The magnificent Hercules Quick by Ursula Dubosarsky. Illus. by Andrew Joyner

This is a special 'Australia Reads' publication and a follow-on to Dubosarsky and Joyner's previous title Ask Hercules Quick. It's a short illustrated chapter book which works well as a read-aloud or for older independent readers. Dubosarsky's eccentric characters and silly storylines are perfectly accompanied by Joyner's vibrant, eye-catching illustrations.

Hercules Quick lives in a three-storey house with an assortment of other creatures, all with their own intriguing characteristics. Readers will feel absolutely enveloped in this comforting world that is brilliantly brought to life through text and image. Hercules is saving up to buy a box of magic tricks and in each chapter he does odd jobs for one of his neighbours. Mr Octopus needs an extra pair of hands (despite having eight of his own!), Second-Cousin-Twice-Removed Elk needs someone to tell his friend that he loves her and the turtle brothers Herbert and Mike are worried that they might have gotten their own names mixed up. Hercules faces each of these confounding problems with both puzzlement and eagerness. This is a beautifully quirky and humorous short chapter book bursting with rich language and even richer characters. Another delightful collaboration between two champion creators of children's literature.

Themes: Community, Helping.

Nicole Nelson