Sally Sutton (text), Kirsten Richards (illus.), Glitterwing’s Book Week Blunder (Miniwings), Scholastic Australia, 1 June 2017, 96pp., $6.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781775434238
Sally Sutton (text), Kirsten Richards (illus.), Whizz’s Internet Oopsie (Miniwings), Scholastic Australia, 1 June 2017, 96pp., $12.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781775434245
Who knew six tiny winged toy horses could create so much mischief? But this is exactly what happens in Glitterwing’s Book Week Blunder and Whizz’s Internet Oopsie when these feisty and adventurous equine creatures come to life away from adult eyes. And while this is fun for their owners, Sophia and her sister Chloe, the Miniwings seem to get themselves, and the girls, into some awkward and amusing situations.
Glitterwing’s Book Week Blunder and Whizz’s Internet Oopsie are two in the series of six Miniwings books by author, Sally Sutton. The stories are told by Sophia who feels it is time for her to share her secret about the Miniwings – but not out loud.
The themes are certainly light and bright. The language is very accessible with the well-spaced text making it an attainable read for most seven year olds as they enter the exciting world of chapter books. 
Initially, I was disappointed with the gender-specific personality traits of the Miniwings – the females are pretty and sparkly, decorative and bejewelled; the males brave and strong, pesky and frisky – but I am sure most seven year olds, particularly girls for whom these books have been written, will be delighted with the fluttery appearance and quirky characteristics of the come-to-life toys.
It is the illustrations by Kirsten Richards which make these books enchanting for me. The delightfully professional drawings and beautiful rendering of the characters made me want to linger on each page just to soak up its lively line drawings, and carefully controlled colour palette. The abundant drawings are cleverly placed to support the text on every page; so helpful for young readers as they seek out visual clues to inform their word knowledge.
And while the pastel tones and sparkly covers of the books may dissuade my seven year old grandson from selecting them from the bookshelf, I know many seven year old girls who will thoroughly enjoy these mischievous Miniwings – particularly for their sparkle and magic.
Reviewed by Jennifer Mors
