Three Scoops

If any reader is unsure of which genre they may prefer to read, then put this book into their hands. The book has a bright eye-catching cover of an ice-cream with three different flavours, and even though the stories have nothing to do with ice-cream, it is a good analogy of what is inside the book: three different stories from different genres of about 100 pages each.

The first story, Coming Home, is set in NZ and involves Harry and his horse, Blaze, setting off for South Africa to fight in the Boer war in the late 19th century. These two have a special bond; Harry is excited about the war, Blaze doesn’t know what’s going on but has complete faith in his owner. Unfortunately, they are separated and both have to make their way home alone.

David tells the story through the two different characters, Blaze and Harry, in alternate paragraphs. The love and trust between a boy and his horse is celebrated in this story.

The next story includes a grumpy, green goblin and a boy struggling to fit into a new school. Although there is an element of fantasy in this story, children will identify with Trent’s wish to be special and fit in.

The final story is sci-fi and involves an asteroid hurtling towards earth set on a path of destruction. Although scientific and cultural ideas clash in the story, the finale shows that both elements can work together to solve a problem.

David’s writing is fast-paced and exciting, and with the human element included in all stories, readers who pick up this book will identify with the characters.

These stories lend themselves to being read aloud to students aged 9-13. Storylines have also included Three Scoops in their 2021 Notable Books List.

Title: Three Scoops

Author: David Hill

Illustrator: Lisa Allen

Publisher: One Tree House

ISBN: 9781990035029

RRP: $24.00

Format: paperback

Publication: 2021

Ages: 10+

Content advisory: this is just a spoiler alert…Blaze does make it home

Reviewer: Nova Gibson, Library Manager, Massey Primary School, Auckland

How are you recommending this book? Highly recommended

Opening Sentence: Harry ran through the back gate and into the paddock.

You can buy this book here and read a student review on the Hooked on Books website here