They have shown, in the past two books in the series, they can work as a team, supporting each other and enjoy making music.
As finalists they get to record their song in a recording studio and make a music video just like a real band.
As finalists they get to record their song in a recording studio and make a music video just like a real band.
But their confidence to remain as a unique group with their own sound begins to waiver as the stress begins to rise. Will starring in a music video help to preserve or destroy their essence?
The Case of the Viral Video is book three in the series and opens with the four band members, Violet, Lexie, Jack and Mo, practising for the up and coming recording session knowing they have been touted as the band to watch in the finals. The group is determined to prove that although Jack’s dad is the host of the Fire Show where the finalists’ videos will be played, does not mean they will be automatic winners.
Violet believes that even though they made it to the finals playing music their way - with a smidge of talent but heaps of energy - it will not be enough. And when they arrive to create their video there is definitely an expectation to conform to the production team’s criteria rather than maintain their individual style and sound. Plus who are the Starling Sisters, their new rival team, who seem cold, arrogant and perfect?
Remembering they are friends first and a band second becomes the biggest challenge facing the Velvets. Learning you cannot control everything and focusing on what matters most may mean no video, no air time and no promotion of the group. Can they once again band together to let their music entertain and let perfectionism come a distant second?
Rachael has once again, in this third book, highlighted the joy of music, especially for young girls who should be encouraged to be the lead in their own band (and life) whilst recognising chemistry rather than sound is the glue that makes friendships (and bands) successful. The story flows easily and provides the readers with some twists and turns as well as a great cast of characters with intentional gender and neurodiverse inclusions.
The story is supported by Phoebe’s simple but groovy sketches and scattered words in bold type that help to emphasise different moments in the story and break up larger chunks of texts. This book can be enjoyed by readers 8+ and every one young at heart and with a song to sing.
You can also check out an original song created for the Velvets as well as fun activities and the inspiration behind the series of books at https://www.rachael-king.com/fun-stuff/
Title: The Case of the Viral Video : Violet and the Velvets 3
Author: Rachael King
Illustrator: Phoebe Morris
Publisher: Allen and Unwin New Zealand, $16.99
Publication Date: 23 June 2026
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781991142757
For ages: 8+
Type: Middle Grade Fiction
The Case of the Viral Video is book three in the series and opens with the four band members, Violet, Lexie, Jack and Mo, practising for the up and coming recording session knowing they have been touted as the band to watch in the finals. The group is determined to prove that although Jack’s dad is the host of the Fire Show where the finalists’ videos will be played, does not mean they will be automatic winners.
Violet believes that even though they made it to the finals playing music their way - with a smidge of talent but heaps of energy - it will not be enough. And when they arrive to create their video there is definitely an expectation to conform to the production team’s criteria rather than maintain their individual style and sound. Plus who are the Starling Sisters, their new rival team, who seem cold, arrogant and perfect?
Remembering they are friends first and a band second becomes the biggest challenge facing the Velvets. Learning you cannot control everything and focusing on what matters most may mean no video, no air time and no promotion of the group. Can they once again band together to let their music entertain and let perfectionism come a distant second?
Rachael has once again, in this third book, highlighted the joy of music, especially for young girls who should be encouraged to be the lead in their own band (and life) whilst recognising chemistry rather than sound is the glue that makes friendships (and bands) successful. The story flows easily and provides the readers with some twists and turns as well as a great cast of characters with intentional gender and neurodiverse inclusions.
The story is supported by Phoebe’s simple but groovy sketches and scattered words in bold type that help to emphasise different moments in the story and break up larger chunks of texts. This book can be enjoyed by readers 8+ and every one young at heart and with a song to sing.
You can also check out an original song created for the Velvets as well as fun activities and the inspiration behind the series of books at https://www.rachael-king.com/fun-stuff/
Title: The Case of the Viral Video : Violet and the Velvets 3
Author: Rachael King
Illustrator: Phoebe Morris
Publisher: Allen and Unwin New Zealand, $16.99
Publication Date: 23 June 2026
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781991142757
For ages: 8+
Type: Middle Grade Fiction
