Karen Foxlee (text) and Freda Chiu (illustrator), The Wrath of the Woolington Wyrm (Miss Mary-Kate Martin’s Guide to Monsters, #1), Allen and Unwin, May 2022, 288 pp., RRP $14.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781760526627
Miss Mary-Kate Martin is the daughter of two very accomplished globe-trotting archaeologists. Mary-Kate accompanies her archaeologist mother to the peaceful English countryside where she has been asked to investigate some interesting bones found in an old well; however, upon their arrival, they quickly realise that the tranquil town is anything but…
Mary-Kate does not fit the familiar stereotype of an archaeologist though or even a ‘monster hunter’ for that matter. She is an anxious little girl who uses a raft of strategies to manage her emotions, but she won’t be deterred when it comes to monster hunting. Dressed in her sparkly red shoes and complete with her strawberry scented notebook she will leave no stone unturned in her quest to find the mythical Woolington Wyrm who supposedly resides in an ancient well in the town of Woolington.
There are those that hunt monsters to harm them and there are those that hunt monsters to help them. Which one are you?
Readers will delight in this thrilling fantasy adventure. It is a completely charming book for young readers who are sure to be captivated from the very first line. The earth trembled as the creature left its lair at night.
Karen Foxlee sensitively explores general anxiety and including social anxiety, fear of the unknown, and the reward that comes with overcoming personal doubt and lack of self-belief by demonstrating Miss Mary-Kate Martin’s ability to display courage and determination in the face of imminent danger. Her original and relatable characters in this new book demonstrates her understanding of young people as she explores their issues and concerns with palpable empathy, compassion and clarity.
Freda Chiu is an author and illustrator from Sydney, Australia. In addition to illustrating children’s books, her work includes comics, editorial and retail graphics. Beyond her art practice, Freda lectures in Illustration at the University of Technology Sydney. Her debut picture book, A Trip to the Hospital, was short-listed for the IBBY Australia Ena Noël Award. Now, you may well ask, what would be a remarkable fantasy/adventure story without a map? And Chiu did not disappoint. She provides a detailed map which makes so much more sense at the conclusion of the book. Expressive black and white, spooky illustrations reflect the fear of the Woolington townspeople, and the fine black and white lines capture the innocence and sweet vulnerability of Mary-Kate.
I loved this suspenseful, adventuresome and magical story – I was completely hooked from the very first line and left me wanting more.
Recommended for readers 10+ who enjoy a good fantasy/adventure story.
Reviewed by Julie Deane
