Bling Jollygood (The Fairly Secret Files)

By Nick Bland

Reviewed by Mia Macrossan

Nick Bland is one of Australia’s most popular and prolific creators, responsible for The Very Cranky Bear series, and the hilarious Bunny and Bird series which include How to Hatch a Dragon, How to be Invisible, and How to Make a Snowman, all reviewed in StoryLinks. His work is characterised by sharply observed humour, memorable characters and very silly plots that still manage to make a point. In Bling Jollygood he has produced a memorable hero whose adventures will strongly appeal to junior readers.

Bling, the offfspring of a love affair between a canary and a penguin, is an undercover reporter who discovers that an egg-shaped comet is hurtling towards Antarctica. She teams up with Roberta, a battered antique robot rabbit, Skreek, a tortoise covered in rockets and Boogerholser, an earnest bloodhound to try to save her mum, who lives there (and to save the rest of the world of course).

This is a crazy, joke filled space adventure that kids will enjoy reading. Nick has put in lots of illustrations that add to the fun as will the words and phrases in a large heavy black font that also add extra drama and excitement. At 128 pages it is perfect for those developing confidence in reading on their own. I am sure children will gobble this up and look forward to the next Bling adventure.

Suitable for readers aged 7+

Harper Collings 2025

Nick Bland