Billy and the Beast; Nadia Shireen

Billy and Fatcat are walking through the forest when they hear a terrible rumble. In the forest is lurking a terrible beast, a beast with a hungry tummy who is gathering ingredients to make a terrible soup. With the furry forest creatures in danger, can Billy and Fatcat save the day?

This is a fun read with a brilliant role-model who leads an empowering story with messages on being resourceful, problem-solving and the importance of standing up for our friends. Billy is a great heroine and I love that her hair is where she keeps many of her useful things - including doughnuts for Fatcat. When her friends are in trouble though, it is what’s in Billy’s head that she will need to save the day. Her quick-thinking, use of her initiative and problem solving are valuable lessons to readers.

It is great to have a young black girl leading a narrative and in this case triumphing over a not-so-intelligent beast. The illustrations are amusing and the character expressions are excellent.

Recommended for 4+.