100,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿

🐉 🔥 Happy Threshing Day! Pre-order the Deluxe Edition of Rebecca Yarros' newest release today! 🔥 🐉

Bim Blake’s Hot Takes: My Pencil Case Doesn’t Define Me

Series: Bim Blake
Brief Description
From the bestselling author of Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun comes the first in a brand-new tween slice-of-life series. Relatable, humorous and highly illustrated, Bim Blake’s Hot Takes is perfect for fans of Dork Diaries, Lottie Brooks and Nina Peanut. 'Laugh out loud, full... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2100
Pre-order
Releases 1st September 2026 (Approx. Date) Pre-order  "Bim Blake’s Hot Takes: My Pencil Case Doesn’t Define Me" now to secure your copy from our first shipment

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

From the bestselling author of Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun comes the first in a brand-new tween slice-of-life series. Relatable, humorous and highly illustrated, Bim Blake’s Hot Takes is perfect for fans of Dork Diaries, Lottie Brooks and Nina Peanut.

'Laugh out loud, full of heart and fantastic fun!' A. F. Steadman, author of the Skandar series

'A perfect tween diary with a strong, immediate voice and relatable struggles.' Louie Stowell, author of Loki: A Bad God's Guide to Being Good

'Authentic, funny and painfully real.' Hannah Gold, author of The Last Bear

Hi bestie! My name's Bim Blake. I've just started high school and here's my hot take on it—Year Seven is a LOT harder than I thought! I've realised my school skirt is way too long, my pencil case is way too uncool, my boobs are way too big and the new boy (who's the son of popstar parents!!!) is way too cute for my liking...

If that wasn't bad enough, tell me why my dad has been acting weirder than usual. He's been making TikToks (cringe!), experimenting in the kitchen (I call it attempted murder!) and he's even started exercising... It must be tough being over forty! Add into the mix a trio of annoying older brothers (yes, I have three—pray for me!), a duo of feuding aunts, one friend mishap and a huge helping of drama and you have a recipe for chaos. Welcome to my life!

Praise for Bim Blake’s Hot Takes:

'Funny, warm and relatable—the perfect book for tweens moving up into year seven.' Jen Carney, author of The Accidental Diary of B. U. G.

'A witty, wonder of a book!' Lisa Thompson, author of The Goldfish Boy

'Relatable, funny and heartwarming! Bim Blake is sure to be everyone's new favourite fictional best friend.' Sharna Jackson, author of High Rise Mystery

'Brilliantly funny, full of heart, and the storyline had me hooked from the start—I couldn't put it down!' Abigail Balfe, author of This is NOT the Diary of Izzy Dobson

'Perfect for fans of Lottie Brooks and Dork Diaries, this fun new diary-style book with its fantastic cast of characters gives us a window into family, friendships, feelings and the very messy business of transitioning to secondary school.' Rashmi Sirdeshpande, author of Hari Kumar, Ultimate Superstar

'Honest, heartfelt and incredibly relatable, perfect for readers navigating the emotional rollercoaster of starting secondary school.' Vashti Hardy, author of Brightstorm

'Full of relatable embarrassments, drama and friendships, it's packed with humour and warmth.' Claire Linney, author of the Time Tub Travellers series

'Funny, witty and heartwarming with gorgeous illustrations.' Diana Anyakwo, author of My Life as a Chameleon

Series: Bim Blake

View all
  • Bim Blake’s Hot Takes: My Pencil Case Doesn’t Define Me
    Pre-order
    Bim Blake’s Hot Takes: My Pencil Case Doesn’t Define Me
    From the bestselling author of Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun comes the first in a brand-new tween slice-of-life series. Relatable, humorous and highly illustrated, Bim Blake’s Hot Takes is perfect for fans of Dork Diaries, Lottie Brooks and Nina Peanut. 'Laugh out loud, full of heart and fantastic fun!' A. F. Steadman, author of the Skandar series 'A...
    Paperback
    $2100
    Pre-order
    Out 1 Sep 2026

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241761458

Publisher: Penguin Random House Children's UK

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 21 May 2026

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Puffin

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Ariyana Taylor

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 260g

Pages: 304

About the Author

Tola Okogwu (Author) Tola Okogwu is a bestselling British-Nigerian children's author and journalist. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, but raised in London, England, she studied Journalism and spent some years exploring the world of blogging, haircare and freelance writing before returning to her first love . . . fiction. Her debut middle-grade book, Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun, was Waterstones Book of the Month and shortlisted for the British Book Awards. She has published three books in this series and a World Book Day spin-off, alongside a number of picture books. Ariyana Taylor (Illustrator) Ariyana Taylor is a freelance illustrator and character designer based in Brooklyn, New York. In 2020 she graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a bachelor's degree in illustration. Since then, she has illustrated for both small businesses and larger animation companies, such as Netflix, Titmouse and Bent Image Lab.

Also by Tolá Okogwu

View all
  • Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun
    Black Panther meets Percy Jackson in this action-packed superhero series about a British-Nigerian girl who learns that her Afro hair has psychokinetic powers. Soon to be a feature film with a major streamer! Check out the complete series – Onyeka and the Rise of the Rebels is out now and Onyeka and the Heroes of the Dawn is out March...
    Paperback
    $2099
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Onyeka and the Heroes of the Dawn
    The extraordinary third book in the action-packed superhero series. Perfect for 8+ fans of Percy Jackson, Amari and the Night Brothers and Black Panther. Soon to be a feature film with a major streamer! Check out the complete series – Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun and Onyeka and the Rise of the Rebels are both out now. And don't miss Onyeka and the Secret Superhero, the special World Book Day...
    Paperback
    $1999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • You've Got This, Little Pangolin
    A heartfelt and funny story about curiosity, growing up, and the lessons we learn along the way Kúyẹ is a baby pangolin who just can’t wait to grow up and do things all on his own. But Kúyẹ’s eagerness to go go go, without listening to his mama, keeps getting him into all sorts of mix-ups. Most of all, he’s...
    Paperback
    $1999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Champions of the Galaxy
    A brand-new, epic sci-fi action-adventure where friendship is tested to the limits from bestselling author Tọlá Okogwu. Perfect for 8+ fans of the Onyeka series, Star Wars and Marvel! When a powerful group of aliens threaten Earth, a mysterious species called the Onni offers humanity hope. But there’s a catch. Ninety-one children from across the planet must first prove their...
    Paperback
    $2099
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Onyeka and the Rise of the Rebels
    The epic second book in the action-packed superhero series. Perfect for 8+ fans of Percy Jackson, Amari and the Night Brothers and Black Panther. Soon to be a feature film with a major streamer! Check out the complete series – Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun is out now and Onyeka and the Heroes of the Dawn is out...
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • Daddy Do My Hair: Beth's Twists
    A warm, rhyming celebration of Afro hair and father-daughter relationships, from hair care coach and author Tolá Okogwu and rising star illustrator, Chanté Timothy. It’s Sunday evening and dinner is over. Beth is excited and heads to the sofa. Daddy is there with a smile and a chair. “Daddy,” she asks, “will you please do my hair?” It’s the evening...
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • Bekah and the Moon
    A moving and magical picture book about the love between a young girl and the moon Luna’s here, there’s no need to fear. Bekah loves the moon, and she knows the moon loves her too. Each night, when shadows or strange noises frighten her, she is visited by Luna, who bathes the room in moonlight and chases away her fears....
    Paperback
    Sold Out

More from Children's Books

View all
  • New Release
    Royalslinger
    K Pop Demon Hunters fans will love this! Graci Kim is back with the second book in her exciting and fantastical Slinger series where dragons and phoenixes roam the skies of Seoul; meals magically appear based on your mood; and dreams literally come to life. Praise for Dreamslinger: “A mind-blowingly original fantasy adventure—Graci Kim has done it again!”—Rick Riordan, New York Times #1...
    Paperback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2400
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    Detective Beans and the Map of Mystery
    Enjoy this new DETECTIVE BEANS adventure in the bestselling and award-winning graphic novel series by Li Chen! Your favourite kitten detective is back with a new mystery to solve . . . and treasure to find! When Captain Scuttlebeard gives Beans a treasure map, Beans is determined to find the prize at the end. The clues take him all over...
    By Li Chen
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2200
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Mei Mei the Bunny
    New Release
    Mei Mei the Bunny
    Mei Mei the Bunny is Laufey's picture book debut about a bunny learning to believe in herself through music. Experience a heartwarming tale of self-belief in this enchanting picture book by GRAMMY Award-winning musician Laufey. Meet Mei Mei, a little bunny with a big dream—to spread joy through her music! As her debut recital at the H'Opera House draws near,...
    By Laufey
    Hardback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3800
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    Hunted: Wolf Girl 15
    Just when Wolf Girl is finally reunited with her father, he is torn away from her once more, and Gwen vows to stop at nothing to track him down. But danger is closing in: a giant snow leopard and a mysterious hooded figure are hot on their trail. As Gwen and the pack race through deep caverns to snowy peaks,...
    By Anh Do
    Paperback
    $1699
    Elsewhere:
    $1899
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    What If You Could
    From the former prime minister of New Zealand comes a guide for teens on chasing your dreams and embracing the unexpected qualities that truly make a person strong. When Jacinda Ardern became prime minister of New Zealand, she was one of the youngest people in the world leading a country. Many people thought she would never succeed — herself included....
    Paperback
    $2599
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    Lonasei and the Mystery of Origin Grove
    Eleven-year-old Lonasei is lonely — she wishes her older sister Eva Grace wasn't so mean, and that her mum Aria didn't have to work so much. But when Aria inherits her childhood home, Lonasei discovers she can enter her late Aunt Malia's paintings and experience the memories within. Through them, she discovers that her mother had another sister, Agnes, who went...
    Paperback
    $2199
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    The Case of the Viral Video: Violet and the Velvets 3
    Violet and the Velvets can hardly believe they've come so far in the BandChamps competition with only hard work, a smidge of talent, and a whole lot of thinking outside the box. This time, they get to record their new song in a proper recording studio and star in their very own music video! But Violet is letting her perfectionism...
    Paperback
    $1600
    Elsewhere:
    $1899
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Dawn Raid: The Apology
    This sequel to Dawn Raid follows Sofia Savea’s family, 50 years later, as Sofia's grandson becomes involved in the quest for a government apology. INVERCARGILL, 2020 Wow, I thought I knew a bit about the dawn raids, but this is HUGE. It happened to my OWN family and I never knew! I had no idea that Granfia and her family...
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $2099
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Big Bang Bread
    New Release
    Big Bang Bread
    In this time-travel storybook and cookbook with a cosmic twist, take a journey through time and space to discover the secrets of baking! Did you know that bread is made from stardust? Board the rocket and blast off on an adventure through time and space to discover the secrets of a home-baked loaf! Big Bang Bread is a kids' time-travel...
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $2100
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • B is for Bird
    From award-winning artist, Lily Emo, comes a beautiful celebration of birds. Paired with a fun rhyming story, gorgeous illustrations, and fold-out pages, this book is set to be a favourite for everyone and the perfect gift. Make your way through the alphabet with this stunning book featuring a cast of familiar birds. From albatross to fantails, gannets to quail, and...
    Hardback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2499
    (1)
    Backorder
    Ships mid August
  • Signed Copy
    New Release
    The Curse of the Carnivorous Cactuses
    (Sam: Nothing could be as bad as being covered in icky purple blobs ... wait, what does carnivorous mean again?) The gang is determined to defeat Glam-Evil and her nasty curses so that they can save their park and get back for Shackleton and Amelia's very first sleepover. But Glam-Evil has a few new tricks up her ultravillainous sleeve ......
    Paperback
    $1400
    Elsewhere:
    $1499
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Bluey: Rain
    On Sale
    17% off
    New Release
    Bluey: Rain
    It's raining! Bluey is trying to dam the water in the front yard, but does she need Mum's help? Join Bluey as she plays in the water when a heavy summer rain thunders over the Heeler home. Can Mum stop Bluey from dirtying the house? Featuring: A nearly wordless picture book with visual storytelling that mimics the dialogue-free episode. A...
    By Bluey
    Hardback
    $1500
    Elsewhere:
    $2100
    In Stock
    Ships today

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 80,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.