Pocket Rocket Go Girl: Dancing Queen

Pocket Rocket Go Girl: Dancing Queen by Thalia Kalkipsakis (Hardie Grant Egmont)

PB RRP $5.00

ISBN 978-192184887-2

Reviewed by Lillian Rodrigues-Pang

www.thestoryline.com.au

Pocket Rocket books are a new concept from Hardie Grant Egmont. They are small format books that cost only $5. The size makes them very convenient for carrying in a handbag (my 8 year old daughters or mine), or leave in the car/school bag for any situation that arises. Pocket Rockets include books for girls and boys; titles from Zac Powers, Go Girls, Naughty Stories, Space Scouts and From Your Diary With Love. They provide a low cost alternative so that kids can choose to buy books with their own pocket money or parents can try a new author/series.

I like the size format. I found it handy to have a small book that is an interesting read for my children and readily available. It makes for a quick special gift that I can read aloud with my kids as well - without being stuck for months!

I have previously quoted a “Go Girls” aim of producing refreshing and ‘real’ stories – no vampires or fairies anywhere. Once again this book offered exactly that.

Dancing Queen is a great little story using the first line of that wonderful ABBA song. The main character Charlie has worked hard to try her first ever dance class at a proper dance school. When she arrives she finds she does not fit in with the trendy dance class girls. However she also finds that she loves to dance. She persists past all the uncomfortable, teasing or shy moments

She holds on to her love of dance, a lot of practice and help from her best friend she becomes good enough to perform with the trendy girls at the concert. She has a believable and enjoyable friendship at school that adds light and humour to the story. She has to learn to have confidence in herself to be able to perform well – a great message for all girls.