As RuPaul Charles famously proclaims: “Reading is fundamental!”. Reading is one of the first skills we are taught when we begin school, and quickly becomes an ability we rely on for everything we do, from academia to the ingredients in our shopping basket. But we also rely on reading for pleasure, to transport us to faraway worlds, or teach us more about our own. The importance of reading for pleasure, at all ages, cannot be overstated. And the youngest in our communities are often leading the charge.
This has been particularly true recently for the young Cubs of 59th Sheffield (St Augustine’s) Cub Scout Group, who have been working on achieving their Book Reader Activity Badge. This award focuses on Cub Scouts reading a range of books, talking about them with their fellow members and communities, as well as taking care of books, and using reference materials such as dictionaries. The final element of their badgework has seen them writing reviews of their favourite books, & the Cub Scouts have been kind enough to share their thoughts with Forge Press.
Looshkin by Jamie Smart ~ Daniel, aged 8
Looshkin is a crazy and full of chaos book [about] a cat named Looshkin who gets adopted by a family. In the family is a mum, a braindead dad and two stupid children. So I would recommend it
Rating: ★★★★☆
Speed Solving the Cube by Dan Harris ~ Logan, aged 10
I’d give this book five stars because it is informative and helpful. It has taught me many things (how to solve a 4×4 Rubik’s Cube) and other ways to solve a 3×3 cube. I would recommend it to anyone who has just started cubing or needs help with stuff. It has how to solve 2×2, 3×3, 4×4 and 5×5. Whether you want to impress your friends or become a world champion speed cuber, this is the guide to help you get there (though it might be a bit complex for younger kids in places).
Rating: ★★★★★
Neymar Rules by Simon Mugford & Dan Green ~ Echika, aged 8
I think this is a great book because it talks about Neymar’s life and what changed. I also liked it because it told me about the skills he made up, like the rainbow flick, ghost and a few more. I also liked it because it talked about his personality and how he is really kind off and on the pitch.
What I don’t like about the book – I think the book is nice and all, but I don’t like that they haven’t put colours. It looks boring but at least there are pictures. The other thing I don’t [like] is the size of the handwriting. It’s small I wish they could make it bigger.
Rating: ★★★★★
The Ministry of Unladylike Activity by Robin Stevens ~ Seb, aged 10
This is a murder-mystery about three children called May, Eric and Nuala. It was set in 1940 during the Blitz. The children are trying to become spies and learn that there is a spy at Elysium Hall. They start searching for the spy but run into a real-life murder at the Hall! The suspects are…everyone! So the children will have to cross them off one by one…
I personally really liked the mystery and history, the author made It sound very realistic and I nearly forgot it was fiction! There was a real twist at the end!
Rating: ★★★★★
Dog Man by Dav Pilkey ~ Nathan, aged 9
Dav is also the author of Captain Underpants. Dog Man is about a cool dog-headed cop. Dog Man usually saves the world from a robot called “beast of Eden” together with his friends. They are called THE SUPA BUDDIES. I like this book because it is funny and it has cliff-hangers at the end of each chapter. My favourite character is Petey the Cat because he makes cool robots to destroy the world.
The drawings on the books are great and the book would not be cool without them and it…is…a…COMIC!!! Even my friends love it! Dog Man is a series of books, not just one.
Rating: ★★★★★
Looshkin: Oof Right in the Puddings by Jamie Smarts ~ Ella, aged 10
This book is about a cat scientist who has heard about a crazy cat called Looshkin. He decided to study him for a week. However, there is a twist…Everyday, he becomes more crazy due to observation on this insane cat…
Rating: ★★★★★
Diary of a Taekwondo Master by Shamini Flint ~ Ronnie, aged 9
I like this book because it’s very funny and if you like martial arts this is the book for you
Rating: ★★★★★
Looshkin: Oof Right in the Puddings by Jamie Smarts ~ Millie, aged 10
This book is about a cat scientist who’s client told him about a crazy, fun-loving cat called Looshkin. Only studying him for a week shows him that Looshkin really is the maddest cat in the world…Get ready for giggles in this cat’s hilarious adventures!
Rating: ★★★★★
Knight Sir Louis and the Sorcerer of Slime by The Brothers McLeod ~ Zac, aged 9
This book is a funny, well-illustrated story about a knight who loses his job and gets it back by proving himself worthy by defeating an evil slime monster. I like that there are people who aren’t actually in the story but are talking about what is happening and are asking questions to the authors. I recommend this book to people who like funny adventure stories.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Dog Man: Fetch-22 by Dav Pilkey ~ Mylo, aged 9
This book is about a little dog and his cat friend called Lil Petey. Together, they make cool inventions. There is also a show about a lady who tries to make things fair, but she makes it more unfair than before. Because of some poison brain dots, she makes some tadpoles get really attached to her but super mean to everyone else, except little Molly who becomes friends with Lil Petey and helps save the town. I really love this book because of the awesome drawings and hilarious jokes.
Rating: ★★★★☆
The Brilliant World of Tom Gates by Liz Pichon ~ Noah, aged 8
Tom Gates, the main character, is an ordinary boy with an extraordinary imagination, and his doodle-filled, diary-style narration gives readers an intimate look into his world. It is engaging and accessible, making it easy for children to relate to Tom’s experiences at school, at home, and with his friends. The inclusion of Tom’s doodles adds an extra layer of fun to the storytelling, inviting readers to immerse themselves in his world visually.
Whether he’s avoiding his sister Delia’s anger or coming up with inventive ways to get his homework done, Tom’s funny misadventures will have readers gasping for air as they laugh along with him. Whether you’re a kid or a grown-up, you’re sure to find Tom’s actions entertaining.
Overall, The Brilliant World of Tom Gates is a must-read for young readers looking for a funny and heart-warming story that celebrates the joys and struggles of growing up. I hope you like it!
The Cub Scouts of 59th Sheffield hope that you have enjoyed their reviews & will pick up some of their favourite books yourself! The next generation of readers & journalists are on their way!
The authors of these reviews have all been awarded their Book Reader Activity Badge for their work. Learn more about volunteering with Scouting here
