Random House, 2009.
ISBN 9781741663167
(Age 5-9) Recommended for good Junior Primary readers and early Primary readers. After Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, a pig as a
nanny who
consumes chocolate for breakfast, lunch and dinner is appealingly
delectable to young readers. Imagine having 'a hearty dinner of
caramel brownies and sherbet lemons'! (p45) Add to the mix Father
Mr Brown, who is most always away from home, and three children who
relish the amazing and original ways that Nanny Piggins solves the
outrageous incidents that occur. Her imagination and
inventiveness knows no boundaries. Which child wouldn't want to
have a flying pig who had run away from the circus as their
carer! The adventures begin innocently enough, but with Nanny
Piggins running the entertainment, nothing is ordinary. Nanny
(Sarah) Piggins, was formerly a flying pig in a circus, so when the
Ringmaster turns up to take Nanny Piggins back to the circus, the fun
really begins! Boris, her adopted brown bear brother, brought
from Russia to dance in the circus and her sister cause many a worry to
the children. The asides amuse and inform the reader, who can
willingly revel in the escapades. It's not a difficult read and
will appeal to children with a very sweet tooth and lots of imagination!
Typeface is clear and well spaced.
Sue Nosworthy
The priestess and the slave by Jenny Blackford
Hadley Rille Books, 2009. ISBN 9780981924311
(Ages 14+) A fascinating novel set in Ancient Greece, The Priestess
and the
Slave
tells two parallel stories of a Delphi Pythia and a young slave woman
with incredible historical and archaeological accuracy. It is clearly
written by an author who not only specialises in ancient history, but
has a passion for telling the stories of those who lived in such times.
The novel moves between the lives of two women living in very different
circumstances. Harmonia is a young slave girl whose kind and caring
nature is reflected in the respectful manner she is treated by her
master and mistress. Harmonia's story is set against a backdrop of
tragedy and sadness as the terrible plague of Athens sweeps through her
family.
Thrasulla is a Pythia who prophesies for Apollo. Her story unfolds
amidst the corruption of man as one of her fellow Pythia accepts a
bribe from a mad king. Thrasulla is reflective of her life before
becoming a Pythia, and her life experiences guide her through the
trials of priesthood.
These two emotionally moving tales give a glimpse at what life was like
during ancient times, from the perspective of two quietly courageous
women. It is written with such detail and accuracy that it is easy to
see history through the eyes of those who lived it. Whilst being a
short book, the themes are mature in nature and discerning readers will
ponder the themes of survival, corruption and human nature. This
is a highly recommended book for those who are interested in or
studying Ancient Greece and gives a touching view of life in ancient
times.
Alison Woodward
Zig Zags series
Pearson Education, 2009.
(Ages: 6-8) Books in the series include The Thirsty Moose, Open
Wide,
Dinosaur Planet, Tall Tilly and The
Clumsy Cow, Betty Betty's Spell
These latest additions to the Zig Zags series are sure to engage and
interest young children. Suitable for newly independent readers aged
between six and eight, they are also perfect for shared reading
experiences with an adult.
Each book contains fewer than 150 words. The bright and attractive
illustrations give good contextual clues for young readers and are
visually engaging.
Each book builds a simple storyline through to a satisfying conclusion.
The characters are likeable and believable. The themes of overcoming
fear or insecurities and beating bullies are developed with humour and
compassion, with the series deftly avoiding a lecturing tone.
This is a versatile series. The language level makes them suitable for
class reader boxes while their themes of family life, growth and
change, and discovering new horizons make them valuable additions to a
thematic library.
Rachel Flenley
The Kings of Clonmel by John Flanagan
Random House, 2009 ISBN
9781741663013
(Ages 11-14) Book Eight in the highly successful Ranger's
Apprentice series, will hardly be on the shelves as Will comes to
the
Ranger Gathering, an annual event, where he is expecting to see his old
mentor, Blade. Disappointed at not seeing him there, Will finds that
Blade is off investigating a religious cult, called the Outsiders, who
are bent on bringing down the Hibernian Kingdoms. Five of the six
kingdoms have fallen, and they are now intent on destroying the last,
Clonmel. So Will joins his old friends, Halt and Horace,
planning on driving out the intruders. But the king of
Clonmel is not eager to accept their help.
As with all the Ranger's Apprentice books, courage and
adventure are
their catch cry. The boys are courageous in the face of adversity, win
through because of their stalwart comradeship and sense of what is
right, and use their learned spying techniques to win the day. Their
adversaries are formidable as Will and Halt, along with Horace, must
face things which have happened in Halt's past to be able to recognize
the terror ahead. The heroism, courage under fire, and sense of justice
which pervades all of these books makes them a worthy addition to
any school library.
Jenny Brisbane, Richmond Primary School
Perspectives edited by Helen Sykes
Future Leaders
(Recommended 15+) A commitment to the leaders of tomorrow led Dr Helen
Sykes to found the 'Future leaders' program. She has selected essays by
ten prominent Australians and entrants in the 'Future leaders writing
prize'. Their theme is 'democracy'. While we ponder social justice
issues, we can also consider the writing styles of experienced
communicators and those just starting to mature as authors. We are
moved by fiction, swayed by informed argument, convinced by statistics
and affected by compassion.
The choice of activists is impressive. They are highly articulate,
knowledgeable and committed. Barry Jones opens the debate about
Australian society at large in an article which is brimming with ideas
and information. Among those who follow are Julian Burnside, who argues
for 'A charter of rights' and Marcia Langton and Zane Ma Rhea, who urge
that educational outcomes for indigenous children be improved. John
Hartigan explores freedom of speech, Margaret Prior discusses the
promotion of mental health among the young and medical student Anthony
Khoo explains the tragic consequences of middle ear infection.
The 23 contributions by Year 11 and 12 students were undoubtedly chosen
on merit but it is disappointing to note that only two of the young
authors are young men. Fictional cameos touch on topics ranging from
youth suicide to living with a disabled sibling. Non-fiction articles
examine issues as varied as human rights in China and the use of
solariums. Only two in this second group included end notes or
bibliographies but their authors are still learning.
Some readers will be disconcerted by the placement of a brief
introduction to the author at the end of each article instead of at the
beginning. A glossary of technical terms would alleviate the need to
keep reaching for a dictionary and a dramatic cover design might be
more apt for a book which deals with confronting subject matter. Perspectives is challenging and rewarding, thought-provoking and
insightful. It will appeal to everyone who likes to grapple with
contemporary issues. It can be obtained free from the Future leaders site.
Elizabeth Bor
A Certain Music by Celeste Walters Illustrated by Anne Spudvilas
Woolshed Press, 2009, ISBN 978 1 74166 333 4
(Ages 10+) Celeste Walters writes a magical story of music and
enchantment set in Vienna in 1823.
She tells of the simple wishes of a young girl who becomes entranced by
a man she sees in the Vienna Woods and the music she hears him
playing.School is difficult for her.Others call her odd
and her parents despair that she makes no friends.Yet this man
and his music fascinate her - she wants to listen to his music and
share the distraction and frustration that she observes in him as he
composes.The developing friendship reveals how alike these two
really are. Perhaps she can help him in some way. The time comes when
the composer must leave the town, but not before the young girl and her
mother have the opportunity to go to a concert where the maestro is
conducting his music. What a wonderful night that is for both of them.
The gift of music is given again to the girl when, some years on, a
scroll is delivered to her. It is the music for 'Fur Elise' and it
is signed by Ludwig van Beethoven.
The story is beautifully told, given just a touch of mystery by not
naming the two characters until the very end.
Anne Spudvilas' fine illustrations are added throughout the text, and
her cover work shows the delight that music truly brings. It is an
oversight that Walters has not provided any background, contextual
information about the composer and his music for the young, potentially
engaged reader.
Julie Wells ,
I'm dirty by Kate and Jim McMullan
Frances Lincoln Children's Books,
2008.
(Ages 3-7) Recommended. Starring a mud-loving backhoe loader, I'm
dirty
is a fun book that describes how a messy dump gets cleaned up, a stump
removed and a mud hole filled in. Told in vibrant language by the
backhoe loader, the reader is drawn into an exciting world of
machinery, movement and lots of excitement. Mud is a feature throughout
the story and there is a great illustration of the backhoe loader
having a wonderful mud bath.
A section that highlights counting, as the backhoe loader picks
up '10 torn-up truck tyres, 9 fractured fans, 8 busted beach umbrellas'
and so on, clearing up a messy site, in an effortless manner.
The vivid colours, striking cartoon like drawings and wonderful text
will engage children and give an excellent insight into using
machinery. The alliteration is sure to please
the reader and certainly makes for a great read aloud.
Pat Pledger
Martha's journey by Tracey Hawkins
New Frontier Publishing, 2009
ISBN 9781921042140
(Age 12+) Here is the story of Martha's voyage from the Liverpool Docks
to Australia in 1880. She is the middle child of William
Winstanley, a stern and methodical man, a disciplinarian upholding
traditional values. His family struggles for a living but their
simple life is a happy one. One day a parcel arrives from Auntie Edie
in Australia. Along with a tightly rolled wad of money, a letter
especially requests that Martha, a favourite niece, be sent abroad to
begin a new life as a 'daughter' to her aunt and uncle. A decision not
easily made means that Martha is tormented with fear, confusion and
hurt. The journey will be long and difficult, and what will await
her in a new and strange country? The author has devoted this
book to her forbears and the story is of her great-great-grandmother's
sea voyage. Martha keeps a journal and discovers the hardship and
cruelty of life aboard ship, but she also discovers the true value of
friendship and what amazing sights are to be seen at sea - 'imagine
mountains that soar out the sea in the middle of the ocean. Dolphins
swimming alongside the ship, the stormy sea, angry bolts of lightning
that light the entire night sky.'
Finely detailed and centring on a piece of family history, Hawkins'
language is heavy handed in description and generally lacking in
imaginative quality, but the historical perspective is interesting.
Julie Wells
Hansel and Gretel by Anthony Browne
Walker Books, 2008. ISBN 9781406318524
(Ages 3+) In this reprint, Anthony Browne puts a modern slant on the
original dark fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm with his contemporary
illustrations. Hansel and Gretel are portrayed as two ordinary
children, living in what looks like a two storey suburban house. Their
hen-pecked father and dark haired stepmother are dressed in everyday
clothes. The dark greens and browns of the towering trees in the woods
create an eerie atmosphere, while the strange little creatures that can
be found on a close inspection of the illustrations add a scary touch.
Like all Browne's books, this is one that contains many layers that can
be uncovered and pondered on. Children will delight in the story, which
lends itself to read aloud sessions, and many discussions could follow
about the cleverness of the children and why the children's father left
them in the forest. The big one page illustrations beg to be examined
again and again and add a wonderful dimension to the well known fairy
tale.
Pat Pledger
The remarkable secret of Aurelie Bonhoffen by Deborah Abela
Random House, 2009
ISBN 978174166095 1
(Ages 7-10) Recommended for Middle Primary. So unfamiliar to modern
readers, the plot has the feeling
of excitement, mystery and magic of bygone era. The setting of
Bonhoffen's Seaside Pier is unusual. Readers will be intrigued to
try to solve the plot against the pier and the Bonhoffens. The
characters are realistically portrayed with Aurelie, the main
character, a feisty girl, who loves and defends her family and who
wants to preserve the family business. Laced with humour and
innuendo, the plot unravels cleverly. On her twelfth birthday
Aurelie finds out about the family's remarkable secret. The
characters, both good and bad are believable. Imagine a Principal
called Mrs Farnhumple and a Mayor called Bog!
The loving family is sensitively portrayed and the uncles are
especially intriguing. The humour in the language is quite
advanced, but quick young readers will enjoy the repartee and want to
solve the puzzle for themselves.
It's a fun read for good middle primary readers. The font
is clear and the text is set well apart.
Sue Nosworthy
The twin giants by Dick King-Smith
Ill. by Mini Grey
Walker, 2007. ISBN 9781406313475
(Ages 6-9) Recommended. What a heart warming book! Lottavim and Normus
are twin giants who do everything together. There is only one
difference between them - Lot loves meat and Norm adores vegetables.
When they finally grow up, they realise that they each want to find a
wife and they go off searching across all the nearby mountains,
disturbing the neighbouring communities and meeting some other giants
on the way.
With a delightful take on the fairy tale genre, Dick King-Smith has
created two engaging characters in the giant twins and the giants they
meet on the way are also interesting. The story keeps the reader
involved with its subtle humour and clear expression.
Mini Grey's bright illustrations add spice and delight to the story. I
loved the expressions on the faces on the twins and was fascinated by
the drawings of the twin giant sisters that they fell in love with.
Lovely colours and lots of little details ensure a return visit to the
book to see what has been overlooked the first time.
Newly independent readers would enjoy the challenge of this book, and
it also would be great to read aloud.
Pat Pledger
Akimbo and the baboons by Alexander McCall Smith
Allen and Unwin, 2009.
You know you are in safe hands when the author, McCall Smith turns his
prodigious talent to writing for children. Drawing on his childhood in
Africa, he has developed a series of books about Akimbo, the son of the
head ranger on a game reserve.
In this story, Akimbo is joined by his good friend and cousin, Kosi for
the school holidays. A city boy, Kosi loves staying on the reserve, and
when the boys find that a scientist is arriving soon to study the
habits of the baboons, they are agog with expectation. When she
arrives, Akimbo's father must tell her that her anticipated assistant
will not be able to accompany her, so the two boys go instead.
A five hour drive finds them fetching wood to make a fire in the small
wooden hut prepared for her arrival, and the next day they sit and
watch the troop of baboons nearby. Noticing that one has a bleeding
leg, the three decide to do something about its pain and suffering.
Their first aid, given to the baboon with wire around his leg, is
repaid later in the story when the two boys become lost.
A seemingly simple story along the lines of the Lion and the Mouse,
Akimbo and the Baboons, not only teaches a good lesson to the readers,
but informs them about many aspects of African life. This story will
prove a hit read aloud to junior primary classes, and be enjoyed by
middle to upper primary students as well. For students studying Africa,
its animals, or aspects of African life, this book is invaluable.
Fran Knight
The game by Diana Wynne Jones
HarperCollins, 2007.
(Ages 10+) This is another well written, fast
moving story by Diana Wynne Jones. Mythology of all kinds are mentioned and played
with in The game. Many of the characters are loosely connected with
Ancient Greek mythological beings. Hayley has been packed off,
abruptly, to her aunt, whose home is quite relaxed and boisterous
compared to her grandmother's where she has grown up, believing that
she is an orphan.
The mythosphere is a key dimension of the story, where myths, tales,
theories, beliefs, stories, legends and hopes are generated on
Earth. Hayley and her extended family all have the ability to move
about the mythosphere. Hayley discovers that her parents have been
trapped by her Uncle Jolyon who holds enormous power over the family.
Hayley must travel like a comet to free them and ensure that the
mythosphere isn't tampered with.
Jones also includes an author's note section which highlights some
myths and legends that are mentioned. Also in this section is a
cross promotion/recommendations of other novels by Jones which readers
may enjoy. These are suggested through themes which may encourage
readers to branch out a little into similar genres that they may enjoy.
Liz Eckert
The accidental sorcerer by K.E. Mills
HarperVoyager 2008.
(Age 13+) Book 1 of a new series, Rogue Agent, this is an engaging fast
moving read. This certainly fits into the fantasy category, as it does
contain magic but this is not the only driving feature of the
characters; it is mixing with the detective genre as well.
The accidents and troubles that Gerald Dunwoody and his offsider, an
enchanted, bossy, female parrot, encounter and deal are plausible,
given that they live in a magical world. You have the requisite bad
king and those trying to work around him to look after his kingdom.
Characters, both good and bad are fleshed out nicely without the entire
history being explored in minute detail. There are a number of
twists so it's not just the usual hero, or his offsider, falling in
love with the heroine by the end of the tale which means you want to
keep reading; it's not what you expect all the time.
K. E. Mills is an Australian author. This is a gripping read; I didn't
want to put it down.
Liz Eckert
The winds of heaven by Judith Clarke
Allen and Unwin, 2009.
ISBN 9781741757316
(Ages 12+) I anticipate a powerful storyline with memorable
characters
when reading a new work of Judith Clarke's. The Winds of Heaven
has not
disappointed. Fan lives in rural New South Wales. She is wild and
beautiful, spontaneous and exuberant, but confined by small town gossip
and an abusive mother. Clementine lives in the city; just an
ordinary girl, rather naive and reserved, but encouraged by loving yet
cautious parents. The girls are cousins and, after an initial family
visit, their lives become intertwined. We meet the girls in 1952
when Clementine and her mother make the train journey to see Aunt Rene
and Fan. Though she struggles at school, Fan possesses a strong feeling
for the land - its smell, taste and movements - the country around her
offers escape and a sense of contentment. She has
befriended a 'fringe dweller' - an old aboriginal man - who has shared
his stories and language with her, and she confides this to her bemused
cousin.
Clementine returns home with mixed feelings. She is fascinated by Fan
and connects with her cousin in thought but the commitment to see her
is not there. Circumstances and apprehensions separate them. As
the years pass, Clementine allows too much precious time to escape and
Fan eventually goes away.
Clarke skilfully handles the time structure of the novel. It opens in
2009 with Clementine looking back over her life as she sits in the park
with a friend. The reader then meets the girls in the 50s and the 60s
before returning to the present.
The story is very readable, told with great insight and compassion.
Both girls have inner battles to fight and the odds are against them in
different ways. The prose has a poetic quality which keeps the reader
lingering on pages.
Clarke's picture of life in Australia at the time is authentic. So too
are the contrasts between city and country - in particular, the train
journeys linking the two, work very well.
Their lives told with tenderness and understanding, Fan and Clementine
will remain in my mind for a long time.
Julie Wells
