The Grand Genius Summer of Henry Hoobler, by Lisa Shanahan

It struck Henry that perhaps he was waiting for the exact right moment to be daring and brave. The exact right moment where he felt no worry at all, not one tiny flicker. But what if that moment never came?

Henry Hoobler and his family are off on holiday – but Henry would rather stay home with his Nonna. There are lots of scray things about a camping holiday at the beach – sharks, spiders, snakes and blue-ringed octopi. But the thing he is most afraid is the new bike he got for Christmas, which is strapped to the trailer. Everybody wants him to ride it – but Henry is scared he’ll fall off.

The Grand Genius Summer of Henry Hoobler is a feel-good story about what it the meaning of bravery, friendship and family. As Henry tries to summon the courage to get on his bike, he navigates a new friendship with Cassie, who lives in the holiday park, and conquers other fears, including helping his little sister find a lost pony in the middle of the night. He also observes those around him learning new things and taking on challenges of their own.

With laughter, moments of poignancy, and lots of feel-good moments, The Grand Genius Summer of Henry Hoobler is a treat.

The Grand Genius Summer of Henry Hoobler, by Lisa Shanahan
Allen & Unwin, 2017
ISBN 9781760293017

Monsieur Albert Rides to Glory, by Peter Smith & Bob Graham

There’s a hush in the crowd as the mayor lifts his gun,
then an ear-splitting Bang! and the race has begin,
with a flashing of goggles and pale cyclists’ knees,
and a murmuring sound like the bumble of bees.

Monsieur Albert loves cycling – but he loves prizes even more. SO when he reads in his morning paper about a cycling race about to start, he decides to enter. When he arrives at the starting line with his suit and cycle clips, and pannier full of supplies, the other cyclists laugh at him – none more than handsome young Francois. But it is Albert who has the last laugh as he proves that sometimes slow and steady really does win the race.

Monsieur Albert Rides to Glory is a humours take on the Tour de France, told in witty rhyming verse and accompanied by the whimsical humours illustration work of Bob Graham. Youngsters will love the silliness of both story and illustrations, and adults will enjoy reading the story out loud.

Lots of fun.

Monsieur Albert Rides to Glory

Monsieur Albert Rides to Glory, by Peter Smith & Bob Graham
Allen & Unwin, 2012
ISBN 9781742376806

Available from good bookstores and online.