The coolest book in the whole wide world by Alley Bucci
Illus. by Lauren Mullinder. Little Steps, 2019. ISBN: 9781925545951.
(Age: 7-9) Subjects: Creative writing, Imagination, Choose your own
stories. The Coolest Book in the Whole Wide World encourages
budding young writers to create their own stories. Beginning with a
challenge to 'throw on your clever, creative underwear' there are
plenty of opportunities to be imaginative. This choose your own
style adventure allows the reader to fill in their own sentences and
interact with the interesting characters, settings and plots.
Alley Bucci's stories include 'Grape the friendly alien', 'Millie
the mermaid' and 'Sienna the super scientist' who each have stories
to share. First we encounter the alien at the supermarket, choose a
product to buy, read the rhyming story and provide an exciting
conclusion. Henry the naughtiest boy in the world wraps trees in
toilet paper, and runs amok at the zoo until the writer decides if
he will still be cheeky or change his behaviour. What will happen
next with Sienna the super scientist: another crazy, messy
experiment?
Lauren Mullinder's wide-eyed characters add to the excitement of
each tale. Her colourful digital images enhance the stories and
actions. Alley Bucci's The Coolest Book in the World
concludes with a 'Certificate of Awesomeness' for the author after
they've completed their challenges and missions.
Rhyllis Bignell