Howzat Pat: Dare to bowl by Pat Cummins and Dave Hartley. Illus. by Serena Geddes

Dare to Bowl is the first book in a new series by Pat Cummins.  Howzat Pat! is brilliant and will become a fast favourite with readers of sports fiction but also readers who want a book on friendships and moving house. 

Pat Cummins and the rest of his family are moving away from the city and into the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, the town is a small one, so the arrival of a family of 7 is cause for celebration and interest.  On his first day at his new school, he is welcomed by the 'cool' kids who show him a shortcut to the school through a bat filled tunnel. 

Pat is also welcomed by Prav who is not in the cool group but seems to be a nice person and interested in cricket, which is Pat’s favourite game.  What follows is a beautifully crafted story about friendships and the decision to be cool or nice as it seems that you can’t be both.  Pat also meets Beth, a state cricket representative who lives in the 'spookiest house' on the route to school. 

The book basically introduces the characters who will continue in the series and shares how the friendship between the three main characters develops. 

This is a great book with illustrations that support the story but also add to some of the more comedic moments.  The illustrations also help to show what the author is discussing without the need for long sentences which definitely helps the story to move at a good pace.  I can’t wait for the next one as I know this series will become a firm favourite in any library.  Independent readers who like the sports or relationship genre will enjoy these, however, I can also see it being a great read aloud as the writing flows and the story is enjoyable for all ages. 

Themes: Sports, Cricket, Friendship, Moving house.

Mhairi Alcorn