Spud & Charli (Samantha Wheeler, UQP)

From the author of Smooch & Rose comes another story for young readers aged eight to 10 concerning the protection of Australian wildlife and its environment. Charli longs to learn to ride a horse, and is attending a week-long riding camp in the hope that she can convince her parents to buy her one. Things don’t get off to a good start; first, her roommate is the rather stuck-up Mikaela, who apparently knows everything, and then she is allocated Spud, an enormous retired racehorse. However, under the watchful eye of the camp-owner Mrs Bacton, Charli quickly establishes a close bond with Spud, who turns out to be a gentle giant. It is this bond with Spud that prompts Charli’s reaction to a conversation she overhears between Mrs Bacton and the mysterious and frightening-looking Mr Shearer, the owner of the adjoining stables. Charli has read about the deadly Hendra virus and its link to bats, and mistakenly believes there is a possible outbreak and that Mr Shearer is about to shoot the horses at risk, including her beloved Spud. Given her limited experience, Charli’s actions seem a little unlikely, but her overall good intentions and genuine concern for Spud ensure a happy outcome. 

Hilary Adams works in an independent bookshop in Sydney