Many children are fascinated by huge prehistoric creatures and this latest release by CSIRO Publishing, Diprotodon: A Megafauna Journey will be a popular read. One of the largest marsupials that ever lived, diprotodon, named after the two forward facing tusks in the lower jaw - di(two) protos(first) dont(tooth), roamed the land mostly during the Pleistocene era.
This factual fiction story focuses on one young diprotodon starting from his time spent in the pouch of his mother to finding his own mate. It is the beginning of the Ice Age and environments are changing with natural vegetation becoming scarcer. The diprotodon herd must travel further to source water and more plants for survival. The young diprotodon is separated from his herd and is easy prey for other creatures such as the Thylacoleo (marsupial lion) and Megalania (giant monitor lizard). He continues to search for water which he eventually finds and another lone diprotodon.
The detailed information shared in the final pages provides the reader with all the facts about the diprotodon including description, communication, diet, behaviour, and habitat. There is an extensive glossary and a list of other species mentioned in the story. The endpapers show the diprotodon travelling across a vast arid landscape and the illustrations in muted tones reflect the harshness of the land.
Another great book to add to a non-fiction collection in a school or public library. Teacher notes are available.
Themes Australian Megafauna, Marsupials, Ice Age, Survival.
What a joy to read a feel-good book with wonderful characters, but that also leaves the reader knowing more about the lives of young women in 1896. Tirzah, Louisa and Polly are best friends who have finally finished their education at boarding school and are facing what their lives will be as young women just out of the schoolroom. Tirzah is stuck with her grandmother, working as an unpaid companion. Polly has a job that she loves teaching young orphans, while Louisa is living with her aunt who has sponsored her first London Season, where she is expected to find a rich husband who will be able to provide for her younger sisters.
Through a series of letters, the reader becomes intimately acquainted with the lives, dreams, hopes and hardships that face this intrepid trio, who manage to support each other with love and advice as they face the realities of what their lives have become. The author subtly gives clues to the destiny of women in the late 19th century. The girls’ education has not prepared them for anything other than marriage; they have been taught nothing that would allow them to become anything other than wives, even if it was possible for women to go to university. Tirzah is perhaps the most restricted of all – she has no money and no friends to socialise with and longs to know the mother whom she hasn’t seen since she was very young. Her increasing depression that is evident in her letters will have readers on the edge of their seats as they worry for her well-being. Meanwhile Sophia is very attracted to Sebastian, a charming young man with no job or prospects, and is torn between duty her duty to her family and marrying a rich lord, or following her heart. Polly is happiest of all, with a loving family and a job she loves, and Nicholls brings to life the plight of orphans and children from the slums, especially as Polly tries to find the father of three young boys that she has come to care for.
Readers will cheer these feisty girls as they find romance and will find the letters, although making the book a quick and easy read, an education in love and history. The acknowledgments by the author at the end mention books that influenced her writing, and many were ones that I have loved: Love in a cold climate by Nancy Mitford, Dear enemy by Jean Webster, as well as fairy tales. Readers who enjoy the letter writing style may like Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith, 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff, To all the boys I’ve loved before by Jenny Han and The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.
Themes Friendship, Letter writing, Historical fiction, Romance.
Another book in The World of Gustavo series (Gustavo, the shy ghost) by Flavia Z. Drago has the readers enthralled with the fabulous vampire Vlad. His passion is fashion and he can be found clad entirely in black. But he has bright pink cheeks and this makes him feel very different. He tries to hide them, but when he finds out that his friend has a secret of her own, the pair decide that it is best to just be yourself.
The illustrations are eye-catching and very appealing to a young audience. The cover with its smiling vampire, draped in a black cape and grinning through two fangs catches the attention immediately and the bold black and white illustrations, tinged with the colour pink, bring the story alive.
The story can be read on many levels - a fun read for Halloween with charming characters, and a story about accepting your own attributes and abilities and being happy to live with them and find friends who will understand you, regardless of whether those around you reject you.
This is sure to become a favourite with young children and will be a great book to share before Halloween.
Themes Halloween, Vampires, Monsters, Fantasy.
Pat Pledger
Medieval monsters and other creatures by Timothy Ide
Well-known South Australian illustrator Timothy Ide has written and illustrated his first non-fiction book, Medieval Monsters and Other Creatures. This strikingly presented book is full of colour, intricate illustrations showcasing fantastical creatures of the Middle Ages, and easily accessible information explaining each of the creatures mentioned.
The detailed front and back cover folds out to show a castle and village with all sorts of creatures causing a frightening commotion. Included are a fire-breathing dragon, armour-wearing knights in both human and non-human form, snakes, headless or bodyless people, tiny creatures including crabs in various poses and townspeople looking quite perplexed.The endpapers display a huge gruesome beast in muted purple tones lurking low and staring straight at the reader. This is really setting the scene - what more is in store for those who dare to open the pages?
Even before the trepidatious journey begins, there is a comment about ‘marginalia.’ This is anything written or drawn around the edges of the page in Medieval times. It is decorative and can be humorous and is used for entertaining the reader. Following this is an introduction where readers are prepared for the mystery and potential danger that may be found on the forthcoming pages.
Medieval Monsters and Other Creatures is set out in alphabetical order beginning with the Afanc, a huge water beast from Wales that could cause flash flooding with its violent movements and ending with the Ziphius, a monstrous sea creature that was very territorial and would attack and sink huge ships. In between are many familiar and unfamiliar creatures such as the Pegasus, Hippogriff, Dragon, Tengu, Xintian and Vampire. The information about each creature is highly descriptive and clearly set out among the dramatic illustrations that will provide hours of engagement.
This book would be a popular and fascinating read to add to a non-fiction collection in a home, school or public library.
I was fortunate to hear South Australian author Helen Edwards speak passionately about her upcoming debut book The Rebels of Mount Buffalo in early 2023. During her engaging presentation she shared her incredible knowledge of the Mount Buffalo area and her extensive research into the life of ‘Guide Alice’ Manfield. This background research and knowledge is certainly evident in her recently released novel and her stunning descriptions of the scenic environment, the hiking trails and the chalet will have readers planning their next holiday!
The story of Clara and Alice primarily takes place in two time frames: 1998 and 1893. In 1998 the reader is introduced to Clara who has tragically lost her twin brother two years earlier in a car accident and her whole world has fallen apart. Her grief-stricken parents have separated, Clara struggles with bullying at school, and feels deeply that the loss of her outgoing and popular brother Darius is something she may never recover from.
Frequent holidays to the Mount Buffalo Chalet were once the highlight for the close-knit family and this year they must travel there for the Centenary celebrations without Darius, and with each carrying their own unspoken grief and guilt. Clara previously researched ‘Guide Alice’ for a school assignment and is fascinated by Alice’s incredible tenacity and resilience to overcome the dangers of trekking and guiding people up Mount Buffalo. Clara has always enjoyed the history of the area and she and Alice share a love of photography. It is during the celebrations that Clara, through the lens of Alice’s camera, is transported back to 1893 where she meets Alice and becomes a part of her family for a short time. While Clara is there she learns about day-to-day 1890’s life at the hotel belonging to the Manfield family and with Alice, is caught up in a dangerous adventure.
This thoughtful and absorbing story is one where the reader also has the opportunity to learn snippets from history including the effects of the Depression of the 1890’s and Women’s Rights, plus meet historical figures such as Alice Manfield and John Monash. Most importantly the story is about Clara finding the strength and courage to show what she is capable of and learning that the heart can begin to heal.
Before we say goodbye is the fourth book in Kawaguchi’s 'Before the coffee gets cold' series about people returning to the past to revisit a moment they regret. Each story takes place in the mysterious cafe Funiculi Funicula. I had not read the other books in the series, and found I didn’t need to; this selection of four short stories gave me all the context I needed, and I was drawn into the accounts of four distraught people, each trying to come to terms with some form of loss.
In this intriguing world, there are rules about going back into the past and they are repeated for each venturer. Perhaps the most significant is that while they may revisit the past there is no way they can change the outcomes in the present, and they must return from the visit before their cup of coffee goes cold.
In Kawagushi's book we are presented with four stories: the husband who regrets taking his wife for granted, the woman who regrets not being present while her dog passed away, the young woman who regrets her response to a marriage proposal, and the daughter who regrets her harsh words towards her father. There is sure to be something in each scenario that readers will relate to.
The lesson in each story is about kindness, not only towards the other person, but also towards oneself. Each of the characters comes to a feeling of peace, saying the things they wished they had said, and finding the redemption they need.
Kawaguchi’s stories are beautiful life lessons, about communicating and caring for the significant people, or animal companions, that have made life worthwhile. They each provide magical moments to reflect on what is important in life. I am sure that any reader will be drawn into at least one of these stories. And like me, they will want to seek out the other stories in the series. Highly recommended.
Themes Time travel, Regret, Grief, Loss, Redemption, Forgiveness.
A wonderful addition to the numbers of books which show the world beneath the surface of the ocean, a sparse text is supported by luminous illustrations of the world we know little of. The depths of the ocean are intoxicating but the whale knows her way around, it is her home, and giving birth to a calf means she must teach her offspring what she knows.
Amongst the bubbles on each page can be found heart shapes, and musical notes, both pointing to layers of meaning within the story of a whale and her calf as she loves him beyond measure, singing to him as he grows.
In the deep a calf is born. His mother must guide him to the surface for his first breath of air, beginning her years of swimming with him in the ocean, teaching him, as he grows stronger.
Together they swim out into the larger waterways, she guiding him with love and patience. He sees a pod of whales, but she must show him that the time is not right for him to join the larger group, he still has things to learn. So they swim, sometimes in good weather, sometimes in bad, sometimes danger lurks in their way and she teaches him to avoid these. They see the stars at night, the auroras, and he eats getting bigger all the while, until it is time to return home. She notices how much bigger he has become, and that his body is too big for the shallow waters where once she taught him. Next time the pod heads away he goes with them.
Each step from birthing to his leaving, reveals the mother’s love for her offspring, and his love for her as she stays with him, guiding him to the day when he is able to swim without her.
A wonderful parallel to all mothers and their babies, children will love reading about the whale and what she does for her calf, aligning this with the supporting care shown by their own parents.
The illustrations are just breathtaking as the whales are shown in their changeable environment. The different hues of blue cover each page, showing the seas from different vantage points. Sometimes we are taken beneath the ocean’s surface sometimes we bask on the sea with them, some waves are slow and calm, others wild and unsettling, some cold while others appear warmer, but all revealing the many changes in the oceans they travel through. Readers will love seeing the bond between the calf and its mother, marvel at the range of blues and look at the ocean with a different eye: it is an environment which must be kept pristine for those that live in it.
Themes Whales, Environment, Life cycle, Mothers and babies.
Fran Knight
The favour by Nicci French
Simon & Schuster, 2023. ISBN: 9781398523456. (Age:Adult Fiction)
Jude is now living her life as a successful doctor, engaged to be married and so when Liam appears in her life after 10 years of no contact, having ghosted her after a terrible accident and asks her for a favour, she is shocked, but compelled to help. After she completes the favour, she is contacted by the police, who inform her that Liam has been found dead - leading to her being caught up in a murder investigation. The more Jude becomes involved in Liam's life that he has now left behind, the more caught up she gets in the mess of everything, and the more it looks like she was involved in whatever Liam had planned...
Given the popularity of Nicci French's books, the writing was simpler than was expected. That being said, the story was still immersive and given the contemporary nature of the novel, readers will find it plausible the way she gets tangled in the whole mess. They may however think it's questionable character choices, though this is explained later on in the book. The book attempts to build suspense throughout the novel but lacks the normal urgency that suspense and thriller books usually have. Leaning towards a psychological thriller with all the characters and relationships, the twists and the way the characters are set up, readers may enjoy the darker aspects of the book that creates tension and emotions in the reader.
Themes Mystery, Crime, Suspense, Murder, Relationships, Contemporary, UK, Past Relationships, Past Mistakes, Guilt.
Fifty women. Fifty stories. All of these women have made a change in their lives for the benefit of themselves and other women all over the world. This incredible collection of one-page stories has been put together by the women at PRH Young Readers publishing section after the explosive media scrutiny of an unsmiling Grace Tame at a reception in January 2022 with the then Australian Prime Minister.
The book is presented in alphabetical order and begins with A.GIRL. an Australian musician, singer, songwriter and rapper from western Sydney. She is passionate about providing creative opportunities for girls from western Sydney. The final entry is Chloe Zhao, a Chinese-born filmmaker who shares female stories. Others included in this highly accessible and informative book will be both familiar and unfamiliar and each of them have an amazing story to share. Some of the fifty inspirational women include: Chantal Contos who founded ‘Teach Us Consent’, high profile AFLW player Tayla Harris who was subjected to appalling social media trolling after a photo of her strong kicking pose was posted, young English woman Gina Martin who was ‘upskirted’ and created the Voyeurism (Offences Act) 2019, Ash Barty who chose her own path and to quit tennis at the top of her game, Malala Yousafzai who spoke out against the Taliban about education for girls, Greta Thunberg who protested against climate change and inspired other children to stand up, and Sally Scales, a proud Pitjantjatjara woman and artist who has been involved with the Uluru Statement and Voice, Treaty and Truth.
Each vignette is brief and to the point with easily accessible text surrounded by plenty of white space. These stories could provide a starting point for further research. The sketch on the adjoining pages have been drawn by new or emerging illustrators who are all mentioned in the final pages.
This book has a powerful message and is an important addition to any school or public library:
It's time to stop saying yes all the time. It's time to stop apologising all the time. It's time to stop avoiding conflict all the time. It's time to be true to our emotions, whatever they are. We’re not here to make you comfortable. We're here to celebrate being ourselves.
Plume: Christmas Elf is the fourth book in the wonderful series written and illustrated by Tania McCartney. In this story, Plume is busily preparing for Christmas. There is so much still to do although the tree is up and the stockings are hung. Presents for the penguins keep arriving daily brought by Plume’s best buddy Ava of the Albatross Express. Today though she has terrible news: Santa’s elves are sick and there are no toys being made. Oh dear! With only three days until Christmas, Plume and Ava head off to the North Pole to help Santa. They work through the nights and finally the sleigh is packed. But there is a catastrophe. Santa and the reindeers are now sick. But with a sprinkle of magical Christmas Dust, Plume and Ava are ready to do Santa’s job.
Naturally they stop all over the world but in Sweden, England, Germany, Italy, South Africa, Puerto Rico, United States, Colombia, the Philippines and Australia, they are able to observe and take part in Christmas traditions unique to those countries, and sample delicious foods. In Sweden they learn about tomten dolls and in England Ava finds the coin in the Christmas pudding. In Australia they eat seafood and pavlova with mango and berries and play beach cricket and learn to surf.
When they land back in Antarctica on Christmas morning they find the penguins have unwrapped all of the gifts and are wanting more. However all that is left are gifts from countries all over the world so the penguins unwrap them and learn to share and play together. They also learn about a special Christmas gift.
This delightful book is a fabulous snapshot of how Christmas is celebrated around the world and with the bold and vibrant illustrations, it will provide a touch of Christmas magic and joy to both children and adults. A perfect addition to a home, school or public library Christmas collection.
Little Brown, 2023. ISBN: 9780349135632. (Age:Adult) Recommended.
Ben Koenig has Urbach-Wiethe disease, a gradual shrinking of the amygdala, an essential part of the brain’s fear circuit, which means that he doesn’t experience fear. I had to look it up; it’s a real but very rare condition. It means that even in the most dangerous moment, Koenig is relaxed and can even drop the humorous quip or two. The resulting mixture of adrenalin fuelled action and dead-pan humour makes for a thoroughly entertaining thriller, and Craven knows how to keep the pace racing along with short chapters punching with one confrontational moment after another.
Although he has been in hiding for six years, Koenig finds himself drawn back into the world of serious crime investigation by the kidnapping of the daughter of his former boss in the US Marshal's Special Operations Group. The challenge becomes to keep one step ahead, not only of the kidnappers, but also the ruthless mafia group that is still hunting him. There is the whole mystery to be solved as to why the young university researcher became a target, and what is really going on in the highly regarded new solar energy plant in the Chihuahuan desert.
Koenig may be extremely well-trained, clever, and fearless, but that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t make mistakes. There are a quite a few occasions where he admits that to himself, but he always finds his way out of difficult situations by cool-headed logic, and a preparedness to launch a violence that goes beyond credibility. A warning here: the violence ratchets up as the story progresses, and readers may be left reeling at some of the scenes.
So in summary, yes it’s gripping, it’s clever, it’s unpredictable, and the ending doesn’t disappoint, but the reader is left with the memory of some horrible scenes. For readers who are fans of this genre, there is sure to be a sequel.
Themes Crime, Violence, Mystery, Detective novel.
Helen Eddy
Listen by Duncan Smith & Nicole Godwin. Illus. by Jandamarra Cadd
Using traditional First Nations techniques combined with more contemporary approaches, Jandamarra’s illustrations are breathtaking. Bright, detailed, multi faceted, the closeness of people’s faces ensures readers will stare into their eyes as they read the text, the nearness ensuring a heartfelt response. The spare text tells us to listen to the voices of Ancestors, there to guide and inform as they speak in language, telling us to be respectful. The theme of listen is carried through the text which references the ideas of Treaty and Truth telling, tells of Dreaming stories that fill our hearts, sharing Songlines and walking together.
Each double page has bold text on one side with an image on the facing page, the text revealing the journey we share in bringing understanding to all Australia. This understanding will emanate from a closer affiliation to First Nation’s culture and an understanding of reconciliation. We must listen with open hearts, to the stories from the past and the present, looking for guidance and knowledge.
This book is a search for truth, for all Australians to work together to attain knowledge and skills for reconciliation, asking people to just listen.
Duncan Smith OAM was born on Wiradjuri Country where he spent time with the Elders of his community who shared their knowledge of the land, along with his family.
Nicole Godwin is an award winning author who engages readers with her direct approach, focussing on environmental issues and social justice.
These issues come to the fore in the text, as each page begins with ‘listen’, leading to ‘talking’ and ‘sharing’, then leading us back to ‘listen’. The continuity of the word ‘listen’ rings in our ears as we read the text, sharing the understanding that it is by listening that we can share the culture that has been here for countless generations, walking together in the footprints of Ancestors. Listening and respecting the past will bring Reconciliation.
Jandamarra Cadd is a Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Warung descendent. Jandamarra uses a variety of traditional and modern techniques to create his work which is always fresh and direct.
His work is guided by the generations of artists who preceded him, combining modern techniques which add a rich cultural fusion to his work, underlining the themes of this book, to listen and walk together.
The last four pages of this book has Jandamarra explaining the background to four of his paintings. This book is a companion to We are Australians (2022).
Nikki Hind: Dressed for Success is the third book in the important Big Visions series that portrays Australians living with blindness or low vision. Nikki Hind has the incredible distinction of being Australia’s first blind fashion designer and the founder of Blind Grit, a fashion label which specifically celebrates the work of people with disabilities.
As a child, it was discovered through a routine eye check that Nikki was blind in her left eye. She struggled at school with shyness, learning to read and playing sports especially those involving balls but excelled at swimming and diving. Nikki loved designing and sewing her own clothes and she joined the Flying Fruit Fly Circus when she was eleven. As Nikki grew older she modelled clothes and dreamed of designing her own label.
When pregnant with her first child Nikki had a stroke and as a result she lost half the vision in her right eye. This did not deter her from raising her two children and following her dream of creating her own successful fashion label where Nikki now employs people with disabilities.
This is an inspirational story to share with children of all ages. Even though Nikki found challenges at school she persevered and achieved her dream. The cover and each page in this boldly illustrated story have the written text and the corresponding Braille text.
The Big Visions series would be wonderful addition to all schools, both primary and secondary, and public libraries.
Hercule Poirot, recreated by Sophie Hannah, faces a perplexing task, using his little grey cells to solve a Christmas mystery. With his friend Inspector Edward Catchpool, he is called to a mansion sitting on the edge of a crumbling cliff in Norfolk to investigate the murder of a man in a hospital ward. There is no apparent reason for the man’s death; he was well liked and had no enemies. Catchpool’s mother, Cynthia, is determined that Poirot solve the case, as her friend is convinced that her husband Arnold who is due to enter the hospital, will be the next to die. It is up to Poirot, using his extraordinary methods, to work out what is going on. Assisted by Catchpool, who interviews the household members and listens in on conversations, Hercule puts his mighty brain to work probing motives and eliminating suspects.
This was the first book in Sophie Hannah's Hercule Poirot series that I have read, and many years since I have read any books by Agatha Christie. I enjoyed the trope of the large country mansion, with the added dimension that it could fall into the sea, and the characters were all clearly described if mostly unlikeable. I did not guess who committed the murders which added to my enjoyment of the book and the threads that had appeared throughout the book were drawn together in a most satisfactory way.
Fans of Sophie Hannah’s previous books are sure to enjoy this one, and readers who like cosy mysteries will be pleased to have another series to baffle and entertain them.
A wonderful book which reflects the whole year as Takeuchi shows what happens to a family and their friends over the course of one year. The family has moved from their apartment building into their new home and over the year, many of their friends come and visit them. In the middle of each double page we see the family in their new home, surrounded by people in the street, while at the side of each double page is a more intimate look at the family and what they are doing together.
Readers start with the snow as the New Year comes around, and we see snow covered buildings, and people in the foregoround warmly wrapped building snowmen, or taking snow from the grooves and the family on the right hand side of the page celebrating the New Year with a special treat. Young readers will love looking at the detail given as each part of the new year progresses, marvelling at the skill of the cut out artist, Takeuchi. New Year means winter takes hold as the snow still lies about. But spring is just around the corner, as flowers can be seen. Cherry blossom bursts open as the season changes again. Cherry blossom brings great excitement and people begin to stay outdoors. And then the flags unfurl for Children’s Day. Rain does not deter their neighbours from visiting. Summer has arrived and people in the streets can be seen dressed for warmer weather. The family goes to the beach and take in the splendour of the Summer Festival. Back home, the moon is a large ball in the sky, and the family prepares mochi. Soon it is Halloween and the children dress up for Trick or Treat. The weather begins to get cooler and the family is invited to a wedding in the neighbourhood park. Snow falls to complete the year in which much has happened. Children will love seeing the things the family does, and follow people shown in the foreground throughout the whole year. The book is an absolute delight showing families and their activities over twelve months. And readers will marvel at the skill needed to create such a book.
Chihiro Takeuchi is a renowned paper cut artist living in Osaka, Japan. In 2015 and 2016 Chihiro was part of a select group of artists to exhibit at the prestigious Bologna Book Fair. She has produced several books with Berbay including Whose Bones? and the successful board books Colours and Animals.
Photos of Chiro at work can be see on her website.
Themes Change, Family, Relationships, Paper work, Japan.
