This new story from Eoin Colfer and Katy Halford is part of Barrington Stoke’s ‘super-readable’ Little Gems series, which are short, illustrated chapter books specifically designed for readers just taking off with independent reading. This one is bags of fun and tells the tale of young Mariella, whose imaginative story champions girls engaging and leading in STEM. This is an easy read with an enjoyable story line. Katy Halford’s illustrations are vivid and colourful, perfectly bringing the likeable main character to life. I loved the way that the illustrations are filled with little details that add an extra dimension to the characterisation, such as the periodic table design on Mariella’s bedspread or the cupcake-enlarging machine in the back corner of Mariella’s lab. I also really enjoyed the additional spread inside the front cover featuring real-life women who famously came up with brilliant ideas…