Great White Lies, by Pamela Morrissey

“Good morning, Year 3/4,” Ari says, and pauses. “This is my news. I’m going to see my uncle in Arabia.” Emily Fatou almost vomits on the carpet.
“Ariadne, this is special news,” Mrs Baxter says and opens her eyes wide.

Ari has an unfortunate habit. She likes to impress people – and to do this, she tells lies. First she tells the class she has a horse, then that her uncle is in Arabia. But finally, when she tells them her dad is in jail, her lies are exposed. Now, she’s been branded a liar and no one will speak to her.

When Ari meets her new next door neighbour, Chloe, she has a chance to feel good about herself again. But will her classmates believe her when she tells them what Chloe does for a living?

Great White Lies is a Little Stirrers title from Limelight Press. With plenty of humour, a plot kids will relate to and at a length that will not daunt reluctant readers, this is likely to appeal to readers aged 7-9, as they make the transition from picture books and early readers to chapter books.

Great White Lies is a fun offering.

Great White Lies, by Pamela Morrissey
Limelight Press, 2005

Hector the Protector, by Janette Brazel

Hector is fed with up with Drain Boys gang picking on everyone, so when he wakes up with to the discovery that he’s the world’s newest superhero, he’s determined to put a stop to the Drain Boys’ evil ways.

First, though, he needs a superhero outfit and a superhero name. A raid on the dress-ups box fixes the costume and the name – that’s easy: Hector the Protector. Armed with a bevy of superhero powers – he can spew on demand, he has a fearsome smell and he can walk on top of fences – he and his friends Jello and Mick are ready for action.

Hector the Protector is a fun offering, part of the Little Stirrers series from new publisher Limelight Press. With plenty of silliness, a fast-moving plot and cartoon-style illustrations by Lloyd Foye, it will appeal to children aged 7-10, especially those making their first attempts at reading novels.

Funny.

Hector the Protector, by Janette Brazel
Limelight Press, 2005