Frazzled:
Everyday Disasters and Impending Doom by Booki Vivat
(Harper
Collins) PB RRP $14.99
ISBN
978002663665
Reviewed
by Karen Hendriks
Debut
author Vivat has creatively written a
fun, engaging book that has a strong voice for a young reader. This book would
suit 8-12 year olds. Vivat’s clever
doodles and illustrations sparkle and show emotion with honesty and warmth.
They show the dramatic Abbie Wu as a loveable, honest and likeable
character. How can you not like Abbie
Wu’s open heart?
Vivat’s original style of writing speaks
clearly to young readers in their own language.
The story moves at a lively pace with a fun sense of humour.
‘Not
all adults are that honest. On the way home from back-to-school shopping, Mum
made a surprise stop at Antonia’s and offered to buy me a pastry. But, turns
out, the pastry was a trap! Let’s talk about school.’
The
themes of change, finding your ‘thing’ and fitting in are popular with middle
grade students. School is a big deal at
this age, and making subject choices and fitting in is very important. Abbie is a middle child too so she is stuck
in the middle of everywhere. Being in
the middle makes you invisible.
Abbie
Wu is dramatic and everything is always a crisis: ‘I am guaranteed without a
doubt 100% doomed.’
Vivat
shares pieces of herself in her character Abbie Wu who just makes you
smile. Once you start reading this book
it’s hard to put down.
Frazzled will have leave
young readers wanting more of Abbie Wu. I wouldn’t be surprised if a series is
written about Abbie Wu.
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