Gym squad tumble by Meredith Costain
Illus. by Danielle McDonald. Ella Diaries book 16.
Scholastic, 2019. ISBN: 9781760662844.
(Age: 6-9) Themes: Gymnastics, Competitions, Djibouti. Ella's
super excited, her school is celebrating International Sports Day.
Each class will choose a country, research and practise the sports
and present one item at a special event. Will there be 'high
jumpering, table tennising, bicycling and hopefully gymnastics'
Ella's favourite event? Her diary shows just her excitement.
Unfortunately, Peach (Precious Perfect Princess) desperately pleads
with their teacher to be the special name-chooserer and much to
everyone's surprise she picks Djibouti out of the hat.
Miss Weiss, Ella's teacher guides her students in researching the
African country, she sets different groups and leaders to
investigate and report back to their class. Ella desperately wants a
leading role, but unfortunately others are picked and she's a little
upset. Ammi finally asks Ella to take on the job of Head Designer of
Gymanstical Outfits - imagine leotards with feathers, bells, tassels
and glitter mesh sleeves!
Dramas, design dilemmas and divas all play a part in the highs and
lows of Ella's diary entries. She has a wonderful, expressive way of
writing exaggerating and embellishing words. As her class develops
their special routine for the International Sports Day, Ella sense
of fairness is tested. She realistically portrays the personalities
and problems she faces.
Author Meredith Costain's Ella Diaries are fun to read,
filled with an abundance of girly things, exploring the ups and
downs of Ella's life, her friendships and difficult relationship
with Peach Parker. She openly and honestly portrays school life,
adding unique words to build Ella's character. Danielle McDonald's
illustrations add a liveliness and excitement: there's a ROO-TEEN,
Peach's dramatic dive off the tree stump and Ella's sparkly outfit.
Bold text, expressive sizes and styles of font make this another fun
and fabulous addition to the Ella Diaries, just right for
readers from six to nine.
Rhyllis Bignell