I’m an enthusiastic fan of Renée Treml’s Sherlock Bones graphic novels, so I was very happy to discover she has two new books. Aimed at children ages 5 to 8, the Ollie and Bea books are graphic novels split into six short chapters. Printed in full colour, they are perfect for sharing with readers who are ready to dip their toes (or beaks) into chapter books.

In the first two instalments, an energetic owl encourages a nervous rabbit to skate, and animals learn to celebrate their own unique talents. There’s a warmth to these stories where friendship and resilience triumph alongside many laughs. The books may be light on text, but they are absolutely packed to the brim with jokes and puns, making them ideal for fans of the Elephant and Piggie series who are ready to add a few more words to their reading. As Ollie and Bea would say, these books are a ‘hoot!’

Kim Gruschow is the children’s book buyer at Readings St Kilda.