My dad is a bear by Nicola Connelly. Illus. by Annie White
Catch a Star, 2021. ISBN: 9781922326249. (Age:1+) Recommended.
In this gorgeous board book a little bear describes all the things about his dad. He is tall and round, and soft and furry. He can climb and swim and growls, all like a bear, but there is one thing that he does best and that is give bear hugs.
The narrative is short and would read aloud well to very young children, who will be able to join in with the words 'like a bear'. There is one well constructed sentence and a complementary illustration on each of the thick, strong double spreads, which would help children who might like to try and read for themselves.
The illustrations by Annie White are an absolute delight. The father bear is brown and fuzzy and the baby bear on the front cover, with his adorable grin, is very appealing. A little blue bird appears on each double spread and will be a detail that children will want to find, while the hare with its long ears and pink paws is unforgettable.
This would make an excellent gift from a young child to give to Dad on Father's Day and reading it together would bring many feel good moments and memories to share. It is sure to become a family favourite.
Themes Bears, Love.
Pat Pledger
The inheritance by Armin Greder
Allen & Unwin, 2021. ISBN: 9781760526788. (Age:All) Highly recommended.
With the ravages of climate change again at the forefront of the world’s thoughts with floods sweeping through Europe and fires ringing Athens and Los Angeles, Greder’s book is most providential putting under the microscope the thinking that is keeping the world from taking positive action. He presents a dying industrialist, exhorting his sons to carry on his legacy. After his funeral, attended by all the grandees imaginable, the inheritors talk about development and expansion, modernisation and offshore projects, profit margins and Virgin Islands. But their sister presents an alternative view. She has traveled and seen what the world has become. She is dismissed as strange, her idea about questioning their father’s wishes unimaginable. They turn their backs on her, rejecting her questions, scathing of her notion of problems.
‘What is the problem?’ One asks her.
So Greder shows us!. Over the next eleven double pages he encapsulates the damage we have done to our planet and the dire consequences for all of us. In his dark layers of crayon and pencil, he transforms the blank pages into a mechanised monster, a parkland of palm trees where once stood rainforest, deep holes cut into the earth chimneys belching smoke and pollution, a sandy beach littered with plastic, a long line trawler ravaging the sea floor, sheep looking for shelter as fire razes the horizon, choked rivers and oil slicked seas. Each double page will stop people in their tracks; they will gasp at the horror before them, relating it to scenes they have seen on the nightly news, linking it to images that have shocked them in the past, wondering with many others why nothing has been done.
The image of the child at the end, wearing a gas mask against the pollution around him, trying to play with a small mechanical toy, is devastating, implying that it will all continue to happen, that no one has learnt anything, that our inheritance is that no one has learnt anything. Greder presents no green shoot, no smile, no way out in this most depressing of books.
The industrialist told his sons, ‘All this will be yours’ proud of his achievements, but the reader will see another side to that message. This is a dying planet waiting for action, and we all hope it is not too late. Teacher's notes are available.
I love Michaela Mason! She is not brave, she is not even very resilient… but she is a survivor, and she has heart. In the first book that introduced Michaela Mason she was introduced as an anxious young year 5 who had had to cope with a lot… but who found that making lists helped her stay in control, or at least enabled her to verbalise her fears. In this latest journey into Michaela’s fears …she must face Camp! And camp is filled with moments that are uncomfortable, risky, and challenging for Michaela. Classmates can be cruel, heights need to be scaled, and kayaking presents all sorts of risks. And allowing the ‘inside Michaela’ with her fears and insecurities to be honest with her friend, Soo-Min, requires a leap of faith that her friendship will survive. Camp may have been high on Michaela’s list of fears, but she does survive, and also discovers some other strengths in the process.
Perhaps because I remember being a child who wanted to avoid anything involving risk, I really connected with Michaela, and I am sure there are other young readers who will recognise themselves. She certainly displays some eccentricities, but her self-awareness and the warmth of her relationship with her mother make her likeable despite her fear-induced quirks. And the class bully and the ‘mean girls posse’ do not have to destroy all joy… they may even have their own problems. I would be happy to recommend this to young readers aged 10-13. It won’t necessarily prevent anxious children from fearing School Camps, but it might help them realise that they are not alone.
A signature style for some Aboriginal artists, dark swathes of colour entice the reader to pick up this biography of Vincent’s great grandfather, Albert Namatjira. Albert, an Aranda man and artist, painted stunning water colour landscapes featuring Country west of Alice Springs and these are reprised by Vincent on the end papers and dotted throughout the book. This arresting look at Albert’s life shows his birthplace, his early life and work, while his collaboration with Rex Battarbee saw him develop his watercolour paintings of Central Australia. His first exhibitions in Melbourne and Sydney sold out, and he travelled widely as accolades mounted up. His portrait was painted by celebrated portraitist William Dargie and won the 1956 Archibald Prize. Travelling, Albert always missed his home, the colours of Country, the simpler life with his family.
The story takes a turn as Vincent outlines the limits on Albert’s life and career. Because Albert was representing Australia he was made an Australian citizen, the first Aboriginal person to receive citizenship. While working on his car in Alice Springs, Albert’s hand was damaged and this caused immense changes to his life. As a citizen he was allowed to buy alcohol, and sharing this with relatives brought him in contact with the law and he was jailed. The man who had represented Australia, met the Queen and produced paintings known world wide, was imprisoned. Released, his health deteriorated and he died in hospital at Alice Springs in 1959, aged 57.
He left behind a legacy which is unequalled. He changed the platform of art in Australia, showing Indigenous art to the world, taking its place within the pantheon of Australian art. His life reflects the changing relationship between Aboriginal people and the new arrivals, while the art work produced both by Albert and his great grandson, Vincent, stands out as milestones in the work which proclaims Australia. Readers new to the story of Albert Namatjira will be gutted at the indignities heaped upon this man, appalled that an artist was treated in such a way and mollified that steps have been taken to bring his story to a wider audience. Vincent’s use of humour is a standout contribution to the debate, and younger readers will laugh at the images of the queen and people in positions of power.
Vincent focusses on colour, using intense blazes to accentuate the image he is revealing. Vincent began with dot painting, but moved to this style as it lent more humour and poignancy to his work. A collection of his images of Albert Namatjira have been bought by the Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art, while his portrait of Albert won the Archibald Prize in 2021.
This book is a loving and timely tribute to a great man, one who promoted the recognition of Aboriginal people in Australia through his work and industry. His exhibitions were a success, bringing the love of Country to the city, ensuring a wider audience became aware of the bush.
He was awarded the Coronation Medal by Queen Elizabeth, a rather ironic presentation as it was another 23 years before he was officially an Australian citizen. Teacher's notes are available.
Themes Prejudice, Albert Namatjira, Aboriginal art, Aboriginal people, Racism, Archibald Prize, Central Australia, Alice Springs.
Fran Knight
Phoebe Dupree is coming to tea! by Linda Ashman. Illus. by Alea Marley
A wonderfully funny verse tale of afternoon tea, as Abby invites her best friend Phoebe to her house, but with some trepidation. She prepares for her friend: tells the dog how he must behave, cooks cakes and sets them out on a tray, prepares the table, and then dresses herself. All the time she is concentrating on how best to present herself to her friend, wanting every thing to be perfect so that she will come again.
Trepidation reigns, and when Phoebe rings the doorbell, she is just herself.
All is in readiness, the dog behaves beautifully, the table is lovely and the cakes are ready to be brought in. But Abby slips - the cake tray is very heavy and the cakes are scattered across the floor, causing Phoebe to fall from her chair, the dog then runs in to join the commotion and as he has been in the pool, a place he was told not to go, sprays water over them all.
Abby is mortified. All her fears have been realised, the afternoon tea is a disaster.
But all is well when Phoebe kicks off her shoes and announces ‘this is going to be fun’. She picks up a cake from the floor and eats it, offering one to Abby. Smiles greet the readers on the very last page as the two sit together in the mess created.
A delightful look at how things can go awry, the disasters that can happen quite by accident, the mopping up that brings friends together, this book will be a wonderful read aloud, inviting readers to join in, predict the rhyming words and laugh lots.
Using pencil, watercolour, crayon and digital pencils, Alea creates vibrant, colour filled scenes. Readers will love finding patterns on each page, checking out the textures and different sweeps of colour. Each scene is full of fun and humour as the characters display the attributes given in the text. Their clothing and hair tell us so much about their personalities! Just wonderful.
Abhorsen bk 5. Allen & Unwin, 2016. ISBN 9781741758634 (Age: 13+) Highly recommended. Fantasy. Magic. Quests. The eagerly anticipated book 5 in the series does not disappoint. Lirael is the Abhorsen-in-Waiting and has to battle dangerous creatures and find memories in the Dark Mirror. After losing one of her hands in the binding of Orannis she has a new hand, looking like gold and crafted with Charter magic, and she must learn to use it fearlessly. When she finds Nicholas Sayre deeply tainted with Free Magic after being attacked, together they must face the Witch With No Face, news of whom has been brought by a young woman Feren who faced great dangers to reach Lirael. (Readers may wish to read the short story Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case as a prelude to this story, but it is not necessary although it is an intriguing read itself).
Lovers of fantasy will welcome this outstanding book with its likeable characters, dangerous quests and battles and strange settings. Nix has created a unique world where Free and Charter Magic battle both in the world and inside Nicholas and Lirael must find the answers to cure him and save the world. To do this she takes Nicholas back to the Clayr where she once was a quiet retiring librarian. Now she is the Abhorsen-in-Waiting she realises that she has grown in stature and also in self-confidence. The growing attraction between Lirael and Nicholas is also a warm thread that readers will enjoy following as they both grow in knowledge and skill.
At the same time as Lirael and Nicholas journey to the Clayr, the feisty Feren, strong willed and determined, is chased by the Witch With No Face and her followers as she travels through dangerous country to bring her warning about the Witch to Lirael. She is a most engaging character and her adventures and her sassy attitude keep the reader totally engrossed.
Abhorsen is a fabulous series, one that all libraries should have, and Goldenhand brings together many of the threads and characters that have preceded it. A book trailer is available from the publisher.
Pat Pledger
The enemy within by Tim Ayliffe
Simon & Schuster, 2021. ISBN: 9781925640977. (Age:Senior Fiction)
John Bailey is a former war correspondent starting a new job for an upcoming magazine back in Sydney, continuing his investigative journalism pursing the truth in hard issues. He's recovering from losing the one woman who was there for him, he's given up drinking and his daughter got him a dog. He's chasing a new story, and reconnects with an old source - but then his home is subjected to a Federal Police raid, where they have unprecedented powers. Violence is increasing in the streets of Sydney, and contacts of his are turning up dead. There's something going down in Sydney, and someone who wants John to be unable to get to the truth. John will need help to work out what's going on, in the form of an old friend in the CIA.
There's violence, mystery and crime in this contemporary Australian crime novel based in Sydney. A relatively simple narrative, there are several points of view through the book, the majority of which is that of the main character, John. There is plenty of description regarding Sydney and the surrounding suburbs throughout the book, and flashbacks to international locations. A variety of characters fill the pages, though their relatability is questionable - some of the characters have unrealistic dialogue, while others are predictable, there to fill the pages. While the story of this book is interesting, the writing style is simple, and lacks an immersive quality for this reviewer. Despite this, the author has written a novel that has a satisfactory story, which will appeal to readers of Australian crime.
Themes Australian Fiction, Sydney, Journalism, Mystery, Crime, White Supremacy, Terrorism, Murder.
Melanie Pages
Special Forces Cadets : Missing by Chris Ryan
Hot Key Press, 2019. ISBN: 9781471407826. (Age:10+) Highly recommended.
The second in the series, Special Forces Cadets, see the quintet sent to North Korea to try and find a British agent who has gone missing. Not a place for the faint hearted, the five go into the secretive state disguised as a tour group, to avoid any suspicion they may attract. Once there they must break the spy out of the prison where he is being held and make their way to a boat which they can use to escape. All sounds straightforward on paper. But North Korea is not your usual destination and they are watched, almost falling at the first hurdle.
The series now has six books beginning with Siege (2018) where the quintet, Abby, Sami, Lukas, Lili and Max are sent into a situation in an inner city school where a suicide bomber has threatened to blow himself up.
The five cadets are interesting and involving, their back stories giving them an authenticity while bringing their skills to the fore. Training in the first outing for this series is hard, reflecting the intimate knowledge of SAS procedures by the author, Chris Ryan, once a SAS soldier. One of the group, Max is an orphan, looking for somewhere to belong and this colours his early life.
Following on from Missing comes Justice (2019) Ruthless (2020) Hijack (2020) and Assassin (2021). All are exciting and involving, all the more so because of the authenticity of the background which never flags.
Themes Spies, Espionage, Adventure, Mystery, SAS, Army training.
Fran Knight
Sabriel by Garth Nix
Allen & Unwin, 2021. ISBN: 9781760878214. (Age:13+) Highly recommended.
The handsome cover of the hard back 25th anniversary edition of the award-winning Sabriel (Aurealis Award) enticed me to re-read this classic fantasy, and from then I had to re-read the whole Old Kingdom series, despite having a tottering tower of books to be read. Sabriel is a young woman spending her last year at boarding school in Ancelstierre, when she feels that her father is in danger and knows she must go back to the Old Kingdom in search of him. Her father is the Abhorsen and has the power to lay to rest the Dead. She is the Abhorsen-in-Waiting, beginning her training with bells and magical sword to one day take over the onerous duties of her father. Arriving in the magical kingdom Sabriel’s quest leads her and her companions into danger as she follows the trail of broken Charter Stones and a very evil enemy.
Nix’s world building is wonderful. The contrast between Ancelstierre and the Old Kingdom is vividly described. When Sabriel ventures into Death, I held my breath at the danger she faces in this strange place, while the Dead creatures are very frightening. Not only is the world unique, the use of magic is also original. Seven bells can control the Dead, and each has a distinct personality and the idea of Charter magic, with all its shining marks, is fascinating.
There is adventure galore, but Sabriel is a heroine who doesn’t rush into danger thoughtlessly. She has self-doubts, but it is her determination and courage that keeps her on her quest to find her father and defend the Old Kingdom. The companions that she gathers along the way include Touchstone, the young prince that she awakens and Mogget, an ancient spirit forced to live as a cat. These are fully realised characters while Kerrigor is a frightening villain. Mogget’s wry asides and clever says bring some light relief when events are dark and threatening.
This is fantasy at its best and The Old Kingdom is a series that should be in every library.
Themes Fantasy, Good and evil, Quests, Magic.
Pat Pledger
Lirael by Garth Nix
Allen & Unwin, 2014. ISBN: 9781743316597. (Age:13+) Highly recommended.
Winner of the Ditmar Award for Achievement in Australian Science Fiction and the Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novel, Lirael takes the reader back to The Old Kingdom, this time to the glacier, the home of the Clayr. Lirael is a misfit, her father is unknown, and her mother left her when she was very young. Unlike the rest of the Clayr, she doesn’t have the Sight, and she is lonely and downcast. When she is given a job in the Great Library and meets the Disreputable Dog, her life begins to improve as she learns some of the secrets of the Clayr. Meanwhile Prince Sameth, Sabriel and Touchstone’s son, is reluctant to take on the job of Abhorsen-in-Waiting, although evil is stirring in the land. The fate of both Lirael and Sameth is linked as an ancient and powerful evil arises on the borders of the Old Kingdom and Ancelstierre forcing them to work together and overcome their self-doubts.
Lirael is a wonderful character. It is very easy to empathize with her as she struggles to belong to the Clayr, desperately wishing to gain the gift of Sight, and often so despondent that she contemplates suicide. With help of the Disreputable Dog, a fabulous magical creature, she finally gains the confidence to use the skills that she has been given. Meanwhile Sameth is very troubled and although he knows he should be learning how to be the Abhorsen, cannot bring himself to open the Book of the Dead and it is not until he meets Lirael that he finds the courage to use his own skills of Charter Magic. And of course, Mogget, that wonderful cat creature, features with his dry wit and uncanny knowledge
There is action aplenty and some mind-blowing moments as the evil tries to take over the land. A cliff hanger conclusion ensures that the next in the series, Abhorsen, will be picked up immediately.
Themes Fantasy, Good and evil, Quests, Magic.
Pat Pledger
It's owl good by Renee Treml
Allen & Unwin, 2021. ISBN: 9781760526474. (Age:6-10) Recommended.
This first installment in the new series The Super Adventures of Ollie and Bea is a perfect introduction to the graphic novel format for young readers. It will appeal to fans of the Duck, Duck, Porcupine series by Salina Yoon, the Elephant and Piggie series and Renee Treml's other graphic series, Sherlock Bones.
Ollie is an owl who wears glasses. Bea is a bunny with very big feet. This first book in the series shows how Ollie and Bea become friends and how they help each other find their super power. Ollie knows that all owls are supposed to have great eyesight... so why does he need to wear glasses? He can't be Super Owl with them on can he? And Bea's big feet can't be a super power can they? They are only good for tripping people over, and that's only good if you are a bad guy. Can Ollie, Bea and their new friends help to solve the mystery of the missing super powers? Children will love the humour injected into each page (e.g., Ollie mistaking Bea for a kangaroo) and the fun, fast-paced dialogue. Renee Treml's (Sleep tight, Platypup) full-colour illustrations are crisp and clear with a superb focus on the changing emotions of Ollie and Bea.
This is such a fun and fast-paced read that reminds readers that our differences are what make us unique and to embrace our bodies and abilities with pride and humour. There is also a nice undertone about maintaining a positive attitude and sense of self rather than relying on others to lift us up - a crucial message for young people in today's world.
I am always skeptical when a book likens an author to Diana Wynne Jones, however in this case I think it is justified and I loved this book. I have already recommended it to several people as it is well written with the magical element sitting so well within the real world and characters who are believable and mostly likeable.
The story follows Nine who is an orphan pickpocket who dreams of escaping from the Nest of a Thousand Treasures. When she steals a strange tiny house from a lady's purse it sets off an adventure like no other. Nine is a feisty self-reliant girl who only helps if there is something in it for her, she refuses to say sorry or thank you and has learnt to never show weakness of any kind. The House she steals is magical and inside are trapped an oddment of characters that only Nine can help. Flabberghast is a young wizard who lives in the house and is unable to leave, along with the other house inhabitants they have been trapped in the cursed house with a toilet that moves, a tea cupboard that won’t open and a garden they can’t access. As the story develops, Nine and the other characters must work together to solve the riddle to break the curse on the house.
I loved this book as it really appealed to the sense of fun; Amy Sparkes has created a story that is wildly imaginative and will appeal to a wide audience. This is a book that could be used as a read aloud or read along class novel but either way it will be a book that is enjoyed by the reader, with the sequel being much anticipated.
Themes Magic, Sibling rivalry, Orphans, Curses.
Mhairi Alcorn
A song of flight by Juliet Marillier
Pan Macmillan, 2021. ISBN: 9781760784232. (Age:15+) Highly recommended.
Marillier brings her fantasy trilogy to a very satisfying and compelling conclusion in A song of flight. Prince Aolu of Dalriada has been abducted, his friend and guard Galen left seriously injured. The Swan Island warriors are asked to investigate, but because Galen is Liobhan’s brother, it is felt that she is too personally involved, and she is initially left behind when the search begins. Meanwhile times are very difficult for Brocc because of his involvement in the secrets of the Crow Folk and he and his young daughter set off on a difficult and dangerous journey. It gradually becomes apparent that the disappearance of Prince Aolu’s and the use of the Crow Folk to attack people are connected and Liobhan, Brocc and Dau must each play a role in solving the mysteries.
The most memorable part of A song of flight for me was the path that Brocc takes in his efforts to understand the Crow Folk. There are some unexpected twists in his story that had me holding my breath in fear for him. He is determined to communicate with them and believes that they are not all evil, but his efforts lead to disaster, and he puts his young daughter and himself in great danger. Liobhan and Dau both prove their bravery and intelligence in their separate quests and Marillier’s fans will be very happy to meet Blackthorn and Grim again.
All the threads from the previous two books, The harp of kings and Dance with fate have been brought together in a stunning conclusion. The descriptive prose is beautiful and the world building wonderful. This is a series that I will be returning to reread and one that fans of fantasy will not want to miss. And readers new to the fantasy genre and who like a touch of romance, a Celtic setting and memorable characters may find a series to love.
This brand new series by Anh Do packs an almighty punch and is sure to be a huge hit with children of all ages. Filled with action, humour and adventure, Pow Pow Pig and his mates are engaging, fun characters within a well-thought out and fast-moving storyline.
The story is set in a dystopian 2050, when the world is dealing with the fallout from a terrible decision: the rich animals of the world voted to stop helping the poor. The rich animals are fighting for more, the poor animals are fighting to survive and the world is generally a mess. There are still some good animals around though and Pow Pow Pig wants to be one of them by joining CHOC (Creatures Helping Other Creatures). But how can he and his friends (Danielle Duck, Chelsea Chicken and Barry the Goat) change the world when they are always given clean up duty?! It isn't until something truly earth shattering happens that they get the chance to prove their skills on a time travelling mission. Can they change history and reverse the dire fate of the world?
Fans of Anh Do's previous work (Weirdo and Ninja Kid) will be obvious fans but this will also appeal to a slightly younger audience as well as older readers who prefer shorter, illustrated texts. Generous spacing and small amounts of chunked text on each page make it friendly for newly independent readers as well as making a fantastic read aloud, especially due to the awesome action-packed illustrations (by Peter Cheong) on each page. This is so engaging, so readable and the cliffhanger will leave readers hanging out for the next installment. Give it to avid readers, give it to reluctant readers; it truly has universal appeal. The juxtaposition of the social problems occuring because of greed and a lack of humanitarianism alongside the teamwork and kindness of Pow Pow Pig and his friends is also a clever way to introduce these themes to young children.
Themes Adventure stories, Time travel, Humourous stories.
Nicole Nelson
Seahorses are sold out by Katja Gehrmann and Constanze Spengler
Seahorses are sold out is a very humorous story that will appeal to younger readers. Mika’s very busy father works from home and does not have time to go on a trip to the lake as he has a deadline to meet. After trying to stay quiet and not interrupt him too often, Mika finally suggests that if her dad lets her get a pet, she would have company and not annoy him. Her father gives her his credit card and she happily purchases a mouse. Unfortunately the mouse goes missing so she next buys a puppy to sniff out the mouse. Then the puppy makes a mess in the bathroom so Mika buys a seal to help out. After spending time in the bathtub, Mika realises the mouse cannot swim so buys a penguin to teach it how to. Mika continually adds to her menagerie and when her dad finally finishes his work, he is most surprised to see the collection of animals. The ending is quite special and will be a surprise for the reader. Children will enjoy the humour, the fun that Mika has and the joy that owning a pet can bring.
Themes Families, Pets, Communication, Working from home.
