The garden on Red Gum Road by Phil Cummings and Danny Snell
Little Book Press, 2022. ISBN: 9780645027082. (Age:3+) Highly recommended.
A delightful story about a grandma and her grandson going to the local community garden to work on their patch, where meeting friends, enjoying each other’s company, sharing ideas and produce is just as important as the work they do in the garden.
In rhyming couplets, Phil Cummings gently leads his readers through the range of activities undertaken by the lad and his Nonna. Readers will love joining in with the seemingly uncomplicated rhyming phrases, predicting the rhyming word and learning the lines for themselves to join in on the second and third readings.
At the community garden the boy helps Maya water the garden, watches the birds in the bird bath with Rishi, picks fruit with Samir, copies the chickens dancing with Eduardo, picks tomatoes with Zara and creeps around the sleeping dog with Maria until it is time for the culmination of the day’s activities - a picnic for everyone. As the sun begins to set, Nonna nd her grandson walk back home with produce to share with their family.
This charming story of a community garden where people in the neighbourhood share the work load, plant, dig, weed and pick the fruit of their labours, will delight and amuse younger readers, seeing opportunities in their own backyard or community space. Here they will have the chance to meet others, to share and play, to communicate and learn from others all within the safe confines of a neighbourhood project. The nod to older times is seen through the grandmother while newer generations revitalise the garden reflecting the changing neighbourhood. This warm story of friendship, of generations and of working together will create many opportunities in the classroom for discussion.
Danny Snell captures Phil’s intent with his beautiful unfussy illustrations. The relationship between the family is lovingly drawn from the couple drinking coffee by the sink watching their son and gran leave the house for the garden, to the array of families shown in the garden. Each has particular characteristics which will entice the reader to look more closely. I loved looking at the profusion of footwear, from slippers in the kitchen to a mass of boots in the garden, showcasing Wellingtons, R M Williams and scuffs. I loved the garden itself, a neat slice of raised vegetable beds and trees, the chooks surrounded by a wonderful makeshift enclosure using all sorts of recycled fencing. And I loved the humour of the children playing in the garden, promoting a whole range of outdoor activities for our younger readers to emulate.
Little Book Press publishes books for Raising Literacy Australia, a non profit organisation which promotes literacy. More about the group can be found here.
Midnight Sun Publishing, 2022. ISBN: 9780987380975. (Age:14+) Highly recommended.
Something about Alaska is a raw and gritty debut novel by South Australian author J. A. Cooper. Set in the Alaskan wilderness during a wild and unpredictable winter, this novel will draw you in and leave you spellbound by the challenging plot, the descriptiveness of the harsh landscape, and the three complex and struggling characters.
Teenager Zac Greene has made the decision to travel to Alaska to spend the Christmas break with his estranged father. Right from the beginning of the father/son interaction at the airport, the reader can feel the tension, mistrust and disconnectedness between Zac and Jim. Zac is seeking his father’s approval from the very first instance, but Jim is tough, withdrawn and surly. Nothing Zac does is right; from the clothes he wears, his life with his mum, to the way he handles the dogs and sleds.
Jim’s job is to provide a ‘real Alaska experience’ for tourists whom he takes out mushing into remote areas surrounding his home. Sadly though, he has a problem with alcohol and becomes a mean drunk. After a particularly trying experience for Zac, he is on the receiving end of Jim’s rage, and this sets the wheels in motion for a dangerous and life-threatening journey. Zac decides to somehow get to Anchorage to catch a flight home and sets off on foot in the wildest winter experienced for some time in Alaska. Along the way he reluctantly hitches a lift with gun-toting Stanley, a deeply flawed yet likeable character, and learns some valuable life lessons.
This new release is a powerful read. Full of depth and drama, the story of Zac and his life-changing journey will stay with the reader long after it is finished.
Author Rohan Cleave, a zookeeper at Zoos Victoria who wrote the wonderful book Phasmid: Saving the Lord Howe Stick Insect, has added to his collection with his latest release On the Trail of the Plains-wanderer. This gently written and enlightening story tells of the extremely rare and critically endangered Plains-wanderer who is struggling for survival in the dry vast lands of the plains. Predators such as foxes, dingoes, and other aggressive birds of prey, added to overgrazing and loss of natural habitat, has led to concern amongst scientists.
This shy and unique Australian bird measures 15-19 centimetres in height and spends its day constantly on alert for danger. They do not often fly but prefer to dart in and around low vegetation. Mostly active at dawn and dusk in order to remain safe, the diet of the Plains-wanderer is seeds and insects. Water is sourced from the food they eat in the dry barren habitat where they live. Speckled eggs are camouflaged from predators in shallow nests in which the male bird is responsible for the incubation.
Over the years, scientists have noticed dwindling numbers and have begun a captive breeding program. Also working alongside the scientists are farmers and landholders who are providing pockets of safe spaces for these gentle birds, sometimes referred to by their nickname, the Goldilocks bird as they are very particular about their habitat.
On the Trail of the Plains-wanderer is an engaging publication with superb illustrations by Julian Teh presented in the soft brown tones of the plains. It is another fabulous fact-filled book to share with younger readers in a school or public library.
This glorious picture book written by Nicole Godwin will become a firm favourite of younger readers. The striking end papers and bold illustrations by Susannah Crispe will delight the reader and perfectly complement the simple yet captivating text. Many children and adults have experienced the trauma of a swooping magpie and walk outdoors in trepidation particularly during nesting season. All sorts of deterrents by humans have been used to try to protect and disguise themselves but the magpie persists. After all, magpies are protecting their eggs and young ones.
The text flows beautifully throughout the book and the use of action words such as “Swoop Swoop Swoopety Swoop” gives the story plenty of movement. In the final pages, there is interesting information about magpies as well as some Indigenous names for magpies and a message about their importance in Aboriginal Culture and Story. This wonderful book will be a popular read in the upcoming swooping season in Australia!
Tashi and the stolen forest by Anna Fienberg, Barbara Fienberg and Kim Gamble
Allen & Unwin, 2022. ISBN: 9781761065941. (Age:5-10) Recommended.
First published in 2020 as an Australia Reads story, this Tashi tale can standalone but will probably be most enjoyed by those already familiar with the cast of characters within the Tashi world. Black and white illustrations on most pages help to break up the lengthy chunks of text, otherwise only broken into Part One and Part Two.
A worker installing solar panels on Jack's roof prompts Tashi's tale this time as he recalls the bitter winter when the villagers ran out of firewood. The entire forest was disappearing and the villagers were getting ill. Wise-as-an-Owl was busy preparing potions to help with all the coughs and colds and Much-to-Learn had been working on a new spell that made energy from sand and the sun. When Tashi investigates and finds out the Baron is causing all the problems and Much-to-Learn's new potion has made him a target, he has to work out a clever way to save him and foil the Baron's greedy plans. Rich language, a complex plot and a full cast of characters make for a wonderful read for young independent readers or as a shared read-aloud. Interestingly, this tale does mirror contemporary issues that could also be discussed, such as unsustainable energy sources, who benefits from fossil fuels and the benefits of renewable energy. As is common in Tashi stories, it is also great to see villains that aren't cast as just good or bad, with characters who sometimes make poor choices being given the chance to redeem themselves or accept consequences for bad behaviour. This is an incredibly powerful but subtle message within the series, and an important one for young children to hear. Tashi fans will be delighted with this new tale, which will fit seamlessly alongside the other titles.
The Wordy Book is an intriguing and surprising publication, both in its simplicity and complexity. Author/illustrator Julie Paschkis has created striking art works, some containing collages of words, or words used creatively as a response to deeper questioning. Each double page spread of vibrant and decorative paintings offers a glimpse into a world of words or thoughts of where words might take the reader. Words, both familiar and unfamiliar, are spread randomly over some pages, are shaped in the form of the artwork or act as stand-alone cryptic questions. Two thought-provoking examples are: ‘Is the word in the world or is the world in the word?’ and ‘What tells me more - an if or an or?’
The colourful and diverse art works will provide endless stimulation and discussion. Art enthusiasts, and teachers and students of art, will be drawn to the possibilities of reflecting on the images in this book. The final dramatic circular artwork, in hues of blue and green, asks the question: ‘When does the end turn into a beginning?’ There are so many ways this imaginative book could be used in a classroom. The possibilities are limitless.
A wonderfully positive story of being yourself, is presented by storyteller Carl Merrison and educator, Hakea Hustler. Together they have produced a story ostensibly about boots and how you feel when wearing them, but offering far far more, as the wearer comes to realise that he does not need these boots to feel confident and self assured.
The narrator saves his coins and orders the boots that must come by air to his community. He is proud to tell the postman that he saved up for these boots that are just the right colour and with spokes on the bottom, making him feel just great. Putting them on, he must put aside the snipes from others. His sister thinks he is getting above himself, the teacher wants him to wear school shoes, the policeman questions where he got them. But he repels the negative comments, saying how much better he jumps with them, how he can find a partner to do things with, and brush away the blues with them on his feet. They make him feel deadly. At football practice, he can run faster, kick the best torpedo, be active and healthy.
But there are down times with these boots: he feels he is between two worlds, he cannot feel the sand between his toes and must take them off when he goes swimming. Coming out of the creek he finds his wonderful boots have disappeared and sets off to find them. He talks to his grandfather who tells him that he does not need the boots, after all he did all those things before he bought the boots. Being too deadly was not about the boots, too deadly was him all along. A positive and empowering story about finding yourself amongst all the stuff we seem to hold dear will speak to many kids for whom the acquisition of goods takes up their time. This story shows them that they are strong powerful people who do not need outside things to make them feel confident.
Campbell’s illustrations take us to the community where this family lives, showing us the beautiful outback landscapes accessible by air. The vistas are panoramic and detailed, giving an insight into how different life in his community is compared to many reading the book.
Author Carl Merrison is a Jaru/Kija man from the Halls Creek area and worked with Hakea Hustler an educator with a commitment to Indigenous learning and empowerment, on the Honour book, Black Cockatoo (2018).
Samantha Campbell lives in Darwin and is descended from the Dagoman people from Katherine and illustrated Alfred’s War (2018).
Science writer for children, Chris Ferrie, has written a non-fiction picture book for children that gives a simple introduction and explanation of how we came to be here. This is not an easy concept for children and adults to grasp but this small brightly illustrated book will be a very handy visual resource in explaining or answering questions about the concept of how the universe began and the theory of evolution.
The book uses the words first and then on a number of double page spreads connecting two different concepts. These concepts begin with first the quark and then the particle and end with first the particle and then the quark. In between are the steps of how this process evolved. At the end of the book each of the concepts is explained in more detail which is definitely an added and necessary addition to help support the learning and understanding of this process for young children.
Themes Scientific Theories, Evolution, Beginning of life, Physics.
Kathryn Beilby
Eyes on flies by Bryan Lessard
Pan Macmillan, 2022. ISBN: 9781760986629. (Age:8+) Highly recommended.
When we think of flies, we think of annoying disease-spreading pests, especially in the Australian summer. Dr Bryan Lessard, aka Bry the Fly Guy, is an award-winning Australian entomologist and science communicator who has written an entertaining and visually stunning book… all about flies! The beautiful bright orange glossy cover, striking photographs, labelled images and diagrams and clearly presented facts, will change your opinion of these much-maligned insects. The double spread contents page shows the information presented in six parts with each part having several chapters beginning with Part One ‘Introducing the Amazing Fly’ and the final section, Part Six, called ‘Fly-ing into the Future’.
One of the most concerning facts for many humans presented early in the book is that without flies there would be no chocolate! The midge fly pollinates the cocoa plant that gives us chocolate. For those fruit lovers, hover flies are one species of fly that pollinates mangoes, blueberries, strawberries and avocadoes. The interesting facts in this book are endless. The blow fly has helped to solve crimes with the maggots providing vital clues for forensic entomologists. The Antarctic midge fly survives for nine moths being frozen solid.
This book is a truly revealing and wondrous read. So much to learn and to ponder over. The diagrams and photos are of a very high quality and complement the text perfectly. An important addition to home, school or public library. A great read.
Themes Flies, Humour, Facts, Scientists, Insects.
Kathryn Beilby
Wave Breaker by Anh Do
Allen & Unwin, 2022. ISBN: 9781761065613. (Age:9+) Recommended.
Skydragon: Wave Breaker written by Anh Do is the fifth book in this popular series for middle grade readers. Amber and her carer Irene, still searching for Firefighter who may be Amber’s brother Reggie, are returning to Sennam but have landed in Spring Bay and found that their flight has been cancelled. This is the perfect opportunity for them both to relax and enjoy the sunshine and a beach holiday. However, Amber is drawn into yet another dangerous mystery when she meets a young boy called Eden who is worried the resident dolphins are missing. Amber is on high alert as she feels something is not quite right in Spring Bay and her suspicions are confirmed when she finds thousands of dead insects on the beach. She and Irene investigate, and this leads to further risks and Amber has to call on her insect powers to help solve the mystery for the town. Running parallel to this story is Firefighter’s story. He is on the run but unselfishly saves some people from a fire and he is exposed on media channels. Amber also has been exposed and Agent Ferris gets wind of both. He is hot on their trail. But whom will he try to capture first? Book Six is coming soon.
Themes Insects, Beach, Sea Creatures, Conflict, Danger, Mystery, Evil.
Karen M. McManus, author of the very popular One of us is lying and other mysteries, continues to draw in her readers with her latest mystery thriller, scattering numerous red herrings throughout the book. These keep the reader glued to the page, eagerly trying to work out who murdered Mr Larkin, Brynn’s favourite teacher.
The story is told from the viewpoint of two engaging teens, Brynn and Tripp. Brynn is returning to Saint Ambrose School after an absence of four years. She has just been given an internship in a true crime show and is determined to discover who murdered Mr Larkin. Tripp was once her best friend and with his friends Charlotte and Shane discovered the body of the teacher. The killer was never identified, the police finally putting the murderer down to somebody passing through, but Brynn has always believed that there was something to be uncovered. However, she (and the reader), are amazed at the secrets that she uncovers as she investigates.
The narrative flows along at a fast pace, as Brynn probes into the motives of all the people who could be involved. Her chapters concentrate on motives and opportunity. Tripp is a vital key to solving the mystery, and his narratives show his family background and what was happening at the time, giving an insight into his motivation while keeping the reader guessing.
McManus does not disappoint with Nothing more to tell. The pace is fast, the interlocking mysteries are well developed, and Brynn and Tripp are very likeable characters. Readers of her other mysteries will love this one, and fans of The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson, or A good girl's guide to murder by Holly Jackson will welcome another great mystery.
Themes Murder, True crime,Thriller.
Pat Pledger
Against all odds. Young Readers' Edition by Craig Challen and Richard Harris
When a Thai boys’ soccer team becomes trapped within a cave system by rising waters, the Thai rescue needs experienced cave divers to facilitate their rescue. Experienced Australian Cave divers, Craig Challen and Richard Harris, become part of the team that works against the odds and the elements to bring the boys out alive.This is their story. Craig Challen is a retired Veterinarian from Western Australia, Richard Harris is an Anaesthetist in a South Australian Hospital, and they both are well-respected and experienced members of the Cave-diving fraternity. It is their medical expertise that makes them so vital in this risky rescue as the boys must be protected from panic and drowning as they are extracted through narrow underwater channels and through difficult underground terrain. At every stage of the rescue they must also consider what might happen if even one of the boys dies during their rescue procedure.
Even knowing the result was a success, the chronicle of the rescue is exciting and adrenaline charged. The Australian lead participants in the rescue were just part of a team and their humility is evident in this account. But the pressure of taking a medical risk in anaesthetising the boys before taking them out of the cave system is also made very plain. I really loved this real-life adventure. Having just finished listening to the Adult/Mature audiobook version of this book, I read this Young Reader’s edition wondering what might have been omitted. I was delighted to discover that the Young Reader’s edition has lost none of the excitement and tension of the original book and none of the important detail. It retains the tension and implies the psychological strength of the rescued boys and their rescuers. I would be happy to recommend this memoir to readers aged 13 -18 who are impressed by the drama of cave exploration and are interested in a factual account of a significant rescue story.
Wild bush days by Penny Harrison and Virginia Gray
Midnight Sun Publishing, 2022. ISBN: 9780987380906. (Age:4+) Recommended.
I love anything about Australia’s past and to read a book about an unknown bushranger and a woman at that, working in the twentieth century is amazing. Jessie Hickman worked as a cattle duffer and thief in what is now the Wollemi National Park part of the Blue Mountains west of Sydney. Born in 1890, she trained as a circus performer, her horse riding skills well known and this riding ability stood her in good stead when she and her husband took to the hills.
Two children in this picture book walk over her trail through the hills, over brook and stream, through the craggy hills, searching for the cave where she held out. In lines begging to to be read aloud, we follow the children as they see the sights associated with Jessie, and her search for freedom.
The story winds its way around the hills, the children following her whispers, balancing on the logs over the creek just like Jessie did with her tightrope act, or threading their way through the undergrowth, the bracken grabbing at their knees. They hear her urge them forward, hear the hooves of the horses, aware that she is watching from the shadows.
Forgotten in history, she is now being given a place as two books and a picture book have been produced about her.
More information which will intrigue readers of all ages can be found here and here.
The sites carry photographs of Jessie and the cave in which she hid, the teapot now residing in a museum.
Themes Bushrangers, Australia - history, Women, Circus, Wollemi National Park (NSW), Adventure.
Another in the Dinosaur Roar series is sure to please young children. This time the Ankylosaurus is featured. The embossed cover picture of Dinosaur Bash! will have instant appeal with its brown, raised scales, similar to that of a crocodile, and golden claws, while the rhyming story is good to read aloud.The Ankylosaurus is called Dinosaur Bash because he had a large club on his tail that he loves to swing around. This doesn't help him to make friends as he is always smashing it down and frightening other dinosaurs away. It is not until Dinosaur Roar tells him to take care that he learns how to make friends.
The illustrations are cute and will appeal to the pre-school audience. All the dinosaurs are coloured in vivid shades, set against a white background. Their cute faces are very appealing and readers will recognise some of the dinosaurs that feature in other books in the series like Dinosaur Whizz!
A double page spread of facts about the Ankylosaurus at the end of the book will give young children some fascinating facts about this dinosaur. This is a great series for everyone who is fascinated by the lives of dinosaurs.
A joyous evocation of what country means to First Nations people is presented in this colourful, vibrant two language picture book. With Dharug and English alongside each other, the opportunity is given for younger readers to learn some language, and be educated as to its importance in Australia.
The opportunity is here for discussions about why both languages are presented and readers may question why so little First Nations languages have been seen since European settlement.
Award-winning creator of Baby Business (2019) and Cooee Mittigar(2019), Jasmine Seymour has produced a stunning bilingual story of healing and belonging.
Told in English and Dharug, Open Your Heart to Country is a visual account of re-connection to Country from a First Nations perspective. Returning home means revitalisation, being surrounded by the healing properties of country, being educated by all that is seen and heard, and being immersed in the language of the people who live there. Each brings a sense of belonging and underscores the importance of country to First Nations people.
With exquisite illustrations using mixed media, printmaking and digital collage, each page holds a fascination for eager eyes checking out the detail and evocation of country. I love the overlay of flora and fauna found on the land, the bright bottlebrush and white flannel flowers, the parrots, butterflies and fish. And I love the range of landscapes shown to the readers, as well as the array of things people do when they are there. People are not static, but involved, learning and passing on knowledge.
At the end of book the text is given in both languages alongside each other, as well as an explanation of why language is so important and why Dharag people who are from the Sydney Harbour area are working hard to bring it back to life. Teacher's notes are available.
Themes Aboriginal themes, Sydney Harbour, Dharug, Belonging, Aboriginal language.
