Riley's failproof guide to... breaking a school record! by Dani Vee and Jules Faber

Riley Noodle is in Year 6 and she is always in a muddle or finding herself in trouble. She also thinks she's no good at anything, unlike her twin brother, Charlie, who is the best at everything and very highly regarded by all the teachers. She's about to leave primary school and every person except her has broken one school record. Time is ticking and she really wants to achieve her ultimate goal. Black and white line drawings support and break up the text. Those who love this type of easy reading format such as in Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Tom Gates will be likely readers. 

There is quirky chaos around every corner for Riley Noodle. In the first four chapters alone, Riley swallows half of her friend Henry's earthworm and also manages to accidentally eat their class pet. Other unique characteristics abound: Riley's Dad wants to save the Earth so has given up eating meat, Riley's friend Henry is a hot dog eating champion and Riley is obsessed with meat to the point where she hides cheeseburgers in her school locker. It's done in humour, but some of the dialogue borders on insensitive or inappropriate. Riley's teacher says to her 'I gave up on you years ago' and sanctions Riley's clothes being cut off her in the middle of the schoolyard, despite her protestations. The year six children also say some pretty horrible things to each other and at one point the schoolyard bully takes a phone recording of Riley in an embarassing situation. There is no follow-up on this incident and it is portrayed as being quite a normal occurrence. Riley's dad also rips his pants up on a stage and everybody laughs at him. It wraps up with Riley becoming a bit of an unexpected hero and developing some self-confidence around who she is and what makes her special, but it all seems a bit forced. There is a lot crammed in and then no time or space to tie up all the loose ends. 

Themes: Humour, Embarassment.

Nicole Nelson