Coco Banjo is having a Yay Day

The pace is rollicking, the illustrations spot on and the humour is heartfelt yet never cruel. Nikki Gemmell has turned a very deft hand to writing and illustrating a jewel of a book that sits comfortably for the early reader as well as adults needing a reality check about how the young ones tick . . . Set out in chapter form the book is sure to encourage, entertain and delight young readers. Highly recommended.

Chris Dayman, Reading Time

Coco belongs to the larger-than-life lineage of Astrid Lindgren’s Pippi Longstocking. She is wayward, daring, bold and impulsive. When it comes to restoring fairness, no challenge is too great and no solution too outrageous. I dare anyone to read this book and not feel uplifted and reinvigorated about life. Highly recommended.

Tessa Wooldridge, Reading Time

According to Miss M, this book is an absolute hoot! I have to admit, when I would watch her reading it, she would smile and laugh out loud! When I asked her about it, she said she learnt a few lessons on how to be strong! I love a good book that inspires little humans and teaches them a few lessons about how to be a better person!

Melissa Puli, twolittlehumansandme.com

In this first book, in a series to follow, we are introduced to the key characters and some of the staff and students at the school . . . many of whom we can sort of recognise from our own schools. This book is fun and the central character is kind, resilient and a good friend.

Megan Stuart, buginabook.org

N.J. has turned illustrator designer here too and she's done a great job. Coco Banjo will be a welcome addition to the modern graphic style novel for young (probably girl) readers.

astrongbeliefinwicker.blogspot.com.au

These graphic novels style books are filled with heart and Coco is a fabulous character who is slightly left of centre, resilient and a creative problem solver.

Megan Daley, childrensbooksdaily.com

‘This is an absolutely delightful read and the drawings add to the humour and fun of this book.

Melinda McNaughton, creativekidstales.com.au

It was a lovely story . . . I think this book is perfect for kids aged 6 to 8. I like the way it was so creative, mixing the words and pictures together . . . Coco Banjo is a very exciting little girl, always so happy and looking great.

Camille, age 6, thekidsbookshop.com.au

This book is a fantastic example of integrated visual and text-based narratives . . . Gemmell delivers not only a fast, well-crafted story for the reader to get lost in, but she also provides the wonderful illustrations that are integral to the story . . . Coco Banjo stands out from the crowd as its content and narrative will be more appealing to younger girl readers. I am sure that boys will fall in love with this series as well.

Tony Flowers, Literacy Learning: The Middle Years

A good book . . . very entertaining.

Emily Nelson (student), Townsville Bulletin

Full of creative illustrations that highlight the text, this is the start of a terrific new series.

Rob, lamontbooks.com.au