T2 Book Review Competition Winner
Aug 30 2025
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Book Review Competition!
We were truly impressed by the insight, creativity, and passion shown in all the submissions.
After careful review, we are excited to announce the winners.
🎉 Congratulations to all the winners, and once again, thank you to everyone who took part!
| Full Name | Grade | Branch |
| Abdullah Moazzam | 5 | Randwick |
| Alveena Sameen | 5 | Liverpool |
| Lena Takahashi | 5 | Ryde |
| Mathura Sayanthan | 5 | Strathfield |
| Kriday Sathu | 4 | Castle Hill |
| Bella Feng | 4 | Liverpool |
| Jhanvi Oruganti | 4 | Baulkham Hills |
| Md Tammam Islamarad | 4 | Liverpool |
| Safreen Tasmia Hossain | 4 | Cabramatta |
| Shamidha Padhi | 4 | Cabramatta |
| Yahavi Bhaskara | 4 | Baulkham Hills |
| Abdulqadir Ramay | 3 | Hurstville |
| Danny Zhang | 3 | Strathfield |
| Megan Louis | 3 | Strathfield |
| Reyan Pavuluru | 2 | Baulkham Hills |
| Charlotte Chen | 2 | Eastwood |
| Yiguo Chen | 2 | Strathfield |
| [ Student: Abdullah Moazzam ] |
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| Book Review: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer This book is titled The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, written by Mark Twain. It features four main characters: Tom, Huck, Becky, and Injun Joe. Tom Sawyer is the lively and imaginative protagonist of the story. He is a clever, mischievous, and adventurous boy who lives with his kind but strict Aunt Polly in the small town of St. Petersburg, Missouri, located along the Mississippi River. Tom is known for his playful tricks, such as when he famously convinces other boys to paint a fence for him by making it seem like a privilege. Although he often gets into trouble, Tom has a good heart and a growing sense of right and wrong. He develops a romantic interest in Becky Thatcher and experiences the highs and lows of young love. Throughout the novel, Tom embarks on exciting and sometimes dangerous adventures. One of the most serious events occurs when the boys witness a murder committed by Injun Joe in a graveyard. Although they are scared, Tom eventually finds the courage to testify in court to save an innocent man, Muff Potter. Later, Tom and Becky get lost in McDougal’s Cave, where Tom’s bravery and quick thinking help them find a way out. In the end, Tom discovers a hidden treasure left behind by Injun Joe, becoming wealthy and celebrated in their town. Throughout the story, Tom evolves from a mischievous boy into a more responsible and courageous young man, symbolising the journey from childhood to maturity. Huck Finn is the deuteragonist of the story and loves to accompany Tom on his adventures. He has been a loyal companion, and they have been the best of friends ever since. From their adventure on Jackson Island to finding treasure with “The Black Avenger of the Spanish Main” in a mysterious cave, Tom and Huck consistently support each other through their various adventures. Becky Thatcher is the tritagonist of the story, serving as the third most important character after the protagonist, Tom Sawyer, and another key figure. She is notably portrayed as Tom’s love interest throughout the narrative. In Chapter 7, a significant event occurs when Becky and Tom get married, symbolizing their close relationship. However, Tom reveals to Becky that he was already in love with Amy Lawrence, which adds complexity to his feelings and the storyline. The next time Becky and Tom are together is during their adventurous exploration of the dangerous McDougal cave, where they face various challenges and dangers, including bats and Injun Joe. Injun Joe is the tetartagonist, making him the fourth most important character in the story’s hierarchy. He appears on two critical occasions: first, when he murders Dr. Robinson and subsequently buries his body in Hoss’s grave, an act that adds tension and suspense to the plot. The second appearance is during the cave incident when Tom and Becky are trapped inside the dark and perilous McDougal cave, with Injun Joe lurking nearby, further heightening the story’s suspense and danger. Both Becky Thatcher and Injun Joe play vital roles in shaping the story’s development, with Becky’s romantic entanglements and Injun Joe’s sinister actions driving key plot points and emotional depth. One of the most engaging and plot-driving events was when Tom, Joe Harper, and Huck went to Jackson Island. They stayed there for 5 days. They faced some perilous hurdles, such as getting lost, dying of boredom, or even the torrent that struck on the last two days of their stay. It was horrendous for their carers, Aunt Polly, Joe’s mum, and Mary. They were wailing for them to come back, and Tom was watching all of this. He felt pity but realised that it was a great time for Tom to tell his fellow mates. He went back and explained what had happened to the two of them. After this, Joe had a strong desire to go home and wanted to leave the place. Huck also wanted to leave, and so as they were about to get on the raft, Tom ran over like a hare and explained to them that they could trick everyone into holding their funeral while they were alive. They were motivated to do everything they could to stay until Sunday, the day their funeral was going to be held. Following, their fortunes dropped. A torrent came pouring down on them, and for the next few hours, they stayed in the tent, idle. When the rain was at its highest, they held hands, and for the time being, they remained in the tent. After the calamity, they went back to the church and waited until the minister finished the closing speech, and then the three came out, and everyone smiled in delight. Another notable event is the suspenseful story in Chapter 9, when Injun Joe and Muff Potter murdered Dr Robinson. This was started when Injun Joe was angered by being captured by Robinson’s father and sought revenge. When they started to dig up the grave, they found a box and the doctor had intentions of taking it and succeeding it, Injun threatened him to hand over the box but was reluctant to give it and then a fight began between the two and the murderer: Injun Joe: easily won by stabbing Dr Robinson and closed the scene. The next important event was when Tom and Becky were stuck in the cave and did not remember their track. They were stuck in a cave after their picnic, and no one realised that they had gone missing, so they decided to explore the cave, and they were following bats until they reached a point where they could not remember the way back. Becky started wailing and was starving, but Tom gave her a slice of their wedding cake. Following this, the couple had a rest for a while, and after this interval, they decided to find a way to escape the cave. It took a while, but finally they reached the land outside the cave. There was a ship roaming the area around the island and got them up. They were finally able to return to their homeland, and everyone rejoiced to see them again. Many mini events in the story include when Tom gets his friends to do his fake hobby for him, when really it was work, Tom selling the items he got for making people paint the fence for him, etc. These events are not that important, but when you read all of them(the group of all the stories), the element of Tom’s mischief comes into place. After all this experience of tremendous events leads up to the end, Tom grows up and gets ready for his pre-teen life, which leads to the end of the story. Although his adventures were very troublesome, they brought a sense of humour to him. His adventures, such as on the island, made him snicker, but later he realised it was very sinful to do it, and the same rules apply to the adventures in the graveyard, in the cave, and many more. My favourite character was Injun Joe because he is dark-hearted and has evil intentions. He enhances the story’s suspense and is the main character in the scene in the graveyard. Injun Joe portrays a great character in the cave event because they ( Tom and Becky ) got scared and had to stay there for an extra period or 2. This makes the village more worried and brings more tension. He builds a great, mischievous person who is needed to make the story more engaging. The story shows friendship in many ways: the main one being the friendship between Tom and Huck. They build a strong relationship in the story, such as the event on the island where they wait for the funeral, Joe rejects his plan, but Huck accepts it. This shows that he has built a strong friendship and keeps it consistent for the entire time. Courage was shown during Muff’s trial when Tom was brave enough to explain what happened in the graveyard and how Injun Joe was the murderer. The courage is further enhanced when Tom runs off with his friends to Jackson Island. Cleverness is shown when Tom tricks his friends into painting the fence while he supervises happily in the shade. Another circumstance is when he is in the cave with Becky and finds a way out. The last event/coincidence was when he wanted to avoid medicine by giving it to the cat. That was a clever way of showing Aunt Polly what the result would have been. I would love to be in Tom’s world because that world is full of fun and learning. It is also good for going on adventures. This inspires me to go on various adventures, finding new and weird things. I would also like to live in his world as it reminds me of staying part of our own culture. I would recommend this book to any readers who are interested in suspenseful stories or adventures. This book is great due to its vivid illustrations, imagery, and extensive dialogue. It is a highly advanced story and truly is one of the best stories I have read before. |
| [ Student: Alveena Sameen ] |
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| Book Review: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain follows the life of a mischievous and adventurous young boy named Tom Sawyer, who lives in the small town of St. Petersburg, Missouri, along the Mississippi River. Set in the mid-19th century, the novel explores Tom’s coming-of-age story, focusing on his adventures, relationships, and moral development. Main Characters: Tom Sawyer: The protagonist, a clever and often naughty boy known for his schemes and tricks. Aunt Polly: Tom’s strict but loving aunt, who raises him after his parents’ death. Huckleberry Finn: Tom’s best friend, an outcast boy who prefers the freedom of the outdoors and lives a life with few rules. Becky Thatcher: Tom’s love interest, a smart and well-mannered girl. Joe Harper: Another one of Tom’s close friends, who joins him on various adventures. Plot Summary: The story begins with Tom living under the care of his Aunt Polly. He is frequently in trouble for his antics, such as tricking other boys into doing his chores. Tom has a knack for getting out of sticky situations with wit and charm, and his ability to talk his way out of trouble often gets him into even more predicaments. One of the early plot points involves Tom’s creative manipulation of his friends into whitewashing a fence, which he convinces them is a special privilege. He also becomes enamored with Becky Thatcher, whom he tries to impress with a series of stunts and schemes. Tom’s adventures take him to different places, including an exciting journey to an island with Huck Finn, where they plan to live as pirates. The boys run away to Jackson Island, but soon, they begin to realize that their romanticized idea of freedom isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. In the middle of the book, Tom and Huck discover treasure hidden in a cave, which leads to a dramatic confrontation with a villainous character, Injun Joe. Tom testifies in court to expose Joe’s criminal deeds, showing both bravery and a growing sense of responsibility. Themes: Childhood and Adventure: The book portrays the joy and recklessness of childhood, filled with pranks, exploration, and freedom. Moral Development: Tom faces challenges that push him toward growth, such as understanding the value of honesty, responsibility, and courage. Social Expectations: The novel subtly critiques societal norms and the expectations placed on children and adults, as Tom navigates between personal freedom and social responsibility. Conclusion: The novel ends on a note of moral redemption and adventure. Tom and Huck’s discovery of treasure leads to a resolution where justice is served. Tom matures through his experiences, learning valuable lessons about life, friendship, and what it means to be a good person. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a timeless tale that blends humor with social commentary, offering readers a glimpse into the playful, yet challenging, world of a young boy in a small American town. The book is often considered a classic of American literature, not only for its lively storytelling but for its insightful exploration of human nature and society. Book Review Plot Overview: At the heart of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is Tom, a clever and rebellious boy who frequently finds himself in trouble—whether he’s tricking other boys into doing his chores or getting involved in grand schemes like treasure hunting. Tom’s adventures are marked by his close friendships with characters like Huck Finn, his love for the spirited Becky Thatcher, and his constant rivalry with his half-brother Sid. Tom’s ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into grand exploits is a central theme of the book. Whether it’s whitewashing a fence, exploring caves, or searching for treasure, Tom finds excitement and meaning in the simplest moments of life. The novel explores themes of freedom, childhood innocence, and the tension between societal expectations and personal desires. Themes and Social Commentary: While the story is often lighthearted and full of humor, Twain also subtly critiques social conventions and adult hypocrisy. Tom’s defiance of authority and his disregard for conventional rules reflect a child’s natural inclination toward freedom and imagination. This is in stark contrast to the moral rigidity and often flawed adult characters he encounters. The relationships between the characters also reveal the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and love. Tom’s bond with Huck, for example, highlights the divide between social classes and the concept of loyalty outside the boundaries of law and civilization. Writing Style: Twain’s writing is one of the major reasons for the book’s enduring appeal. His use of dialects and rich, vivid descriptions captures the essence of the American South during the mid-19th century. His humor is sharp, and he uses it to offer insight into human nature, often with a satirical edge. His wit is never condescending but instead playful, making readers both laugh and think about the underlying issues at hand. Characterization: Tom Sawyer is the quintessential “bad boy” hero, who embodies the curiosity, mischief, and restlessness of childhood. He is a flawed, yet lovable protagonist, whose courage and imagination lead him into both trouble and triumph. His adventures and misadventures serve as a mirror to the complexities of growing up. Huckleberry Finn, Tom’s best friend, is an equally compelling character, representing the outsider—unrefined, rebellious, and free from societal constraints. Huck’s character was so memorable that he eventually became the protagonist of his own novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which explores deeper themes of race, morality, and friendship. Conclusion: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a brilliant and enduring novel that offers more than just a series of childhood adventures. Through Tom’s lively escapades and the vibrant world Twain creates, readers are offered a window into the challenges of growing up, the power of imagination, and the struggle between societal expectations and personal freedom. Whether it’s your first time reading it or your fiftieth, the novel remains a delightful exploration of youth, rebellion, and the pursuit of adventure. With its perfect blend of humor, adventure, and social critique, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is not only a quintessential American classic but a novel that continues to resonate with readers of all ages. |
| [ Student: Lena Takahashi ] |
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| Book Review: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Reviewed by Lena Takahashi || Rating: 6.5/10 The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a thrilling and suspenseful classic written by renowned American author Samuel Langhorne Clemens, more commonly known as Mark Twain. Set in the nineteenth century, in a small town nestled by the banks of the grand Mississippi River, the spotlight shines on young but adventurous mischief-maker Tom Sawyer. Orphaned and living with his Aunt Polly and half-brother Sid, he embarks on a series of exciting and potentially dangerous expeditions. It all starts on one particularly trying Saturday afternoon, when Tom is punished by Aunt Polly for being caught playing hookey late at night. His task? He has to whitewash the entire fence while he watches his friends play happily around him. However, not only does Tom possess an intrepid spirit, but can easily outsmart others. By pretending that painting the fence is a relaxing and enjoyable recreation instead of a painstaking punishment, he hoaxes his friends into coating the entire thing until the paint runs out – and gets little ‘treasures’ from them in return, too. This small mischief is only the first in a long journey to come ahead of Sawyer. Huckleberry Finn, considered somewhat of an outlaw amongst the boys living in the little village, befriends Tom. One night, they creep into a graveyard, discussing common superstitions, when an unexpected event occurs – Injun Joe murders Hoss Williams, and frames drunk Muff Potter for it. Huck and Tom are the only eyewitnesses, but swear an oath to keep silent, trying to return to normal life and glaze over the gruesome memory. Having piqued the interest of Amy Lawrence, Tom and Amy have been ‘engaged’ for a week; only for Tom to fall in love with a newcomer, Betty Thatcher. He manages to fight for her love back, until he accidentally lets slip his previous relationship with Lawrence. Betty becomes jealous and doubtful, and leaves him. This is all regretted when Tom escapes the town to become a pirate with his fellow friends Joe Harper and Huck. News rapidly spreads around the town of their disappearance like a stream. One day, the trio hear a familiar noise… the sound of horns playing in the distance, which means that someone has passed away. The boys, to their dismay, draw the logical conclusion that their tiny community thought they had drowned, though they were all strong swimmers. They rather quickly made peace with the fact, thinking that they were better off without their families or friends, but quietly, doubts began to whir in their heads. Since none of them spoke up, Tom decided to take action by sneaking off and wading through the waters separating them from the familiar landscape, fitting himself in a hiding spot in his house and eavesdropping on his cousin, Mary, Aunt Polly, Joe Harper’s mother and Sid talking to each other and grieving about Tom and Joe’s alleged deaths. Slowly, as more details are revealed, a sneaky plan forms in Tom’s mind Many more long, long days passed before Tom finally revealed to his two faithful companions that he’d snuck off to find his family again and heard them talking about the time and whereabouts of their funeral. The three planned to walk right in and surprise everyone attending the service. After they achieved their goal, they became legends to the younger boys and even the older ones admired them, though, not as mindlessly. The only problem for Tom now was; Becky. Many unsuccessful confrontations passed, including Tom pretending to be in love with Amy only to ditch her again, and Betty talking to another boy. Finally, though, they managed to make up for all their shortcomings and got back together. Although this may seem like a happily ever after, Tom’s buried worries were still lingering in the back of his mind; and, sure enough, they resurfaced. Muff Potter was to recieve his trial for ‘murdering’ Hoss Williams, a crime that Injun Joe had truly commited, though Potter had been too drunk to remember. Just as he was about to be charged with the offence, someone called upon Sawyer and Finn to testify. They both told the truth – that Injun Joe had framed Potter by using his knife to ultimately end a man’s life. Before anyone could react or arrest him, he ran away and went into hiding. Soon, after relentless and fruitless searches, Tom’s careful caution wore thin, and he, once again, resumds his explorations. Hunting for treasure, he entered a haunted house, only for disguised Injun Joe and a new accomplice to steal it from right in front of his and Huck’s eyes. Determined to win it back, the duo tracked down the Injun’s lodgings. Huck, stationed nearby, followed Joe and his shady companion as they trekked up a hill to the Widow Douglas’s home – where Tom and Betty currently were, unkown to any of them. Injun Joe was thirsty for revenge on the widow’s deceased husband, and wanted to take it out on the poor, innocent soul. Just in time, Huckleberry ran down and alerted an old man and his sons, who took their hunting rifles and intervened, saving Tom, Betty and the widow’s lives. Injun Joe slipped out of their grasp again, his locations unkown. It just seemed like fate when Tom spotted him lost in the same cave system that he and Betty were trapped in. When they eventually made it out of another exit and a search party led them back to the town, Huck was sick and confined to his bed, and Tom was advised to tell him stories of his adventure, so he wouldn’t get too excited in his circumstances. When Tom asked about what happened to the cave system, Judge Thatcher, Betty’s father, assured him that they welded a strong door to block the cave entrance and did the same to every entry point. Suddenly, a sickening thought struck Tom’s mind – Injun Joe had been stuck in the caves for two weeks. He urged the judge to help, but by the time they had undone all the locks, it was too late; he had already passed away and was long gone. Even though the scene was terrifying, young Sawyer’s mind was now at peace, for the enemy he had feared was no longer with them. The story ends on that note of finality, wrapping up all of Tom’s ventures with a neat bow. The amount of growth and understanding held in the bundle of ink of paper is impressive, as the eccentric protagonist definitely matures from the cunning but tamed start to the wild ending. Overall, this book was one that was definitely filled with surprising adventures, revelations and mystery. Reading the novel to me sometimes felt like I was accompanying Tom on his unique journeys. Though some may consider them troublesome, I personally felt they were strangely enjoyable to read about. Packed with suspense, one of my favourite moments from the book which did surprise me was when Joe, Huck and Tom strode confidently across the venue for their own funeral. It was both slightly touching and amusing to imagine, making it a large scene in my mind. Personally, my favourite character would have to be Aunt Polly. Though quite underrated, the way she is always looking out for Tom, whearas Sid and her daughter Mary are much more well-behaved, is a pivotal factor in Tom’s growth and new maturity. The way she can influence not only the other characters but the audience and text so well is an impressive talent. This story delves into deep themes in a humorous way. Love, grief, loyalty, courage, wittiness and strong friendship are all portrayed through the characters and their actions. The now unwavering bond between Betty and Tom is a force to be reckoned with, as is his loyal frienship with Huckleberry Finn. Several characters show cleverness throughout the entire text, and courage is one of Tom’s defining traits, with him even nobly taking a whipping for Betty. The way Twain touches on thes topics in a light-hearted and soft, kid-friendly manner is insightful and considerate. In my opinion, however, I would take off a few points from the rating due to the often stereotypical portrayals. Though acceptable in the 1800s, the sometimes sexist and often racist portrayals can undermine the overall plot and twist the readers’ minds into believing that Tom, does not, in fact, show any growth – only a lack of understanding or empathy for others. Other than this, the confusing language choices and a crammed, fast-paced plot, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a great classic that delves into a seemingly ordinary nineteenth century boy’s life. Be ready for a ride on a rollercoaster for this one, because the twists and turns will undoubtedly be shocking. |
| [ Student: Mathura Sayanthan ] |
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| Book Review: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer “A Classical Wonder to Another Land!” “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” tells the story of a mischievous but lovable boy, Tom, who lives in St. Petersburg, Missouri, with his Aunt Polly. The book follows. Ultimately, Tom’s journey is a coming-of-age story, exploring themes of childhood innocence, freedom, and responsibility. It was set around the 1800s, where we can tell it was because of the old use of words and vintage brands given. Reading on, we can see the conflict and Tom Sawyer’s character overall, with cheekiness and lovable actions of his deep care for his social beings- his family, his friends. Some of the chapters left the readers in warmth and light-heartedness, on how caring and gave a description, leaving readers amazed and captivated. He is known for his playful spirit and tendency to get into trouble, leading to various escapades with his friends, including a love interest in Becky Thatcher and a friendship with Huckleberry Finn. Key Takeaways. Tom Sawyer is a clever boy who often turns chores into fun adventures for himself. Tom witnesses a grave crime, which leads to a dangerous adventure involving Injun Joe. In the end, Tom finds happiness and treasure, while Huck learns about respectability. Huck gives himself an important role and is seen as Tom’s “Guardian Angel”, often leaving decisions safer and pleasant. One thing as I read, (near chapter 10), was when Tom was in his funeral and everyone was devastated and showing their actions have changed- mean and grumpy, often mad, to lovable and caring of how it commenced on Tom’s sudden death at the age of 15- Huck felt his eyes water of how they showed Tom love the way he never experienced- from his drunk, addicted father and his careless, hopeless mother. The author, Mark Twain, born Samuel Langhorne Clemens, was an American humorist and writer who is best known for his enduring novels The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which have been called the Great American Novel. The title of the book is The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, written by Mark Twain, a famous American author. The story is an exciting adventure that also includes humour, mystery, and moments of everyday life. It is not a fantasy, but it feels magical at times because of how interesting and unpredictable the events are. The story follows a boy named Tom Sawyer, who lives in a small town near the Mississippi River in the 1800s. Tom is clever, full of energy, and always looking for fun. He doesn’t enjoy school or chores and often tries to avoid them with tricks and clever plans. He often imagines something exciting, such as being a pirate or an explorer. But despite his mischief, Tom has a good heart and learns to care deeply for his friends and family. He is brave and willing to do the right thing, even if it’s hard or dangerous. Tom’s best friend is Huckleberry Finn, a boy who lives on his own and doesn’t follow any rules. Huck doesn’t go to school, wear proper clothes, or go to church. Adults think he is a bad influence, but Tom thinks Huck is the most exciting friend he could ever have. Huck is kind, honest, and always there when Tom needs him. Another important character is Becky Thatcher, a girl Tom likes. She is new in town, pretty, and smart. Becky is polite and curious, but sometimes gets upset with Tom when he tries to show off. One of the scariest characters in the book is Injun Joe, the villain. He is dangerous and mysterious, and causes real trouble in the town, especially when Tom and Huck secretly witness him committing a terrible crime. The story takes place in a small town called St. Petersburg, near the Mississippi River. The setting includes many exciting places, such as the schoolhouse, the graveyard, the island where Tom and his friends run away to be pirates, and a dark, scary cave where Tom and Becky get lost. These places make the story feel real and exciting at the same time. The plot follows Tom as he goes through many different adventures. At first, he tries to impress Becky and avoid his responsibilities. Then he and Huck witness a murder in the graveyard and become scared for their lives. Later, they run away to an island and pretend to be pirates, only to surprise everyone by coming back to their funeral. The most thrilling part of the story is when Tom and Becky get lost in a cave, and Tom has to be brave and smart to save them. In the end, Tom and Huck discover hidden treasure and become heroes. Throughout the story, Tom grows and begins to understand the importance of courage, friendship, and honesty. The story has a few moral lessons. One of them is that being brave doesn’t mean not being afraid—it means doing the right thing even when you’re scared. Another lesson is that people can change for the better. Tom starts as a naughty boy but ends up becoming someone people admire. In my opinion, the book is very well written. The author uses creative and funny language that keeps the story interesting. There are many exciting parts, like when Tom and Huck follow Injun Joe, when they hide on the island, or when Tom gets lost in the cave. The characters are all different and unique, and the way they talk, and act feels very real. There are some illustrations in versions of the book, and they help show what the characters and scenes look like, especially the cave scenes and the treasure hunt. I would recommend this book. I think it would be great for children around Year 6 or older who enjoy stories about adventure, friendship, and bravery. It’s a great mix of fun, mystery, and important life lessons. Even though the book was written a long time ago, it is still fun and exciting to read today. Tom Sawyer is a clever and energetic boy who loves to explore and have fun. He often avoids school and chores by coming up with clever tricks. His imaginative mind allows him to dream of being a pirate or an explorer, but deep down, he has a good heart and cares about his friends and family. Tom’s best friend, Huckleberry Finn, is a free-spirited boy who lives by his own rules and represents adventure and a break from societal norms. Together, they embark on thrilling escapades filled with humor and occasionally dark moments. One of the most exciting elements of the story is the conflict introduced by the villain, Injun Joe, whom Tom and Huck witness committing a terrible crime. This event heightens the stakes and leads to many nail-biting moments. Tom’s relationship with Becky Thatcher, a new girl in town, adds a touch of romance and complexity to his character as he navigates young love and friendship. The author uses vivid and humorous language, making the adventures of Tom and his friends come alive on the pages. The story is filled with various locations, from the schoolhouse to the scary cave where Tom and Becky get lost. These settings enhance the excitement of the plot and engage the reader’s imagination. Throughout the novel, readers can see Tom’s growth. He starts off as a cheeky boy who avoids responsibility, but by the end, he learns important lessons about bravery, honesty, and caring for others. His character transformation teaches us that everyone has the potential to change for the better. Overall, the ending was quite surprising and filled me with glee at how the author writes and evokes sudden emotions, leaving the reader at the end feeling attached. The author summons and gives a classical, all-time-famous book, which, in my opinion, is one of my favourites! This book is a fantasy, but it gives a touch of real life back in the past and gives nostalgia. (Mathura Sayanthan: 4080095, if anything is wrong, please email! And we would love feedback if you can) |
| [ Student: Kriday Sathu ] |
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| Book Review: The Wonderful Wizard of OZ Chapters 1 – 3 : One day a cyclone picks up Dorothy’s house and she and her dog Toto end up in the magical Land of the OZ. The house lands on and kills the Wicked Witch of the East. The people here, called Munchkins, are happy because the Wicked Witch is dead and cannot trouble them anymore but The Witch of the North thanks Dorothy and reassures Dorothy that The Witch of the North and south poles are friendly unlike what Dorothy thinks. She also tells Dorothy to follow the Yellow Brick Road that leads to the Emerald City, to get help from the Wizard of OZ to return to Kansas. But on her way she finds a Scarecrow stuck on a pole, whom she helps and discovers that the Scarecrow has no brain. So she takes the Scarecrow with her on her journey. Review: These chapters were just really detailed. The main character/s in these chapters were detailed and the story was smooth and could easily be understood (In my opinion). Chapters 4 – 5 : Dorothy tells Scarecrow about her life in Kansas. Walking through the forest, Dorothy meets the Woodman, who has been changed to tin by the Wicked Witch of the East. He needs to be oiled so that he can move again. After oiling the Tin Woodman, Dorothy invites the heartless Woodman on her journey to the Emerald City, so that he can meet the Wizard of OZ to ask for a heart so that he can love again. Review: These chapters really made me join the book as if I had been a person in the story. It was detailed, and absolutely great. The characters in the story were smooth and the Woodman especially had got a chance to majorly express himself. Chapters 6 – 7 : Walking through the forest, Dorothy and her friends come across the lion with the loud roar. He roars loudly because he is actually a coward. He joins the group of companions after the lion talks about his life and struggles. He wishes to go along with the group for as he hopes that the Wizard of OZ may help him to regain his courage. On the way though, they successfully cross two bridges and also fortunately escape two Kalidahs — beasts with the head of Tigers and bodies of Bears. Finally, they come to a river, so the Tin Woodman builds a raft to enable them to cross Review: This chapter is great. I liked how the Lion shared his feelings and showed some determination, was the exact opposite of our everyday lions we see day by day. The roar though, really made me laugh when the Lion confessed who he really was. Chapters 8 – 9 : The group end up accidentally leaving the scarecrow behind on a pole and shortly after the remaining group met a stork that helped the scarecrow. The reunited group then set off again meeting a group of field mouse whose queen was recently saved by the lion. The mouse offered to help and so the group set off for the Emerald City again. Review: I strongly like these chapters and how the scarecrow dramatically got left behind and how the Lion randomly saved the Queen of Field Mice without the actual intention of doing so. Chapters 10 – 11 : Dorothy and her friends eventually end up in the the City of Emeralds. The Guardians of the Gate lead them to the Wizard of OZ’s palace. One by one, they tell the Wizard of their wishes. He tells them that he will grant their wishes if they kill the Wicked Witch of the West. They then go on a journey to do so. Review: These chapters clearly show that the Wizard is a little tricky. I like the story for the smoothness and the Wizard’s determination for bargain. Chapters 12 – 13 : Dorothy and her companions arrived in the country of the Wicked Witch of the West. Many different minions try to attack the group but fail each time, angering the Witch. She then calls for the Winged Monkeys. They succeed in enslaving Dorothy and her friends; however, Dorothy is able to defeat the Wicked Witch of the West by melting the Witch with water; the Witch’s weakness. Review: I like the way each of the characters got a chance to show their determination when different minions try to attack the group. Chapter 14 – 15: When Dorothy and her friends become lost, she asked the field mice for help, but they said that the Emerald City was too far so she used the Golden Hat for the Winged Monkeys to come. The travellers demand the Wizard of OZ to make good on the promises after arriving. But just as the group become more and more sure they found out that the Wizard is a common fraud who deceives people. He was once a ventriloquist and a balloonist in a circus. Review: I like these tension and the sudden discovery about the Wizard. The story could use some more tension though. Chapter 16 – 17 : The Wizard ( fraudly ) grants all of their wishes but in reality can actually help Dorothy. The rest of the travellers miraculously still got their wishes though. He then makes a plan to ‘fly’ in a ‘hot air balloon’ to Kansas. However, Toto is lost, and the Wizard leaves Dorothy behind. Review: I like the story but the chapters effectively lost hope for moments when the group was too late. I like it so far still. Chapter 18 – 19 : As Dorothy is left stranded in the Emerald City, her friends discuss ways to help her. They decide to seek help from the Witch of the South. On the way, they come to a group of trees with attack, but Dorothy and friends fight back. They climb over a white wall they find. Review: I like how her friends help her even though they got what they wanted. I like it. This shows how deep their friendship is. Chapter 20 – 21 : Dorothy and her friends afterward end up in China country, where all the animals are made of China. Here they meet a princess, joker, and clown. They leave China country, and also come across a Lion who is to kill a giant spider. He then joins Dorothy. Review: The story is funny a little and continues to be smooth. Chapter 22 – 24 : ????????????????? ( Not done in class ) Overall Book Review: Dorothy is the main character who is charming in many ways, she was then teleported to the land of OZ because of a storm. On her journey she meets a Scarecrow, a Woodman, a Lion, who in the same order, wish for a brain, a heart and courage Personal Opinion : My Favourite Character is Dorothy because she is the main character and because of her kindness. The most exciting part of the story for me is the time they met the Wizard of OZ. If I met the Land of OZ I would like to improve the citizenship and improve the nature of the Witches’ actions. I Would Strongly Recommend this Wonderful Book for Primary and Early Secondary students. I would rate this book 9 / 10 for students of Primary schools. GREAT!!! THE END! |
| [ Student: Bella Feng ] |
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| Book Review: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Author of the book: L. Frank Baum This book is full of imaginary people and things, with many details making the book more interesting and entertaining. Every detail of this book helps us grow the power of our great imagination, fulfilling the life of the citizens of Oz. After I read the book, it felt like I had been through the character’s footsteps, leaving the journey’s joy throughout the story. Baum makes many twists and turns making the story even more exciting to read. The Adventure of the story is full of happiness all the way to sadness until it reaches a safe journey ending. Dorothy, a little girl was whisked off by a cyclone until she lands in a wonderful and strange land, The Land of Oz, but she really wanted to go back to Kansas, her home. There she met her companions; they all suggested to travel to the Emerald city. The land is full of unusual people, like the Munchkins (blue, short and stubby people), the Winkies (also short, but wear yellow clothes) and the Quadlings (wear red clothes ruled by the powerfullest witch of the whole country. All these strange people are called the Ozmites. Dorothy visited each of these parts of the country with her companions: her dog Toto, a coward lion, a scarecrow and a Tin Woodman. The main character, Dorothy, is an entertaining, sweet and lovely girl. She is guided by the kind Ozmites of the country. She is my favourite character of all of the companions because she is full of happiness for her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry. They are the people who live with her back in Kansas. When the little girl is in a tough situation, she would always try to be calm and would have hope in her soul, even if she is going to cry, she’ll have a small cry and get hope back into her, like she is a warrior. Dorothy has long hair and suits any dress for her age, her appearance is a little innocent girl, but deep down she is a brave girl that tries to help others who are in need. On the other hand, the scarecrow is a figure who was always on a pole, but when Dorothy walked by, he wanted to get down and Dorothy helped him. Dorothy is not just a care-free girl, she is also a kind-hearted girl, making friends within minutes. Each setting is described as a glamorous or peculiar place. When a setting is described with many descriptive languages, it makes the book more powerful in your imagination. In this book, there is Kansas, where Dorothy lives with her aunt and uncle, Aunt Em and Uncle Henry. After a cyclone hits, Dorothy lands in a country called the East of the Oz. There she meets her first companion and so on. During the long journey to the Emerald City with her companions, she finds difficulty. For instance, there wasn’t enough food, so her companions helped her to find fresh fruit on trees that they could climb to reach. The journey is set in a luscious country, with crystal clear water, already able to be drinkable to the coming passers. Dorothy wants to go home, as to the others, they just want some personal abilities they can’t achieve. The moral of the story is: 1. What you seek cannot be given with humanity, it’s given with your inner strength. -this means that wanting a strength doesn’t mean using magic to fulfill your wish 2. Understand things and find out the truth, don’t just keep it a secret. -this refers to the humbug man known for the Great Oz. Oz had lied about himself and truth is now discovered, so it means that keeping secrets are bad for our appetite 3. Work together, don’t give up and go back, but keep going and help your friends to the end. -this means that the companions never gave up, so that when you are in a situation you don’t give up and continue to thrive This story taught me something really important: when you’re far from home and things get hard, don’t give up! Stick with your friends and work together that way you can get through anything. I really liked the parts when Dorothy believed she could get home to Kansas. Every time something good happened, it felt like magic and made me feel hopeful too! The characters never gave up, even when the journey got tricky. Mr. Baum, the author, kept adding surprises and fun adventures, and that made me keep cheering for Dorothy to find her way back home no matter what. Dorothy feels like my soulmate because we’re so alike, both in how we act and what we like. She’s a girl who’s kind and adventurous, and she always tries her best, just like I do. When she’s tired, she quietly drifts off to sleep, and I do the same. I imagine her curling up under a tree with Toto beside her, just like I curl up when I’m sleepy during long drives or after a busy day. Dorothy also wears the kinds of clothes I love, especially dresses that are simple but pretty. Whenever she goes walking through Oz in her blue dress and magical shoes, I feel like we’d match so well if I stood right next to her. I think if I were in Oz, I’d wear a dress too so we could twirl around together in the grass or race to pick fruit. Speaking of picking fruit, one scene reminded me of my own life when Dorothy picked fruit from trees to eat during her journey. That made me think of the times me and my family went fruit picking, like cherries and strawberries in the summer. It made me smile because I’ve felt that same happiness walking through rows of trees, reaching up for the juiciest ones, and tasting them right away. So when Dorothy did that, I imagined we were picking fruit side by side, laughing and sharing what we found. Dorothy doesn’t just seem like a character in a book. She feels like someone who could be in real life, someone who understands me. She’s brave when she needs to be, kind to everyone she meets, and she keeps going no matter what. That’s why I feel like she’s not just my favourite character… She’s kind of like a best friend I met in a story. The scariest part was when Dorothy and her friends (but not Scarecrow and Tin Woodman!) got sleepy in the creepy poppy field. I felt super worried because they were almost at the Emerald City, and I thought they might never make it. I just wanted everything to be okay! This book helped me learn that being brave and not quitting is a big deal whether you’re helping your team or just doing your best by yourself. Heroes are brave because they face problems and fix them, even when it’s really hard. When you show braveness, build up strength in yourself. When you work together with your friends, things don’t feel so hard. Everyone helps out, and suddenly the tricky stuff becomes way easier! Like when you’re climbing a super steep hill or solving a big puzzle if your friends are with you, you can figure it out faster and even have fun while doing it. You cheer each other on, share cool ideas, and laugh when things get silly. As you keep going, you feel stronger and happier, and it’s way more fun than doing it all by yourself! It was surprising when the Great Oz everyone called was actually a normal man, thought to be a great wizard from somewhere far away. This scene shocked me so much that I thought Dorothy shouldn’t believe the man. After I finished the book, I felt like I’d walked through sparkly forests and crossed rainbow bridges right beside Dorothy and Toto. I even imagined what it would be like if I had magical silver shoes, I’d probably tap them together and wish for ice cream or teleport to a trampoline park! Honestly, I kind of wish I could visit Oz for real. I’d love to meet talking animals, jump across giant mushrooms, and maybe even help someone like the Scarecrow figure out how to solve puzzles. And if Dorothy ever needed a friend to travel with again, I’d pack snacks and be ready in 10 minutes flat! This story taught me something super important: when you’re far from home and things get tough, don’t give up! Stick with your friends and work as a team, and you’ll be able to get through anything even the hardest things. I learned that being brave and not quitting is a huge deal. When you’re brave, you show that you’re proud and ready to fix problems like a real hero. Heroes don’t give up they keep going even if things are hard. And when you work together with your friends, things don’t feel so hard. Everyone helps out, and suddenly the tricky stuff becomes way easier! Like when you’re climbing a big hill or solving a hard puzzle if your friends are with you, you can figure it out faster and even have fun while doing it. You cheer each other on, share cool ideas, and laugh when things get silly. As you keep going, you feel stronger and happier, and its way more fun than doing it all by yourself! So yeah, teamwork and bravery can make big things happen. They helped Dorothy get closer to home, and they made me feel like I can be strong and help others too. |
| [ Student: Jhanvi Oruganti ] |
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| Book Review: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum is an enduring children’s classic that has fantasy, adventure and morals all blended together! The book was first published in 1900, and the people who have read the book are interested in it and are wanting to read more and more until they finish the book. The main character of the story is Dorothy, who is a young girl from Kansas that was blown away due to a cyclone and she flew whilst being inside her house, to the magical land of Oz. When she landed, she met strange creatures called munchkins, who helped her. To return home, she needs to go on a journey with her friends, Toto, her dog, the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman and the Cowardly Lion to the Emerald City to seek help from Oz, each seeking something that they lack. The thing that’s super cool about this book is how easy it is to read it but it is also full of awesome things like weird lands, funny creatures, and important lessons. It teaches you how important being brave and smart and kind is. I personally think that the book is better than the movie because there are some adventures in the book that aren’t in the movie. I strongly recommend this book to all children because it is very engaging fictional storybook and I am sure that once they read this novel their vocabulary will be improved and they will be passionate to read bigger and more challenging books. Even though this book was made over a century ago, it can still be read today! It’s funny, adventurous and descriptive so if you haven’t already, read the Wonderful Wizard of Oz and you will enter a whole different world. And believe me ‘There’s no place like home’. |
| [ Student: Md Tammam Islamarad ] |
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| Book Review: The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz Dorothy is a young girl who lives in a one-room house in Kanas with the careworn Uncle Henry and Aunt Em; the joy of her life is her dog, Toto. A sudden cyclone strikes, and, by the time Dorothy catches Toto, she is unable to reach the family’s storm cellar. Dorothy and Toto are still in the house when the cyclone carries it away for a long journey. When at last the house lands, Dorothy finds that she is in a beautiful land inhabited by very short, strangely dressed people. The Witch of the North informs her that she is in the land of the Munchkins, who are grateful to her for having killed the Wicked Witch of the East. To get home to Kansas, Dorothy is told to follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City to ask the Wonderful Wizard Of Oz for help. Along the way she meets three memorial friends. Each seek something specific from the Wizard of Oz: The Scarecrow: Made of straw, he believes he lacks intelligence and seeks a brain from the Wizard. Despite this, he often demonstrates quick thinking and problem-solving skills throughout their journey. The Tin Man: He was once a flesh-and-blood woodcutter, but a curse turned him into a tin man, and now he lacks a heart. He yearns to feel emotions and care for others. Despite his metallic exterior, the Tin Man is shown to be compassionate. The Cowardly Lion: Believing himself to be a coward, the Lion seeks courage from the Wizard. He is initially afraid of everything, but his journey with Dorothy helps him find his inner bravery. On her journey along the Yellow Brick Road, Dorothy meets the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion. Each of these characters reveals they want something from the Wizard (a brain, a heart, and courage, respectively), so they ask to join her. In The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Dorothy faces numerous obstacles in her journey to the Emerald City and back to Kansas, ultimately learning that the power to return home and achieve her desires lies within herself. She encounters the dangers of the poppy field, the threats posed by the Wicked Witch of the West and her flying monkeys, and the deceptive nature of the Wizard himself. Dorothy also learns that her friends, the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Lion, each believe they lack something essential (a brain, a heart, and courage, respectively), but their journey reveals they already possess these qualities. Through these trials, Dorothy realizes that her true home and happiness are not in Oz, but back in Kansas with her family. She also learns that the magical silver slippers she wears have the power to take her home, but only if she believes in their power and understands that the power to return was always within her reach. My favorite character is Tin Woodman. Even though he doesn’t have a heart, he’s one of the kindest and most caring in the story. He’s always worried about hurting others, and he shows deep emotions. I like his action of proving that he had a heard throughout the story – it was all hidden by his self-doubt. The most surprising part for me was when the Wizard turned out to be just a regular man with no real magical powers. I didn’t expect that twist! It was exciting because it completely changed how I saw him, and it also made the message of the story stronger—that we don’t need magic to be brave, smart, or kind. Bravery and friendship are two of the biggest themes in the book. Even though the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion believed they lacked something, they constantly showed intelligence, love, and courage—especially when it came to helping Dorothy. They protected her, encouraged each other, and stayed loyal through every danger. Their friendship gave them the strength to face challenges together. If you could visit the Land of Oz, what would you want to see or do? 1. Walk the Yellow Brick Road I’d start by walking the famous Yellow Brick Road—just to experience what Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion did. It’s the heart of the adventure. 2. Visit the Emerald City The Emerald City would be must-see: shimmering green towers, magical vibes, and maybe even a peek inside the Wizard’s old chamber. I’d be curious to see how the city runs without the Wizard in charge. 3. Meet Glinda the Good Witch Glinda seems wise and kind—I’d love to talk to her about how magic works in Oz and maybe even get a charm or spell of my own. 4. Explore the Haunted Forest It’s spooky, yes, but also iconic. I’d take a cautious trip through just to see the talking trees and any remnants of the Wicked Witch’s flying monkeys. 5. Visit Munchkin land I’d like to meet the Munchkins and see their colourful village. Maybe learn one of their songs or dances—they always seem to be celebrating something. |
| [ Student: Safreen Tasmia Hossain ] |
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| Book Review: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz The author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is L.Frank Baum. The book is about a girl named Dorothy, who is young, lovable, and little, she lives in Kansas with her Uncle Henry and Aunt Em in a small, boring area farm land. Her only happiness in her life was her pet dog, Toto. Suddenly a cyclone swept her house to a place far away from her foster parents and only Toto was with her. The Good Witch of the North Dorothy then meets the good witch of the North, who tells her that Dorothy killed the wicked witch of the West, three Munchkins (the name of people who live here) thank her for killing the witch. The witch of the North tell her that in order to go home she has to embark on a journey to the great wizard Oz who lives in The Emerald city. She then packs a basket full of bread and takes Toto with her into the Yellow Brick Road. The Scarecrow On the way Dorothy meets many kind Munchkins and then a Scarecrow stuck on a pole. He asks her to take her off the pole and then, he explains how he got up there. She was so surprised seeing a scarecrow talk but they became good friends. When Dorothy tells the Scarecrow that she is going to Oz to get her wish granted, he asks Dorothy if he can join Dorothy too, so he can get a brain. Dorothy agrees and lets him come with her too. The Tin Woodman When Dorothy was looking for some water, she met a Tin Woodman whose body joints and body was rusted up. It looked like he was saying something and Dorothy and the Scarecrow soon figured out that he needed help. The Tin Woodman was asking them to get an oil can from his cottage so they can pour it on his rusted joints. When Dorothy poured the oil on each of his joints one by one, the Tin man finally told them what happened to him and told them how glad he was to be saved. When Dorothy and the scarecrow told him they were going to ask Oz to grant their wishes, the Tin man asked if he could come too so he could get a heart. They both agreed and kindly let him come too. The Cowardly Lion On the way through the Yellow Brick Road, a terrible lion emerged. With one blow of his paw, he sent the Scarecrow spinning over, and he struck the Tin Woodman with his paw. Little Toto then realized he had an enemy to face, he barked viciously at the wild beast and the beast then opened his mouth wide to bite the little creature. Dorothy feared that this would be the death of her little pet dog, so she boldly rushed forward and slapped the lion on his nose. She cried to him that he should be ashamed that he is hurting such a little thing and that he is a big coward. The lion was sorry and he agreed that he was a big coward. Soon the scarecrow, Tin woodman and Dorothy told him that they were going to Oz to get their wishes granted. He, the cowardly lion asked if he could come too so he can get courage, thus they agreed and said yes. He was welcomed and they all continued through the Yellow Brick Road The Kalidahs The cowardly lion warned everyone that there would be Kalidahs up ahead and he was extremely scared of them. Kalidahs are animals with a body that looks like a bear and a head like a tiger. When walking forward they saw two Kalidahs hunting them down. At the sight of this they were all very scared and started to rapidly run, as they were alarmed with fear. They unexpectedly bumped to a large ditch and the Scarecrow comes up with a genius plan to cross safely. He suggested that the Tin Woodman shall cut the tree beside the ditch, hence the tree would fall on the ditch and they can pass safely. Tin man listened to his orders and cut down the tree which reached all the way to the other side of the ditch. They walked down the cut down tree and walked forward away from the Kalidahs. The lion was very scared but since the Kalidahs were coming closer, he stayed behind and guarded his friends. The lion then went back to the other side of the ditch with his friends and they were secure. The scarecrow came up with another plan and said to cut the tree again, so the Kalidahs will fall in the ditch, because the Kalidahs were running closer to them. As the Kalidahs fell, Dorothy and her friends quickly scrambled away. The Scarecrow gets stuck (again) While travelling on the raft, scarecrow and Tin Woodman are rowing the raft with a pole. The scarecrow then rows to fast and accidently put the pole into the mud to deep. His body was stuck and the scarecrow was hanged on the pole like washing. Dorothy, the Tin man and the lion all couldn’t save him so they had to continue the raft ride and say good bye to him. When they got on the ground, they couldn’t stop feeling bad for scarecrow. A kind stork saw that they were all sad and asked them what has happened? They told her what happened and she asked if she could help him out of the pole. Dorothy’s friends agreed and the stork went to save the scarecrow. The scarecrow came back and he was saved. The Deadly Poppy Field Dorothy and her friends found a beautiful poppy field that was full of many beautiful flowers but they didn’t know it was poisonous. Dorothy, Toto and the lion were made out of flesh so the flowers poisoned them. The lion was too heavy for the Tin Woodman and the scarecrow to hold so they had to hold Toto and Dorothy and they left the lion by himself. When they escaped the deadly poppy field an animal was hurting a mouse so the Tin man cut the animal with his axe and saved the mouse. They found out the mouse was a queen and she said she can grant whatever wish they like because he saved her. They asked her to save the lion and they did what was told. Many mice came, wrapped string around the lion and pulled him out, soon then he was saved too. The Great Emerald City Dorothy and her friends soon reached the great Emerald City and found the guardian of the gate. They told him that they are going to meet Oz. The guardian tells them to wear spectacles and takes them inside the palace to rest. They start to meet Oz then. He was a big head when Dorothy saw him, as Dorothy asked for her wish Oz responded that she has to kill the evil witch if the west and then he will full fill her wish. He said the same thing to the scarecrow, lion and Tin woodman. They were all dreadfully sad and had to go all the way to her castle to kill her in order to get their wish to come true. The Search for the Witch While Dorothy and her friend’s walk they meet a pack of wolves trying to hurt them. The wolves were sent by the evil witch, so the wolves wouldn’t be able to let Dorothy, and her friends hurt the evil witch. Tin man sliced the wolves with his axe, so they wouldn’t be able to hurt them. The witch then sent crows and told them to harm Dorothy and her friends as they were coming closer to her castle. The crow followed their demands and hurried to hunt them down. The scarecrow twisted their necks so that they would suffer to death, and after that all his friends went to continue down the road to kill the witch. The witch got furious at this and told her black bees to sting them to death. The scarecrow told the Tin man to cover Dorothy, the lion and Toto with the straw stuffed in his body so they may not get harmed. When the bees came they couldn’t see anyone but the tin woodman so they stung him, but he didn’t get harmed because he was made out of tin. When the bees died Dorothy and her friends put the straw back into the scarecrow, so he would be fixed. The witch’s slaves (the winkies) were told to attack Dorothy and her friends with spheres. They didn’t want to do this but they did because they knew what the witch would do to them. The winkies were extremely scared and scurried away when the lion gave one of his big roars. The witch beat her slaves with a strap and made them do more work. The witch got the golden hat and used it to call the winged monkeys, she told them to defeat the scarecrow and the Tin woodman, bring the lion for her to slave and bring Dorothy back to her castle. They did that and bought Dorothy back to the witches castle. When the witch Dorothy wearing the powerful, silver shoes, she put an iron bar on the floor, and made it invisible for the human eye to see. Dorothy tripped on the iron bar, resulting the witch into stealing one of Dorothy’s shoes. She became very angry with the witch and decided to splash some water on the wicked witch. Dorothy had no idea that the witch would melt and vanish forever, and so that happened to her, finally Dorothy killed the witch. The Rescue When Dorothy found the lion she told him what happened to the witch and how they had to save the Tin man and the scarecrow fast. She asked the winkies if they could help them with saving her friends and the winkies agreed. First, the winkies fixed the dents and smoothed the Tin man’s tin. Then, they put hay into the scarecrow and sewed him back together until he was as good as new. Everyone was happy to have each other back and they continued to go back to Oz to get their wish granted. The Winged Monkeys Dorothy and her friends were confused and weren’t sure where to go so they called the mice. They told her that she can call the winged monkeys by wearing the golden hat she was holding, and saying the three magic words. They came after she did that and she told the winged monkeys to take her to Oz’s palace so she and her friends can get their wish come true. The winged monkeys carried them on their backs and took them to Oz’s palace. The Discovery of Oz the Terrible Dorothy and her friends had to wait days for Oz to finally let them meet him so they could ask him for their wish. Finally, he let them talk to him by telling him they would call the winged monkeys to help if Oz wouldn’t come and help them. He then came and was surprised they already killed the witch. Toto accidently knocked the screen over and they found an old man behind there. They figured out that was Oz and he came from a hot air balloon all the way here by accident. He told them that he would somehow get their wishes come true. Dorothy started calling him a humbug because of his lying. The Magic Art of the Great Humbug When Dorothy and her friends were sent to the throne room to meet Oz, he first called the scarecrow to get his fake brain. Then it was the Tin woodmans turn to have his wish, so he got his fake heart. Then it is the lions turn and Oz gives him fake courage. The hot air balloon he made for going back home with Dorothy was launched too early and Dorothy was left. The Journey through the Trees The scarecrow was now the ruler of the great Emerald City but he went with Dorothy, the Tin Woodman and the lion to take Dorothy back home. A winkie suggested that they could go to the good witch, Glinda, and ask her for help. They went but then encountered some trees. The trees were alive and attacked them, but the tin woodman cut the trees so they wouldn’t be able to hurt them. The Dainty China Country They found a huge white wall and made a ladder to climb over it. They found everything was made out of china behind that wall. They accidently broke a china cow’s leg and the milkmade got extremely angry. They walked to find a china wall and climbed the lions back to go over it. The Lion Becomes King of the Beasts Over the wall they found a forest and a wild animal asked the lion to help them keep safe from this wild beast that was a huge spider who keeps on eating animals. The lion killed the deadly spider and the animals were extremely glad with the lion. The Country of the Quadlings They encountered some strange looking man who wouldn’t let them meet Glinda the good witch. Their heads would go up and their necks would stretch, hitting them with their heads if they would try to pass through. They didn’t have any options but to call the winged monkeys to carry them over the hill. The name of the place Glinda lived in was called the Country of the Quadlings. They stayed at a kind lady’s house before going to Glinda’s palace. Glinda was very kind to Dorothy and asked her for the Golden cap before she could grant her wish. Dorothy couldn’t use the cap anyway because she used all of her three wishes. Glinda said that her first wish for the winged monkeys would be for the scarecrow to be safely taken to the Emerald city. Then, she would like the winged monkeys to take the tin man to the winkies, so he can rule them. Her next wish for the winged monkeys would be that they would take the lion to the forest where he killed the big spider, so he can roam endlessly and have fun. She then told Dorothy that if she makes a wish she can go where ever she wants with those shoes. She then does that and is taken back home. Home Again Dorothy meets her Aunt Em and tells her how much she misses her. Dorothy said she came back from the world of Oz and is so glad to be finally home. PERSONAL OPINION ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… The Moral of the Story The moral of this story is that there is ‘no place like home’. Dorothy’s (The main character) goal is that she really wanted to go home back to her Uncle Henry and Aunt Em. The only reason she goes to meet Oz and Glinda is so that she can go back home to her foster parents. Whilst she did like the Land of the Quadlings and the Great Emerald City, there would always be no place like home. My Favourite Character Although all the characters are very interesting, my favourite character is the Scarecrow. His intelligent and understanding helps everyone when they face a problem. He is very trusty and his plans are always smooth and flaw. When there is a ditch to cross, saving a lion from a poppy field with a smart plan, or protecting you from bees, his got the job! Scarecrow to the rescue! The Most Surprising Thing in the Story After Toto knocked the screen and everyone in the room found an old man behind it, I was so confused. All this time I thought that Oz was a wonderful wizard who was able to do many amazing spells, but he wasn’t :(. I had no clue he was just a normal man, who accidently travelled here on a hot air balloon, maybe I had to process the truth that Oz was actually a normal person, like Dorothy. How’d the Characters Help Each other? Scarecrow: The scarecrow helped with many things like protecting his friends from the bees, making a good plan for crossing the ditch, saving the lion from the poppy field and thinking logically. When the bees come, the scarecrow shows bravery and tells Tin man to cover Dorothy, Toto and the lion with his straw. Dorothy: Dorothy helps the scarecrow, the lion, the tin woodman, and the winkies. She helps the scarecrow by taking him out of the pole he was stuck on, and letting him accompany her to ask Oz to grant their wish. She also saves the tin woodman by oiling his rusted joints so he can move. Tin Woodman: The tin woodman helped Dorothy and her friends by clearing up trees, clear paths and defend his companions. He sliced the wolves and the alive trees that tried to attack them, whilst clearing paths, and saving the scarecrow when he was lost in the trees. The lion: The lion helps by killing the huge spider and showing bravery. When the Kalidahs came to attack them, the lion stays back to scare off the Kalidahs showing bravery. When the lion kills the spider, the whole jungle finally has peace and are all safe. If You Could Visit the Land of Oz, What Would You Want To See? If I could visit the Land of Oz there would be many things I would like to see, but I would visit the place Dorothy’s house landed. It sounds nice meeting all those kind Munchkins and seeing all the festivals they have. I also wander… Do they have different food you can try? Do they have different homes you can live in or different type of special cultural things? There are many questions in my mind but the biggest thing I want to find out is, how does it look like? I would also like to see Oz’s castle. I like the colour green and I want to see his castle. |
| [ Student: Shamidha Padhi ] |
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| Book Review: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Summary The Wonderful Wizard of Oz tells the magical story of Dorothy, a young girl who is swept away from her home in Kansas by a powerful cyclone and transported to the enchanting land of Oz. Dorothy is told to seek help from the mysterious Wizard of Oz in the Emerald City, who would help her return home. Along her journey, Dorothy makes unforgettable friends: the clever but insecure Scarecrow who wishes for a brain, the kind-hearted Tin Woodman who desires a heart, and the timid Cowardly Lion who hopes for courage. Together, they set off on a thrilling adventure to meet the Wizard, each with their own dream. Their journey is filled with exciting obstacles: wicked witches, fascinating forests, and perilous creatures. Through courage, kindness, and teamwork, they overcome these obstacles. In the end, Dorothy discovers an important life lesson — that the power to achieve what she wants was within her all along, and there’s truly no place like home. My Thoughts My favourite character is the Scarecrow because, even though he thinks he doesn’t have a brain, he is always coming up with smart ideas to help his friends. I loved how creative and loyal he was. The most surprising part of the story for me was when Dorothy and her friends found out that Oz was a humbug. It was unexpected because the descriptions of Oz by the other characters made me think that he was a powerful wizard. One of the best things about this story is how it shows the importance of bravery and friendship. Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Lion all supported and encouraged each other. Each character learned they were stronger and braver than they ever believed. If I could visit the land of Oz, I would love to see the Emerald City and meet all the magical creatures. I would also want to travel the Yellow Brick Road and have my own adventure with Dorothy and her friends! Conclusion I highly recommend The Wonderful Wizard of Oz to anyone who loves magical adventures and stories about friendship and courage. It’s a heartwarming tale that reminds us how special home is, and how brave we can be when we believe in ourselves. |
| [ Student: Yahavi Bhaskara ] |
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| Book Review: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Book Summary The Wonderful Wizard of OZ written by L. Frank Baum talks about a little girl named Dorothy and her dog Toto getting blown away into thin air by a cyclone to the land of OZ from her Aunty Em and Uncle Henry. As she flew in the tremendous cyclone, she flabbergastingly made a landing on the Wicked Witch of the East that freed the Munchkins from the heinous rule of the Wicked Witch. The Wicked Witch of the North rewarded Dorothy with the silver shoes for her unintentional brave feat and advised Dorothy to trace the yellow path leading to the Emerald city where her wish to get back to Kansas would be granted. On her journey, she encountered a scarecrow who needed a brain and requested her if he could accompany Dorothy on her way to the palace. Next, they encountered a rusted Tin man who sought help for mobility. They restored his mobility by lubricating his joints with oil. The Tin man escorted them on their journey as he needed a heart. Then they stumbled upon a cowardly lion who needed courage and joined them too. Their journey was challenging with numerous unforeseen incidents. The incidents depicted the group’s perseverance, unity, friendship and resilience. On reaching the Emerald city, they met the Wizard of OZ who agreed to grant their wishes only on killing the Wicked Witch of the West. On reaching the island, they got attacked by the Winged Monkeys and Dorothy got carried away to the Wicked Witch’s palace. While the witch was trying to steal Dorothy’s shoes, Dorothy accidentally splashed water on the witch that caused her to melt. On their return to the palace they discovered that the Wizard of OZ was an ordinary human from Kansas. The Wizard agreed to escort Dorothy back to Kansas. The scarecrow was declared as the new Wizard of OZ as the current Wizard wanted to go back to Kansas just like Dorothy. After heading out of the palace and ending up in a forest, the Lion was declared the king of the forest as he killed a tremendous beast and the Tinman desired to rule the Country of the West as the Winkies were kind to him. Dorothy said her last goodbye to her companions and landed in Kansas with Toto. Personal Opinion Overall the Wonderful Wizard of OZ is a delightful read that will captivate audiences of all ages with its whimsical charm. My favourite character is Dorothy because she helps people who are in need and treats her friendly companions in an amicable way. The most exciting and surprising part was Dorothy’s willingness to reunite with her family coming true. All the characters believed in each other and used teamwork to build their confidence and bravery to make their dreams come true. If I were to visit the Land of OZ, I would have requested the Wizard to make me the ruler of the Country of the East and rule the land in a democratic way to be able to eradicate the chaos caused by the Wicked Witch and maintain the harmony. |
| [ Student: Abdulqadir Ramay ] |
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| Book Review: The Story of Doctor Dolittle Book Summary The Story of Doctor Dolittle is about a kind and gentle Doctor named Dr John Dolittle who lives in a town in England called Puddleby. Doctor Dolittle loves animals and keeps many kinds of animals, including a talking parrot called Polynesia. One day Polynesia taught him how to talk to animals so he could become an animal doctor. His home then becomes full of animals that he helped. One freezing day in winter, the doctor is told that the monkeys in Africa are very sick and need his help. Even though he doesn’t have any money, he figures out a way to get to Africa by ship across the Ocean, accompanied by a few of his animals. During his adventure, he faces lots of problems like storms, food running out, damaged ships, and even pirates. But the Doctor always stayed calm and he and his animals used their different skills to work together to solve all the problems. The animals that joined Doctor Dolittle on his adventure were also very important to the story and helped a lot. They were Polynesia the wise parrot, Chee-Chee the friendly monkey, Gub-Gub the always hungry pig, Jib the intelligent dog, and Dab-Dab the duck. In the end the doctor not only achieves the goal of curing the monkeys in Africa, but also helps other animals and people along his journey. Personal Opinion What I liked most about Doctor Dolittle’s amazing ability to talk to animals is that he can understand what animals need and help them and even get their help. This special gift allowed him to make remarkable animal friends. My favourite animal character is Polynesia, the clever parrot. She was smart, funny, and was like a guide and teacher to Doctor Dolittle. Without her Doctor Dolittle would have never learnt to talk to animals because she was the one to teach him. The story made me feel happy and excited. It was full of adventure and funny moments, especially when the animals talked or worked together to solve problems. My favourite part would be when the King of Jolliginki was tricked by Polynesia into thinking she was a man that would cause bad luck to him if he didn’t do what she said. I would love to have Doctor Dolittle’s skill of being able to talk to animals. I could help them when they need help and learn things from them. I would be able to have a unique group of friends. |
| [ Student: Danny Zhang ] |
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| Book Review: The Story of Doctor Dolittle Book Summary: The Story of Doctor Dolittle is about a kind-hearted doctor named John Dolittle who lives in the quiet English village of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh. Unlike other doctors, Doctor Dolittle loves animals more than people. One day, with the help of his clever parrot Polynesia, he learns how to talk to animals in their own languages. This special skill changes his life and the lives of many animals around him. When Doctor Dolittle hears that a group of monkeys in Africa are very sick, he decides to go on an important journey to help them. Even though it is dangerous and far away, he is determined to save the monkeys. On his trip, he faces many exciting adventures, including a stormy sea voyage and encounters with pirates. Doctor Dolittle is not alone on his journey. He is helped by his animal friends, who each have their own special qualities. Polynesia, the wise parrot, teaches him how to speak to animals. Chee-Chee, the playful monkey, is loyal and always ready to help. There is also Dab-Dab the duck and Gub-Gub the pig, who add humour and heart to the story. Together, they work as a team, overcoming challenges and solving problems. In the end, Doctor Dolittle successfully treats the sick monkeys and earns the respect and love of animals and humans alike. His kindness and bravery show that understanding and caring for others—whether they walk on two legs or four—can change the world. Personal Opinion: What I really liked about The Story of Doctor Dolittle was the idea of being able to talk to animals. It’s such a magical and wonderful ability! It made me think about how much better the world could be if people truly listened to animals and cared about their feelings. Doctor Dolittle’s skill shows kindness and respect for all living creatures, which is very inspiring. My favourite character was Polynesia, the parrot. She was smart, patient, and brave. Without her help, Doctor Dolittle might never have learned the animal languages. I liked how she wasn’t just a pet but an important friend and teacher. Polynesia’s intelligence and loyalty made the story more interesting and showed how teamwork between humans and animals can work. The story made me feel excited and happy. The adventures were full of surprises, from escaping pirates to finding food in the wild. It was funny too, especially with Gub-Gub the pig, who loves eating. At the same time, the story was heartwarming because it showed Doctor Dolittle’s kindness and the deep friendships he built with animals. |
| [ Student: Megan Louis ] |
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| Book Review: The Story of Doctor Dolittle Book Summary In the story of Doctor Dolittle, the main character is “John Dolittle M.D”- a very kind hearted, respected physician and a quiet bachelor who cares for all animals. He lived with his fussy, exasperated and spinster sister named Sarah Dolittle- the Doctor’s housekeeper. Unfortunately, both of them were growing poorer every single day because of the Doctor’s overwhelming affection to animals which caused him not to have enough money to live on for both him and his sister. Before becoming an animal doctor, Dolittle gave treatment to many people, but didn’t earn as much as he needed to have due to the number of pets that increased annoyance to visitors who were unwell, especially because the doctor had various and different sorts of animal species that many people had the phobia to go to his home and have a check-up. For instance, the doctor always had a hedgehog sleeping on the couch. Then one day, when an old lady came to see the Doctor, she accidentally sat on the hedgehog while she was waiting for an appointment. From that day onwards, she didn’t dare to go to the Doctor ever again. Since he wasn’t a very good people’s doctor, the Cat’s-meat-Man suggested that Doctor Dolittle ought to be an animal’s doctor because he had even more outstanding and impressive skills about animals than the current vets did. After he was convinced, Dolittle learned the language of animals by the help of his clever parrot- Polynesia. He also cared for all sorts of animals and countless species- both big and small no matter what. One, cold winter’s night, Doctor Dolittle received a message from Chee Chee about Africa saying that a bad disease or a kind of sickness was spreading through the Land Of Monkeys, and that they were dying in hundreds But even though the Doctor wanted to help, he didn’t have enough money to buy food, groceries or a boat in order to sail across the sea and journey to their destination, Africa. Then, he managed to organize everything by the help of his loyal animals, such as Dab Dab the duck, Polynesia, Chee Chee, Too Too the owl and Jip the dog. The Doctor only took limited animals on his journey, and sailed the oceans and seas. Once the Doctor and the animals arrived their destination, he was brought before the King of Jolliginki, and had to face many difficulties and challenges especially because the King didn’t trust him, and locked the Doctor and his animals in a dungeon. Fortunately, he and his animals managed to get out of the cages by the help of the knowledgeable parrot, Polynesia and finally journeyed to the Land of Monkeys. Over there, Doctor Dolittle faced a huge challenge – to treat thousands of monkeys single- handedly. He worked hard, gave many injections and medicines including lots of treatment for two weeks- without getting any sleep during that exhausting moment. But again, he received help from various animals who helped him with nursing such as leopards, antelopes and lions, whose trust he gained by bravery, patience, and an understanding attitude towards many situations and problems. The key supporting characters in this story are Polynesia, Chee Chee, Jip the dog and Too Too. Polynesia helped the Doctor by teaching him all the animal languages, movements and thoughts. She was also a quick thinker and always took action whenever the Doctor was struggling to find a solution to any circumstance. Similarly, Chee Chee helped the Doctor by guiding the animals in Africa’s dense jungle into the Land Of Monkeys. His help was appreciated especially when the King’s soldiers had searched desperately for Doctor Dolittle and all his animals in the dense forest, because Chee Chee had heard them coming and led the Doctor to a very unnoticeable hiding spot which no one knew. Too Too also helped Dolittle by using his most impressive sense of hearing various sounds. His help was most appreciated when he identified that a small boy was crying in a stuffy, little room which only had one little stool for furniture by hearing the sound of a tear falling on a sleeve. Finally, Jip the dog also helped the Doctor by using his unique ability which is excellent sense of smell and showing Doctor Dolittle the correct directions to find the lost boy’s uncle using the scents of his pipe from the North, South, East, and West Winds. Doctor Dolittle solves problems and earns respect of animals and humans by first taking action and then making things go back to normal. For Instance, curing all the monkeys who were unwell, and every single monkey was grateful and as a return gift, they all repaid the doctor with a pushmi pullyu- the rarest and the only two-headed animal of all. In another situation, the doctor found the lost boy’s uncle who was hidden in a deep cave in a rocky island, and Doctor Dolittle and his animals were able to take the boy and his kind-hearted uncle back to their village after punishing the pirate who was known as great Dragon of Barbary- or Ben Ali. He also had great enthusiasm and determination which was appreciated by all the villagers at the end of the story because of his impressive act towards difficulties. With the help of all his animals, Doctor Dolittle was honored by all the townspeople including the mayor who rewarded him with a beautiful watch with real, precious diamonds on the back of it because of his dedication, act of courage and compassion. Personal Opinion The thing that I like about Doctor Dolittle’s ability to talk to animals is that how he constantly maintained that awesome progress of not forgetting a single word or letter in all the animal languages he learnt because not many people in this world has this fantastic ability to do so. I’m also very impressed by the way he is patient and comforting to his animal companions whenever something unexpected happens such as consoling Gub Gub, the pig who was weeping bitterly when they were being locked in one of those strong cages by the King’s soldiers. Doctor Dolittle was slow to anger, and didn’t lose temper or never got furious in any part of the story. My favorite animal character is Polynesia, because of the way she successfully taught Doctor Dolittle the basics, words and meanings of animal language. She was also very helpful, as she tried her best to guide the animals through Africa’s thick, dense jungle. Polynesia was very intelligent and smart because of the way she imitated and made her voice sound like a fairy in order to convince Prince Bumpo to unfasten the cages of the dungeon which Doctor Dolittle was locked in. Polynesia also heard the prince’s troubles of not getting the opportunity to go to school and understood his feelings and gave him some advice- to go and ask the clever Doctor to arrange things for his schooling. Then, because of her help, the Doctor was able to get a boat to sail the vast oceans all the way back to the Land of Cities. In some parts of the story, the characters mentioned phrases which were very, humerus, funny and humiliating each other. Some examples were when Jip the dog and Gub-Gub the annoying pig were both having an argument on whether Jip could get the smell of Black Rappee Tobacco used by the boy’s lost uncle by identifying the scents from the wind. One of the most humorous phrases were: “Couldn’t I? That’s all you know, you stupid warm piece of bacon! I haven’t begun to try yet, have I? You wait and see!” There were also heartwarming moments in the novel when the lost boy and his uncle were reunited together as a family including their relatives. The story shows the reader that being kind to animals and understanding their feelings is a great virtue and no madness or disgrace. I would certainly want to have Doctor Dolittle’s skills because l would love to interact with various and different types of animals to understand their own problems they face, and the feelings they have. Furthermore, with the ability to talk to animals, I would like to have another adventure myself just like Doctor Dolittle with his loyal animals facing different difficulties and situations and always finding a solution. |
| [ Student: Reyan Pavuluru ] |
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| Book Review: Dot and the Kangaroo ● What is the title of your novel? The title of my novel is Dot and the Kangaroo. ● Who is the author? The author of my novel is Ethel C.Pedley. ● Does the book have illustrations? Yes, the book has illustrations. ● Who is the illustrator? The illustrator is Frank P. Mahonye. ● Who are the main characters in the story? The main characters are Dot (The lost child) and the Kangaroo. ● What is the story about? There was once a little girl named Dot. One day Dot’s Mother asked Dot to get bush flowers for dinner. She also warned Dot not to go far from cottage. So, she went to get bush flowers just then she caught sight of a bunny and chased it but in doing that, lost her way home in the bushes. After few hours she saw a Kangaroo, the Kangaroo immediately understood that Dot had lost her way. The Kangaroo also lost her Joey in the past. So, Dot and the Kangaroo went deeper into the forest. On the way the Kangaroo gave Dot some magic berries. With those magic berries, Dot could understand what the other bush animals were saying. Kangaroo and Dot explored the bushes with many animals to help her find her way home. After a little while the Kangaroo suggested to go to the platypus for help. When they got to the platypus, the platypus asked Dot what animals were near her house dot replied “a bunny and Willy wagtail’’ the platypus said to Dot “go to willy wagtail near the fence he can help you” So Dot and the Kangaroo went to Willy wagtail and asked if he could show the way to Dot’s cottage. Willy wagtail showed the immediately. Dot ran and hugged her dad. Her dad was about to shoot the Kangaroo when Dot stopped her father and said don’t shoot the Kangaroo it helped me. Just then the Kangaroo’s joey came back Dot patted the joey and said bye to them then she went back inside. In the end, Dot did come back home safely and this journey helped her understand how interconnected the world of the animals and humans are. Other personal opinions:- · I really found the friendship between Dot and Kangaroo unique. It felt warm and genuine, like the kind of bond formed through shared trust and compassion. The kangaroo’s will to help Dot without expecting anything in return was touching, and I loved how protective and wise she was. · My favourite animal in the story was the kookaburra. Its laughter and personality added a fun and lively energy to the story, and I liked how it symbolized the unique character of the Australian bush. · The book taught me a lot about nature—especially how every creature plays a role in the environment, and how delicate the balance of life in the bush can be. It made me appreciate how different and special the Australian wilderness is compared to other parts of the world. · The story made me feel curious and inspired. I wanted to learn more about animals and their lives, and I was fascinated by how Dot’s adventure helped her grow braver and more thoughtful. · I think I would enjoy an adventure like Dot’s—but wouldn’t want to get lost! Exploring the wild, meeting animals, and learning from them sounds magical. I’d love to experience nature that closely, as long as I had a friendly guide like the kangaroo! |
| [ Student: Charlotte Chen ] |
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| Book Review: Dot and the Kangaroo By Ethel C. Pedley Book Summary This book is a heartwarming story about a little girl named Dot, Who gets lost in the Australian bush. She feels scared and alone until she meets a friendly kangaroo. The kangaroo gives Dot magical berries that allow her to communicate with other animals. The story beautifully explores the Australian landscape and introduces readers to many native animals, including wombats, platypuses, koalas, kookaburras, and emus. The story teaches importants lessons about respect, kindness, friendship, and protecting the natural world. The animals also share how human action affects their lives, giving readers a deeper understanding of the enviroment. The message of wildlife conservation, friendship and kindness is especially touching. In the end, Dot finds her way back home with the kind kangaroo, this makes Dot truly understand how special nature is. I really liked the friendship between Dot and the kangaroo. It was kind and caring. My favourite part was when the kangaroo taught Dot about the bush and helped her feel safe.My favourite animal was the kookaburra because its laugh sounded funny, and it also told Dot funny stories. I learned that we should look after nature and animals because sometimes humans are not careful with nature.The story made me feel very happy, curious, and inspired. I felt happy when Dot found her way home. I would enjoy an adventure like Dot’s because I love to talk to animals. It would be fun, but only with a friendly Kangaroo to help me! |
| [ Student: Yiguo Chen ] |
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| Book Review: Dot and the Kangaroo “Dot and the Kangaroo” written by Ethel C. Pedley, with lovely pictures by Frank P. Mahonye, is a truly special story that takes me on an adventure deep into the Australian bush. It’s about a little girl named Dot who gets lost and finds a super kind friend in a kangaroo. What I loved most in this book was the friendship between Dot and the kangaroo. Imagine being lost and alone, and then a wild animal, who is usually a bit shy of people, decides to help you! The kangaroo gives Dot some magic berries that let her understand what all the animals are saying – how cool is that! Their friendship shows us that even if someone looks very different from you, being kind and trusting can make the best friends. It teaches us that friends can be found in the most surprising places. Out of all the animals in the story, my favourite was the platypus. They just sound so special and a little bit secret, living in their water homes. The book made me see them clearly – with a duck’s bill, otter’s feet, and a beaver’s tail! They’re like a mix of so many animals. I imagined them swimming quietly in the water. Their shy nature and unique look made them my top pick, and I just think they are very amazing Australian creatures. “Dot and the Kangaroo” also taught me lots about nature and the Australian bush. It showed me that the bush isn’t just trees; it’s a busy home for so many different animals, all living together. I learned about what they eat, where they sleep, and how they help each other. The story made me see how beautiful the bush is, but also that it can be a bit wild. It made me really think about how important it is to be kind to nature and all the animals in it. This story made me feel many things! At first, I felt a little worried for Dot when she was lost – that must have been a bit scary! But then, when she met the kangaroo and got her magic power to talk to animals, I felt super excited and very curious about what would happen next. By the end, I felt truly inspired by Dot. She was so brave, and she was kind to all the animals she met. It made me think about being brave and kind too. Would I like to go on an adventure like Dot’s? Yes, absolutely! While getting lost might be a little bit scary at first, the idea of being able to talk to animals is just the best! Imagine chatting with a funny kookaburra or asking a wise old koala about the best leaves to eat! It would be the most amazing way to learn about nature and see the world in a new way. Even with some tricky bits, the chance to meet so many animal friends would make it a super fun and special journey. And if possible, I think I will invite my friends to join the adventure with me as well. |
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