Sunny is quiet and shy from a large family, where being heard is difficult, whilst Sunny is larger than life, verbose and impulsive. But they are friends, in fact, besticles, their creative word to describe themselves as the best, best, best-ever friends you can be.
They become the centre of mysterious events that all seem to lead to them and they are determined to prove their innocence.
Set in a small country town brimming with unique human and animal characters, Sunny and Storm face many everyday challenges from random cow pats in unexpected places, to cranky teachers who do not seem to understand them. The girls take turns writing diary entries in their shared journal and concoct some totally ‘wondermonious’ words to fully explain actions and inner feelings.
But their biggest challenge is trying to convince their teacher and parents they are not to blame when items go missing, even though they are the only ones who seem to have had the motive and opportunity.
Will they be able to put things right with cupcakes, friendship and a book filled with their secret language? Sometimes proving your case becomes even more difficult than solving it.
Will they be able to put things right with cupcakes, friendship and a book filled with their secret language? Sometimes proving your case becomes even more difficult than solving it.
Sunny and Storm have a wonderful connection that brings insight to what friendship can be especially between characters with such differing natures. They are warm and funny in their interactions and their adventures provide light hearted humour as well as tender moments.
Tanya Hennessy’s comedic background shines through Storm’s voice as the narrator and there is no doubt many of the pair’s creative words will begin to be used by her readers. The simple but amusing illustrations by Rachael McLean blend well with the text, adding even more fun and joy to this action packed novel for young readers. The addition of a dictionary filled with their secret language highlighted throughout the text, is a wonderful addition to the book.
Readers will be waiting eagerly for another Sunny and Storm adventure with even more fantastical words to explore and enjoy. Highly recommended for readers 6+ as a great introduction to mystery stories.
Title: Sunny and Storm
Author: Tanya Hennessy
Illustrator: Rachael McLean
Publisher: Penguin, $14.99
Publication Date: 3 March 2026
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781761354298
For ages: 6+
Type: Junior Fiction
