Hooey Higgins and the Shark by Steve Voake
| Hooey Higgins and the Shark by Steve Voake | |
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| Category: Confident Readers | |
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Reviewer: Keith Dudhnath
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| Summary: A light-hearted romp with schoolkids in a seaside town. The high pace and high silliness will particularly delight reluctant readers, but there's plenty for young readers of any ability to enjoy. | |
| Buy? Yes | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 112 | Date: March 2010 |
| Publisher: Walker | |
| External links: Author's website | |
| ISBN: 978-1406322347 | |
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A shark has been spotted in Shrimpton-on-Sea's bay. The local chocolate shop has a mahousive egg for sale for £65. Hooey Higgins decides to capture the former so he can charge admission and buy the latter. He's helped out on his adventures by Twig and Will, whilst they all hope they won't fall foul of the big bully Basbo.
Over the course of its short 112 pages, Hooey Higgins romps through the plot at a hell of a pace. Reluctant readers will feel right at home, as everything is energetic and bubbly. It's easy to follow, but it's also awash with quality. More confident readers who are looking for a light-hearted read will also find plenty to enjoy. There's silliness by the bucketload, including a World Of Warcraft-playing granny, and barmy shark-catching plans involving ketchup. It's wild and wacky, and in a great way.
Emma Dodson's illustrations bring plenty to the mix too. This is a 'proper' book, but words and pictures are woven together in perfect harmony. Every time Twig says Shweet, it's shown in a speech bubble. Other fonts are used (appropriately) to spice things up. The pictures of the protagonists themselves all boost the atmosphere and create a great impression of a gang of mates. It'll all strike a chord with reluctant readers, but at no point does it feel dumbed down.
The only minor criticism I have of Hooey Higgins is that it's all over so quickly. I'd call that craving more, rather than the book being lacking. It's well-written, dramatic, punchy, and you'll have a great time reading it. It's warmly recommended.
My thanks to the publishers for sending it to Bookbag.
Einstein's Underpants - And How They Saved The World by Anthony McGowan and Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder by Jo Nesbo are equally silly romps, although both are a bit longer. Swashbuckle School (Scarlet Silver) by Sarah McConnell and Lucy Courtenay is also great fun.
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You can read more book reviews or buy Hooey Higgins and the Shark by Steve Voake at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
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