Marcy Series 2 by Susan Halliday

Ford Street, 2013.
Quiz champs ISBN 9781921665721 (pbk.)
Thirteen dolphins ISBN 9781921665738 (pbk.)
Lost dogs ISBN 9781921665745 (pbk.)
Award winners ISBN 9781921665752 (pbk.)
Netball challenge ISBN 9781921665714 (pbk.)
Box Set ISBN 9781921665882.
In order to appeal more to girls, Susan Halliday has written a parallel series to the Toocool series by Phil Kettle, with Marcy as the main character.
Containing the same structure as the Toocool series, each again concludes with some factual information, a glossary and some jokes and is based on the same characters. Written in narrative format, these titles are easy to read and Marcy sets some great examples to her readers. She cares about others and is always willing to help. Her positive, helpful nature and self image means that there is no challenge to which she won't rise. From rescuing dolphins to finding homes for lost dogs, each title is easy to read and contains a touch of humour often based on the ever present rivalry between girls and boys at the ages of these characters.
Halliday includes some phrases which are somewhat old fashioned and allows Marcy to find the meanings of the words, along with the reader. With the new Australian curriculum, these titles could be used as read alouds or in literature circles with younger children and changing language could be discussed as an offshoot of these books, as could the positive messages included therein.
Jo Schenkel