Kev & Trev #1: Snot Funny Sea Stories (Kylie Howarth, Affirm)

Kev and Trev are determined to become famous. They’ve tried it all, from talent contests and cooking shows to an attempt to fake it ’til they make it, but now they’ve finally cracked the code. They need to write a book! Recruiting Mr Happy to help them edit, they set about creating their book. It turns out it’s not as simple as they thought it would be, as Kev sometimes faces writer’s block, Trev sometimes reads a word wrong and illustrates something unexpected, and Mr Happy is not what his name suggests. Their potential puglisher (yes, puglisher) makes a request that sends them on an adventure to help them achieve their dream. The first book in Kylie Howarth’s Kev and Trev series is a light-hearted graphic novel that is lots of fun, perfect for emerging readers and children with reading difficulties aged five and up. A graphic novel within a graphic novel is a fun concept, and the topic of finding fame is particularly relevant in current times. Despite fame being a motivator for writing a book, however, the story’s message feels grounded in encouraging readers to follow their dreams. Trev’s misunderstandings are never shamed and often end up enhancing the story that Kev is trying to tell. With some fourth-wall breaks interspersed throughout the story, young readers will feel like they’re along for the ride. Fans of Aaron Blabey, Dav Pilkey and Andy Griffiths will enjoy this hilarious new series.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Anneliese Gates is a writer and works in a primary school library. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Category: Reviews