Book: Lulu Bell & the Birthday Unicorn/ & the Fairy Penguin, by Belinda Murrell

Shane | 20 June 2013 | Reply

Published by Random House Australia
May 2013
Reviewed by Tia and Shane Pinnegar
9/10

Belinda Murrell grew up in a vet hospital, and after a career in journalism and technical writing she turned her adept hand to fantasy (The Sun Sword trilogy) and Australian historical tales (The Forgotten Pearl, River Charm), before creating Lulu Bell, a charming and precocious child living in her own parent’s vet hospital.

These first two books in the Lulu Bell series are adorably cute and ideal for bedtime or rainy afternoon reading with the family.

Six year old Tia loved both books, declaring that the stories were exciting, and the details were very important to her enjoyment of the books – she really enjoyed hearing about the party decorations, cake design, and in the second book, the mural the kids painted at school. She also loved the fact that she could read some of the books herself, and Lulu’s family and friends were all nice, and fun, especially young Gus, perpetually encased in his superhero ‘Bug Boy’ suit and mask! She also loved the illustrations, rendered cartoonishly in pencil by the very talented Serena Geddes.

In the Birthday Unicorn, Lulu’s little sister Rosie is having a birthday party and Dad has to search for a lost pony. As the party unfolds, delightful hijinks ensue and there are laughs a-plenty for young readers as they identify with Lulu’s creative, caring nature and her adorable family.

The Fairy Penguin sees Lulu’s Dad rescue an injured penguin, and once again the focus is on family, sharing, caring and a lovably cute ending.

Lulu Bell is perfectly tailored for a TV cartoon or movie, so keep your eyes out for that in the next few years, and Tia can’t wait for the next two books – Lulu Bell And The Cubby Fort, & Lulu Bell And The Moon Dragon – in August 2013.