Led by our main protagonist, Marcy, this crew not only provide entertainment, but their stories are peppered with some important messages, facts and touches of humour as well.
In Netball Challenge, Marcy and her friends take on their teachers in a netball competition to raise money for the Lost Dog’s Home and Thirteen Dolphins sees Marcy and Bella help in rescuing a dolphin stuck in the rock pool with a group of dedicated marine rescuers. In Quiz Champs, Marcy discovers what it is like to be part of a team and learns lots of interesting facts from Mr Wexford as they challenge the boys in a special quiz.
In Lost Dogs, Marcy and Bella join the Dog Squad and take on the very important and special roles of interviewing possible candidates for adopting lost dogs that need a new home. This theme of animal welfare and care also surfaces in Award Winners where Marcy and Bella are invited to be interviewed by senior reporter, Fred Hound, after being nominated for the ‘Animal Carer of the Year’ award. These lovely messages are passed through the stories effortlessly and are both touching and empowering without being too overriding.
The language of the books is just as effortless and perfectly targeted for readers beginning their chapter book journey or more advanced younger readers. With approximately five chapters in each book, the books are perfectly sized and accessible.
The dialogue, story line and vocabulary is simple, clear and concise, while the characters are strong, relatable and defined. Not to mention Tom Jellett’s quaint and expressive cartoons strung throughout the pages, adding a great visual pause and accomplice to the text. The fact pages at the end of each book are also a winner for readers and parents alike.
These books will no doubt be a favourite for existing Marcy fans, or for those new to the series. Marcy series #2 and TooCool series #5 (KBR review here) are available together in a 10 book boxset ($89.95 RRP).
Francine Sculli regularly reviews for Buzz Words Books.
Title: Marcy Series #2
Quiz Champs - ISBN 9781921665721
Thirteen Dolphins - ISBN 9781921665738
Lost Dogs - ISBN 9781921665745
Award Winners - ISBN 9781921665752
Netball Challenge - ISBN 9781921665714
Author: Susan Halliday
Illustrator: Tom Jellett
Publisher: Ford Street Publishing, $9.95 RRP (each)
Publication Date: March 2013
Format: Paperback
ISBN: See above
For ages: 7+
Type: Junior Fiction