
05-04-2013, 11:00 AM
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Newbie
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Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 1
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Opal Moonbaby by Maudie Smith
Opal Moonbaby, by Maudie Smith is essentially a book about friendship which is tested to the limit by its protagonists.
Martha and her brother, Robbie live in a small town and lead normal lives until Opal descends to earth from planet Carnelia and has quickly to become an earthling – on pain of death if matters go awry. There are heart-stopping moments: will Opal live or die? However, her friendship with the marvellous Martha steers her through some difficult times
Maudie Smith brings the character of Martha to life and one can imagine the horror Martha feels as her friendship with best friend Chloe is slowly sucked dry by the calculating Colette. Fear not, dear Reader, as one knows that Colette will receive her comeuppance at some time in the future…..
Opal’s fledgling use of English is a delight to children who can share in the play on words running throughout the book, indeed they feel very pleased with themselves when realising an incorrect word has been used – a good ploy, perhaps, for reluctant readers.
The charming illustrations by Gillian Johnson very much enhance the book bringing the characters springing to life, however I would have loved to have seen what Alesha, the hairdresser looked like too!
A good choice of for children (particularly but not exclusively girls) aged in the 6 -10 year age group.
Please note that my copy had a few typographical errors in the first few chapters: words were strung together.
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