Lulu Bell and the Birthday Unicorn by Belinda Murrell

Ill. by Serena Geddes. Random House Australia. ISBN 9781742758756. pbk., 86pp., RRP $A9.95.
Lulu Bell and the Birthday Unicorn is the first in a new series by Belinda Murrell for young girls who are verging on being independent readers and looking for a novel which features a young heroine just like them. Lulu Bell is just eight, the practical one in a family that includes her six-year-old sister Rosie, who loves wearing angel wings and sparkly shoes; her three-year-old brother Gus who always wears his superhero suit; her dad, a busy vet and her mum, an artist- not to mention a menagerie of pets.
It is Rosie's birthday and everyone is ready for the party. But just before the guests arrive, disaster strikes as little brother Gus lets a wayward pony into the kitchen. Suddenly, there is no mermaid birthday cake and it is way too late to get another one from the bakery. But practical, thoughtful Lulu has a solution as well as a surprise that turns the pony from villain to hero. And with a guest appearance by King Neptune, Rosie's day is complete.
Barbara Braxton