A new book in the stunning series called Nature Stoybooks, (‘where every wonderful word is true’) has two fonts, the text in one font is a fictional story of a wombat, while the other gives information using a non fiction tone. Each story is true, so children will extract a great deal of information about wombats from the book. Like the others in the series, the storyline is inviting and generous, creating an intimate portrait of a female wombat going about her daily sleep routine and night time forage. The factual text fills in the details of a wombat’s life, enhancing the words already absorbed by the reader.
We see and read of the female wombat digging a burrow, sharing with another wombat, foraging through the grasses for food, avoiding the clutches of the predatory dingo out hunting for a meal.
The wombat, ‘the bulldozer of the bush’, will engage younger readers with the facts about its claws and fur, its short leg and backwards facing pouch, its little ears and poor eyesight. All of the facts given will intrigue younger readers and these are enhanced by the stunning illustrations by Duthie. They will see the words described in the accompanying illustrations, be able to work out why the animal is as she is, look at her environment and feel the cool dark burrow she digs out for her living quarters. The illustrations give a stunning vista of the wombat's life, and the book’s endpapers will give the reader an idea of what it is like to burrow beneath the earth. A page of extra information is given along with a short index, rounding off a most satisfactory introduction to this wonderful Australian marsupial.
Readers will learn an array of new words: nocturnal, marsupial, mammal, predator, burrow and so on, adding to their knowledge of Australian wildlife. Teacher's notes are available.
Fans of The Crown? Then you will definitely be a fan of Pamela Hart’s new book The Charleston Scandal. I love historical fiction especially when the author makes you think you're actually there in the era they write about. Being a fan of Pamela Hart and a massive fan of jazz in the roaring 20s, I was looking forward to reading this and it did not disappoint.
The Great World War has ended and we are taken into the Roaring 20s Jazz era.
The Charleston Scandal is a story about a girl from Australia, Kit Scott and a lad from Canada, Zeke Gardiner, who travel to London to follow their dreams of being actors and dancers on stage in the West End. They both get cast in a show alongside each other as partners. We follow their stories of their past and present and the adventures they have and survive in an era so different from ours. Kit and Zeke have a great chemistry between each other but they both have said they will remain as friends because they working together.
Kit Scott whose real name is Katherine Scot, has left her family and home in Sydney to follow her dream to be on stage. She is the daughter of Agatha Scott (from a well-known prominent family) who left England to marry and The Dean of St Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney. Her parents did not want her to become an actress, it is something high society does not do.
Zeke Gardiner moved to London from Canadian province of British Columbia. He was leaving behind his mother who was in hiding from her abusive husband. Zeke travelled to another land to find work and support his mother by sending her money to pay her rent with the vision that she will follow him to London as soon as he could afford it.
Once in London, Kit and Zeke are thrust into a world of poverty while also trying to find steady work. We read about them mixing with high society and the world of the stage while at the same time mixing with the greats of that time. They meet and befriend Noel Coward, Fred Astaire and his famous sister Adele, as well as Royalty.
The Charleston Scandal is a great easy read which any historical fiction lover will enjoy learning more about the Jazz Era and the way different people lived in the past. We learn about the diverse group of people and the way the world looks upon them.
Now I feel like dancing, where are my jazz albums . . .
Legend of the lost Lilies is the fifth and final book in the Miss Lily series of novels. The story of things that ordinary women did in times of war to help their country are way beyond what most people would believe. The sacrifices they made and for some it meant their life. Sophie receives a telegram from Miss Lily asking for help and without thinking she answers it and goes to help Miss Lily leaving her quiet life behind her. She has no idea what to expect when she arrived at Shillings. Sophie finds that she needs to reunite with old friends to try and help to end the war; it will not be easy but she is determined to do what she can to help. She has no idea how these old friends will react to her turning up and if they will help her or not, but she chooses to take a chance and go for it. She finds out who she can trust and who she can’t the hard way. Although faced with many confronting challenges during the story she manages to show an inner strength that keeps her going. She and Lily both have some difficult decisions that they have to make that will affect their lives into the future.
This is a beautifully written story. As with all Jackie French books you are drawn in from the very beginning and can’t put the book down until you reach the end. The fact that this book is based on real events makes the story even more powerful.
I highly recommend this book and series.
Themes World War, 1914-1918, Women.
Karen Colliver
The Great Barrier Reef by Helen Scales. Illus. by Lisk Feng
The Great Barrier Reef is a magnificent information book written about this stunning World Heritage Site right on Australia’s doorstep. As a Natural Wonder of the World, the Great Barrier Reef is closely monitored by scientists, ecologists and concerned individuals for changes and damage to its environment. This book provides the reader with detailed facts about its discovery, history, size, wide variety of sea creatures and their place in reef life, complex ecosystems as well as threats and possible solutions. The contents page clearly sets out the topics discussed and a glossary at the end helps with unfamiliar words and explanations.
There is an important section sharing information about the human inhabitants beginning with the Aboriginal peoples who lived harmoniously with the reef and respected what it provided for them. This then leads into white settlement and the lack of care initially taken by these new inhabitants. Fortunately this misuse is slowly changing through the knowledge and passion of people concerned about protecting the Great Barrier Reef. The author also provides valuable ideas on how we can begin to protect the reef in everyday life. The colourful illustrations are muted in tones but are both detailed and striking. The information is easy to digest and well explained.
A wonderful addition to a home, class, school or public library.
Themes Great Barrier Reef, Australia, Ecosystems, Sea Creatures, Natural Wonder of the World, Aboriginal Culture & Story, Conservation.
Kathryn Beilby
Earth's aquarium by Alexander Kaufman. Illus. by Mariana Rodrigues
Earth’s Aquarium is a stunning over-sized reference book which gives an amazing insight to fifteen natural aquatic aquariums from around the world. The foreword by Will Millard gives a passionate plea for understanding our water environments and the pressing need to change how we look after them. The contents page clearly labels each section and the opening chapter, Variables in Aquatic Habitats, explains the components of water life such as waves, currents, tides, acidity as well light penetration. Included in the fifteen natural aquariums are the following: mudflats, mangrove forests, estuaries, kelp forests, seagrass meadows, coral reefs, oyster reefs, open water, sea ice, salt marshes, slow and fast-moving fresh water, wetlands, vents and seeps and deep water. Each water habitat focuses on one particular place and importantly the coral reef chapter discusses Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Delving deeper into each environment is quite a remarkable journey for the reader.
The first of two double pages within each chapter are devoted to a visually impressive pictorial display of creatures found in that habitat. Underneath is information about the area as well as the dangers presented by humans and climate change. The following double page clearly identifies each creature inhabitant from the previous page and gives other important information about this particular environment. At the end of the book is a very detailed index as well as a sources page. The illustrations in this book are really quite striking and will engage the reader time and time again. The cover is a delight with foil inserts which will add to the appeal of the book for readers of all ages.
Themes Water environments, Global habitats, Natural aquariums, Ecosystems, Aquatic life, Climate change.
Kathryn Beilby
Coco, the fish with hands by Aleesah Darlison. Illus. by Mel Matthews
Coco, the Fish with Hands is the first story in the multi-book Endangered Animal Tales series which will focus on a number of Australia’s most susceptible creatures. The story begins by introducing Coco and her amazing attribute - hands. Spotted Handfish are only found in Tasmania and are becoming extinct. The story continues with Coco evading predators, searching for a mate and finding a safe place to lay her eggs. Once the eggs are laid the parents spend time protecting them until they hatch and disperse into the Derwent River Estuary, the only place Spotted Handfish are found. The story is further enhanced by the bright and colourful illustrations as well as a key fact written on each page. On the final page is a map of Australia with more important facts to share.
This is a perfect book for sharing with children. Early Years teachers and students could use this book as a resource for writing an information report as it clearly gives simple facts about features, diet, habitat, predators as well as other information. A very welcome addition to a school or public library. The other books in the series will be well worth reading.
With the front cover depicting butterflies, ladybirds, bees and dragonflies, the wild things of the title refers clearly to those living things found in one’s garden. Poppy just loves bugs and insects and this is her story about what she can see, encouraging readers to stop and take a look themselves. She often sits amongst the wildflowers in her garden, talking to the many insects and bugs around her, quietly camouflaged by the colours of the flowers. She does not feel comfortable indoors with people and when she is inside becomes like the wallpaper, blending into the background of the event. So she becomes a tree, a curtain, a wall, blending her clothing with what is behind her, being as inconspicuous as she can, camouflaging herself to avoid contact with other people.
But one day at her grandmother’s birthday party a dragonfly lands on her cake. Poppy claps her hands with excitement giving away her position. The dragonfly, startled by the noise lands on Poppy’s hand and all are amazed, telling each other that Poppy has a way with wild things and closing in for a look at the insect. Poppy tells them what it is called, and they listen, no longer the recluse, but a real wild thing.
The images presented will draw the reader’s attention to the many bugs and insects that live in their garden. They will be encouraged to look more closely at what is around them, comparing the camouflage of the insects with that used by Poppy to avoid being seen. The bright colours will intrigue and delight younger readers and the issue of shyness will appeal to many who would prefer not to be noticed.
This is a debut novel – an emotional thriller which has been compared to works by writers such as Meg Rosoff and Patrick Ness. Cory Anderson was born in Idaho and writes about her home in the Rocky Mountains.
High school student, Jack, makes a shocking discovery in the early pages of this startling, clever book. We learn that he and his younger brother, Matty, face homelessness after their father is imprisoned serving time for robbery. The boys decide to go after the unrecovered money, which leads to a ruthless and dangerous hunt for treasure.
What emerges from this picture of a rather troubled young man is one of a caring and loving brother who will do anything to ensure that Matty is out of harm’s way. They are joined by Ava, a friend of Jack’s, who also plays her part as a narrator for the story with her words opening each chapter and leading the reader onwards, really quite beautifully. Ava is there to help them survive: she comes from her own troubled space – a father who is damaged and has taught his daughter to love no one. His role is pivotal to the story as he knows where the stolen money is; this game is dangerous.
Along with a fast paced storyline, the gripping characters and striking language make for a terrific read. I add a cautionary note as the subject matter is challenging with considerable violence and a suicide.
Later is Stephen King’s latest novel, aimed at young and older adults alike. More gory than horror, Later tells the story of Jamie Conklin, a teenager living with his mother in New York City who just happens to be able to see dead people. Ever since he can remember, Jamie has been able to see and talk to people who have recently died. Does this concept sound a bit familiar? Well, a rip off of The Sixth Sense this book is not. Part horror, part crime, Later is the story of a well-adjusted, happy teenager who becomes embroiled in the hunt for a serial killer.
The police have finally figured out who is behind a series of bombs that have terrorised NYC for years. However Thumper, as he calls himself, is still one step ahead; he has committed suicide but left one bomb remaining, his most dangerous yet. Swept up into the investigation by a corrupt cop, Jamie realises that Thumper’s reign of terror will have much more devastating and long-lasting consequences for him than he ever could have imagined.
Later is one of Stephen King’s shortest and most direct novels. At just under 250 pages, it is a fast-paced and high energy book. Ostensibly a horror, at its heart Later is a classic bildungsroman, as we watch Jamie growing up and trying to solve problems just a little out of the ordinary. While the novel is not particularly frightening, there are many graphic descriptions of deceased and dying people, so Later is most appropriate for older teenagers and adult audiences. Overall, Later is an exciting, rounded and quick read and bodes well for future King releases.
Aussie Stem Stars: Munjed Al Muderis is another well written biographical account of the life of an amazing Australian, Munjed Al Muderis. Born in Iraq, Munjed and his family lived through very challenging times under the rule of Saddam Hussein. During continuous bombardments from Iranian forces Munjed worked out clever and constructive ways to make pocket money. This progressed to designing computer programs at the age of 12 and then wanting to use his innovations to help people.
During the long years of battle with Iran, many people in Iraq lost limbs and were forced onto the streets to beg. Munjed dreamt of becoming a surgeon and influenced by the movie The Terminator he hoped to help those amputees. By August 1990 Munjed was ready to study medicine in the USA but Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait closed that opportunity. He was forced to study at Basra University close to the Iraqi-Kuwaiti border. Unfortunately war came to Basra with US-lead airstrikes and Munjed worked frantically in the local hospital helping victims of the bombs. He eventually had to flee Iraq after refusing to take part in the cruel and inhumane treatment of prisoners.
His journey as an asylum seeker was dangerous and degrading. In particular the appalling conditions and bullying that occurred in the Curtin Detention Centre in WA is unfathomable. Munjed Al Muderis endured an horrific journey both physically and personally to achieve incredible success with osseointegration.
This is an amazing story. Munjed always vowed to give back more than he took from society and this is exactly what he has achieved. A worthy recipient of the 2020 NSW Australian of the Year. Teacher notes are available.
Themes Munjed Al Muderis.
Kathryn Beilby
Falling by T. J. Newman
Simon & Schuster, 2021. ISBN: 9781398507258. (Age:16+) Highly recommended.
Do you save your family or a plane load of souls? Captain Bill Hoffman faces this impossible choice in this uncompromising thriller. Fast–paced and compelling, this book grabs the reader on the first page and the edge of your seat experience lasts to the last page. It is impossible to put down.
Bill arrives for his flight to New York. "I'm a good man, he reminded himself without wavering." A few minutes into the flight Bill learns that his family has been kidnapped. His wife and two children will only be released if Bill crashes the plane at a designated location. This is where the book really takes off. Written by a former flight attendant, the detailed knowledge of the behind the scenes workings of an ordinary flight brings another level of complexity and suspense to an already explosive plot. The action takes place in real time and the author skilfully enables the reader to feel they are there taking part themselves.
The characters are well drawn, savvy and courageous individuals. We come to know the backstory of Bill and Carrie (his wife) and the terrorists - as well as the flight attendants and FBI agents assigned that day. These people feel real, and the reader is right with them as they make excruciatingly difficult choices. The reader is forced to consider the shades of grey that colour our days, and the compassion that eases the way. The intricately crafted plot twists made this a powerful, heart stopping read and it is no surprise that the book will soon be bursting onto the screen as a movie.
So, what does Bill do? Save his family or a plane full of souls? You’ll need to read it to find out.
Additional resources available: The book trailer sets the scene for the book and is a great addition to a library website/blog. In her first interview, T.J. Newman explores the influences that framed her writing.
Themes Terrorism, Courage, Loyalty, Sacrifice, Relationships – friends and family.
Linda Guthrie
Walking in Gagudju country by Diane Lucas, Ben Tyler and Emma Long
Allen & Unwin, 2021. ISBN: 9781760525958. (Age:5+) Highly recommended.
There is so much of Australia's vast country that many of us may not get the opportunity to visit. However when books such as Walking in Gagudju Country: Exploring the Monsoon Forest are written and published, the traveller in each of us will be given an opportunity to explore and learn about these amazing places. This book is something very special. The story is set in the monsoon forests of Kakadu National Park and centres on the authors, Diane Lucas and Ben Tyler, taking a walk through this stunning environment. Along their journey they discover a myriad of land and water creatures, noises, micro-habitats and plants of all shapes and sizes.
This story is told through both words and pictures and the illustrations by Emma Long are really quite striking. The pages are full of vibrant colour in particular shades of rich greens with beautifully drawn creatures and plants. The story itself is very skilful in its presentation with the use of small images of the authors and the creatures who may be telling their story or asking a question. The use of the Kundjeyhmi language throughout gives importance of and recognition to the traditional owners of this special place. There is an excellent glossary with words in traditional language and English and small detailed images.
This is a beautiful book to share with both children and adults and would have a place in all library settings.
Themes Nature, Kakadu National Park, Plants, Animals, Kundjeyhmi Culture & Language, Non Fiction Picture book.
Henry is an orphan in Elizabethan era London, living in the slums, getting by day to day as a thief, hiding a secret gift. Having been taken in by friends years earlier, Henry uses his gift in the shop his guardian runs - translating books from any language into English. His rough life has daily struggles, which are increased due to his heritage. Experiencing racism on top of the threat of death if caught stealing, Henry longs for a simpler life. Then, a break-in goes wrong when the homeowner, the Duke, returns home early. Suddenly, Henry's life is incredibly different.
The Dark Lady is a YA historical fiction, full of magic and mystery, sonnets and cruelty. Historical London is depicted throughout the novel, with many of the senses being engaged - sight, smell and touch. While the author researched Elizabethan street slang, the use of it felt forced, and the sonnets composed by the lead character feel the same. The novel is written simply, and the characters are not entirely relatable. Particularly in their choices and reactions, especially the main character Henry. While the story moved along fairly well, there was only really one scene that had much life and action. The rest of the novel didn't really go anywhere, making it difficult to find it engaging. This was a difficult book to review, as it has not really lived up to the potential of the story.
Alfie Bradley is a relatively new resident in his small community where the weather has gone badly awry. A strange man and concerns over his sister’s recovery from severe bullying underlie the drama of the story. Alfie uncovers, releases and befriends a strange ‘electric’ force-to-be-reckoned-with that impacts the entire community and shakes his world and his friendship with his best friend, Sam. This unusual situation explodes with sparks, lightning and extremely bizarre weather conditions in a science-laced drama that is unlike any other. It is hard to describe the nature of the ‘electric’ friend, but the curious force is intriguing. For Alfie though, his friendship creates an array of problems.
This book is very different and young readers with a hint of science interest will find it appealing, but readers who just enjoy fantasy woven into a real-world tale will also be intrigued. The author has gently and compassionately commented on the impact of bullying and Alfie’s brief visit to a youth detention facility is handled sympathetically. This can be recommended to capable readers aged 10+.
This is the latest of Jack Heath’s ‘Minutes’ books and is a thrilling new addition to the series.
There are 10 short stories each timed to take around 20 minutes for the average reader to finish – it’s a clever approach to hooking reluctant readers or making the most of a limited reading time in class.
Each story is completely stand-alone, and each follows a different tween or teenager embroiled in a mysterious situation. The stories unfold in diverse parts of the world and involve both male and female protagonists, from ordinary kids through to spies, pirates and mountain climbers. A timer in the margin starts at 20 minutes with each new story and counts down relentlessly as the pages turn.
The reader can piece together clues to try to solve each bite-sized mystery before the timer hits 0. Some of the mysteries are relatively simple to solve (with a very satisfying ‘aha’ moment) but others have a surprise twist that makes the guessing game difficult. Happily, even if you don’t manage to figure it out yourself, each story wraps up very nicely leaving no mystery unsolved.
With multiple short stories in one volume there is sure to be something to appeal to everyone. My 11-year-old son read this book too and (predictably) he and I could not agree on which mystery was the ‘best’ – although all the stories were full of adventure we each found some more believable or intriguing than others. He ended up skipping through two of the stories that he found less engaging but pored over others seeking clues he might have missed the first time.
Overall this is a fast paced, well-written and heart pounding book for anyone who feels ready to embark on a succession of death-defying mysteries and adventure.
