Bat Attack! (Paperback)

The Hazard River series is fast-paced and easy to read, even for reluctant readers. The covers are attractive and by Deltora Quest illustrator Marc McBride. The series deals with many envirnmental issues including endangered species using well-targeted humour without being didactic.

It centres around brothers Jack and Ben and their dare-devil friend Lachlan who spend their school holidays at Hazard River. Together with their level-headed friend Mimi, they stumble across various environmental disasters leading them on many adventurea as they set out to solve each mysterious event. Of course they often find themselves in danger and working together is key.

Bat Attack! deals with envirnmental and habitiat destruction caused by greedy miners which directly impacts on the endangered species in the area. With eerie mine shfts setting the scene, it is packed with tension making it a really exciting read. The slapstick and corny humour throughout keeps the story entertaining.

JE Fison is a television reporter turned children's author. Her work has been short-listed for the Raspberry and Vine Short Story Competition 2009 and long-listed for The Times (London) Children's Fiction Competition 2009. Julie writes the young adult series Smitten (2013-), and has titles in the series for tween girls, Choose Your Own Ever After (2014). Julie currently lives in Brisbane, writing stories for children and young adults, blogging on writing, travel and life, and juggling the many challenges of family life.

Marc McBride's first picture book was The Kraken in 2001 written by Gary Crew. Since then, he has illustrated many books including the hugely successful Deltora Quest and Quentaris series, The Deltora Book of Monsters, Old Ridley, Journey From The Centre Of The Earth and Tales of Deltora. His latest book is called World of Monsters. He has also illustrated over 50 book covers, magazines, and produced artwork for advertising campaigns.