What Zola Did on Thursday; Melina Marchetta, illustrated by Deb Hudson

The lovely Zola has made it past the half-way mark in the week and is back for her fourth outing in the delightful ‘What Zola Did’ series. Zola’s stories revolve around familiar activities with friends meaning young readers are able to relate to what is happening.

It’s Thursday and Zola is practising her trombone playing. Not everyone is keen on Zola’s trombone playing skills but that doesn’t stop her from doing something she loves. Zola’s friends share her love of musical instruments and when they are all at home making music the sounds of a violin, a trumpet and a trombone can be heard all along Boomerang Street. Not everyone is a fan of the children’s music though, especially cranky neighbour Mr. Walton. But Mr. Walton has a musical gift of his own and when the children need help with a musical performance for the school fete, they find that help comes from the most unlikely of people…

Melina Marchetta continues her charm offensive with another delightful read. Like the other titles in the series, the story is full of warmth, fun times and gentle humour. The story of Zola’s Thursday sees her and her friends having to ask their apparently grumpy neighbour for help with a music project. But impressions can be deceiving and the children learn that Mr. Walton is anything but grumpy, and his cries of ‘play in tune’ are not out of annoyance but some friendly neighbourly advice. Mr. Walton is the latest character to be introduced to Boomerang Street as Marchetta continues to build the community of people that are part of Zola’s life.

Deb Hudson’s black and white illustrations are a wonderful compliment to the narrative and feature on almost every double page making the read inviting and not text heavy for new readers of chapter books.

Recommended for 5+.