What Zola Did on Monday by Melina Marchetta

There is a story for every day of the week in Melina Marchetta’s new series for newly independent readers – not that each bright little chapter book is confined to one day: we don’t find out what Zola and her cousin Alessandro do on Mondays until the end of a book in which a lot of things happen and a modern neighbourhood is unobtrusively set up. The text is broken up with Deb Hudson’s charming black and white illustrations, which add warmth to the story and depict a diversity of characters. Even slightly older readers would enjoy these books because Zola is such a delightful, thoughtful, and slightly mischievous character. Alternatively, the book is also perfect for a caregiver to read aloud to a child who is not quite ready to read independently but still enjoys a story with a little more heart and solid storyline.

perfect for beginning readers who are ready to try reading chapter books on their own or aloud to an adult. Angela Crocombe, Books + PublishingĪ story bursting with warmth, family love, troublesome dogs, and growing things. Early readers aged 5–7 are very fortunate to now have a Melina Marchetta story just for them. What Zola Did on Monday is a great book for a child who is in the early stages of their reading journey. The black and white drawings by debut illustrator Deb Hudson are absolutely gorgeous and add a great deal of charm to an already delightful story. Marchetta weaves a simple but engaging story that encompasses multigenerational families and a close-knit community working together. The tale will delight younger readers, eager to find out how Zola resolves the situation she has made. Well supported with charming, family friendly illustrations, this lovely rounded story is told with a sensitivity for the generations that have preceded us. A series of stories for the newly capable reader will captivate its audience as they read of a girl just like them: one who gets into trouble without trying to, who seemingly does the wrong thing without meaning to, but is loved and cherished despite her shortcomings. This is a junior fiction series to pay attention to. It truly does warm your heart as you read it. a beautiful junior novel about family and community. a neglected garden that everyone has forgotten.

A beautiful street, a community of people you love. Sue Warren, Just So StoriesĪ beautiful big family, cousins living in the house behind you, a hole in the fence for you to climb through and play. Perfect for newly independent readers or for class or home read-alouds, I highly recommend this for little humans from around 6 years upwards. There is a rich diversity in families with single parents, same-sex parents, multi-generational families and different cultures. it’s about re-connecting with community and sharing care, compassion and concern. What an absolute joy is! From start to finish it ticks every box I love!. A charming series that will enchant all who read it.

What Zola Did on Monday by Melina Marchetta