Meet twins Kensy and Max, amateur sleuths who set out to solve a very big mystery in a terrific new series from Jacqueline Harvey.
As one of Australia’s most successful and beloved authors for children, Jacqueline Harvey is no stranger to what engages young readers. Her Clementine Rose and Alice-Miranda series are in thousands of homes, schools and libraries across the country and the enthusiasm which greets each new book is something to marvel at.
Kensy and Max, the first in Harvey’s latest series for readers aged 8+, sees the author step into new terrain with the introduction of two lead characters – 11-year-old twins Kensy and Max. Waking up in an unfamiliar place, and discovering that their parents are missing is just the start of the adventure for these two siblings.
Quick to realise that their parents have not been honest with them about what they do for a living, a dangerous sequence of events sees them shipped off to the prestigious Central London Free School, supposedly the safest place for them. Sensing that all is not well at the school – and suspicious of the bizarre grannies that have appeared on their street – they use their skills of observation and deduction to unravel the mystery that is building around them.
Kensy and Max are charming, confident and debonair and young readers will wish they were travelling around European cities in luxury with them. The twins’ relationship with their patient and enigmatic Nanny, Fitz, is great fun and Harvey has allowed space for readers to solve the clues and puzzles alongside the two amateur sleuths.
Having worked as an educator and Deputy Head at various Sydney schools, Harvey is passionate about literacy and encouraging young people to read for pleasure. Her books are full of the kinds of details and plot devices that will guarantee readers will continue to be enthralled from the first page, to the last. With suspicious characters, codes to break, hidden agendas and missing parents, Kensy and Max: Breaking News is the perfect opener to what will no doubt become a fast favourite amongst primary school students.
About the Author:
Jacqueline Harvey’s bestselling Alice-Miranda series began as an idea for a picture book but it soon became apparent that this perpetually positive seven-and-a-quarter-year-old had a lot more to say. The series has been sold to the United States, United Kingdom, Indonesia and Turkey and has been shortlisted for children’s book awards in Australia.
Her first and only picture book, The Sound of the Sea was an Honour Book in the 2006 Children’s Book Council Awards. Jacqueline has spent most of her working life teaching in girls’ boarding schools and has been a Deputy Head and Director of Development. She is passionate about improving educational outcomes for Indigenous students.
Jacqueline lives in Sydney with her husband Ian and is currently working on more Alice-Miranda and Clementine Rose adventures, as well as her newest release, Kensy and Max.
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