Dear Junior readers,

The Junior Observer launches 'Junior Readers’ Club' to which we invite all you Junior Readers to join up! The Junior Readers’ Club will hold activities and competitions to encourage you to read and read and read more, for fun and to learn. Do join in!

One activity will be to introduce books for you to read. We will introduce a book from Vijitha Yapa Bookshop and tell you about it in our 'Book Review'. You are also invited to write in and tell us about a book you have read and liked. Write up to 150 words and email your entries to [email protected] or post them to Lake House, 35, D.R. Wijewardane Mawatha, Colombo 10.

NOTE: Vijitha Yapa Bookshop will give away prizes for a write-up on a book available in their bookshops. The best book review will receive a book as first prize, and the second will be a gift voucher from Vijitha Yapa Bookshop. Contact 2429237 to collect your gifts.

Unlikely hero

Reviewed by Ryhanna Salie

The Prophecy by Hilari Bell is about a young Prince who likes to spend time in the library rather than make war. Yet he is removed from his comfort zone and has to save his kingdom when a prophecy is revealed to him. Prince Perryndon has to perform the daunting task of finding a bard or poet and a unicorn, and slaying the dragon who threatens to invade his Idris Castle.

The novel also talks about people's high expectations of a king. Prince Perryn has to step up to the task even though he is not a warrior, and he is finally able to overcome his enemies because of his inherent good nature. The novel charts the journey of a young prince who is able to overcome challenges due to his honesty, integrity and kindness. His gentle nature which the unicorn identifies is a trait of his noble character, which he conceals. This is why he is given the task of saving Idris Castle from his enemies and the black dragon.

The novel tells us about the way in which Prince Perryn successfully performs his duties although to many he would seem unsuitable for the role of a warrior king.

[First Prize]

Madol Doowa

Madol Doowa is one of the most famous books written by Martin Wickremasinghe. It highlights the spirit of mischievous but innocent children in a village. The main characters are Upali and Jinna. The story begins on a sad note. Upali recalls his mother's death and the arrival of his step mother. He feels the absence of his mother's love. He develops a yearning for boyish adventures and a love for independence. Upali and Jinna have to face the consequences of their mischievous deeds.

They run away from home in search of freedom. They end up in Madol Doowa as small farmers. However, Upali returns home before his father's death and vows to take care of his stepmother and step brother. He does not turn his back on Madol Doowa because it brought him prosperity. This novel shows how boys who were handicapped due to deficient education confront all situations with their intelligence and end up as heroes.

S.N. Hashini Hansika Dias,
Grade 9,
Holy Cross College, Gampaha.

[Second Prize]

Barbie Baby Doctor

My favourite book is Barbie Baby Doctor. This book has beautiful pictures. The main characters are Barbie and the Nurse. Barbie works in a hospital as a doctor. She loves to treat babies and look after them. She likes to play with them too. There are more Barbie books such as Princess Charm School and Pet Hotel.

Barbie's best friends are Raquelle and Summer girl. Barbie's sisters are Skipper and Stacie. In these books Barbie prepares cakes to make them happy. Barbie feeds the newborn babies every two or three hours. When Barbie dangles the sparkling stars above them the babies smile. This is a very interesting book which makes you feel that you are a Barbie girl.

Udama Tharumuthu Jayasuriya,
Grade 8,
St. Lawrence Convent, Colombo 6.