When Frankie Made a Human

All Frankie wants is to make a friend. His monster classmates are constantly unkind to him, leaving him feeling lonely. He decides to make himself a friend- a human one. After the Big Argument, humans moved away from Monsterweld, but Frankie is sure it will be OK. However, as he gets to know his creation, Frankie realises that humans might be more trouble than they are worth…

Told with Rachel Delahaye’s trademark humour, ‘When Frankie Made a Human’ is a brilliant read. Although a ‘monster’, Frankie is a gentle, thoughtful soul who longs for a friend. In a twist on Mary Shelley’s original, the monster creates a human who he calls Fido- with disastrous consequences. Although Fido’s antics provide much to chuckle over, the story cleverly presents the reader with plenty to think about in terms of how humans’ desire for progress is not always a good thing.

The importance of friendship is at the heart of the book. Frankie’s classmates taunt him with their thoughtless comments and unkind behaviour, suddenly taking interest in him when they thought it was worth it for them and then casually abandoning him again once they lost interest. Fido becomes manipulative, using ‘friendship’ as a way of getting Frankie to agree with him and even Frankie is suspicious of ‘Spooky Suki’ and her dolls before coming to value her as a friend. The story offers plenty of opportunities for discussions about getting to know people rather than judging on appearance and exploring what real friendship might look like.

There is so much to enjoy and explore in this story! Generously illustrated throughout by Maïté Schmitt, it would make a perfect class story or guided reading text as well as a most enjoyable independent read. I hope there are more adventures for Frankie and Suki to come!

When Frankie Made a Human

Rachel Delahaye, illustrated by Maïté Schmitt

Sweet Cherry ISBN: 978-1782268253

You can read my review of Mort the Meek and the Monstrous Quest here , Mort the Meek and the Perilous Prophecy here, Day of the Whale here and Electric Life here.

Christie and Agatha’s Detective Agency: Of Mountains and Motors

Twin sisters and detectives, Christie and Agatha, are delighted when they head off to Scotland to witness Mr Alexander Jr’s daring attempt to drive to the summit of Ben Nevis. However, not everyone is so thrilled by the prospect and it soon becomes clear that someone is trying to sabotage the expedition. Can the girls solve the mystery and save the day?

The second book in this series, ‘Of Mountains and Motors’ mixes historical detail and an entertaining story with some super sleuthing to create a fun, accessible read. Perfect for using as a guided reading text , there is much to enjoy in this slender volume.

Although twins, Christie and Agatha have very different personalities. Whilst Agatha enjoys reading and has dreams of becoming an author, her sister, Christie loves to climb trees and has a great interest in engineering. They make a lively combination, both bringing skills to the process of detection.

The stories full of references to the great Agatha Christie. From the children’s names to the fact they live in Torquay, location of Christie’s childhood home. I love the character of Auguste- Belgian and fastidious, he embodies Poirot and even makes mention of the ‘little grey cells’! It may well lead children to the world of Christie and her novels!

As well as offering an appealing mystery to solve, the story includes real people and real events. Arthur Conan Doyle makes an appearance and the attempt by Mr Alexander Jr to drive a Model T Ford to the top of Ben Nevis really happened. A note about these things is included at the back of the book, offering a starting point for those who would like to discover more!

Illustrated throughout by Roberta Tedeschi, ‘Of Mountains and Motors’ is an appealing and enjoyable story, perfect for newly independent readers! Can’t wait to read their next adventure.

Christie and Agatha’s Detective Agency:

Of Mountains and Motors

Pip Murphy, illustrated by Roberta Tedeschi

Sweet Cherry ISBN: 978-1782268154