In her latest novel Kawakami picks up on some of the themes of the earlier Heaven, that of misfits, alone, and bullied by the people around them. But this time, it is not teenagers. Fuyuko is in her thirties, a proofreader, living alone in Tokyo, without friends, her hours spent searching for errors in the texts sent by a publisher. But half way through the book, we learn about the traumatic experience that impacted her life as a school girl, leading her to start anew in Tokyo far from her hometown of Nagoya, and with no interest in friends or relationships.
Different examples of female roles are presented: the ambitious business manager, Kyoko, the free-loving independent woman, Hijiri, and the dissatisfied wife and mother, Noriko. Fuyuko has chosen a different life from any of them, but suddenly becoming aware of her reflection in a window as a ‘miserable woman’, she descends into alcoholism and the loneliness is overwhelming.
Into this world steps a kind stranger, a physicist, Mitsutsuka, a person who is willing to spend time with her, talking about the wonders of light and explaining complex scientific concepts. For the first time she is encouraged to actually engage with a book, and to listen to music. It is a tentative offer of friendship, reliability and safety, with him only ever reacting in response to her initiatives.
This is such an intriguing story, written from the viewpoint of a woman who is struggling, very alone, and not sure of what she thinks or how to act. But in the end, it is the values of friendship and acceptance that make a difference. Kawakami’s writing is beautiful and really takes you into the world of Fuyuko, her sensations and experiences. More than anything it evokes a need for kindness and compassion.
This is a novel for mature readers and would be relevant to discussions of consent.
Another push, pull and slide book from Lego City will bring lots of enjoyment to fans of Lego. This time the young reader goes on a safari to help the rangers look after all the animals. Right from the cover with its enticing yellow pull that moves the safari vehicle through the park, readers will be drawn in to see what is happening on the reserve. First of all the monkeys are fed bananas and a slide tab has them swinging around, while the reader is asked to count how many bananas they can find. Next the elephants are found a home and readers are asked what they are eating, while also being able to slide an elephant back and forth. Daddy Lion guards the cubs while prowling around and finally the ranger’s vehicle leaves the park before giving the reader a chance to find many different animals.
The narrative is short and easy to read aloud, giving listeners the chance to look carefully at the double page spreads for all the details that are illustrated. Not only will hand-eye coordination be helped, but young children will also learn all about a safari and the animals that live in a game park.
There are eight very thick pages that will stand handling from toddlers and ensure that the tabs will stay intact. This joins others in the Lego City series, Police Patrol, Fire Station and Building Site. It is sure to provide lots of fun for young children, giving them a chance to try and build some of the Lego themselves and use their imaginations.
Themes Safaris, Rescue work.
Pat Pledger
Mars awakens by H.M. Waugh
Allen & Unwin, 2022. ISBN: 9781760526979. (Age:11-16) Highly recommended.
This is a joy to read – a sci-fi drama for young teens with daring acts and thrilling adventure, all set on colonised Mars.
Dee and Aram are young ‘farmers’ on Mars - girls trying desperately to overcome the natural difficulties of their harsh environment and uncertain future to provide food and create a healthy place for their colony. Waiting for an Earthen support mission for too long has left them feeling that the whole community has been forgotten and that their personal future is fraught and tenuous. When a craft crashes near Dee’s far-flung field, her search finds others from a rival but unknown colony. Are the strangers, Holt (a rare ‘Y’ – male colonist) and Chayse, friend or foe? The complex environment then seems to press in on them all and adds an almost lethal threat to their progress. Will there be a future for all the colonists and can the opposing communities connect in a meaningful way?
This is a wonderful dramatic tale with scientific threads and potentially ‘alien’ threats, but also some lighter moments. The central characters are feisty, fun and adventurous teens and so the book will connect to ‘Earth-based’ readers with a preference for coming-of-age stories. It is also going to hit the mark for those who enjoy contemplating a future that might involve space travel and extra-terrestrial colonisation, as well as the environmental considerations for the future. Many leaps over reality concerns must be made, but the author has not burdened the reader with too many scientific explanations or details, so the book is almost a fantasy scenario as a consequence. The action and adventure required in the Martian environs is compelling and as this is the first book in a planned duology I will be keen to continue the series. Teacher's tips are available.
Shadowghast is a non-stop action mystery thriller and is the third in the Eerie-On-Sea mysteries. It pays to have read the previous stories, Malamander and Gargantis, to understand this tale about Herbie Lemon. Herbie is an orphan who works in The Grand Nautilus Hotel in the Lost and Found Department. His best friend Violet becomes very worried when Jenny, the proprietor of the Eerie Book Dispensary, goes missing. Violet is also very suspicious of a celebrity magician called Caliastra who arrives in town claiming to be Herbie’s aunt. This causes some friction between them because Herbie is desperate to discover what happened to his parents and is overlooking her flaws. Caliastra is taking over an important town event called the Ghastly Night which tells the legend of a terrible spirit called Shadowghast. The spirit will steal people’s shadows for evil ends. Who is the mastermind behind all the calamitous things which happen? Fortunately, Erwin, a talking cat, and Clermit, a clockwork gadget, help them out. Herbie and Violet are in the thick of it when friends turn foe and they are stuck in a labyrinth of pitch-black tunnels under the town. Has Sebastian Eels reappeared?
The plot is thick with events and there are many colourful characters to keep track of. It is more sinister than the previous two books in the series. Herbie and Violet are ideal heroes who seem to be the only children in town. They are curious, brave, and intelligent. The mime artists who work with Caliastra add a lot of humour. The tone is of a bygone world and full of tongue-in-cheek puns and nautical language. Thomas Taylor does a great job creating the seaside town of Eerie. His illustrations and map really enhance the quirky atmosphere. With 328 pages it is ideal for middle grade fans of fantasy who like a challenge. Shadowghast is followed by another in the series called Festergrimm. Watch the trailer, download an Activity Kit and the Discussion Guide.
Themes Mystery, Magic, Fantasy.
Jo Marshall
The little book of hopes by Elyse Shellie and Evie Barrow
New Frontier, 2022. ISBN: 9781922326478. (Age:2-5) Highly recommended.
The Little Book of Hopes is another glorious addition to that list of book gifts for new or expectant parents (with a similar feel to Alison Lester's Kissed By the Moon). It is a joyous celebration of what every parent hopes for their child, consisting of charming rhyming text surrounded by exquisite illustrations. This is primary school teacher Elyse Shellie's debut picture book and it is a beautiful love letter to little people all over the world. It focusses on kindness, resilience and empathy and Evie Barrow's (Horatio Squeak) illustrations showcase everyday moments in the lives of a culturally and physically diverse group of children. It begins 'I hope that you are caring, and I hope that you are kind. I hope you'll do great things both with your heart and mind.' And so it continues, wishing for honesty, inclusivity, curiosity, empathy, resilience, persistence and standing up for others. It ends 'I hope with all my heart you're happy being you'. The illustrations are beautifully detailed and illustrate these qualities in ways that are relatable and simple (sharing out strawberries, walking across a wobbly bridge, attempting to hula hoop, fixing something when it breaks) and will surely resonate with parents and young readers alike. This is an absolutely timeless and beautiful book that is deserving of a place on every young child's bookshelf. Teacher's notes are available.
Pan Macmillan, 2022. ISBN: 9781760987756. (Age:5-8) Recommended.
Our Stories is a new Australian chapter book series for early readers. Written by various authors and edited by Randa Abdel-Fattah, they set out to tell stories about diversity, anti-racism and inclusion. They are stories written and illustrated by diverse Australians about children living on First Nations lands, or as Abdel-Fattah herself says 'stories to help kids accept each other. And themselves'. Other titles include When Granny Came to Stay by Alice Pung and the yet to be published 29 Things You Didn't Know About Me by Solli Raphael. The series is characterised by large, spaced-out text with bold monochrome illustrations.
This title, Maku, written by performer, writer and director Meyne Wyatt, tells the story of a young boy named Maku who loves watching movies and going bush with his nan and pop. His outback adventures with them are made even more special because he doesn't live with his family (it isn't explicit but the story implies he is living with a foster family). Told in the third person, we are told that Maku has moved around a lot and gone to lots of schools. When the kids at his new school tease him about his name (which means witchetty grub) and his teacher challenges him to come up with his own idea for a movie, he thinks of a way to create a superhero persona for himself, just like in his favourite movies. On his weekend in the bush with his nan and pop, who work as Park Rangers, he enjoys listening to the stories about their conservation work, as well as Dreaming stories. They also talk with him about being part of the Stolen Generation. Maku uses all of these understandings and conversations within his movie outline, which has a main theme of overcoming adversity, and shares it proudly with the class.
In this latest Where’s Wally? release young children can join Wally as he goes behind the scenes at the movies. The activities begin with an introduction written in the traditional serve of popcorn container where the reader is encouraged to find the ‘Wally Spotter Award’ presented in the shape of an Oscar. Throughout the book there is the opportunity to find broken items, search for Wenda, detailed colouring in pages, work out who the close up is of, find tiny pictures in the reels of film, write your own movie clapper boards, match silhouettes to each scene with a friend, complete a wobbly word ladder, do a red carpet recall test, create your own cool characters, match the script to the scene, as well as over 100 hundred stickers to use. There is so much to do in this book it will keep children entertained for hours. It would be a perfect gift for ‘Where’s Wally?’ fans of all ages.
Ford Street Publishing, 2022. ISBN: 9781922696045. (Age:3+) Highly recommended.
McKimmie’s books are always such a treat. A kaleidoscope of fascinating images, created using a variety of media, each page prompts the eyes and thought processes with highly original dazzle. I love working out what has been used on each page: is it collage, pen and ink, biro, material, water colour or pencil, while sometimes a child’s hand has helped. The new dog on the front cover stares out at the reader with a toy lobster under its front paws. He is introducing himself to the reader. Over the page he tells us that his lobster is one of two left after Maisie gave him seven when he first arrived at the house.
Teddy has gone and left behind a range of dog necessities to make him feel welcome, including the water and food bowls, cushions to sit upon, and a box of stuff with the toys Maisie brought him. He loves to dress up and chew things, throw pot plants into the air, and when he escapes into the yard, he loves to dig. After that comes his least favourite thing, having a bath, although the next page reveals something many dogs hate even more: thunder and lightning.
Each page the new dog reveals a little more of himself, the illustrations giving a slightly different picture of the dog and his place in his new home. The strangely happy look we see on the front cover is belied by his throwing, digging and chewing, barking and vomiting. We see him learning to live with a new family, a situation many children will recall in their own homes.
But when he shows his certificate for being good, readers will laugh out loud at the irony of a certificate that does not reveal what he is really like.
One day he eats a whole loaf of bread, wrapper and all that he finds in the kitchen. The next day he is very sick and stays in bed all day.
He loves barking, particularly at birds and possums, so we know that this must keep everyone awake all day and night. He loves books but we see from the illustrations that this means their destruction. And thankfully he loves a pocket of sunshine in the back yard, where he can rest.
This loving story of a new dog in the family will thrill young readers, as they see the contrast between the dog’s image of himself and that of the family. Kids will laugh out loud at the comparison, knowing from their own experiences how apt these images are.
And just when the story finishes, over the page is a list of the dog’s behaviours to show the vet. Another source of mirth and hilarity for the audience.
Themes Dogs, Behaviour, Point of view, Acceptance.
Alex and the Alpacas Ride Again is the second book in the exciting Alex and the Alpacas series, written by Kathryn Lefroy. Once again, the story will keep you captivated until the very last page. This novel will appeal to readers who loves adventure, ancient mythology and magic, not to mention also being entertained by a few talking alpacas.
Protagonist, Alex, is an 11-year-old girl who lives in Melbourne. She thought all her adventures and excitement had ended when Kiala, the ancient spirit of destruction had previously been trapped by her binding ritual. Unfortunately, it appears that Kiala has become too powerful for the small tree she is bound in and is looking like she may cause more havoc and mayhem. Bringing four talking alpacas across on the ferry from Tasmania and the small tree that binds Kiala is not an easy feat. Now Alex must work out how to prevent the destructive ancient spirit being released, in order to protect the world. Using creativity and ingenuity, Alex works with her alpaca friends to trap the ancient spirit once and for all. But will Alex be able to use her Fortieth Sun powers again or will the task be too much for her? And when Kaila’s twin sister Resila joins her, how can they possibly overcome two dominant and determined spirits from the past?
Suspenseful, captivating and enthralling!
Kathryn Lefroy has written another wonderful sequel in the Alex and the Alpacas series, for those lovers of fantasy, adventure and action. Alex and the Alpacas ride again is filled with vivid text to make for a captivating and easy read; by creating clear imagery for the audience. As you turn each page you feel as if you are actually there on the adventure with Alex and her alpacas! A definite good read, and one that won’t disappoint… especially for all those who love an exciting escapade! Teacher's notes and a teaching activity are available from the publisher.
Themes Adventure, Ancient civilisation, Fantasy, Friendship, Problem Solving.
Michelle O'Connell
Amazing activists who are changing our world by Rebecca Schiller and Sophie Beer
Walker Books, 2022. ISBN: 9781406397024.
In the USA school students are walking out of school to protest the lack of gun control laws; in Australia, they walked out of school in 2021 to protest the lack of action on climate change... The names of Greta Thunberg, Malala Yousafzai, and other young activists are as well-known to them as those of their favourite singers and movie stars as the mantle of protest moves from its traditional university setting to the classroom.
But who are they inspired by? On whose shoulders do they stand?
Defining an activist as one who uses their knowledge, skills and energy to make the world a better place by protecting human rights, ending prejudice and inequality and protecting the planet from harmful human activities so all its creatures are safe, this book introduces young readers to 20 people who have made a significant contribution to changing the world - some names familiar, others not-so - including Sonita Alizdeh; Rachel Carson; Favio Chavez; Mahatma Gandhi; Jane Goodall; Helen Keller; Martin Luther King Jr; Nelson Mandela; Wangari Maathai; Aditya Mukarji; Emmeline Pankhurst; Autumn Peltier; Boyan Slat; Gareth Thomas; Harriet Tubman; William Wilberforce; Ai Weiwei Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah as well as both Yousafzai and Thunberg.
Each person has a double-page spread that includes an outline of what they have achieved, the core motivation for their actions, the particular powers that they employed, as well as a significant quote to inspire the readers to continue their work. There is also an activity suggested so that this can be done so the reader begins to realise that no one is too small to make a difference. For example, they are encouraged to build their public speaking powers so when they have something important to say they can speak out with confidence as Mahatma Gandhi did, or perhaps create something that will solve a problem as Boyan Slat did when he was confronted with an ocean of plastic rather than marine creatures on his first scuba diving trip.
Conservative, right-wing, middle-aged men in suits (and those who follow them) condemned those children who left their classrooms to protest - they should have stayed there to study and learn - yet it could be strongly argued that those same children were actually putting their learning into practice, determined to make the world a better place for themselves and others, because "there is more to life than increasing its speed" as Gandhi said. By introducing our students to those who have gone before, and those who are already forging a new path, through books such as this, Children Who Changed the World, and others, perhaps we can plant the seeds that will grow the future. Encourage each to "dream with their eyes open."
Barbara Braxton
Group hug! by Andy Fackrell
Ford Street Publishing, 2022. ISBN: 9781922696007. (Age:4+) Highly recommended.
While reading this excellent book I had Jennifer Cossins book, 101 Collective nouns (2015) on my desk as well. The two make a wonderful pair of resources and I could see many applications in the classroom.
Group hug shows the collective noun for just eight of the world’s creatures, most endangered or at least vulnerable. Each quartet of pages begins with two rhyming lines that ask a question, then turning the page the answer is given, again in rhyme pertaining to the animal the noun relates to. On one page a young boy introduces the question thus
‘Salamat, my Sumatran star Why in the wild do you roam so far?’ On the door to his cage is a map of where he roams and the label of Tiger.'
Over the page four lines
‘Whatever soothes the soul is good, its just too crowded in the ‘hood. Thank you, Wilbur, for letting us speak, our tiger group is called a streak.’
Each of the verses gives information about the animal’s habitat which will intrigue the reader.
The rhymes are simple enough to have the children learn some to repeat them, predicting the last word of each line, and saying it with the reader. They will be encouraged to try out the verse format for themselves, thinking of other endangered animals they could research.
The vivacious illustrations were executed with HB pencil and Photoshop watercolour brushes, giving a bold brightly coloured series of pages for each animal. All readers will be intrigued and informed as they read the pages. And astounded at some of the words that show a group of animals. A group of flamingoes is a flamboyance, while a group of Sumatran tigers is a streak. Young readers will have fun working out just why that particular word is used to show a collection. Teacher's notes are available.
Themes Animals, Collective nouns, Word play, Verse, Humour.
Fran Knight
Water by Catherine Barr and Christiane Engel
Otter-Berry, 2022. ISBN: 9781913074463.
Water is life! Freshwater bubbles, flows and floods with the most wonderful life on Earth - and all of us rely on it to stay alive. Yet, despite about 71 percent of the Earth's surface being water-covered, the oceans hold about 96.5 percent of all Earth's water, freshwater is becoming increasingly rare because of pollution and climate change. Although the recent rains and floods in eastern Australia might suggest otherwise, it is becoming more and more difficult for people and animals to find the clean freshwater they need to survive.
This book tells the story of freshwater around the world including the history of water, how the water cycle works, the different kinds of water and the amazing variety of wildlife that freshwater is home to. It investigates what happens to water because of climate change and global heating; the importance of clean water for health; the worldwide problem of water pollution and the devastating impact of water shortage on children's lives and education. Using a picture book presentation with accessible text and lively illustrations, this is designed to introduce younger readers to the need to be more thoughtful about their water use and perhaps instil lifelong habits early.
With its subtitle Protect Freshwater to Save Life on Earth, the reader is challenged to become more aware of this precious, essential resource and to take action, to use water wisely and protect freshwater to save our planet. Like so many things, thinking locally and acting personally can have a huge impact globally if we all collaborate and co-operate.
Barbara Braxton
Stardiving by Andrew Plant
Ford Street Publishing, 2022. ISBN: 9781922696021. (Age:4+) Highly recommended.
The image on the front cover, that of a whale surrounded by bubbles in the deep black ocean will impel readers to turn the pages of this wonderful story of finding stars where you least expect them. Fluke, the young sperm whale listens to the dolphins as they tumble and turn over the pod of whales in the ocean. They tell Fluke to come and see the sky, and he looks up and can see the sun. But this is not good enough for the dolphins who tell him he could see the stars. That night Fluke lies near the surface of the water waiting to see stars, but clouds blurr his view. The old bull whale, Cachalot questions his desire to see stars, saying he is not a dolphin, but must be himself. He tells him to dive and dive, and in doing so he dives to the deep black of the ocean and sees stars. The glimmer of the creatures at the bottom of the ocean is simply wonderful. Fluke has come to see that he can see stars anytime, he simply needs to look in the right place.
A mixture of acrylic paints and watercolour pencils and pens were used to create the stunning images in this book. The deep blues and blacks of the ocean are mesmerising, the contrast between the seas and deep oceans captivating as Plant uses his talents to perfection. The shock of the shimmering creatures at the bottom of the ocean will delight younger readers and they will clamour for more information about these animals.
Readers will love learning more about whales and along the way learn about the importance of being yourself.
More about this Melbourne based illustrator can be found here. Teacher's notes are available.
In many ways, this is a puzzling narrative. The world of one young woman in Holland is slowly revealed as her father and aunt prepare her for marriage, a marriage arranged by them with a man who demands a significant amount of money, that in fact this family do not have. Yet the marriage is deemed to be vital, and they must borrow funds to contribute to her marriage.
The world of 1705 is one that is rich with travel, music, drama and social expectations. As the family work towards a suitable marriage for Rebecca Bosman, she discovers that all is not what she would have expected in the social world into which she is plunged. In her discovery of her family secrets, and indeed their poverty, Thea is shocked, yet begins to understand the complexity of their lives and the challenges that they face. Her aunt, Nella, and her father have planned a way to address a marriage with a ‘good’ husband, and all seems to be going according to plan, until there is a discovery that shocks them.
Thea has to adjust to a situation that does not make sense, the trauma that she endures when the secret is revealed, having been kept hidden by her suitor, is one that leaves no room for recovery. Set in the distant past, we are drawn into the world where people’s actions, lives, and behaviour were so defined, with an expectation by the church that all would be done correctly and morally. Her final decision comes as a shock, when we witness her strength of character and determination to live a good life.
It is a companion to an earlier novel The miniaturist, written by Jessie Burton, and would clearly be historically fascinating for readers, as indeed it was for me. This would be suitable for adolescent readers, particularly those who would be intrigued by the social norms and expectations, particularly those imposed on women of that era.
Another of Kingfisher’s inventive fairy tale retellings, The seventh bride is a new take on the classic tale, Bluebeard. Rhea is the daughter of a miller and is not interested in love or marriage so when Lord Crevan proposes she is surprised. She does not like Lord Crevan but is pressured by her parents and aunt to accept his offer. She cannot turn him down because there may be awful consequences for the family and they could lose the mill and although everyone knows there is something disturbing about the lord, Rhea goes to his enchanted castle. There she finds six previous wives all imprisoned in horrible ways. She is determined not to marry him and when he gives her magical tasks to perform, she knows she must use everything at her disposal to escape the castle and help the other wives.
Fans of fairy tale retellings will love Rhea, her fierce determination and her compassion and will be intrigued by the clever ways she manages to perform the tasks that Lord Crevan gives her. There are some moments of real horror to keep the reader breathless and others of friendship between the wives that are very moving.
Kingfisher always writes original and engrossing stories and fans like me will not be disappointed in The seventh bride and may like to try her book The Wizard's guide to defensive baking or some of Shannon Hale's wonderful retellings of fairy tales like Goose girl and Book of a thousand days.
