This book is in bookshops now and is a finalist in the New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards.
The Fly Papers – Book one The Flytrap Snaps is quite a snappy read. Fast paced and hilarious (and I do not use this word lightly) it has all the ingredients a book for this age group (8-12) should have: courageous kids, an unscrupulous villain and incompetent parents.This book also has an added layer of satire.
I especially liked the setting. All the action is taking place in the town of Filmington, formerly Flemington, now favoured by the movie industry. Priceless.
The main character Spencer Fogle is someone a 10-year-old might be able to identify with: caring, insecure and resourceful. Dion, the genetically modified venus flytrap with amibitions to become a celebrity is as crazy as befits its species. The villain appears aptly evil, complete with numbskull sidekicks, spending almost the entire book trying to snatch Dion back off Spencer. Will they succeed? Not a dull moment in sight.
The book finds a perfect balance between adventure and the absurd. Good fun. A worthy finalist. I’m so glad this is only part one. I am thoroughly looking forward to part two due out later this year.
Reviewed by Melanie Wittwer, Facebook fan.
The Fly Papers – Book one The Flytrap Snaps
by Johanna Knox, illustrated by Sabrina Malcolm
Published by Hinterlands Press
ISBN 9780473179960
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