In this funny and quirky story, the wonderful author Dusti Bowling introduces younger readers to Aven Green – the main character from Bowling’s Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus and its sequel.

Third grader Aven Green has become a Private Eye and, after a month, believes she is more than qualified to solve two major mysteries: who is stealing food at school and what has happened to the missing Smitty, Grandma’s adored dog? She’s especially equipped for success as a sleuth because, as Aven explains, her body’s ‘arm’ cells have gone to make extra brain cells! Aven was born without arms, which means she does some things differently to others, and the illustrations, at times, show her accomplishing activities using her feet and toes. She has a great group of friends, and her family has encouraged her independence.

I love Aven’s wit and enthusiasm. She approaches life and people with spontaneous delight but has the acuity to be considerate of others. I am excited to see what Aven does next in this new series, not to be missed by readers ages 6 to 8.

Alexa Dretzke is the assistant manager and children’s book buyer at Readings Hawthorn.