Coral Vass (text) and Heidi Cooper Smith (illustrator), The Green-Eyed Monster (Amanda Commander #5), Wombat Books, October 2024, 96 pp., RRP $12.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781761111341
Amanda, and her two best friends Mai and Lu, have been working together on projects for about three years. Known as the Dolphin Squad, they set about to help others in the community so, when Amanda notices the poster on the school noticeboard inviting auditions for a school production, she knows just the person for the lead role, Rosie. Rosie has a fabulous singing voice. But Rosie lacks confidence. She doesn’t feel she should audition; she feels she won’t be good enough. She is afraid of embarrassing herself —in front of the whole school.
There is also another consideration causing Rosie’s insecurity. Everyone in the school knows that fellow student Bella is always given the lead role in every production. Bella is confident, and a bit of a show-off, plus she takes singing lessons. But Dolphin Squad think a change is in order. Rosie should be encouraged to audition. For support, Amanda, Lu and Mai decide to also audition, in their case for the lesser roles. But Rosie will need more than the Dolphin Squad at her side when it is announced that Rosie will be playing the lead role. Bella is more than furious.
Amanda Commander – the Green-Eyed Monster is the fifth book in the popular, Amanda Commander series – all of which (incidentally) include a colour in their title. In these books, author Vass presents characters who are loyal and kind, clear-thinking and resourceful. The three young girls of the Dolphin Squad work collaboratively in consultation with those in need to untangle everyday situations that can be the cause so much unhappiness. Through the voice of Amanda, author Vass presents options and ideas on ways to overcome problems experienced by so many during their school days. With gentle guidance, readers become involved in the problem-solving activities of these young folk, who are about the same age as the readers to provide a subtle blueprint of ways to navigate through the ups-and-downs of everyday life.
Amanda Commander – The Green-Eyed Monster is an easy read. The text is well-spaced and the black and white illustrations by Heidi Cooper are a lively accompaniment to the direct youthful text. This book is yet another timely narrative written by Vass to assist young people obtain the tools for life, an accessible book in every way. The comradery of The Dolphin Squad – Amanda, Mai, and Lu – provides a significant role model of those motivated by good intention and care of others. This is a very satisfying read.
Reviewed by Jennifer Mors