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T3 Book Review Competition Winner

Dec 12 2025

🎉 Congratulations to all the winners, and once again, thank you to everyone who took part!

Full Name	Grade	Branch
Mihir Mepani	5	Gosford
Jeremy Ding	5	Pennant Hills
Isha Bende	5	Strathfield
Adyan Khan	5	Bankstown
Sukaina Kazmi	4	Strathfield
Grace Sithu	4	Baulkham Hills
Grace Reshno	4	Eastwood
Dhruvi Gupta	4	Pennant Hills
Bella Feng	4	Liverpool
Austin Sony Menachery	4	Adelaide SA
Megan Louis	3	Strathfield
Krishnah Jothi	3	Baulkham Hills
Danny Zhang	3	Strathfield
Abdulqadir Ramay	3	Hurstville
Kashnika Sooriyakumar	2	Castle Hill
Charlotte Chen	2	Eastwood
Jessica Dewar	1	Strathfield

[ Year 5 ] Mihir Mepani – Writing Review

[ Student: Mihir Mepani ]
Book Review: *Treasure Island by Robert Louis* Rating 4.5 out of five Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson is a thrilling adventure novel that has captivated readers of all ages for generations. First published in 1883, this classic tale of pirates, buried treasure, and high-seas adventure continues to inspire imagination and a love for storytelling. For students at Pre-Uni New College, it is a perfect example of how literature can combine excitement with meaningful lessons about bravery, trust, and moral choices. The story is told through the eyes of a young boy named Jim Hawkins, who finds a pirate’s map and sets out on a dangerous journey to uncover a hidden treasure. Along the way, he meets a host of memorable characters, including the cunning and charismatic Long John Silver. Silver is not your typical villain — he is clever, charming, and sometimes even likable, which makes him one of the most fascinating characters in the story. What makes Treasure Island such a great read is how Stevenson builds suspense and creates vivid scenes. From the eerie Admiral Benbow Inn to the wild, unpredictable island itself, the settings come to life through detailed descriptions. The plot moves quickly, with just the right mix of action, mystery, and character development to keep readers engaged. For Pre-Uni New College students, this book also provides valuable opportunities to learn about narrative techniques, characterisation, and themes such as loyalty, courage, and greed. Jim’s growth from an ordinary boy into a brave and responsible young man is inspiring and relatable for young readers. Pros: Exciting, fast-paced plot Strong character development, especially of Jim and Long John Silver Rich vocabulary and descriptive writing Timeless moral lessons Cons: Some older language may be a little challenging at first Slower start before the main adventure begins In conclusion, Treasure Island is more than just a pirate story — it is a coming-of-age tale filled with adventure, danger, and life lessons. It’s a highly recommended read for Pre-Uni students who enjoy classic literature with a strong storyline and memorable characters.

[ Student: Mihir Mepani ]

Book Review: Treasure Island by Robert Louis

Rating 4.5 out of five

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson is a thrilling adventure novel that has captivated readers of all ages for generations. First published in 1883, this classic tale of pirates, buried treasure, and high-seas adventure continues to inspire imagination and a love for storytelling. For students at Pre-Uni New College, it is a perfect example of how literature can combine excitement with meaningful lessons about bravery, trust, and moral choices.
The story is told through the eyes of a young boy named Jim Hawkins, who finds a pirate’s map and sets out on a dangerous journey to uncover a hidden treasure. Along the way, he meets a host of memorable characters, including the cunning and charismatic Long John Silver. Silver is not your typical villain — he is clever, charming, and sometimes even likable, which makes him one of the most fascinating characters in the story.
What makes Treasure Island such a great read is how Stevenson builds suspense and creates vivid scenes. From the eerie Admiral Benbow Inn to the wild, unpredictable island itself, the settings come to life through detailed descriptions. The plot moves quickly, with just the right mix of action, mystery, and character development to keep readers engaged.
For Pre-Uni New College students, this book also provides valuable opportunities to learn about narrative techniques, characterisation, and themes such as loyalty, courage, and greed. Jim’s growth from an ordinary boy into a brave and responsible young man is inspiring and relatable for young readers.

Pros:
Exciting, fast-paced plot
Strong character development, especially of Jim and Long John Silver
Rich vocabulary and descriptive writing
Timeless moral lessons

Cons:
Some older language may be a little challenging at first
Slower start before the main adventure begins
In conclusion, Treasure Island is more than just a pirate story — it is a coming-of-age tale filled with adventure, danger, and life lessons. It’s a highly recommended read for Pre-Uni students who enjoy classic literature with a strong storyline and memorable characters.

[ Year 5 ] Jeremy Ding – Writing Review

[ Student: Jeremy Ding ]
Book Review: Treasure Island This classic story is told through Jim Hawkins, a teenager who lives in an inn by the cove. When the first mate of the infamous Captain Flint’s crew arrives to stay at the inn, Jim discovers that he has a map of Treasure Island. After Bill’s death, Jim shows the map to Dr Livesey and Squire Trelawney, and they plan to sail the Hispaniola on a treasure hunt. Jim overhears that the sea-cook, Long John Silver, was also one of Flint’s former crewmates, and that he is planning a mutiny with his pirate crew to steal the treasure for themselves. In his adventures on Treasure Island, Jim narrowly survives the pirate crew’s siege on the honest crew’s stockade. He also shoots one of Silver’s crew members, Israel Hands, in self-defence, and later ends up taken hostage by the pirate crew, who eventually betray Silver and start their own mutiny. During their time on Treasure Island, Jim leaves the stockade one day to beach the Hispaniola in a different location, where he shoots Israel Hands. Upon his return, he learns that the honest crew have signed a treaty with Silver. When Jim is held hostage by Silver’s crew during their treasure hunt, the pirates betray Silver—only to be ambushed by Smollett’s men. I believe Silver was quite loyal to sign Smollett’s treaty, and his surrender showed development in his character. Jim maintained an adventurous spirit throughout the book; he shot Israel Hands and survived a pirate crew’s siege. In contrast to Silver, I was contemptuous of his crew for betraying him—it served them right to be ambushed by Smollett. I believe that the most exciting part of Jim’s adventure occurs during his sea journey, when he leaves the stockade with Ben Gunn’s coracle to beach the Hispaniola elsewhere. This is where he takes the greatest risks and shows the most daring. These moments involve cruising in a coracle, striking the Jolly Roger, shooting Israel Hands, and more. I believe Silver is more than just a villain; he is a well-developed character who emerges from the book as a loyal and hardworking friend, in contrast to the sly and cunning mutineer we first meet. I see his transformation as something quite special. Treasure Island has taught me as much as it has taught the main characters in the story. I have learned that courageous people who are willing to take risks, persevere towards their goals, and adapt to unfamiliar environments are the ones most rewarded—morally, if not always materially. This is clearly demonstrated through Jim’s reward of the treasure. The story made me feel extremely engaged through the thrilling adventures Jim experienced. His actions were daring and bold, with every moment inviting excitement and making it hard to stop reading. A sense of triumph and victory filled me when the antagonists were ambushed.

[ Student: Jeremy Ding ]

Book Review: Treasure Island

This classic story is told through Jim Hawkins, a teenager who lives in an inn by the cove. When the first mate of the infamous Captain Flint’s crew arrives to stay at the inn, Jim discovers that he has a map of Treasure Island. After Bill’s death, Jim shows the map to Dr Livesey and Squire Trelawney, and they plan to sail the Hispaniola on a treasure hunt. Jim overhears that the sea-cook, Long John Silver, was also one of Flint’s former crewmates, and that he is planning a mutiny with his pirate crew to steal the treasure for themselves. In his adventures on Treasure Island, Jim narrowly survives the pirate crew’s siege on the honest crew’s stockade. He also shoots one of Silver’s crew members, Israel Hands, in self-defence, and later ends up taken hostage by the pirate crew, who eventually betray Silver and start their own mutiny.
During their time on Treasure Island, Jim leaves the stockade one day to beach the Hispaniola in a different location, where he shoots Israel Hands. Upon his return, he learns that the honest crew have signed a treaty with Silver. When Jim is held hostage by Silver’s crew during their treasure hunt, the pirates betray Silver—only to be ambushed by Smollett’s men. I believe Silver was quite loyal to sign Smollett’s treaty, and his surrender showed development in his character. Jim maintained an adventurous spirit throughout the book; he shot Israel Hands and survived a pirate crew’s siege. In contrast to Silver, I was contemptuous of his crew for betraying him—it served them right to be ambushed by Smollett.
I believe that the most exciting part of Jim’s adventure occurs during his sea journey, when he leaves the stockade with Ben Gunn’s coracle to beach the Hispaniola elsewhere. This is where he takes the greatest risks and shows the most daring. These moments involve cruising in a coracle, striking the Jolly Roger, shooting Israel Hands, and more. I believe Silver is more than just a villain; he is a well-developed character who emerges from the book as a loyal and hardworking friend, in contrast to the sly and cunning mutineer we first meet. I see his transformation as something quite special.
Treasure Island has taught me as much as it has taught the main characters in the story. I have learned that courageous people who are willing to take risks, persevere towards their goals, and adapt to unfamiliar environments are the ones most rewarded—morally, if not always materially. This is clearly demonstrated through Jim’s reward of the treasure. The story made me feel extremely engaged through the thrilling adventures Jim experienced. His actions were daring and bold, with every moment inviting excitement and making it hard to stop reading. A sense of triumph and victory filled me when the antagonists were ambushed.

[ Year 5 ] Isha Bende – Writing Review

[ Student: Isha Bende ]
Book Review: Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson Written by a Year 5-style student for the Pre-Uni Book Review Competition Book Summary Treasure Island is a timeless tale of perilous adventure, moral complexity, and the irreversible journey from boyhood to maturity. The narrative centres on Jim Hawkins, a perceptive and courageous young boy, who stumbles upon an old sea captain’s map—an artefact that ignites a deadly race for hidden pirate treasure. From the moment Jim boards the Hispaniola, the reader is launched into a whirlwind of mutiny, deceit, and danger. As the voyage progresses, Jim becomes entangled with the enigmatic and morally ambiguous Long John Silver—a character whose charm is equalled only by his capacity for betrayal. The island itself becomes a symbol of temptation, greed, and the human struggle between loyalty and self-interest. Through shipwrecks, sword fights, and buried treasure, Jim is forced to make harrowing decisions that test his bravery and sharpen his instincts. Ultimately, he returns home not just with riches, but with a deeper understanding of integrity, trust, and the consequences of ambition. Personal Opinion What I found most captivating was the psychological complexity of Long John Silver. He is not merely a villain, but a master manipulator—both charismatic and chilling. His shifting allegiance challenges the reader to question the meaning of loyalty, especially when survival is at stake. While his actions were undeniably treacherous, I couldn’t help but admire his cunning and leadership. He embodies the grey areas of morality in a world that is too often painted in black and white. The most thrilling segment was undoubtedly when Jim bravely sneaks aboard the Hispaniola and takes control of it, displaying resourcefulness and nerve far beyond his years. That single moment marks his transformation from a passive observer into a true hero. It resonated deeply with me, as it reminded me that courage is not the absence of fear—but the decision to act despite it. Through this novel, I learned that true character is revealed not in comfort, but in conflict. The themes of trust, betrayal, and growth are explored with subtlety, making the story not just a thrilling adventure, but a profound reflection on human nature. The book left me feeling exhilarated, contemplative, and inspired to face life’s uncertainties with boldness and critical thought. Would I go on a treasure hunt like Jim? Undoubtedly yes—but only if I could return with half as much wisdom as he did. Treasure Island is more than a swashbuckling pirate tale; it is a masterclass in storytelling, and one that I would recommend to any young reader seeking both excitement and insight.

[ Student: Isha Bende ]

Book Review: Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

Written by a Year 5-style student for the Pre-Uni Book Review Competition

Book Summary

Treasure Island is a timeless tale of perilous adventure, moral complexity, and the irreversible journey from boyhood to maturity. The narrative centres on Jim Hawkins, a perceptive and courageous young boy, who stumbles upon an old sea captain’s map—an artefact that ignites a deadly race for hidden pirate treasure. From the moment Jim boards the Hispaniola, the reader is launched into a whirlwind of mutiny, deceit, and danger.
As the voyage progresses, Jim becomes entangled with the enigmatic and morally ambiguous Long John Silver—a character whose charm is equalled only by his capacity for betrayal. The island itself becomes a symbol of temptation, greed, and the human struggle between loyalty and self-interest. Through shipwrecks, sword fights, and buried treasure, Jim is forced to make harrowing decisions that test his bravery and sharpen his instincts. Ultimately, he returns home not just with riches, but with a deeper understanding of integrity, trust, and the consequences of ambition.

Personal Opinion

What I found most captivating was the psychological complexity of Long John Silver. He is not merely a villain, but a master manipulator—both charismatic and chilling. His shifting allegiance challenges the reader to question the meaning of loyalty, especially when survival is at stake. While his actions were undeniably treacherous, I couldn’t help but admire his cunning and leadership. He embodies the grey areas of morality in a world that is too often painted in black and white.
The most thrilling segment was undoubtedly when Jim bravely sneaks aboard the Hispaniola and takes control of it, displaying resourcefulness and nerve far beyond his years. That single moment marks his transformation from a passive observer into a true hero. It resonated deeply with me, as it reminded me that courage is not the absence of fear—but the decision to act despite it.
Through this novel, I learned that true character is revealed not in comfort, but in conflict. The themes of trust, betrayal, and growth are explored with subtlety, making the story not just a thrilling adventure, but a profound reflection on human nature. The book left me feeling exhilarated, contemplative, and inspired to face life’s uncertainties with boldness and critical thought.
Would I go on a treasure hunt like Jim? Undoubtedly yes—but only if I could return with half as much wisdom as he did. Treasure Island is more than a swashbuckling pirate tale; it is a masterclass in storytelling, and one that I would recommend to any young reader seeking both excitement and insight.

[ Year 5 ] Adyan Khan – Writing Review

[ Student: Adyan Khan ]
A Timeless Voyage into Adventure Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, first serialized in 1881-1882, remains a cornerstone of adventure fiction. More than just a simple tale of buried gold, the novel is a masterclass in suspense, character development, and the intoxicating allure of the open sea. Stevenson crafts a world that is both thrilling and morally complex, drawing readers young and old into a high-stakes hunt for fortune. The story is told from the perspective of young Jim Hawkins, the son of an innkeeper. His ordinary life is upended by the arrival of a mysterious, menacing sailor named Billy Bones, who brings with him a sea-chest and a past full of secrets. When Bones dies under mysterious circumstances, Jim acquires a map to Captain Flint’s legendary treasure. This discovery sets off a chain of events that leads Jim and his companions—the honorable Dr. Livesey and the stoic Squire Trelawney—on a perilous sea voyage aboard the Hispaniola. Their journey is quickly complicated by a cunning and charismatic mutineer, the one-legged ship’s cook, Long John Silver. The novel’s strength lies in its iconic characters, especially the captivating relationship between Jim Hawkins and Long John Silver. Jim is a perfect narrator: brave but naive, intelligent but easily swayed. His coming-of-age journey is at the heart of the story, as he is forced to navigate betrayal and violence and learn to rely on his own wits. Silver, however, is the real star of the show. He is a marvel of conflicting qualities—a murderous pirate with a silver tongue, a loving father figure who is also a ruthless schemer. His complex nature raises fascinating questions about morality and loyalty, making him one of the most memorable antagonists in literary history. Beyond the thrilling plot, Stevenson explores timeless themes. The clash between Jim’s innocent ideals and the harsh realities of the pirate world serves as a central conflict. The novel also delves into the destructive power of greed, as the lust for gold turns crewmates into enemies and friends into foes. Yet, it also celebrates the spirit of adventure, the thrill of the unknown, and the courage found in unexpected places. Stevenson’s prose is direct and evocative, capturing the salty spray of the sea and the sweltering jungle heat with a vivid economy of language. The pacing is tight and relentless, with each chapter ending on a note of high tension. In conclusion, Treasure Island is more than just a pirate story; it is a profound exploration of human nature, a gripping coming-of-age tale, and a perfectly constructed adventure. Its characters are unforgettable, its themes are timeless, and its narrative drive is unmatched. It is a must-read for anyone who has ever dreamed of adventure, and its enduring legacy is a testament to its masterful storytelling.

[ Student: Adyan Khan ]

A Timeless Voyage into Adventure
Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, first serialized in 1881-1882, remains a cornerstone of adventure fiction. More than just a simple tale of buried gold, the novel is a masterclass in suspense, character development, and the intoxicating allure of the open sea. Stevenson crafts a world that is both thrilling and morally complex, drawing readers young and old into a high-stakes hunt for fortune.
The story is told from the perspective of young Jim Hawkins, the son of an innkeeper. His ordinary life is upended by the arrival of a mysterious, menacing sailor named Billy Bones, who brings with him a sea-chest and a past full of secrets. When Bones dies under mysterious circumstances, Jim acquires a map to Captain Flint’s legendary treasure. This discovery sets off a chain of events that leads Jim and his companions—the honorable Dr. Livesey and the stoic Squire Trelawney—on a perilous sea voyage aboard the Hispaniola. Their journey is quickly complicated by a cunning and charismatic mutineer, the one-legged ship’s cook, Long John Silver.
The novel’s strength lies in its iconic characters, especially the captivating relationship between Jim Hawkins and Long John Silver. Jim is a perfect narrator: brave but naive, intelligent but easily swayed. His coming-of-age journey is at the heart of the story, as he is forced to navigate betrayal and violence and learn to rely on his own wits. Silver, however, is the real star of the show. He is a marvel of conflicting qualities—a murderous pirate with a silver tongue, a loving father figure who is also a ruthless schemer. His complex nature raises fascinating questions about morality and loyalty, making him one of the most memorable antagonists in literary history.
Beyond the thrilling plot, Stevenson explores timeless themes. The clash between Jim’s innocent ideals and the harsh realities of the pirate world serves as a central conflict. The novel also delves into the destructive power of greed, as the lust for gold turns crewmates into enemies and friends into foes. Yet, it also celebrates the spirit of adventure, the thrill of the unknown, and the courage found in unexpected places. Stevenson’s prose is direct and evocative, capturing the salty spray of the sea and the sweltering jungle heat with a vivid economy of language. The pacing is tight and relentless, with each chapter ending on a note of high tension.
In conclusion, Treasure Island is more than just a pirate story; it is a profound exploration of human nature, a gripping coming-of-age tale, and a perfectly constructed adventure. Its characters are unforgettable, its themes are timeless, and its narrative drive is unmatched. It is a must-read for anyone who has ever dreamed of adventure, and its enduring legacy is a testament to its masterful storytelling.

[ Year 4 ] Sukaina Kazmi – Writing Review

[ Student: Sukaina Kazmi ]
*The Wind in the Willows* The Wind in the Willows is a classis ctory about for animals who live in the countryside near a river. The main characters are Mole, Rat, Badger and the reckless Toad. Each of these characters have a different personality, which makes the story fun and interesting. Rat is clever and caring, and loves the river, Mole is gentle and curious, Badger is quiet and wise while Toad is silly, proud and always getting into trouble. This story is full of different expeditions. One of the most exciting parts is whre Toad steals a car, gets caught, and has to escape from prison! Even though Toad causes an immense amount of problems, his friends still love and care for him, while also helpng him change. This portrays a strong connection between them, displays how their friendship is, and conveys a message that it is important to forgive and show compassion and support for others, even when they do something wrong. There are also serene and tranquil parts of the book, like when Mole and Rat enjoy oating on the river, or exploring the woods. These peaceful moments help balance the exciting parts ahnd show the beauty of nature. This book was written a long time ago, and some of the language seems a little old fashioned, but the story is still easy to enjoy. Additionally, this book conveys a few good life-lessons about friendship, kindness and learning from one’s mistakes. In my opinion, I think that kids that love animals, adventures, and stories about friendship will find this story entertaining. As for me, I really enjoyed this book because some bits got me hyped up, and some got me relaxed, therfore this book is just right for me. Kenneth Grahame has also done an impeccable job on making people feel right there, by having good descriptions about the scenery, helping us imagine what their surroundings are like. Grahame has displayed all of the five senses, which helps bring the scene to life. Some examples of his scenic description are when Mole and Ratty are boating, the environment around them is peaceful and calm, especially with the sunlight shining on the water and with Portly sleeping gently in the Piper’s lap. HIs writing makes the countryside ffeel magical and special, like a place you would want to go to.

[ Student: Sukaina Kazmi ]

The Wind in the Willows

The Wind in the Willows is a classis ctory about for animals who live in the countryside near a river. The main characters are Mole, Rat, Badger and the reckless Toad. Each of these characters have a different personality, which makes the story fun and interesting. Rat is clever and caring, and loves the river, Mole is gentle and curious, Badger is quiet and wise while Toad is silly, proud and always getting into trouble.
This story is full of different expeditions. One of the most exciting parts is whre Toad steals a car, gets caught, and has to escape from prison! Even though Toad causes an immense amount of problems, his friends still love and care for him, while also helpng him change. This portrays a strong connection between them, displays how their friendship is, and conveys a message that it is important to forgive and show compassion and support for others, even when they do something wrong.
There are also serene and tranquil parts of the book, like when Mole and Rat enjoy oating on the river, or exploring the woods. These peaceful moments help balance the exciting parts ahnd show the beauty of nature.
This book was written a long time ago, and some of the language seems a little old fashioned, but the story is still easy to enjoy. Additionally, this book conveys a few good life-lessons about friendship, kindness and learning from one’s mistakes. In my opinion, I think that kids that love animals, adventures, and stories about friendship will find this story entertaining. As for me, I really enjoyed this book because some bits got me hyped up, and some got me relaxed, therfore this book is just right for me.
Kenneth Grahame has also done an impeccable job on making people feel right there, by having good descriptions about the scenery, helping us imagine what their surroundings are like. Grahame has displayed all of the five senses, which helps bring the scene to life. Some examples of his scenic description are when Mole and Ratty are boating, the environment around them is peaceful and calm, especially with the sunlight shining on the water and with Portly sleeping gently in the Piper’s lap. HIs writing makes the countryside ffeel magical and special, like a place you would want to go to.

[ Year 4 ] Grace Sithu – Writing Review

[ Student: Grace Sithu ]
*‘The Wind in the Willows’ Book Review* Perfect friendship between animals grows a long, long way. This famous book, The Wind in the Willows, was written by Kenneth Grahame, a bestselling author. This classic is about four anthropomorphic animals, Mole, Rat, Badger and Toad going together on adventure. At first, Toad invites Mole and Rat on his new cart. It is the Toad that chooses to be foolish with his love of motorcars and goes to prison. He also nearly loses his home. After Toad escapes the prison, the four friends fight back home and change the foolish Toad. The Mole, Rat, Badger and Toad are four mighty friends with huge adventures. The Mole is a kind, old mole who gets bored easily and spends most of the time with Rat. They were both firm friends from the beginning. Rat is a keen water rat who extremely loves riding on his little boat and writing poetry. Badger is a grumpy but helpful badger who really hates society but likes his little friends, Rat, Mole and Toad. Toad is an animated and foolish character who does not seem to care what he does. Despite their social class, they remain good friends. At the start of the story, Mole decides to get out of his home and go somewhere. He arrives at a River, where he meets the Water Rat(can also be called Rat.) Mole and Rat meet the Toad, who invites them for a ride in his new cart. When the cart crashes, Toad spies a motorcar and the problem starts. He starts to adore and love motorcars and wants to ride one. But he would crash and crash. At the end of the story, Toad’s home is invaded by weasels and ferrets. The four friends fight and win over the invaders and reclaim the house for Toad. They teach him to be serious like them and not all foolish. The long friendship obtained by the four helped them all to think about helping others. I especially liked the Mole because he was intelligent and cheeky. His attitude was always positive and directed towards help. The part I liked the most was when the Mole dressed up as a washerwoman and warned the ferrets and weasels of them. It was unusually funny and even Badger was pleased with the Mole. I learnt that you should not be naughty and very ambitious, like the Toad. I felt happy and a bit bored after reading this classic of Grahame’s. This story of Mole, Rat, Badger and Toad filled me up with happiness and laughter. I liked this book very much. It was interesting and taught me many lessons. Remember, do not be like a foolish Toad!

[ Student: Grace Sithu ]

‘The Wind in the Willows’ Book Review

Perfect friendship between animals grows a long, long way. This famous book, The Wind in the Willows, was written by Kenneth Grahame, a bestselling author. This classic is about four anthropomorphic animals, Mole, Rat, Badger and Toad going together on adventure. At first, Toad invites Mole and Rat on his new cart. It is the Toad that chooses to be foolish with his love of motorcars and goes to prison. He also nearly loses his home. After Toad escapes the prison, the four friends fight back home and change the foolish Toad.
The Mole, Rat, Badger and Toad are four mighty friends with huge adventures. The Mole is a kind, old mole who gets bored easily and spends most of the time with Rat. They were both firm friends from the beginning. Rat is a keen water rat who extremely loves riding on his little boat and writing poetry. Badger is a grumpy but helpful badger who really hates society but likes his little friends, Rat, Mole and Toad. Toad is an animated and foolish character who does not seem to care what he does. Despite their social class, they remain good friends.
At the start of the story, Mole decides to get out of his home and go somewhere. He arrives at a River, where he meets the Water Rat(can also be called Rat.) Mole and Rat meet the Toad, who invites them for a ride in his new cart. When the cart crashes, Toad spies a motorcar and the problem starts. He starts to adore and love motorcars and wants to ride one. But he would crash and crash. At the end of the story, Toad’s home is invaded by weasels and ferrets. The four friends fight and win over the invaders and reclaim the house for Toad. They teach him to be serious like them and not all foolish. The long friendship obtained by the four helped them all to think about helping others.
I especially liked the Mole because he was intelligent and cheeky. His attitude was always positive and directed towards help. The part I liked the most was when the Mole dressed up as a washerwoman and warned the ferrets and weasels of them. It was unusually funny and even Badger was pleased with the Mole. I learnt that you should not be naughty and very ambitious, like the Toad. I felt happy and a bit bored after reading this classic of Grahame’s.
This story of Mole, Rat, Badger and Toad filled me up with happiness and laughter. I liked this book very much. It was interesting and taught me many lessons. Remember, do not be like a foolish Toad!

[ Year 4 ] Grace Reshno – Writing Review

[ Student: Grace Reshno ]
*Book Review: The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame* The Wind in the Willows is a magical story about four animal friends – Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger – who live in the countryside and go on big adventures together. Each of them is different, but they care about each other and help one another through good times and bad. At the beginning, Mole gets tired of cleaning his house and decides to explore the world above ground. That’s when he meets Rat, who lives by the river and loves boating. Rat shows Mole the riverbank, and they become close friends. Their adventures are peaceful and full of nature, with picnics, rowing, and watching the seasons change. Then there’s Toad. He’s rich, wild, and completely obsessed with motorcars. He buys one, crashes it, buys another, and keeps getting into trouble. Eventually, his bad choices land him in jail. But his friends don’t give up on him. They help him escape, learn from his mistakes, and take back his home from the sneaky weasels and stoats who took over while he was gone. The story is about friendship, growing up, and learning to be better. It shows how friends stick together, even when one of them is being selfish or silly. It also shows how nature can be peaceful and beautiful, but also scary and mysterious. My favourite character was Rat. He’s calm, smart, and always knows what to do. He’s kind to Mole and helps him feel brave when he’s scared. I liked how Rat was gentle but also strong when it mattered. The most exciting part was when Toad escaped from jail dressed as a washerwoman. It was so funny and surprising that I couldn’t stop laughing. I also liked the part when Mole got lost in the snowy forest and Rat came to rescue him. That moment showed real courage and friendship. This book taught me that being a good friend means helping someone even when they’re not acting their best. It also showed me that making better choices takes time, but it’s possible with support. Reading this story made me feel curious, happy, and sometimes even a little sad. It was like going on a journey through rivers, woods, and secret places. I would love to explore nature like Mole and Rat- especially if there’s a boat and a picnic involved. The Wind in the Willows is more than just a story – it’s a rich, unforgettable journey through friendship, adventure, and the beauty of nature. Each chapter pulls you deeper into a world where rivers sparkle, forests whisper, and loyalty matters more than anything. The characters feel so real that you carry them with you, even after the book ends. It’s a tale that makes you laugh, reflect, and imagine, all at once. I believe everyone should read it- not just because it’s fun, but because it leaves something meaningful behind.

[ Student: Grace Reshno ]

Book Review: The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

The Wind in the Willows is a magical story about four animal friends – Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger – who live in the countryside and go on big adventures together. Each of them is different, but they care about each other and help one another through good times and bad.
At the beginning, Mole gets tired of cleaning his house and decides to explore the world above ground. That’s when he meets Rat, who lives by the river and loves boating. Rat shows Mole the riverbank, and they become close friends. Their adventures are peaceful and full of nature, with picnics, rowing, and watching the seasons change.
Then there’s Toad. He’s rich, wild, and completely obsessed with motorcars. He buys one, crashes it, buys another, and keeps getting into trouble. Eventually, his bad choices land him in jail. But his friends don’t give up on him. They help him escape, learn from his mistakes, and take back his home from the sneaky weasels and stoats who took over while he was gone.
The story is about friendship, growing up, and learning to be better. It shows how friends stick together, even when one of them is being selfish or silly. It also shows how nature can be peaceful and beautiful, but also scary and mysterious.
My favourite character was Rat. He’s calm, smart, and always knows what to do. He’s kind to Mole and helps him feel brave when he’s scared. I liked how Rat was gentle but also strong when it mattered.
The most exciting part was when Toad escaped from jail dressed as a washerwoman. It was so funny and surprising that I couldn’t stop laughing. I also liked the part when Mole got lost in the snowy forest and Rat came to rescue him. That moment showed real courage and friendship.
This book taught me that being a good friend means helping someone even when they’re not acting their best. It also showed me that making better choices takes time, but it’s possible with support. Reading this story made me feel curious, happy, and sometimes even a little sad. It was like going on a journey through rivers, woods, and secret places. I would love to explore nature like Mole and Rat- especially if there’s a boat and a picnic involved.
The Wind in the Willows is more than just a story – it’s a rich, unforgettable journey through friendship, adventure, and the beauty of nature. Each chapter pulls you deeper into a world where rivers sparkle, forests whisper, and loyalty matters more than anything. The characters feel so real that you carry them with you, even after the book ends. It’s a tale that makes you laugh, reflect, and imagine, all at once. I believe everyone should read it- not just because it’s fun, but because it leaves something meaningful behind.

[ Year 4 ] Dhruvi Gupta – Writing Review

[ Student: Dhruvi Gupta ]
*The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame* is a delightful adventure set beside a shimmering English river, where four friends — Mole, Rat, Toad, and Mr Badger — discover the magic of friendship and the thrill of exploration. My favourite characters are Mole and Mr Badger. Mole begins the story as a shy little creature, dusting off his paws after leaving his snug underground home. I loved how his curiosity pulls him outdoors, where he finds the sparkling river and the loyal Rat waiting with a boat. Mole’s quiet bravery shows that anyone can grow bold when they follow their sense of wonder. Mr Badger is the wise guardian of the Wild Wood. At first he seems stern, with his heavy coat and serious eyes, but he is steady and kind beneath the surface. When reckless Toad races motorcars and lands himself in trouble, it is Badger who gathers everyone together, plans a daring rescue, and restores peace to Toad Hall. He feels like the strong heartbeat of the group — calm, clever, and always ready to help. What I loved most about this book is how vividly it paints the countryside. I could almost hear the river laughing over pebbles, smell the damp earth in Badger’s cosy home, and feel the crisp air when the friends tiptoe through tunnels to surprise the weasels. Every page mixes gentle scenes — like sharing tea by the fire — with bursts of excitement that made me hold my breath. Reading The Wind in the Willows taught me that courage, loyalty, and kindness can turn any challenge into an adventure. Mole inspires me to step outside my comfort zone, and Badger reminds me to stay thoughtful and steady. I would recommend this classic to anyone who loves nature, humour, and brave friendships. Rating: 5/5 – A heart-warming, thrilling masterpiece that deserves a place on every bookshelf.

[ Student: Dhruvi Gupta ]

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame is a delightful adventure set beside a shimmering English river, where four friends — Mole, Rat, Toad, and Mr Badger — discover the magic of friendship and the thrill of exploration.
My favourite characters are Mole and Mr Badger. Mole begins the story as a shy little creature, dusting off his paws after leaving his snug underground home. I loved how his curiosity pulls him outdoors, where he finds the sparkling river and the loyal Rat waiting with a boat. Mole’s quiet bravery shows that anyone can grow bold when they follow their sense of wonder.
Mr Badger is the wise guardian of the Wild Wood. At first he seems stern, with his heavy coat and serious eyes, but he is steady and kind beneath the surface. When reckless Toad races motorcars and lands himself in trouble, it is Badger who gathers everyone together, plans a daring rescue, and restores peace to Toad Hall. He feels like the strong heartbeat of the group — calm, clever, and always ready to help.
What I loved most about this book is how vividly it paints the countryside. I could almost hear the river laughing over pebbles, smell the damp earth in Badger’s cosy home, and feel the crisp air when the friends tiptoe through tunnels to surprise the weasels. Every page mixes gentle scenes — like sharing tea by the fire — with bursts of excitement that made me hold my breath.
Reading The Wind in the Willows taught me that courage, loyalty, and kindness can turn any challenge into an adventure. Mole inspires me to step outside my comfort zone, and Badger reminds me to stay thoughtful and steady. I would recommend this classic to anyone who loves nature, humour, and brave friendships.

Rating: 5/5 – A heart-warming, thrilling masterpiece that deserves a place on every bookshelf.

[ Year 4 ] Bella Feng – Writing Review

[ Student: Bella Feng ]
*The Book review of The Wind in the Willows* By, Bella The Wind in the Willows is one of the most exciting and heartwarming books I have ever read. It is full of adventure, laughter, and friendship. The story is about four animal friends who live in the countryside and go on all kinds of adventures together. Their names are Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger. Even though they are all very different from each other, they always help one another and stick together when things go wrong. That is what makes their friendship so special and fun to read about. I felt like I was part of their group while reading the book. The story begins with Mole. He is a gentle and curious little animal who lives underground. One day, he gets tired of cleaning and decides to go outside to explore. That is when he discovers the river, and everything changes for him. Mole is amazed by the water, the sunshine, and the fresh air. He has never seen anything like it before. While he is looking around, he meets Rat, who becomes his very first friend in the story. I really liked this part because it felt like the beginning of something magical. Rat is very friendly and loves the river more than anything. He has a boat and invites Mole to go for a ride. Mole is thrilled. He has never been on a boat before, and everything feels magical and new. The two of them become best friends right away. They spend their days boating, having picnics, and visiting other animals. Rat teaches Mole how to enjoy nature and appreciate the simple things in life. Mole learns so much from Rat, and their friendship is really sweet. It made me think about how nice it is to have a friend who shows you new things and helps you feel brave. After we get to know Mole and Rat, we meet Toad. Toad is rich and lives in a big fancy house called Toad Hall. He is silly, wild, and always wants to try new things. At first, he is into boating like Rat and Mole, but then he sees a motorcar and becomes totally obsessed. He keeps buying cars and crashing them. He does not listen to his friends and gets into huge trouble. He even ends up in jail for stealing a car and being rude to a policeman. That part of the story was so crazy I could not believe it. But Toad is clever and finds a way to escape by dressing up as a washerwoman. I laughed so hard at that part. It was so funny I could not stop giggling. I think that was one of the funniest parts in the whole book. Toad’s adventures are wild and sometimes a little dangerous, but they are also really fun to read about. He gets into all kinds of trouble, but he never gives up. Even when things go wrong, he keeps trying to get back home. His friends worry about him and try to help, even when he does not listen. That shows how much they care about him, even when he is being silly and reckless. I think that is what real friendship looks like, caring about someone even when they are not acting their best. Later in the story, we meet Badger. Badger is wise and serious. He lives deep in the woods and does not like visitors very much. But when his friends need help, he is always there. Badger is like the grown up of the group. He tries to talk sense into Toad and help him become more responsible. He does not yell or get angry. He just wants Toad to learn from his mistakes and be better. Badger reminds me that real leaders do not have to be loud. They just have to be kind and strong and help others do the right thing. One of the most exciting parts of the book is when some sneaky animals called weasels and stoats take over Toad Hall. Toad is still on the way home, so Mole, Rat, and Badger come up with a brave plan to get the house back. They sneak in through a secret tunnel and surprise the troublemakers. That part felt like a movie. It was full of action and teamwork. I was cheering for them the whole time and could not wait to see what would happen next. It was so exciting and made me feel like I was right there with them. Even though the book has lots of fun and silly moments, it also teaches some really important lessons. It is mostly about friendship and growing up. Each character learns something important. Mole learns to be brave and try new things. Rat shows how to be kind and enjoy life. Toad learns that being wild and careless can lead to trouble. And Badger teaches everyone how to be strong and smart. They all help each other grow, and that is what makes the story so nice. I think that is what makes a good friend, someone who helps you become a better person. I really liked how the animals acted like people but still lived in nature. They had houses, boats, and even wore clothes, but they also cared about the forest, the river, and the seasons. It made me think about how important it is to enjoy the world around us and take care of it. Rat especially loves nature, and he always finds joy in the little things like a sunny day or a quiet boat ride. That made me want to go outside more and notice the beauty around me. My favorite character is Rat. He is calm, smart, and loves the river. I would love to go boating with him and have a picnic by the water. He always knows what to do and helps Mole learn about the world. He is the kind of friend who makes you feel safe and happy. I also really like Mole because he is curious and sweet. He reminds me of myself when I try something new and feel nervous but excited. I think Mole is very brave for leaving his home and going on adventures. Toad is funny and wild, and even though he makes a lot of mistakes, he is still lovable. I think everyone has a little bit of Toad in them. Sometimes we get excited and forget to be careful. But that is okay as long as we learn from it and have friends who help us along the way. Toad tries hard, even if he does not always think before he acts. I think he has a good heart deep down. Badger is the kind of friend who does not say much, but when he does, it is important. He is brave and strong and always ready to help. I think he is the glue that holds the group together. Without him, they might not have been able to save Toad Hall or help Toad become better. Badger teaches me that being quiet does not mean you are not important. Sometimes the quietest people are the wisest. This book made me think about my own friends and how we help each other. I have had times when I made mistakes and my friends helped me fix them. I have also helped my friends when they were sad or needed someone to talk to. That is what friendship is all about. Being there for each other no matter what. I think this story shows that even when things go wrong, you can always count on your friends to help you through it. Reading this book made me want to go outside more, explore nature, and spend time with my friends. It also made me want to be more like Rat, calm, kind, and full of love for the river. I think stories like this help us understand ourselves better and remind us what really matters. It made me feel happy and excited. Sometimes I was worried for the characters, but I knew they would be okay because they had each other. Whenever I see a river now, I think of Mole and Rat and smile. I imagine them in their little boat, floating along the water, talking and laughing and enjoying the day. That is the kind of life I want to have too, full of wonder, friendship, and peace. The Wind in the Willows is a story I will always remember. It is fun, funny, and full of heart. I think everyone should read it because it shows how important it is to care about others and enjoy the world around you. It is the kind of book that stays with you long after you finish reading. I am so glad I read it, and I hope other kids will read it too and feel the same joy I did.

[ Student: Bella Feng ]

The Book review of The Wind in the Willows
By, Bella

The Wind in the Willows is one of the most exciting and heartwarming books I have ever read. It is full of adventure, laughter, and friendship. The story is about four animal friends who live in the countryside and go on all kinds of adventures together. Their names are Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger. Even though they are all very different from each other, they always help one another and stick together when things go wrong. That is what makes their friendship so special and fun to read about. I felt like I was part of their group while reading the book.

The story begins with Mole. He is a gentle and curious little animal who lives underground. One day, he gets tired of cleaning and decides to go outside to explore. That is when he discovers the river, and everything changes for him. Mole is amazed by the water, the sunshine, and the fresh air. He has never seen anything like it before. While he is looking around, he meets Rat, who becomes his very first friend in the story. I really liked this part because it felt like the beginning of something magical.

Rat is very friendly and loves the river more than anything. He has a boat and invites Mole to go for a ride. Mole is thrilled. He has never been on a boat before, and everything feels magical and new. The two of them become best friends right away. They spend their days boating, having picnics, and visiting other animals. Rat teaches Mole how to enjoy nature and appreciate the simple things in life. Mole learns so much from Rat, and their friendship is really sweet. It made me think about how nice it is to have a friend who shows you new things and helps you feel brave.

After we get to know Mole and Rat, we meet Toad. Toad is rich and lives in a big fancy house called Toad Hall. He is silly, wild, and always wants to try new things. At first, he is into boating like Rat and Mole, but then he sees a motorcar and becomes totally obsessed. He keeps buying cars and crashing them. He does not listen to his friends and gets into huge trouble. He even ends up in jail for stealing a car and being rude to a policeman. That part of the story was so crazy I could not believe it. But Toad is clever and finds a way to escape by dressing up as a washerwoman. I laughed so hard at that part. It was so funny I could not stop giggling. I think that was one of the funniest parts in the whole book.

Toad’s adventures are wild and sometimes a little dangerous, but they are also really fun to read about. He gets into all kinds of trouble, but he never gives up. Even when things go wrong, he keeps trying to get back home. His friends worry about him and try to help, even when he does not listen. That shows how much they care about him, even when he is being silly and reckless. I think that is what real friendship looks like, caring about someone even when they are not acting their best.

Later in the story, we meet Badger. Badger is wise and serious. He lives deep in the woods and does not like visitors very much. But when his friends need help, he is always there. Badger is like the grown up of the group. He tries to talk sense into Toad and help him become more responsible. He does not yell or get angry. He just wants Toad to learn from his mistakes and be better. Badger reminds me that real leaders do not have to be loud. They just have to be kind and strong and help others do the right thing.

One of the most exciting parts of the book is when some sneaky animals called weasels and stoats take over Toad Hall. Toad is still on the way home, so Mole, Rat, and Badger come up with a brave plan to get the house back. They sneak in through a secret tunnel and surprise the troublemakers. That part felt like a movie. It was full of action and teamwork. I was cheering for them the whole time and could not wait to see what would happen next. It was so exciting and made me feel like I was right there with them.

Even though the book has lots of fun and silly moments, it also teaches some really important lessons. It is mostly about friendship and growing up. Each character learns something important. Mole learns to be brave and try new things. Rat shows how to be kind and enjoy life. Toad learns that being wild and careless can lead to trouble. And Badger teaches everyone how to be strong and smart. They all help each other grow, and that is what makes the story so nice. I think that is what makes a good friend, someone who helps you become a better person.

I really liked how the animals acted like people but still lived in nature. They had houses, boats, and even wore clothes, but they also cared about the forest, the river, and the seasons. It made me think about how important it is to enjoy the world around us and take care of it. Rat especially loves nature, and he always finds joy in the little things like a sunny day or a quiet boat ride. That made me want to go outside more and notice the beauty around me.
My favorite character is Rat. He is calm, smart, and loves the river. I would love to go boating with him and have a picnic by the water. He always knows what to do and helps Mole learn about the world. He is the kind of friend who makes you feel safe and happy. I also really like Mole because he is curious and sweet. He reminds me of myself when I try something new and feel nervous but excited. I think Mole is very brave for leaving his home and going on adventures.

Toad is funny and wild, and even though he makes a lot of mistakes, he is still lovable. I think everyone has a little bit of Toad in them. Sometimes we get excited and forget to be careful. But that is okay as long as we learn from it and have friends who help us along the way. Toad tries hard, even if he does not always think before he acts. I think he has a good heart deep down.
Badger is the kind of friend who does not say much, but when he does, it is important. He is brave and strong and always ready to help. I think he is the glue that holds the group together. Without him, they might not have been able to save Toad Hall or help Toad become better. Badger teaches me that being quiet does not mean you are not important. Sometimes the quietest people are the wisest.

This book made me think about my own friends and how we help each other. I have had times when I made mistakes and my friends helped me fix them. I have also helped my friends when they were sad or needed someone to talk to. That is what friendship is all about. Being there for each other no matter what. I think this story shows that even when things go wrong, you can always count on your friends to help you through it.

Reading this book made me want to go outside more, explore nature, and spend time with my friends. It also made me want to be more like Rat, calm, kind, and full of love for the river. I think stories like this help us understand ourselves better and remind us what really matters. It made me feel happy and excited. Sometimes I was worried for the characters, but I knew they would be okay because they had each other.

Whenever I see a river now, I think of Mole and Rat and smile. I imagine them in their little boat, floating along the water, talking and laughing and enjoying the day. That is the kind of life I want to have too, full of wonder, friendship, and peace.

The Wind in the Willows is a story I will always remember. It is fun, funny, and full of heart. I think everyone should read it because it shows how important it is to care about others and enjoy the world around you. It is the kind of book that stays with you long after you finish reading. I am so glad I read it, and I hope other kids will read it too and feel the same joy I did.

[ Year 4 ] Austin Sony Menachery – Writing Review

[ Student: Austin Sony Menachery ]
*Book Review: The Wind in the Willows* Author: Kenneth Grahame I recently read The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame, and I really enjoyed it. The story is about four animal friends—Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger—who live in the English countryside. What makes this story special is that even though they are animals, they act like people. They talk, have homes, go on adventures, and have feelings just like humans. The story takes place mostly along a river and in a big forest called the Wild Wood, which makes it feel magical and peaceful. At the beginning of the story, Mole is bored and wants to see the world outside his home. He meets Rat, who lives by the river, and they quickly become friends. Rat is very kind and loves boating. I really liked the parts where Mole and Rat go boating because the author describes the river so beautifully. You can almost feel the water on your hands and see the sunlight shining on the river. These parts made me feel like I was there with them, enjoying the adventure. Later, they meet Toad, who is rich, confident, and very energetic. Toad loves trying new things, especially cars, but he often gets into trouble because he is reckless. One of the most exciting parts of the story is when Toad drives too fast and gets into serious trouble. Even though Toad makes lots of mistakes, his friends never give up on him. They help him learn lessons about responsibility, friendship, and caring for others. Badger is another friend who is wise and brave. He lives in the Wild Wood and helps guide Mole, Rat, and Toad when they need help. My favorite character was Toad because he was funny, full of energy, and always getting into adventures. Even though he was silly and sometimes selfish, he eventually learns that friends are more important than trying to show off. I also liked Mole because he is curious and brave. Even though he is nervous about leaving his home at first, he becomes adventurous and grows as a character. Rat is my other favorite because he is calm, kind, and always tries to help others. This book is not just about adventures; it also teaches important lessons. It shows how friendship, loyalty, and forgiveness are important. Even when someone makes mistakes, true friends will help them. The story also shows how enjoying nature and simple things in life can be very happy. The descriptions of the river, the woods, and the countryside are so detailed that I could imagine walking along the river or sitting in the sunshine with the animals. I think The Wind in the Willows is a perfect book for kids who like stories with animals, friendship, and exciting adventures. It is a classic story, which means it has been loved by children and adults for many years. Even though the language can be a little old-fashioned, it is not too hard to understand. I learned that adventures are fun, but it is even more fun to share them with friends. In conclusion, The Wind in the Willows is an amazing story full of excitement, laughter, and lessons about friendship. I would give this book 5 out of 5 stars. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys animals, magical rivers, and stories about friends who help each other no matter what.

[ Student: Austin Sony Menachery ]

Book Review: The Wind in the Willows
Author: Kenneth Grahame

I recently read The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame, and I really enjoyed it. The story is about four animal friends—Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger—who live in the English countryside. What makes this story special is that even though they are animals, they act like people. They talk, have homes, go on adventures, and have feelings just like humans. The story takes place mostly along a river and in a big forest called the Wild Wood, which makes it feel magical and peaceful.
At the beginning of the story, Mole is bored and wants to see the world outside his home. He meets Rat, who lives by the river, and they quickly become friends. Rat is very kind and loves boating. I really liked the parts where Mole and Rat go boating because the author describes the river so beautifully. You can almost feel the water on your hands and see the sunlight shining on the river. These parts made me feel like I was there with them, enjoying the adventure.
Later, they meet Toad, who is rich, confident, and very energetic. Toad loves trying new things, especially cars, but he often gets into trouble because he is reckless. One of the most exciting parts of the story is when Toad drives too fast and gets into serious trouble. Even though Toad makes lots of mistakes, his friends never give up on him. They help him learn lessons about responsibility, friendship, and caring for others. Badger is another friend who is wise and brave. He lives in the Wild Wood and helps guide Mole, Rat, and Toad when they need help.
My favorite character was Toad because he was funny, full of energy, and always getting into adventures. Even though he was silly and sometimes selfish, he eventually learns that friends are more important than trying to show off. I also liked Mole because he is curious and brave. Even though he is nervous about leaving his home at first, he becomes adventurous and grows as a character. Rat is my other favorite because he is calm, kind, and always tries to help others.
This book is not just about adventures; it also teaches important lessons. It shows how friendship, loyalty, and forgiveness are important. Even when someone makes mistakes, true friends will help them. The story also shows how enjoying nature and simple things in life can be very happy. The descriptions of the river, the woods, and the countryside are so detailed that I could imagine walking along the river or sitting in the sunshine with the animals.
I think The Wind in the Willows is a perfect book for kids who like stories with animals, friendship, and exciting adventures. It is a classic story, which means it has been loved by children and adults for many years. Even though the language can be a little old-fashioned, it is not too hard to understand. I learned that adventures are fun, but it is even more fun to share them with friends.
In conclusion, The Wind in the Willows is an amazing story full of excitement, laughter, and lessons about friendship. I would give this book 5 out of 5 stars. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys animals, magical rivers, and stories about friends who help each other no matter what.

[ Year 3 ] Megan Louis – Writing Review

[ Student: Megan Louis ]
Book Summary · Han’s Christian Anderson’s Fairy Tales consists a variety of beautiful stories. He has written inspiring fables for children of all ages which teaches life lessons. His stories consist of magical characters and, of course a great sense of imagination! His enthusiasm and captivation are greatly appreciated by anyone who reads them. · One of my most favourite fairy tales is “The Ugly Duckling”. It’s about a cygnet, who was mistakenly hatched out of a duck egg. As it grew up a little, it was unfortunately teased and rudely mocked by the other ducklings just because of its odd and ugly appearance. In addition, it was pushed, pecked and shoved by other contemptuous and immature farm animals. Soon afterwards, the young cygnet transformed into its own kind and then meets a herd of wonderfully gleaming white swans who greet him warmly and gently, stroking his neck with their beaks. Finally, the Ugly Duckling(cygnet) realised that nobody cares about your looks, it’s only your personality that matters. An easy way to remember this is by not judging a person by their appearance because you can’t predict the future. · One of the main characters in the story “The Ugly Duckling” was the poor cygnet, who had to face sorrow, sadness and disrespect especially when it was mocked and treated unfairly with injustice by almost everyone around him. Another significant character was the mother duck, who was supportive and encouraged the little cygnet (also known as the Ugly Duckling). Another character in the story who was very disapproving was the hen. It made the cygnet very uncomfortable, upset and judged especially when it was treated with disrespect and unpleasant words by the hen. · Some life lessons taught in the story “The Ugly Duckling” was teaching us not to treat others disapprovingly and contemptuously, and to think before you act, also mentioning to be kind and never make fun of a person no matter how they look. Another significant lesson taught in the story “Little Tuk is to always be a considerate and caring person. An example from the story is that when an old washerwoman was struggling to carry a heavy pail of water from the well, Little Tuk kindly helped her despite not having studied for his exam. As a reward, Little Tuk got vivid dreams which told him the answers to his geography test, which also strengthened his understanding and cleverness. It also suggests that Little Tuk was prompt to listen to his mother’s words, which is being obedient and not challenging elders. Personal Opinion · The Fairy Tale which I liked most is “Little Tuk”, because the way Tuk helped the Old Washerwoman with compassion, justice, integrity, mercy and self-giving kindness was very impressive! Furthermore, the story teaches significant life lessons, along with influential and meaningful morals inspiring children and adults of all ages! It encourages us to be selfless even in times of difficulties and having faith in what we do. Because we know in the end Little Tuk was rewarded with the greatest reward he could ever think of. · The characters in the story makes us feel accomplished, happy and proud of Little Tuk for being a selfless person, and always doing a kind favour for people who are in need. The story also has a happy ending where even though Little Tuk went to bed upset for not having the time to prepare for his exam next day, but got such vivid dreams that taught him exactly in details what he wanted to learn about the geography lessons that he was supposed to prepare, that too in such a captivating way that he would not forget even the minutest details. This amazed me and I felt this is such a rewarding gesture to experience in a lifetime and it brings a sense of joy to whoever that reads about them. · The thing I learned about kindness, bravery and never giving up is to give others a helping hand by being a friend in deed. An example from the story is when Little Tuk helped the old washerwoman carry the heavy pail of water all the way to her home. The other thing I learned was to never reject or bully a person with disrespect even if they look unfamiliar on unusual. Another example would be from the story “The Ugly Duckling”, especially when the other ducklings had nothing to do with the young cygnet. · The tales are different from other books I’ve read, because not all of them express their stories through imagination and creativity. A few books talk about Science, Biology and other informative texts. Some other books also talk about adventures, fantasies, fiction and imaginative biographies such as the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series, written by Jeff Kinney. The difference between Han’s Christian Anderson’s fairy tales and other books I’ve read is that the fairy tales include various morals, and diverse stories which have a pinch of extraordinary imagination and sometimes also very complex emotions, unlike imaginative chapter books such as “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B White. · I would definitely recommend this book to a friend, because they include timeless and influential fairy tales, adding captivating and beautiful description about the stories. Each story has morals which can also teach young children how to behave and act responsibily at the right time.

[ Student: Megan Louis ]

Book Summary
· Han’s Christian Anderson’s Fairy Tales consists a variety of beautiful stories. He has written inspiring fables for children of all ages which teaches life lessons. His stories consist of magical characters and, of course a great sense of imagination! His enthusiasm and captivation are greatly appreciated by anyone who reads them.

· One of my most favourite fairy tales is “The Ugly Duckling”. It’s about a cygnet, who was mistakenly hatched out of a duck egg. As it grew up a little, it was unfortunately teased and rudely mocked by the other ducklings just because of its odd and ugly appearance. In addition, it was pushed, pecked and shoved by other contemptuous and immature farm animals. Soon afterwards, the young cygnet transformed into its own kind and then meets a herd of wonderfully gleaming white swans who greet him warmly and gently, stroking his neck with their beaks. Finally, the Ugly Duckling(cygnet) realised that nobody cares about your looks, it’s only your personality that matters. An easy way to remember this is by not judging a person by their appearance because you can’t predict the future.

· One of the main characters in the story “The Ugly Duckling” was the poor cygnet, who had to face sorrow, sadness and disrespect especially when it was mocked and treated unfairly with injustice by almost everyone around him. Another significant character was the mother duck, who was supportive and encouraged the little cygnet (also known as the Ugly Duckling). Another character in the story who was very disapproving was the hen. It made the cygnet very uncomfortable, upset and judged especially when it was treated with disrespect and unpleasant words by the hen.
· Some life lessons taught in the story “The Ugly Duckling” was teaching us not to treat others disapprovingly and contemptuously, and to think before you act, also mentioning to be kind and never make fun of a person no matter how they look. Another significant lesson taught in the story “Little Tuk is to always be a considerate and caring person. An example from the story is that when an old washerwoman was struggling to carry a heavy pail of water from the well, Little Tuk kindly helped her despite not having studied for his exam. As a reward, Little Tuk got vivid dreams which told him the answers to his geography test, which also strengthened his understanding and cleverness. It also suggests that Little Tuk was prompt to listen to his mother’s words, which is being obedient and not challenging elders.

Personal Opinion
· The Fairy Tale which I liked most is “Little Tuk”, because the way Tuk helped the Old Washerwoman with compassion, justice, integrity, mercy and self-giving kindness was very impressive! Furthermore, the story teaches significant life lessons, along with influential and meaningful morals inspiring children and adults of all ages! It encourages us to be selfless even in times of difficulties and having faith in what we do. Because we know in the end Little Tuk was rewarded with the greatest reward he could ever think of.
· The characters in the story makes us feel accomplished, happy and proud of Little Tuk for being a selfless person, and always doing a kind favour for people who are in need. The story also has a happy ending where even though Little Tuk went to bed upset for not having the time to prepare for his exam next day, but got such vivid dreams that taught him exactly in details what he wanted to learn about the geography lessons that he was supposed to prepare, that too in such a captivating way that he would not forget even the minutest details. This amazed me and I felt this is such a rewarding gesture to experience in a lifetime and it brings a sense of joy to whoever that reads about them.
· The thing I learned about kindness, bravery and never giving up is to give others a helping hand by being a friend in deed. An example from the story is when Little Tuk helped the old washerwoman carry the heavy pail of water all the way to her home. The other thing I learned was to never reject or bully a person with disrespect even if they look unfamiliar on unusual. Another example would be from the story “The Ugly Duckling”, especially when the other ducklings had nothing to do with the young cygnet.
· The tales are different from other books I’ve read, because not all of them express their stories through imagination and creativity. A few books talk about Science, Biology and other informative texts. Some other books also talk about adventures, fantasies, fiction and imaginative biographies such as the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series, written by Jeff Kinney. The difference between Han’s Christian Anderson’s fairy tales and other books I’ve read is that the fairy tales include various morals, and diverse stories which have a pinch of extraordinary imagination and sometimes also very complex emotions, unlike imaginative chapter books such as “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B White.
· I would definitely recommend this book to a friend, because they include timeless and influential fairy tales, adding captivating and beautiful description about the stories. Each story has morals which can also teach young children how to behave and act responsibily at the right time.

[ Year 3 ] Krishnah Jothi – Writing Review

[ Student: Krishnah Jothi ]
*Hans Christen Andersen’s Fairy Tales* is a selection of magical fairy tales whose author is named Hans Christen Andersen. Today I want to share with you two of my favourite tales and a personal opinion of this book. Do you want to read them? First we have ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’, a story of a stupid emperor who gets tricked by two rogues into getting an invisible robe to determine who is stupid in his kingdom. There are three main characters in this story. The Emperor is the protagonist, who has to take his pants off to put the invisble robe on, and it didn’t exist, leaving him naked. There are also two rogues who used empty looms to make the nonexistent robe which they put on the Emperor. This story teaches a very valuable lesson to readers, which is not to trust strangers, because he got fooled into thinking it was a real robe. Next and last we have ‘Thumbelina’, a young girl who goes to many places from her home in a flower. There are many characters in this story, including a toad, a mole and a mouse. The main one, a young girl called Thumbelina was born in a flower from the wish from an old woman goes from the flower-cradle to an old toad’s house, and from there she goes to a mouse and a mole’s house, and from there she lands in a place where she finally finds her prince. Since they believed that ‘Thumbelina’ was a very bad name, they changed it to ‘Maia’ instead. And from then on, they all lived happily ever after. The moral is that kindness always pays off. Now, I will talk about my personal opinion. I liked Thumbelina because it felt like her adventures will never end. I liked the main character, Thumbelina, the most because she was very kind-hearted. I learnt in Thumbelina that kindness will always pay off, like said before. This group of literature is very different to the book ‘Hey Jack / Billie B. Brown’ because ‘Hey Jack / Billie B. Brown’ it is from the 2000s and Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales are from the 1900s. I’d recommend these books to others because they are fun and each have a moral.

[ Student: Krishnah Jothi ]

Hans Christen Andersen’s Fairy Tales is a selection of magical fairy tales whose author is named Hans Christen Andersen. Today I want to share with you two of my favourite tales and a personal opinion of this book. Do you want to read them?
First we have ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’, a story of a stupid emperor who gets tricked by two rogues into getting an invisible robe to determine who is stupid in his kingdom. There are three main characters in this story. The Emperor is the protagonist, who has to take his pants off to put the invisble robe on, and it didn’t exist, leaving him naked. There are also two rogues who used empty looms to make the nonexistent robe which they put on the Emperor. This story teaches a very valuable lesson to readers, which is not to trust strangers, because he got fooled into thinking it was a real robe.
Next and last we have ‘Thumbelina’, a young girl who goes to many places from her home in a flower. There are many characters in this story, including a toad, a mole and a mouse. The main one, a young girl called Thumbelina was born in a flower from the wish from an old woman goes from the flower-cradle to an old toad’s house, and from there she goes to a mouse and a mole’s house, and from there she lands in a place where she finally finds her prince. Since they believed that ‘Thumbelina’ was a very bad name, they changed it to ‘Maia’ instead. And from then on, they all lived happily ever after. The moral is that kindness always pays off.
Now, I will talk about my personal opinion. I liked Thumbelina because it felt like her adventures will never end. I liked the main character, Thumbelina, the most because she was very kind-hearted. I learnt in Thumbelina that kindness will always pay off, like said before. This group of literature is very different to the book ‘Hey Jack / Billie B. Brown’ because ‘Hey Jack / Billie B. Brown’ it is from the 2000s and Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales are from the 1900s. I’d recommend these books to others because they are fun and each have a moral.

[ Year 3 ] Danny Zhang – Writing Review

[ Student: Danny Zhang ]
Book Review: Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen Book Summary: Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales is a delightful and inspiring collection of old-fashioned fairy stories which have enthralled readers for centuries. Every tale is full of imagination, emotion, and good sense to live by. The people in these tales are usually quite different from each other—some of them are beasts, some of them fantasy characters, and some of them plain ordinary people—but all of them encounter difficulties that give them (and us!) something important to learn. Perhaps the loveliest story in the collection is The Ugly Duckling. It’s about an adolescent bird who is taunted and bullied because he’s unlike the rest of the others within his environment. Everyone refers to him as ugly and makes him feel he doesn’t belong. Feeling rejected, he goes away and tries to find a place where he’ll be accepted. As time goes by, he grows up and changes, and in the end, he realises that he is not a duck but a beautiful swan. The moment that he sees his own reflection in the mirror pool is an extremely emotional and powerful moment in the tale. It shows us that it takes time for someone to be beautiful and never to judge a person based on the way they look on the outside. The Little Mermaid is one of my all-time favourite fairy tales. It is a story of a mermaid who lives underneath the sea but who desires to be on land. She meets a prince who is human and falls in love with him. She takes a daring and dangerous step — she sacrifices her voice to a sea witch so she can become human. Though she is unable to speak, she does all she can to capture the heart of the prince. Her journey is one of hope, love, sorrow, and sacrifice. She does not receive what she desired, but she remains kind and strong. The tale demonstrates that true courage at times entails selflessness, even if it involves relinquishing something. Main Characters and Their Challenges The Little Mermaid and the Ugly Duckling address totally different kinds of problems. The Ugly Duckling must live in a world that is unkind to him. He is ostracised, teased, and rejected, yet he stays strong and keeps going. His biggest struggle is not finding a place to belong but learning to believe in himself. The Little Mermaid’s problem is an emotional one. She gives up something precious to her — her voice — in anticipation of finding love and a richer life. Her problem is choosing between something she wants for herself or something that is good for others. While she fails, she learns as an individual (or mermaid!) and helps us learn the worth of true love and sacrifice. Lessons of Great Importance: There are great lessons in these stories. The Ugly Duckling teaches us never to judge someone based on how they appear and that everyone is beautiful inside — even if other people do not realise it at first. It also teaches us the value of patience, and sometimes we need to go through tough times before we discover who we are. Lessons of courage, love, and sacrifice are found in The Little Mermaid. It teaches us that it is not simple to pursue one’s dreams, and at times we don’t get exactly what we wish for — but that is not failure. The Little Mermaid teaches us that kindness and heroism come in a multitude of shapes and sizes, and it takes a great deal of strength to do what is right. Personal Opinion Out of all the books I read, my favourite was The Ugly Duckling. I was very sorry for him in the first place, particularly when other animals were treating him badly. But, on the other hand, I also felt proud and happy at the end when he discovered that he was a swan. It was a moment that gave me hope, and I pondered the fact that we all have something special inside of us, even though it is not evident to others immediately. I also enjoyed The Little Mermaid. While her story is one of tragedy, I felt that she was extremely brave to give up so much for love. She did not become selfish and rageful when things did not go as she had hoped they would. She instead showed love, even when it hurt. That made me think about how much we must love others, not ourselves alone. Final Thoughts and Recommendation: Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales are very different from other books I’ve read. Some stories are happy, and some are sad, but they all feel honest and full of emotion. They are not just about magic and adventure — they are also about real feelings like loneliness, hope, fear, and love. That’s what makes them so special. I would certainly recommend this book to my friends, especially to anyone who loves reading stories that are capable of provoking a feeling from you. These stories are not only delightful to read — they make you mature, reflect, and learn about people. I believe that anyone can learn something from them regardless of age.

[ Student: Danny Zhang ]

Book Review: Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen

Book Summary:
Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales is a delightful and inspiring collection of old-fashioned fairy stories which have enthralled readers for centuries. Every tale is full of imagination, emotion, and good sense to live by. The people in these tales are usually quite different from each other—some of them are beasts, some of them fantasy characters, and some of them plain ordinary people—but all of them encounter difficulties that give them (and us!) something important to learn.
Perhaps the loveliest story in the collection is The Ugly Duckling. It’s about an adolescent bird who is taunted and bullied because he’s unlike the rest of the others within his environment. Everyone refers to him as ugly and makes him feel he doesn’t belong. Feeling rejected, he goes away and tries to find a place where he’ll be accepted. As time goes by, he grows up and changes, and in the end, he realises that he is not a duck but a beautiful swan. The moment that he sees his own reflection in the mirror pool is an extremely emotional and powerful moment in the tale. It shows us that it takes time for someone to be beautiful and never to judge a person based on the way they look on the outside.
The Little Mermaid is one of my all-time favourite fairy tales. It is a story of a mermaid who lives underneath the sea but who desires to be on land. She meets a prince who is human and falls in love with him. She takes a daring and dangerous step — she sacrifices her voice to a sea witch so she can become human. Though she is unable to speak, she does all she can to capture the heart of the prince. Her journey is one of hope, love, sorrow, and sacrifice. She does not receive what she desired, but she remains kind and strong. The tale demonstrates that true courage at times entails selflessness, even if it involves relinquishing something.
Main Characters and Their Challenges
The Little Mermaid and the Ugly Duckling address totally different kinds of problems. The Ugly Duckling must live in a world that is unkind to him. He is ostracised, teased, and rejected, yet he stays strong and keeps going. His biggest struggle is not finding a place to belong but learning to believe in himself.
The Little Mermaid’s problem is an emotional one. She gives up something precious to her — her voice — in anticipation of finding love and a richer life. Her problem is choosing between something she wants for herself or something that is good for others. While she fails, she learns as an individual (or mermaid!) and helps us learn the worth of true love and sacrifice.
Lessons of Great Importance:
There are great lessons in these stories. The Ugly Duckling teaches us never to judge someone based on how they appear and that everyone is beautiful inside — even if other people do not realise it at first. It also teaches us the value of patience, and sometimes we need to go through tough times before we discover who we are.
Lessons of courage, love, and sacrifice are found in The Little Mermaid. It teaches us that it is not simple to pursue one’s dreams, and at times we don’t get exactly what we wish for — but that is not failure. The Little Mermaid teaches us that kindness and heroism come in a multitude of shapes and sizes, and it takes a great deal of strength to do what is right.

Personal Opinion
Out of all the books I read, my favourite was The Ugly Duckling. I was very sorry for him in the first place, particularly when other animals were treating him badly. But, on the other hand, I also felt proud and happy at the end when he discovered that he was a swan. It was a moment that gave me hope, and I pondered the fact that we all have something special inside of us, even though it is not evident to others immediately.
I also enjoyed The Little Mermaid. While her story is one of tragedy, I felt that she was extremely brave to give up so much for love. She did not become selfish and rageful when things did not go as she had hoped they would. She instead showed love, even when it hurt. That made me think about how much we must love others, not ourselves alone.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation:
Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales are very different from other books I’ve read. Some stories are happy, and some are sad, but they all feel honest and full of emotion. They are not just about magic and adventure — they are also about real feelings like loneliness, hope, fear, and love. That’s what makes them so special.
I would certainly recommend this book to my friends, especially to anyone who loves reading stories that are capable of provoking a feeling from you. These stories are not only delightful to read — they make you mature, reflect, and learn about people. I believe that anyone can learn something from them regardless of age.

[ Year 3 ] Abdulqadir Ramay – Writing Review

[ Student: Abdulqadir Ramay ]
*Book Review – Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales* Book Summary: Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales are a fabulous collection of fascinating stories that give us important lessons about kindness and bravery that we can use in our lives. His stories take us into a magical world of animals, royalty, and unforgettable characters. One of my favourite stories was The Ugly Duckling. It’s about a baby bird that is bullied by everybody because he’s ugly. But when he grows up, he becomes a beautiful swan and realises that he was always special all along. Another great story was The Nightingale. It’s about a grey bird who everyone loves to listen to. But the emperor replaces her with a mechanical wind-up bird that is made with lots of jewels. At the end the mechanical bird becomes very repetitive and the King realises it doesn’t touch the heart in the same way. This shows that the best kind of beauty and kindness only come from the inside. Both stories teach us not to judge people just by their appearance. Personal Opinion: My favourite story was The Ugly Duckling. It taught me that everybody is special in their own way. The story reminds us we should never give up on ourselves. I learnt that “to be born in a duck’s nest in a farmyard is no lasting disgrace if it hatched from a swan’s egg.” It means that no matter what you look like on the outside you can still achieve great things if your potential is higher than what others can see so you should never stop trying. I learned that kindness and bravery can change a bad situation to a great one, and we should always keep trying to learn new things and become better. This book is different from other books because they are full of great lessons in short interesting story form. I would recommend this book to a friend.

[ Student: Abdulqadir Ramay ]

Book Review – Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales

Book Summary:
Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales are a fabulous collection of fascinating stories that give us important lessons about kindness and bravery that we can use in our lives. His stories take us into a magical world of animals, royalty, and unforgettable characters.
One of my favourite stories was The Ugly Duckling. It’s about a baby bird that is bullied by everybody because he’s ugly. But when he grows up, he becomes a beautiful swan and realises that he was always special all along.
Another great story was The Nightingale. It’s about a grey bird who everyone loves to listen to. But the emperor replaces her with a mechanical wind-up bird that is made with lots of jewels. At the end the mechanical bird becomes very repetitive and the King realises it doesn’t touch the heart in the same way. This shows that the best kind of beauty and kindness only come from the inside.
Both stories teach us not to judge people just by their appearance.

Personal Opinion:
My favourite story was The Ugly Duckling. It taught me that everybody is special in their own way. The story reminds us we should never give up on ourselves. I learnt that “to be born in a duck’s nest in a farmyard is no lasting disgrace if it hatched from a swan’s egg.” It means that no matter what you look like on the outside you can still achieve great things if your potential is higher than what others can see so you should never stop trying.
I learned that kindness and bravery can change a bad situation to a great one, and we should always keep trying to learn new things and become better. This book is different from other books because they are full of great lessons in short interesting story form.
I would recommend this book to a friend.

[ Year 2 ] Kashnika Sooriyakumar – Writing Review

[ Student: Kashnika Sooriyakumar ]
Have you ever heard of a life-changing story? It’s called *“Tum Tum Circus Elephant”*, and I can’t wait to tell you about it! It teaches bravery, kindness, and friendship. First, I want to give a brief summary of this novel and share my favorite parts. In a faraway jungle lived a strong elephant named Tum Tum. He lived with his mother, Ruby, and his father, Tusk. Since Tum Tum was strong and tall, he could reach the tender leaves and pull heavy trees. One day, while Tum Tum was playing with his friends, they heard a trumpeting sound. “We should go!” said his friends, and quickly they hurried back to the herd, but a big net trapped the little elephants. They were put into cages and tight chains. Then they were loaded onto an enormous ship. On the ship, Tum Tum made friends with Mappo the monkey and Hoy the elephant. Hoy took care of the other elephants. There was a storm, and all the elephants were tossed around. Luckily, Hoy knew what to do. He just said, “It’s okay, we won’t get hurt.” Later, they were freed from the cages, and Tum Tum met his trainer. His trainer taught him how to stand on his hind legs, which wasn’t that hard, but standing on his head was a bit more difficult. Tum Tum was determined, so he practiced every day and eventually managed to do it. One day, Tum Tum was pushing wagons when a fierce dog named Don started barking at him. “Go away from my master! If you don’t, I’ll bite you!” said Don. “Oh, will you?” said Tum Tum, and he picked up the dog. The petrified dog howled in fear, “Please let me down.” “Okay, but you have to stop disturbing me now,” said Tum Tum. Once, there was a storm while people were watching the circus show. A stripe of lightning struck nearby silver pole. Tum Tum put his head onto a pole to straighten it. Tum Tum’s trainer was proud of him and liked him very much for his bravery act. In my personal opinion, my favorite part was when Tum Tum was finding Mappo the monkey. Mappo had once escaped from his cage and ran away, so Tum Tum and some trainers went to search for him. Tum Tum saw Mappo hiding in a tree. He didn’t want to tell the trainers because he knew Mappo would run away again and they wouldn’t be able to catch him. This shows how Tum Tum learned to use his logic and brain to determine what was best for his friend. I enjoyed everything about Tum Tum’s story. One part I liked was when he helped his friend by pushing the hippo’s wagon out of the mud. It showed how Tum Tum used his courage to help his friends. I learned about kindness and bravery in the story when a boy, girl, and their dad were passing Tum Tum. When the boy asked his dad if they could ride on Tum Tum’s back, Tum Tum kindly allowed them. After the ride, the children fed Tum Tum and accidentally let go of their balloon. Remarkably, Tum Tum remembered his young days in the jungle and, thinking of them, pulled the trees out of the ground to help the children get their balloon back. It made me feel entertained because of the funny and interesting characters. I also learned that good always wins, which means if you do something good, something better will happen to you. I would love to meet Tum Tum because he teaches people how to be positive, calm, respectful, and kind. So, if you ever meet Tum Tum, I’m sure you will like him a lot! Let’s keep imagining more things about him! If you love exciting adventures and heartwarming stories, Tum Tum Circus Elephant is a must-read. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as I did! Thank you for reading.

[ Student: Kashnika Sooriyakumar ]

Have you ever heard of a life-changing story? It’s called “Tum Tum Circus Elephant”, and I can’t wait to tell you about it! It teaches bravery, kindness, and friendship.
First, I want to give a brief summary of this novel and share my favorite parts.
In a faraway jungle lived a strong elephant named Tum Tum. He lived with his mother, Ruby, and his father, Tusk. Since Tum Tum was strong and tall, he could reach the tender leaves and pull heavy trees.
One day, while Tum Tum was playing with his friends, they heard a trumpeting sound. “We should go!” said his friends, and quickly they hurried back to the herd, but a big net trapped the little elephants. They were put into cages and tight chains.
Then they were loaded onto an enormous ship. On the ship, Tum Tum made friends with Mappo the monkey and Hoy the elephant. Hoy took care of the other elephants. There was a storm, and all the elephants were tossed around. Luckily, Hoy knew what to do. He just said, “It’s okay, we won’t get hurt.”
Later, they were freed from the cages, and Tum Tum met his trainer. His trainer taught him how to stand on his hind legs, which wasn’t that hard, but standing on his head was a bit more difficult. Tum Tum was determined, so he practiced every day and eventually managed to do it.
One day, Tum Tum was pushing wagons when a fierce dog named Don started barking at him. “Go away from my master! If you don’t, I’ll bite you!” said Don. “Oh, will you?” said Tum Tum, and he picked up the dog. The petrified dog howled in fear, “Please let me down.” “Okay, but you have to stop disturbing me now,” said Tum Tum.
Once, there was a storm while people were watching the circus show. A stripe of lightning struck nearby silver pole. Tum Tum put his head onto a pole to straighten it. Tum Tum’s trainer was proud of him and liked him very much for his bravery act.
In my personal opinion, my favorite part was when Tum Tum was finding Mappo the monkey. Mappo had once escaped from his cage and ran away, so Tum Tum and some trainers went to search for him. Tum Tum saw Mappo hiding in a tree. He didn’t want to tell the trainers because he knew Mappo would run away again and they wouldn’t be able to catch him. This shows how Tum Tum learned to use his logic and brain to determine what was best for his friend.
I enjoyed everything about Tum Tum’s story. One part I liked was when he helped his friend by pushing the hippo’s wagon out of the mud. It showed how Tum Tum used his courage to help his friends.
I learned about kindness and bravery in the story when a boy, girl, and their dad were passing Tum Tum. When the boy asked his dad if they could ride on Tum Tum’s back, Tum Tum kindly allowed them. After the ride, the children fed Tum Tum and accidentally let go of their balloon. Remarkably, Tum Tum remembered his young days in the jungle and, thinking of them, pulled the trees out of the ground to help the children get their balloon back.
It made me feel entertained because of the funny and interesting characters. I also learned that good always wins, which means if you do something good, something better will happen to you.
I would love to meet Tum Tum because he teaches people how to be positive, calm, respectful, and kind. So, if you ever meet Tum Tum, I’m sure you will like him a lot! Let’s keep imagining more things about him!
If you love exciting adventures and heartwarming stories, Tum Tum Circus Elephant is a must-read. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as I did!
Thank you for reading.

[ Year 2 ] Charlotte Chen – Writing Review

[ Student: Charlotte Chen ]
*Book Title : Tum Tum the Circus Elephant* Authored by Richard Barnum Illustrated by Harried H. Tooker. Book Summary The story begins when Tum Tum is a young elephant living happily in the country of India. One day, he was caught by hunters and taken far away from his jungle home. At first, he feels scared and lonely, but he soon learns to trust people and make new friends, like Mappo the monkey and Don the dog. Tum Tum learns to do many clever tricks to performed in the show and help the circus in many ways. He faces challenges like, traveling across the ocean and even helps to push a heavy wagon at the fair. He often helped his friends when they were in trouble. Tum Tum is brave, strong and a good friend to animals and people. In the end, he become true hero of the circus. This story teaches us about kindness, courage and caring for others. Personal Opinion I really enjoyed reading about Tum Tum’s exciting adventure in the circus. My favourite part was when Tum Tum helped to stop fire in the circus. It taught me how brave and helpful he was. This story made me feel happy and proud of Tum Tum to help others even when it was dangerous. I felt sad when he was first taken from the jungle, but I was glad he found a new family who loved him. It also makes me think about how we should always be kind to animals and never give up. I would love to meet Tum Tum because he seems loyal, friendly, and strong. A big elephant with golden heart! I would like to fo to circus and watch one like him one day.

[ Student: Charlotte Chen ]

Book Title : Tum Tum the Circus Elephant

Authored by Richard Barnum
Illustrated by Harried H. Tooker.

Book Summary
The story begins when Tum Tum is a young elephant living happily in the country of India. One day, he was caught by hunters and taken far away from his jungle home. At first, he feels scared and lonely, but he soon learns to trust people and make new friends, like Mappo the monkey and Don the dog.
Tum Tum learns to do many clever tricks to performed in the show and help the circus in many ways. He faces challenges like, traveling across the ocean and even helps to push a heavy wagon at the fair. He often helped his friends when they were in trouble. Tum Tum is brave, strong and a good friend to animals and people. In the end, he become true hero of the circus. This story teaches us about kindness, courage and caring for others.

Personal Opinion
I really enjoyed reading about Tum Tum’s exciting adventure in the circus. My favourite part was when Tum Tum helped to stop fire in the circus. It taught me how brave and helpful he was. This story made me feel happy and proud of Tum Tum to help others even when it was dangerous. I felt sad when he was first taken from the jungle, but I was glad he found a new family who loved him. It also makes me think about how we should always be kind to animals and never give up.
I would love to meet Tum Tum because he seems loyal, friendly, and strong. A big elephant with golden heart! I would like to fo to circus and watch one like him one day.

[ Year 1 ] Jessica Dewar – Writing Review

[ Student: Jessica Dewar ]
o-ho, readers! Come with me on an interesting adventure to Pirate Island. Yo-ho, readers! Come with me on an interesting adventure to Pirate Island. *“The Queen of Pirate Island”* by Bret Harte is about a girl called Polly, who is nine years old and has a good imagination. Polly has three friends called Hickory, Wan Lee and Patsey and they go on adventures together. They imagine they’re on a pirate ship made of a wooden chair, a broom and a blanket. They pretend to set sail, but then there’s a storm that tosses the pirate ship overboard and they have to swim to a pretend desert island in a closet! They pretend that Hickory is a spy and they have to run far away to be “real” pirates. They go outside to become real pirates and, on the way, they meet Patsey, who gives them a toy pistol and a banana so he can be a pirate too. Their first real adventure is to go to Slumgullion to get their feet muddy like real pirates. Then they slide down the slope of the Red Rock Canyon, but Polly fell off the slide, but Wan Lee’s pig tail saves her! They saw a dark mine tunnel where they light firecrackers to frighten the “evil spirits” away. After that, they meet some miners pretending to be the Red Rover Pirates. The Red Rover Pirates find Lady Mary’s wig and also fine the real treasure at the Crystal Outcrop. Polly learns that storytelling is fun and bravery is telling the truth. I enjoyed the part of the story where Polly fell down the slope of the canyon, because it was a bit scary. My favorite character is Wan Lee, because he tells the leader of the Red Rover Pirates that he is not a pirate but a miner called Bob Johnson, who eats at his father’s diner. I learnt that telling the truth is real bravery and it reminded me when I had to be brave and tell the truth at school when someone wasn’t kind to me. The book made me feel scared sometimes, but also curious. I would like to visit a pirate island because it sounds interesting and I also want to see the treasure! By Jessica Dewar

[ Student: Jessica Dewar ]

o-ho, readers! Come with me on an interesting adventure to Pirate Island.
Yo-ho, readers! Come with me on an interesting adventure to Pirate Island.
“The Queen of Pirate Island” by Bret Harte is about a girl called Polly, who is nine years old and has a good imagination.
Polly has three friends called Hickory, Wan Lee and Patsey and they go on adventures together. They imagine they’re on a pirate ship made of a wooden chair, a broom and a blanket. They pretend to set sail, but then there’s a storm that tosses the pirate ship overboard and they have to swim to a pretend desert island in a closet!
They pretend that Hickory is a spy and they have to run far away to be “real” pirates. They go outside to become real pirates and, on the way, they meet Patsey, who gives them a toy pistol and a banana so he can be a pirate too. Their first real adventure is to go to Slumgullion to get their feet muddy like real pirates.
Then they slide down the slope of the Red Rock Canyon, but Polly fell off the slide, but Wan Lee’s pig tail saves her! They saw a dark mine tunnel where they light firecrackers to frighten the “evil spirits” away. After that, they meet some miners pretending to be the Red Rover Pirates. The Red Rover Pirates find Lady Mary’s wig and also fine the real treasure at the Crystal Outcrop.
Polly learns that storytelling is fun and bravery is telling the truth.
I enjoyed the part of the story where Polly fell down the slope of the canyon, because it was a bit scary. My favorite character is Wan Lee, because he tells the leader of the Red Rover Pirates that he is not a pirate but a miner called Bob Johnson, who eats at his father’s diner. I learnt that telling the truth is real bravery and it reminded me when I had to be brave and tell the truth at school when someone wasn’t kind to me. The book made me feel scared sometimes, but also curious. I would like to visit a pirate island because it sounds interesting and I also want to see the treasure!
By Jessica Dewar

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2026 T1 Book Review Competition Winners

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! Congratulations to all the students […]

Pre-Uni New College

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Student Life

Term 2 Book Review Competition

Who can enter the Book Review Competition? The competition is open to students in Years 2 to 5 who enrolled in Term 2 WEMT/WEMG course at Pre-Uni New College. How to enter the competition Submit a detailed book review of your Term 2 WEMT/WEMG novel through the ‘Book Review Competition’ menu on Cyberschool. Entries will […]

Pre-Uni New College

Events

Student Life

Term 4 Book Review Competition Winner

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 Book review winners, and once again, thank you to everyone who took part!

Pre-Uni New College

Events

Student Life

Term 1 Book Review Competition

Who can enter the Book Review Competition? The competition is open to students in Years 2 to 6 who enrolled in Term 1 WEMT course at Pre-Uni New College. How to enter the competition Submit a detailed book review of your Term 1 WEMT novel through the ‘Book Review Competition’ menu on Cyberschool. Entries will […]

Pre-Uni New College

Events

Student Life

Term 3 Book Review Competition Winner

Pre-Uni New College

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Student Life

Term 4 Book Review Competition

Who can enter the Book Review Competition? The Book Review Competition 2025 at Pre-Uni New College invites students in Years 1 to 5 to submit detailed reviews of their Term 4 WEMT/EMG novels. How to enter the competition Submit a detailed book review of your Term 4 WEMT/EMG novel through the ‘Book Review Competition’ menu […]

Pre-Uni New College

Events

Student Life

2025 Drawing Competition – Winners

🏆 We are thrilled to showcase the talents of these young artists and their creative visions.Thank you to all who participated in the competition, and we look forward to seeing what you create next! Discover Our Winners’ Gallery Explore the gallery of award-winning pieces from previous art competitions. Explore Now

Pre-Uni New College

Events

Student Life

2025 Selective High School Achievers interview

🎊 Congratulation! 🎊 Congratulations to all our students on securing a selective school placement! The journey to the Selective High School Test requires dedication, consistency, and the right academic guidance. This year, our students have once again achieved outstanding results, proving that strategic preparation is the ultimate key to academic success. To celebrate their incredible […]

Pre-Uni New College

Student Life

Congratulations to All Our Students on Their Outstanding 2025 OC Class Offers

Congratulations to All Our Students on Their Remarkable 2025 OC School Offers This year, once again, many of our students have achieved outstanding success in the 2025 OC Class Offers placement. Their accomplishment reflects not only their persistence and hard work, but also the unwavering support of their parents — all made possible through the […]

Pre-Uni New College

Student Life

Congratulations to All Our Students on Their Remarkable 2025 Selective High School Offers

🌱 A Sincere Message from Pre-Uni New College Every organisation engages in marketing — and so do we. We do not wish to appear different or pretend otherwise. However, what we genuinely want to say is this: no advertisement, no result post, and no reputation can ever replace your child’s own effort and your continued […]

Pre-Uni New College