’t put down? What’s special about it?
Check out other rave reviews to see what other books are being raved about!!
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0-4 years | 5-7 years | 8-11 years | 12+ years |
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Book name: How do dinosaurs say goodnight
Author: Jane Yolen
Rave review: I love to read this book with my mum at bedtime. I like to copy the actions that the dinosaurs do in the book. The dinosaurs are very funny. Eleanor, 4
Book name: Albert the Dinosaur Who Invented Things
Author: Michael Salmon
Rave review: This book is really cool for people who like dinosaurs. The pictures are very colourful. I like to invent things. Declan, 4
Book name: All about me
Author: Selina Young
Rave review: I love pointing to things I recognise and saying the words. I get excited to see that I have some of the same toys at home as in the book. Poppy, 2
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Book name: Wet
Author: Gordon Winch & Gregory Blaxell
Rave review: Easy to read and loves anything to do with getting wet and playing with water. Jeremy, 5
Book name: Danny Dolphin Super Surfer
Author: Gordon Winch & Gregory Blaxell
Rave review : Dolphins are fun and this book was easy to read. I wanted to jump into the story and play with Danny the dolphin. Jeremy, 5
Book name: Doctor Miaow's Big Emergency
Author: Sam Lloyd
Rave review : This book was great because it had a cat doctor who helped sick people and people don't like to be sick and miss out on doing fun stuff. Kinney, 5
Book name: Dinosaur Big and Small
Author: Jan Lewis
Rave review : Lovely bright pictures, rhyming words and the dinosaurs are always busy doing something fun. Jeremy, 5
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Book name: Princess Diaries
Author: Meg Cabot
Rave review: This book was about a love story, and how a princess has her first kiss. I haven't had my first kiss yet, so I really, really liked it!!! Madison, 10
Book name: You're a Nuisance Mr Meddle
Author: Enid Blyton
Rave review: Mr Meddle is a silly and a funny man and is always getting into trouble. You never know what he is going to do next. He is always trying to help people. But he can be a bit of a nuisance. He always makes a mistake and finds a bird that always says 'wash your face'. He makes his aunt Jemima very unhappy by throwing her bird on the road. You're a Nuisance Mr Meddle is a very funny and exciting book. Nathan, 9
Book name: My Sister's a Full Stop
Author: Gretel Killeen
Rave review: Eppie and Zeke got blown out of their mother's nose into a fairy tale book where Zeke gets stuck in the giant's back pocket while Eppie is stuck in a swamp with her foot in a crocodile's mouth. Eppie ends up saving her brother from getting married to a pig and are now riding a train to another story called "My Sister's a Nightmare". Sarah, 11
Book name: Captain Underpants and the Perilous Plot of Professor Poopypants
Author: Dav Pilkey
Rave review: George and Harold's school got a new science teacher named Professor P. Poopypants. The Professor was so annoyed at people laughing at his name that he made them change their names too. But that's nothing that Captain Underpants can't fix. Read this thrilling adventure and find out your new silly name. Sarah, 11
Book name: Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Author: Jeff Kinney
Rave review: Greg Heffley has just started high school and things aren't what he'd expected. His best friend becomes popular and he is left struggling to find a friend. But it works out in the end when Greg saves his best friend's life from being humiliated in front of the whole school. Sarah, 11
Book name: Selby Snowbound
Author: Duncan Ball
Rave review: Selby is the only talking dog in Australia and perhaps the World. Selby learnt to talk by just watching TV. Selby was watching TV when he heard something that could change his life. He heard Bonnie Blake his dream star say that her dream was to have a talking dog. Selby knew he was her dream dog. When Selby arrived there he had a dream of her chucking him out the window so he ran away. Selby thought the Trifles family were way better than any movie star. Nathan, 8
Book name: Spooksville: The Dark Corner
Author: Christopher Pike
Rave review : The Thing in the Closet, by Christopher Pike, is about a girl, Cindy who is afraid of her closet. One night, she woke up because her closet was glowing pale green! The next day, she sat down at her favourite doughnut shop with her friends, Adam, Watch and Sally to talk about what she saw. When Cindy went to bed, the door started rattling. It was really scary when the monster jumped out. The friends went though the portal and met an elf called Zeta who was travelling with Cindy. He told them that the monsters had taken Cindy and that they had to save her. When they saved her, they went back to the portal and returned home. I like this book because it is really scary and it would be a great book for people who like spooky stories. Kasundri, 8
Book name: There have always been foxes
Author: Maxine Trottier
Rave review : We watch over foxes. It's different in this place. More people came in ships and how those cannons went BOOM! Other animals called cows came along. The night is a song. The ocean makes it so. The foxes dance with other animals and there have always been foxes. Will the foxes survive? Julia, 8
Book name: The Desert
Author: Peter Macinnis
Rave review : The sun is rising. Out comes a snake. Then a python. Some animals start to hunt for breakfast. A Kite gets a gecko for breakfast.The Kite can see a fire. The fire burns out. Rain falls. All sorts of animals come out to breed. A Thorny Devil chases a spider but it survives. Nights coming. Morning is ahead. Read this book to see how life goes with Australian desert animals. Julia, 8
Book name: Too many Murkles
Author: Heidi Charissa Schmidt
Rave review: How do the people of Summerville stop the foul smelling four legged creatures, called Murkles, from coming or the fire stars, noxious weeds from growing. What happens to the gray birds when they take the firestars. Juliana is able to discover the answer to all these questions.You can find the answer too when you read this wonderful story. Julia, 8
Book name: Nap the honeygum yowie and the fiery flame fanning grumpkin.
Author: Geoff Pike
Rave review: Nap, the yowie was told some bad news about the fiery flame fanning grumpkins burning the bush! Nap went to Grandpa Koala for advice who said these grumpkins are silly. Nap went to everyone in the bush including the bunyip in the crystal stone. The bunyip gave him some good advice. Will he save the bush animals? Find out by reading this great story! Julia, 8
Book name: The Tailor of Gloucester
Author: Beatrix Potter
Rave review : There was a tailor who sewed and made garments. He had to make a jacket and waist coat by Christmas. Simpkin the cat looked after the house while the tailor was away. The tailor was ill for 3 days. In that time mice started on the job the talior had started. When the talior was better he went to his house and saw the garments done! In the future he became rich. I like the helpful mice in this story. Julia, 8
Book name: God's promise
Author: Maureen Moss
Rave review : This is a story about Angelina who throughout her life is being looked after by God even though she does not know what life brings before her. God puts her mind at ease by making a special promise.This is a seriously wonderful story for those who believe God. Julia, 8
Book name : Olly and the long way home
Author: Sally Odgers
Rave review : Olly the kookaburra was on a mission to deliver a special Olympic message. On the way he did some tricks which landed him in trouble.Will he get out of trouble? Find out by reading this exciting story! Julia, 8
Book name: Ginger Snaps
Author: Cathy Cassidy
Rave review: Ginger Snaps is a very heart gripping book - a story about being on the edge of friendships. Ginger and Shannon are best friends when another girl Emily loses her best friend Meg because she moved to Scotland. Ginger feels sorry for her and befriends her. Emily moves in on Shannon pushing Ginger to the outside and new boy Sam Taylor isn't helping resolve the problems. A fab teen read. Kailey, 11.
Book name: The Worst Witch Saves the Day
Author: Jill Murphy
Rave review: This book is a great book for people who love adventures. It is about a girl who's name is Mildred Hubble, who is a witch. When she got the worst teacher in the world who doesn't care about anything, she found it odd. So one night she sneaks out and finds her teacher was actually the evil twin of her headmistress, and gets captured! Will she get out? Katharina,10.
Book name: The thief lord
Author: Cornelia Funke
Rave review : If you are into a books that have you hanging on your seats then this is a book for you! Set in Venice, Prosper and Boniface (Bo) are on the run from their Aunt Esther who wants to adopt Bo but not Prosper after their mother dies! Their mother had told them many tales of this magical city (roads are made of water) Bo and Prosper run away from their Aunt's house to try and find this city! Once at the city the are taken in by a local gang of children. Living in the "Stella" while being funded by theif lord! India, 9
Book name: When Mum threw out the Telly
Author: E.F. Smith
Rave review: This book is THE BEST BOOK I have EVER read. It's about a boy named Jeff who watches so much TV that his mum throws the TV out. Can he survive without TV?? If so how? Can he somehow make his mum buy another TV? This book is really funny, adventurous and exciting. You'll LOVE THIS BOOK!! Josephine, 10
Book name: Where are you now?
Author: Mary Higgins Clark
Rave review: Where are you now is a great book and I really enjoyed it. The book is about a 21-year-old named Kevin MacKenzie. Kevin goes missing when he walked out of his room and was never seen again. Kevin's sister Carolyn, who is 26, has been through 2 tragedies. Her dad just passed away and now the loss of her brother. However Carolyn and Kevin's mum think it is up to them to find out where Kevin is, and why Kevin disappeared. If you enjoy mystery books this is the one to read. Brittany, 11
Book name: A term in Year 7
Author: Anna and Mary Pershall
Rave review: Have you ever been in a situation, where all you want is to be accepted? Well this is exactly how Katie feels. Stepping up into high school some people find it as easy as any year. But as Katie stresses over ditching her primary school nerd friends, she becomes “on trial” with the cool girls, to be in their group. The only question is, will Katie make it into their girly, rich lives, or will she be rejected and have only her two primary school friends, which happen to both be boys? Grace, 11
Book name: Growing Yams in London
Author: Sophia Acheampong
Rave review: It is about a girl named Makeeda, who falls in love with a DJ named Nelson so she starts breaking her family's rules. When she falls out with her best friend, Bharti, her life gets even more complicated. This book is about how Makeeda finds a way to be true to herself and respect her culture at the same time. Varsicka, 10
Book name: The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas
Author: John Boyne
Rave review: Set in the time of World War 2, Bruno is a young nine year old boy living in Berlin. He has three best friends and one Hopeless Case of a sister. Then suddenly his family has to to move to an area far away from civilisation. Apart from the weird people in striped pyjamas who live in some sort of camp over the road from Bruno's house. One day when Bruno is exploring he discovers something that changes from a dot to a speck to a blob to a boy the same age as him. Georgia, 11
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Book name: Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Author: Larry Weinberg
Rave review: Luke Skywalker is patrolling the new Rebel base when he sighted a falling object. Could it be more than just a meteor? "Luke I am your father." Who is Luke's father? David, 12
Book name: Star Wars: The Last of the Jedi: Dark Warning (series)
Author: Jude Watson
Rave review: Who are the last of the Jedi? Jedi master Obi-Wan Kenobi is on a dangerous mission to protect the most important secret of the Jedi.
Obi-Wan and Yoda are not the only survivors of the Clone Wars. There is one other. Will Obi-Wan and former jedi apprentice Ferus be able to save him? David, 12
Book name: Star Wars: A New Hope
Author: Larry Weinberg
Rave review: Star Wars: A New Hope is an interesting, fast paced and eventful book. With surprises on every page, daring escapes, eight pages of colour photos from the movie and a happy ending. David, 12
Book name: A Little Princess
Author: Frances Hodgson Burnett
Rave review: This is a fantastic book. I was captivated the whole way through and couldn't put it down. It was about a girl called Sara Crewe. Her father took her to a school for girls were there was a real mean teacher called Miss Minchin. She was treated like a little princess and had everything she wanted and then she got some sad news that her father had died.She had nothing and the cruel Miss Minchin made her sleep in an attic and work in the kitchen.It is a really great read. Caitlin, 12
Book name: Dragonskin Slippers
Author: Jessica Day George
Rave review : Dragonskin Slippers, an enchanting story by Jessica Day George, is about a young girl whose world is turned upside down all because of a silly aunt. This is a perfect book for all ages as it is a magical mix of fantasy, mayhem and mystery.
Creel, a sixteen year old girl, finds herself persuaded by her aunt to stand outside a dragons cave in the hope that a handsome prince will save her. But instead of this she makes a pact with the noble dragon and ends up with a strange pair of slippers. From that moment on her life takes a massive turn - she is whirled into an adventure that no normal girl has ever dreamed of, full of princes, princesses, danger and war. She befriends yet another kind dragon who ends up being her best friend and she puts her life at risk in trying to save him from the evil clutches of a cunning princess.
I like this book because it was a great page-turner. It had a breath-taking climax and an excellent ending. This would be the perfect book to read if you are looking for an enthralling story. Kavindri, 12
Book name: Star wars Episode Two Attack of the Clones
Author: R.A. Salvatore
Rave review : Former Queen of Naboo Padme is now the target of the bounty hunter Jengo Fett. She is trying to stop the creation of an army to meet the sepratists threat. Obi-wan tracks down the bounty hunter and discovers a massive army of clones. With the Geonocians and the Trade federation combining their droid armies, they will have an unstoppable army. With Obi-wan, Anakin and Padme about to be executed, can the clones get there in time? "The shroud of the dark side has fallen, begun the clone wars has." David, 12
Book name: Then
Author: Morris Gleitzman
Rave review : "Then" picks up where "Once" (the first book) finished. Felix and Zelda have just escaped from a train heading towards a Nazi death camp.They are almost found by soldiers when hiding in the forest, but a kind lady called Gena rescues them. It is a very powerful, but sad book. Even though this story is a work of fiction, many of the things actually happened to Jewish children in the war, and it really makes you realise how lucky we are. Imogen, 12
Book name: Maximum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports
Author: James Patterson
Rave review : This book is the third book in the Maximum Ride series. It is mainly written from the point of view of Max, a 14 year old girl- bird hybrid. Max and her Flock (Iggy, Fang, the Gasman, Nudge and Angel, not to forget Total, their own talking dog) are on a mission to save the world from the company who was responsible for the hybrid humans. Ietx is also attempting a "Re-Evolution plan" by destroying anyone with an illness, disability and anyone without a special talent. Kristy, 13
Book name: Everything Beautiful
Author: Simmone Howell
Rave review : This book is excellent for teenagers. Riley Rose (main character) is sent to a Christian camp for bad behaviour. The characters are very vivid from Dylan in the wheelchair to sleazy Craig who all the girls have a crush on. Riley is very witty and has great ideas. Laura, 17
Book name: Money Run
Author: Jack Heath
Rave review : This is a fantastic book about a teenaged thief (Ash), who while searching for $200 million in the HBS building is caught in the cross fire between the owner, Hammond Buckland, and a hit man. It's edge of your seats and you don't stop guessing until the very last page. Brilliant. Tansy, 14
Book name: Chain of charms, the herb of grace
Author: Kate Forsyth
Rave review: It's about two gypsy kids who must find certain magical charms, for they believe only those can save their family. Set in the 17th century it's an exciting and truly magical read for 11-15 yr olds. Eva, 12
Book name: Hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy
Author:Douglas Adams
Rave review: As soon as i started reading this book i couldn't stop laughing. It was all one huge joke with plenty of small hilarious jokes in between. It's about how the world was destroyed and a man called Arthur who hitched a ride into the galaxy with his best friend, Ford survived. Also in the book there are other characters like Zaphod the two-headed galacic president and Marvin the paranoid robot. Together they find out the meaning of life and why earth had to be destroyed to make a galactic bypass! Ben, 12
Book name: Diamond Girls
Author: Jacqueline Wilson
Rave review: Jacqueline Wilson is a very good author and has written heaps of books. Diamond Girls is one of them. It's very exciting as you go on a real adventure with all the characters, especially Dixie. She is one of 5 girls, including her mum. Her mum badly wants a baby boy when she is expecting. With so many things happening in this book it's very touching and you feel as if you are part of the place! Lizzie, 12
Book name: The Goddess Society
Author: Kelly McKain
Rave review: The Goddess Society is a club create by Lia, Jen and Shelly and is based around their journey to womanhood. Shelley is a model who doesn’t get on with her mother and thinks she may be in love with her best friend. Or maybe not. Jen is definitely in love with her best friend, Dylan, but she’s got issues with her mother too. She’s dead and Jen can’t remember what happened. Despite the fact that Lia is two years younger than her two friends, she’s so keen on Jase she’s willing to throw all caution to the wind. Caitlin-Mae, 15
Book Name: Prep
Author: Curtis Sittenfeld
Rave review: Prep is a coming of age story based around the high school journey of Lee Fiora, a shy, quiet girl. She goes to Ault, a prestigious boarding school where she makes mistakes, makes friends and takes her first steps to womanhood. Four stars. Caitlin-Mae, 15
Book name: The Babylon Game
Author: Katherine Roberts
Rave review: This is about a young girl living in the Persian Empire. She is suspected of all sorts of things because she doesn't look Persian. Because she belongs to a six square game club she gets pulled into a place of intrigue and mystical worlds. Minerva, 13
Book name: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Author: J. K. Rowling
Rave review: If you like fantasy, then Harry Potter is the thing for you. There are seven books, each containing the same characters.
Harry Potter's parents died when he was a baby and so Harry's aunt and uncle take him in. They are awful people and so Harry is really excited when he gets a letter from Hogwarts school of witch-craft and wizardry.
Harry makes two friends and all of his years at Hogwarts are eventful. Amy, 12
Book name: Airhead
Author: Meg Cabot
Rave review: Airhead is an awesome book. I could never guess what was going to happen next in the book. A girl called Emerson Watts is in an accident with another girl the same age as her. The other girl is a model. Emerson gets killed under a massive screen, and in an operation, they put her brain into the model's body, who's brain had died and nothing else. This story is about how Emerson gets used to life as a model. It is soooooooo good! Zara, 12
