Josie Mack and the MEGA Division (Bethany Loveridge, illus Jade Goodwin, Wombat Books)

Josie Mack and the MEGA Division by Bethany Loveridge (Renegade Timeline Officer) is a fun, adventurous tale that shows how children can respectfully interact with and safeguard native wildlife. Josie has long wished for a pet of her own, so when a wombat appears at her window one night, she thinks her dream has come true. However, Ursula the wombat has no desire to be a pet – she is on an important mission for the Fellowship of Underground Nocturnals (FUN) and needs Josie’s help. After working together to assist other wildlife, Josie and Ursula are invited to join FUN’s MEGA Division, a society designed to assist all animals, not just nocturnal ones. Each member receives a magical tag that can make them mega-sized. However, the prospect of becoming mega-sized proves both daunting and potentially disastrous. This is a delightful and well-paced read that blends eco-adventure with themes of conservation, highlighting both the positive and negative ways humans impact wildlife, alongside problem-solving, teamwork and developing friendships. Jade Goodwin’s accompanying illustrations beautifully capture Australia’s native wildlife while reinforcing the story’s educational elements. Josie Mack and the MEGA Division will resonate with readers aged 7 to 10 who love adventure, mystery and fantasy stories that leave them guessing what happens next. A must-read for animal lovers and anyone who wants to inspire care for the natural world.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Abbey Taylor is currently completing a diploma in library and information services in Adelaide, South Australia, and has got her foot into public libraries, working across 2 local councils. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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