Dear reader, Juno Jones lives in Muttonbird Bay and loves to draw, make jokes and climb trees. Plus, she loves to be a ninja! In the first book, Word Ninja, something terrible is happening to the primary school she attends. There is a chance that it may close, and the alternative schools aren’t even worth thinking about! Her teacher, Miss Tippett, says that to stop the closures everyone must start reading more books.

Juno Jones hates reading so much that she’s come up with a brilliant idea. Juno is going to become the Word Ninja and write a story of her own! Her story will be about her life, her good friends, and her ninja skills. But will reading be enough to save Muttonbird Bay Primary from closing?

In Mystery Writer, the second book in the series, Juno increases her writing prowess, and finds new mysteries to unfurl. Firstly, the awesome Muttonbird Bay Primary school is under threat of closure. Again! And who are these Alien Lizard Men that are threatening its closure? Worrywart teacher Miss Tippett doesn’t seem to be too concerned about it. In fact, she doesn’t seem to be too worried about anything at the moment. Usually a bundle of nerves, she just keeps skipping out of the classroom whenever it takes her fancy.

My goodness, what could be happening at Muttonbird Bay Primary School when they are in such dire need of saving?

Mystery Writer is another fun filled adventure for the word ninja. Juno Jones presents as a positive and lively role model for young girls. With the use of features such as italics, footnotes and word meanings interspersed throughout both books the author seems to be building a nice little writing toolbox for young readers as the series progresses. However, due to the many detours throughout the lively plot, it’s not a book that I would recommend for struggling readers.

Reviewed by Cathy d’Apice
Age Guide 8+