To do well at the audition, Jules just might have to make peace with her ex-best friend and she’ll have to work out how to overcome her aversion to the colour orange. Can Jules get everything done in time to take advantage of the Opportunity of a Lifetime?
The first book in a new series by author Beth Ain, Starring Jules (as Herself) is a humour-filled, entertaining novel for advanced younger readers. Jules is a fun, energetic character who loves to write lists, be creative and have fun with her friends.
In addition to enjoying the ‘Hollywood’ drama, readers will relate to Jules’ frustrations with her changing friendship with her ‘ex-best friend’ Charlotte, who is now interested in sparkly pink nail polish while Jules would prefer to dig for worms with her little brother Teddy. There is also Jules’ excitement about the new girl at school, Elinor, who is nice and friendly and a potential new Best Friend.
In the story, Jules’ is almost eight, which might leave some eight and nine year old readers feeling that the story will be too young for them. The vocabulary and action of the story is certainly suitable for readers of this age, however, and the character of Jules comes across as older than seven.
This series promises to be fun, with Jules’ vibrant, quirky personality sure to lead to entertaining adventures in the future. The second book in the series, Starring Jules (in Drama-Rama) was released in September 2013.
Title: Starring Jules (as Herself) (Starring Jules #1)
Author: Beth Ain
Illustrator: Anne Keenan Higgins
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $11.99 RRP
Publication Date: March 2013
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781743314548
For ages: 7-9
Type: Junior Fiction
