Book Review: Captain Danger and the Stupid Shadow
March 12, 2026
Witty and whacky, this early reader is illustrated by the author in a bold, graphic style that includes beautiful double-page spreads.
Witty and whacky, this early reader is illustrated by the author in a bold, graphic style that includes beautiful double-page spreads.
Full of folklore, friendship dynamics and magical drama, these are excellent for 8-12 year old fans of Crookhaven and Enid Blyton.
Graham’s illustrations with their gentle washes of colour perfectly complement the Kelly’s journey of hope, persistence, and slowing down.
A brilliant finale, it does a great job of tying together storylines from the previous books while still delivering exhilarating plot twists!
Dealing with themes of identity, friendship & family truths, this continues Stead’s streak of clever, clear-sighted books for readers 10+.
Easy to drop in and out of, the illustrations flow from page to page and the text is written in a no-nonsense way.
I loved the casual diversity of the characters, the stark details of their environment, and the central, creepy mystery.
Told through journal entries to her grandma, this is a loving story of grief, friendship and proof that family isn’t always blood.
Dealing with some serious themes in a considered way, O’Shaughnessy weaves a believable narrative which balances tension and reflection.
Perfect for all ages, it’s full of mysteries, delightful characters and some surprisingly intense moments of action.
These stories tell the tales of what our tīpuna got up to back in the day and the adventures they went on to get us to where we are today.
Gavin Bishop returns with his newest work, Taniwha, to tell us all about them and their roles in te ao Māori.
Giselle Clarkson, creator of the award-winning Observologist brings the same magic to this fascinating exploration of all things feathery.
Stroud strikes a compelling (and rare) balance between rollicking action & personal quest as his antiheroes’ journey through the wastelands.
I loved this book, it is a collection of simple, sweet, short stories that have a deeper meaning and often convey a message of morality.
At the center of the story is Liddy, a plucky and unshakeable heroine whose facial expressions alone make every turn of the page rewarding.
This cosy, moving tale of self-acceptance was totally charming. I loved the main character Clare and his all-too-relatable self-doubts.
This is a delightful storybook that gives strong “Little Shop of Horrors” vibes, blending whimsical charm with a hint of mystery.
A love of the natural world (Watership Down is a real place) enables Adams the storyteller to deeply inhabit the lives of his characters.
When Stars Are Scattered is not just a story; it is a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of refugees around the world.