Books & Literature

Book Review: Ricky the Wrestler, by Mat “Grimm” Basso and Donna “D” Basso, illustrated by Bones Malone

PICTURE BOOK: An action-packed adventure about a boy who goes from regular kid to Pro Wrestling Champion.

A fun book suitable for any budding wrestler.
3.5

Despite this being their first foray into the world of children’s literature, Mat and Donna Basso have written an entertaining story for the young reader.

Mat is an Australian Pro Wrestler who has performed around the world. Donna is a speech pathologist, dancer, choreographer and the lead guitarist of Australian rock band “The Babes”. Using their knowledge of the wrestling world and experience with children, they have written a rhyming story about a young boy, waking up on the morning of his birthday and receiving a wrestling mask, costume and belt. Ricky is obviously a huge wrestling fan, so he is very excited about this birthday gift.

The almost cartoonish illustrations by Bones Malone are very bright and colourful. They are sure to appeal to any young child. Each picture has lots of detail and the characters have great facial expressions.  A particularly fun page is when Ricky fights the monster in his dreams. The look on the monster’s face is hilarious. The illustration showing day moving into night is also clever.

The text is written is different fonts, sizes and colours which makes it more interesting for the reader.

The text is not long, only seven double pages, but this is enough to tell the story. At the end of the book there are some pages with puzzles and colouring in to keep any child busy long after the story has finished (There is of course a boy and girl wrestler to colour). A mask, which can be bought as an extra, is a great idea for any budding wrestler. So, there is something for everybody!

Reviewed by Sue Mauger

Distributed by: Mat Basso and Donna Basso
Released: October 2021
RRP: $15 / $25 including wrestling mask

This review is the opinion of the reviewer and not Glam Adelaide.

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