Super science stars by Meredith Costain

Ill. by Danielle McDonald. Olivia's secret scribbles book 4. Scholastic, 2018. ISBN 9781760277093
(Age: 5-7) Recommended. Themes: Science. Friendship. Diaries. Meredith Costain's fourth story in the Olivia's secret scribbles series focuses on the school Science Fair. Olivia's excitement is hard to contain, her diary entries are filled with her own projects, ideas and drawings of her experiments. She's made a glittery lava lamp, slippery slime and grown a magnificent array of mould on watermelon, cheese, cookies and sandwiches. These stinky items are hidden under her bed!
Mr Platt's divided the class up into four groups and Olivia's happy to be working with her friends. When the classroom door opens and new girl Bethany with the bouncy hair joins their group, Olivia's put out. Bethany's ideas are better, she brings in cute T-shirts with Super Science Stars printed on them. Nothing seems to be going right, Olivia's secret scribbles show that sometimes it's hard to be part of a team. She desperately wants to build a Time Machine; however, the others don't think it is realistic and choose Bethany's egg experiment instead. On Thrilling Thursday, Sage and Samira's group make a mirror rainbow and Milo and Mehmet's group prepare to video their duck experiment. Stinky Friday is a rather fun day, when Olivia's group reveal the results of their tests. After an exciting weekend, Olivia is determined to have her group build a volcano, once again Bethany's idea is chosen.
Meredith Costain's easy-to-read book is just right for readers from ages 5-7. Olivia's secret scribbles series is an excellent introduction to chapter books for young girls. There is a brightness and bubbliness to Olivia's point of view, that is presented with pink-coloured bold text. Danielle McDonald's cartoon illustrations add to the excitement and enjoyment of the story. Super science stars looks at acceptance, how to be a team player and celebrates having fun with Science.
Rhyllis Bignell