What Zola did on Wednesday; Melina Marchetta, illustrated by Deb Hudson

Zola’s adventures show the importance of community and how simple projects and activities can bring people from all backgrounds together.

Zola leads a busy little life. On Monday she helps out at the garden project at her school and on Tuesday’s she enjoys playing with her cousin Allesandro and the neighbours Omar and Bianca. Nonna’s life is getting busier too and she is making lots of new friends at the weekly knitting meets where ladies get together to drink tea, eat yummy treats and maybe do a bit of knitting.

When next-door-neighbour Leo’s mum brings her work home with her Zola is extremely worried. Leo’s mum is a police officer and if she’s brought her work home with her that could mean a robber or a dangerous criminal and everyone on Boomerang Street will be in danger. Curious to know exactly what work has been brought home Zola takes a sneaky peak into the neighbours garden and is relieved to find a fluffy non-criminal. Police dog Vesper is a hero sniffer dog who is an expert at sniffing out the truth and when Zola’s friend Sophia’s turtle disappears Vesper is called into action and Zola has a very busy Wednesday.

Another charming and delightful read in the ‘What Zola did’ series. As always, the story is filled with warmth, charm and gentle humour. More characters from diverse background are introduced in this story and Zola’s community expands as she meets new people - some planned, others very much unplanned. Zola is such a loveable and relatable character. She loves adventures but can not help getting into a little spot of bother. Following the rules and messages on not talking to strangers and road safety are gently explored in this story.

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+.