Katrina Nannestad (text) and Lucia Masciullo (illustrator), Olive of Groves, HarperCollins, July 2023, 288 pp., RRP $17.99 (pbk), ISBN 9780733342615
Olive’s dream of attending boarding school is about to be realised. Little does she know that Mrs Groves’ Boarding School for Naughty Boys, Talking Animals and Circus Performers, is not exactly what she had imagined, not even close. Mrs Groves, the headmistress, lives in a state of continual chaos and Pig McKenzie, the school bully, is relentless in his pursuit of Olive.
Olive, a simple, ordinary (but clever), everyday girl, quickly befriends three rats, a short-sighted moose, a goose who faints at the sight of cherries and a compulsive liar – all of whom quickly become Olive’s loyal and devoted friends. But will this be enough for Olive to foil Pig McKenzie’s Wicked Plan? Or will Olive be expelled from Groves forever?
I thoroughly enjoyed this magical, heartfelt story of family, friendship and belonging.
Recommended for readers 8 -12 years.
Reviewed by Julie Deane
Katrina Nannestad (text) and Lucia Masciullo (illustrator), Olive of Groves and the Great Slurp of Time, HarperCollins, July 2023, 288 pp., RRP $17.99 (pbk), ISBN 9780733342646
When we last met Olive, she had defeated the loathsome school bully, Pig McKenzie, and proved her acrobatic skills, thus earning herself a permanent spot at Groves – the ‘esteemed Boarding School for Naughty Boys, Talking Animals and Circus Performers.’
Olive of Groves and the Great Slurp of Time, introduces ‘an astonishing visitor’ to Groves. But just when we thought it was nigh impossible for matters to get any stranger, a twelve-year-old time traveller lands on the school’s doorstep. Immediately, a new dose of trouble is pending, and soon Olive is off on an unbelievable and quite unexpected journey into the past …
Reviewed by Julie Deane
Katrina Nannestad (text) and Lucia Masciullo (illustrator), Olive of Groves and the Right Royal Romp, HarperCollins, July 2023, 288 pp., RRP $17.99 (pbk), ISBN 9780733342622
The fun, games and a massive dose of mayhem continue for Olive and her friends in Olive of Groves and the Right Royal Romp. Her Royal Highness, the Queen, is coming to visit Mrs Groves’ Boarding School for Naughty Boys, Talking Animals and Circus Performers. She is coming for tea. Nothing can stand in the way of a perfect visit from this very special royal. And yet as always … the hideous hog and vile villain, Pig McKenzie returns at the most inopportune moment, and combined with the arrival of a very strange woman called Francine Thistlebloom who takes charge of Mrs Groves’ Boarding School for Naughty Boys, Talking Animals and Circus Performers School, the pressure is mounting, for the addle-brained Mrs Groves, to prepare for this most momentous occasion. The Queen’s visit must be an overwhelming success or Mrs Groves’ esteemed school will be closed forever.
Oh deary, deary me! Nothing ever runs smoothly at Groves!
Someone needs to take control. Someone with big ideas and an even bigger heart. Someone named Olive.
Reviewed by Julie Deane
The Olive of Groves series is a perfect choice for middle to upper primary school students. A delightful, hilarious story full of suspense and drama that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end. And for little girls who love a good boarding school escapade and likewise for boys who enjoy the antics of mischievous little boys, Olive of Groves promises to entertain. Republished with new covers these books are sure to find a new audience.
