Lulu Bell and the Birthday Unicorn by Belinda Murrell
Ill. by Serena Geddes. Random House Australia, 2013. ISBN:
9781742758756.
(Ages: 6-9) Recommended. Lulu Bell is another series of
stories designed to appeal to the 6-9 year old reader, this time
with a veterinary theme drawn from the author's own childhood and a
strong focus on family life.
Lulu Bell and her friend Molly are busy helping the family prepare
for Rosie's underwater themed birthday party when the call comes for
the vet, Lulu Belle's dad, to rescue a runaway pony seen running
loose on a busy road. Once the pony is safely recovered the only
place to keep him is in the backyard whilst the police find the
owners.
How Lulu Bell and Molly solve the problem of a horse in the back
yard with a taste for cake, and make Rosie's birthday party with a
crowd of junior mermaids a success is all part of the fun.
Belinda Murrell is better known for her novels Ivory Rose,
Ruby Talisman and most recently Forgotten Pearl
but her foray into the junior market with such a positive family
based storyline will be welcomed by parents and readers alike. The
black and white illustrations enhance the story and add a whimsical
look at family life as the story unfolds.
Sue Keane