Box car racers by Meredith Costain
Illus: by Danielle McDonald. Olivia's Secret Scribbles, book
6. Scholastic, 2019. ISBN: 9781760660031.
(Age: 5-8) Recommended. Themes: Friendship; Competitions; Recycling.
Recycling week at school gives opportunity for Olivia and her
classmates to show incredible creativity to make constructions out
of boxes. Olivia and her best friend Matilda create box cars which
leads to a further contest and a class 'car' race. The excitement of
the challenge influences everyone - including the teachers.
Written in the style of a personal journal with illustrations in a
very naive style with splashes of a single colour, this series
immediately appeals to young female readers. Every young reader will
recognise the friendship dilemmas, the interpersonal friendly
rivalry, the family interactions between Olivia and her older sister
Ella and the joys of a simple life!
Carolyn Hull