Scientists have dug up and uncovered many facts about dinosaurs - and in the process, they have come across many myths. This picture book digs deep into the Age of Dinosaurs, covering topics such as fossilization, plate tectonics, dinosaur diets, paleontology, extinction theories, dinosaur relatives, and more!
With its glossy pages, appealing layout, clear text, vibrantly coloured pages, engaging sidebars, and stunning full-colour illustrations and photographs it is one for the reader who knows a little about these fascinating creatures but wants to dig a little deeper. While still in simple, accessible language in small chunks, it offers more than a basic Q & A making it an excellent stepping stone to more complex texts. It includes a glossary, a timeline, and an index making it easy to navigate and supporting the locating aspect of the information literacy process.
Although there is a plethora of books about dinosaurs, both fiction and non fiction, there is always a demand for new resources by young readers who continue to remain fascinated and so this is something new, informative and worthwhile to add to the collection.
Themes Dinosaurs.
Barbara Braxton
Late essays by J.M. Coetzee
Text Publishing, 2021. ISBN: 9781922330406. (Age:Adult, Teacher reference)
This is an interesting collection of Coetzee's commentary on 20 authors (one female) including Australian writers Patrick White (two essays), Gerald Murnane and Les Murray.
The insightful analyses delve into the life circumstances and social times of the writers and the effect of these on their writing. The result is to engender an interest in the reader to read the books analysed. Because of this, in my view it is not necessary to have read the works of the authors covered in the essays in order to appreciate Coetzee's essays.
There is no indication as to the criteria (if any) used for selection of authors. There are chapter notes and references at the end.
While the book may provide ideas for connected texts for year 12 students and be useful for older students undertaking study of any of the authors covered, in schools Late essays is probably most useful for teacher reference.
For Aboriginal children born in outback Australia life was about family, living with the land and maintaining traditions and story. However as now well-known and documented, life for many of these children was cruelly stolen from them. Kunyi June Anne McInerney is one of those children born in 1950 and at the age of four taken with some of her siblings to the Oodnadatta Children’s home. Kunyi is her story, told in words and stunning artwork. The introduction by Kunyi gives a poignant summary of a part of her life which is expanded on throughout the following pages. From the very beginning of her journey, Kunyi gives the reader an honest account of the conditions in the Home, the despair suffered, the separation from family and the complete lack of understanding why the children had to be there in the first place with their family living just across the track. The journey is told through snapshots of memories with words and pictures. Daily life was full of work and rules but the children did find time together to have laughter and fun. There were the usual mischief makers amongst the children especially the older ones trying scare the younger ones with taunts about Mamu (bad spirits) but these children all became a family and looked out for each other. The treatment of the children was not kind and the sense of loss for Kunyi’s mother is evident. The missionaries did provide Sunday art which is where Kunyi . . . “learned to draw and paint. I have been painting ever since.”
This very special book with a story that had to be told and shared, may at times both disturb and shame white Australian adult readers, but will fascinate younger readers who will have many thoughts and questions to ponder over. A wonderful addition to home, school and public libraries and a perfect resource for Reconciliation Week. An important historical record of a nation-wide injustice.
Allen & Unwin, 2021. ISBN: 9781760526443. (Age:8-13) Highly Recommended.
Teachers and librarians, when "building the field" while teaching about Ancient Rome (year 7 HASS Australian curriculum) grab The boy who stepped through time by Melbourne author Anna Ciddor and read it to your students. It is an exciting middle grade time-slip adventure set in Roman Gaul, a southern part of the Ancient Roman Empire of the 4th century CE.
The setting moves from contemporary time to the time of Constantine; from a villa to a townhouse, both of which are modelled on real ruins that have been excavated in Southern France. All details of the lives of a southern Gaul of that time period have been thoroughly researched to provide an authenticity that teachers and students can trust. It is important to note that the author has combined with her sister Tamara Lewit who is a professional archaeologist and historian specialising in Ancient Rome. The Boy who stepped through time is rich in historical detail.
The central character is a thoroughly likeable boy of a similar age to the intended readership of the book. In a way it is a coming of age book because Perry (Peregrine-suitably Latin for traveller) AKA known later on as Peregrinus is transported from a crumbling Roman ruin in France which his Australian family are visiting while on holidays in France, back to that same building - a villa belonging to a wealthy 4th century CE Roman family. Perry is torn between fearing he can never return to his family back in the contemporary world, his worry about how much his family must be worried about his disappearance and his need to stay in ancient Roman times in order to save the life of Valentia, a Roman girl from the wealthy classes. He grows up, he learns about what matters and he learns to survive on his own wits and the friendship of others.
Unfortunately for Perry, when he bursts into the 4th century CE Roman world, the Romans think that he is a slave boy. He has to maintain this pretence and learn the ropes of a slave's life very quickly. It is the knowledge that he has gained about Valentia, learnt from a modern day museum tour, that has him try everything to avert the fate that he thinks that will befall her - to somehow intervene and change the course of history.
Like The Chicken Curse by Frances Watts, The Boy who stepped through time is a highly recommended read. Both books are set in Ancient Gaul with young slaves as protagonists and both are page-turners.
The boy who stepped through time is entertaining and educational. It will spark students' interest in finding out more about history, ancient cultures and archaeology. To consolidate and support that interest there is a glossary, and an author and researcher's note at the end along with a website that promises more exciting results of "detective work" in the field of archaeology.
A thoroughly enjoyable, refreshingly delightful, highly recommended book for middle graders.
Themes time-slip, ancient Rome.
Wendy Jeffrey
Freaky, funky fish by Debra Kempf Shumaker. Illus. Claire Powell
Allen & Unwin, 2021. ISBN: 9781760526733. (Age:4+) Highly recommended.
Freaky, Funky Fish is a wonderful non-fiction picture book showcasing odd facts about fascinating fish that will entertain readers of all ages. Beginning with the interesting end papers which focus on the oceans of the world on one page and fish inventories on the remaining, to the explanations of the freaky fish, further learning and selected sources sections, the reader will marvel at the information and presentation. The author Debra Kempf Shumaker has cleverly combined rhyme and facts with stunning illustrations by Claire Powell to create a vibrant and highly enjoyable read. The fish on the pages have funkiness and freakiness ratings as well as brief hand written snapshots of information and images often with added humour. Some of the categories of fish mentioned include fish that zap: electric torpedoes, eels, catfish and stargazers, fish that sing: clownfish, oyster toadfish, croaking gourami and batfish, and fish that creep: sea robins, coral reef frogfish. The gorgeous cover with highlights of metallic paint will immediately capture the interest of readers.
There is so much to look for and learn on each page that readers will be drawn back to this book time and time again. A perfect addition to any home, school or public library.
Themes Fish, Facts, Non Fiction, Rhyme, Picture Book.
Kathryn Beilby
The ballad of Melodie Rose by Kate Gordon
University of Queensland Press, 2021. ISBN: 9780702263217. (Age:10+) Recommended.
The Ballad of Melodie Rose is a book about love. It is heartwarming throughout. The author, Kate Gordon, keeps the reader close to the central character, Melodie Rose. The reader is invited into close communion with Melodie's evolving thoughts and feelings. The Ballad of Melodie Rose is the companion tale to the award winning The Heartsong of Wonder Quinn containing some continuing characters and the same setting of Direleaf Hall but introducing Melodie Rose in the place of Wonder Quinn.
Direleaf Hall is a rather special boarding school which draws girls who need it because they have losses and sadnesses in their lives. Beloved as it is, it has fallen into disrepair and is being bought by 'the Lady in White' who is intent on its destruction. It is more than a home to Melodie Rose who has suffered terrible trauma and believes herself to be a ghost. It is more than a home to all of the girls and the owner Ms Gallow who is Melodie's grandma. Melodie, along with three other ghostly girls and a dejected raven of indeterminate age set out with elaborate plans to save the school. In the process, the reader sees Melodie's initiative, her courage and her gradual return to being seen.
The Ballad of Melodie Rose is a tale about fitting in and being yourself and what more challenging place to learn this than in a girls' boarding school especially after you have been suddenly effectively orphaned! It's a gentle, whimsical story about friendship, what it is to be loved, what it is to be seen, a way of looking at death, our place in time and across the ages. This story is literally wrapped in stardust.
Highly recommended for girls 10+. Recommended for students who may be experiencing grief and loss.
Themes Belonging, Being seen, Boarding school for girls, Ghosts, Trauma, PTSD.
Wendy Jeffrey
Enter the jungle by Anh Do
E-boy book 3. Allen & Unwin, 2021. ISBN: 9781760879020. (Age:10+)
Main character Ethan is once again on the move. His parents are in trouble and he is determined to find out what is going on. He travels to the city of Esconda incognito and reconnects with them at a local resort. They tell him they cannot stay there any longer as there is danger all around. While out at a family dinner, the danger becomes apparent to Ethan. A notorious criminal known as The Money Man has taken over the city and uses his powers to draw money and valuables away from any people rich or poor he comes into contact with. Ethan attempts to thwart him and in doing so suffers an injury which lessens his power. Following this dangerous interaction, Ethan sends his parents to the Swiss Alps. Meanwhile, Ethan’s only friend Penny is being held captive by Agent Ferris and even though Ethan has lost faith in Penny, he reaches out to her as he knows he is unwell and needs help. Penny makes her escape with monitored assistance from her captors and rushes to Esconda. Unbeknown to Penny she is being followed by the killer android Gemini whose mission is to destroy E-Boy. More confrontation occurs between E-Boy and The Money Man and Ethan’s body is continuing to shut down. To get help Ethan and Penny must travel further. Unfortunately Gemini is close behind them and the reader is left wondering what will happen next. . .
Anh Do provides yet another fast moving and entertaining story for those readers who enjoy action and drama.
Themes Robots, Androids, Good vs Evil, Fighting, Technology, Trust, Danger.
‘We want you to come with us on our journey, our journey of songspirals. Songspirals are the essence of people in this land, the essence of every clan. We belong to the land and it belongs to us. We sing to the land, sing about the land. We are that land. It sings to us.’
This book is authored by the Gay’wu Group of Women. The group members are Merrkiyawuy Ganambarr-Stubbs, Banapuy Ganambarr, Djawundil Maymuru, Laklak Burarrwanga, Ritjilili Ganambarr, Sarah Wright, Kate Lloyd and Sandie Suchet-Pearson. Joint winner of the Prime Minister’s Literary Award for Non-fiction 2020, this book was shortlisted for the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards, the Chief Minister’s NT Book Award, the Stella Prize and the Australian Book Design Award.
Five songspirals (in language) are translated and some of the meanings shared. One of the songs can be heard here. The authors make a request of the reader: that ‘...you respect this knowledge, to be respectful and be aware of the limits of what we are sharing.’ Songspirals p 258. The Book Launch at the 2019 Garma Festival is an opportunity to hear the authors read from their work.
Reading this book was a humbling experience and rewarding in many ways. The authors, through the depth and complexity of the cultural of knowledge imparted, paint an all-encompassing understanding of Country. This is profoundly moving and prompts deep reflection on the ways the word Country has been interpreted and explained in the past. The significance of Country and Law is overwhelming and will influence the reading of such books as Maralinga: The struggle for return of the lands. The Glossary and detailed Notes section provide opportunities to further explore the concepts and language introduced in the book.
Songspirals is essential reading for teachers and young people. The opportunity to hear directly from the custodians of the songspirals is enriching and not to be missed. Comprehensive Chapter Notes can be found here. The user friendly Intercultural Communication Handbook is another valuable classroom resource.
Themes Country, Law, Racism, Reconciliation, First Nations History, Dreaming.
Common Wealth is a stunning slam poetry persuasive picture book written by well-known author and illustrator Gregg Dreise. Slam poetry for those new to the term is a form of performance poetry that combines the elements of performance, writing, competition, and audience participation. (Britannica Online). This new release provides a powerful plea for unity, acceptance and understanding of Australia’s long and complex history. From the beautiful green and yellow images on the endpapers to the careful use of dot painting interwoven with more detailed illustrations, the reader will be transfixed by the strong yet hopeful message in this book. The author has cleverly intertwined the Australian National Anthem with historical aspects of the last two hundred years of white settlement. “They say we are young and free, but it’s easy to see; from the oldest culture in the world - that line doesn’t include me.” Dreise writes and illustrates about the treatment of the Aboriginal people by the early soldiers and settlers, the damage to the land by farming and mining, the white history taught in schools. His peaceful plea is for all peoples in Australia to unite, become one community showing respect for each other’s culture. The striking front cover of feathers is explained further in the book:
A bird can’t fly with just one feather; they need to work together. When we do this too, our future will soar forever. Different colours and backgrounds- whatever; our harsh climates make us tough like leather. so together we can handle any stormy weather.
This truly inspiring book will be a valuable resource for Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week. A must for all school and public libraries. Teacher notes are available.
Themes Indigenous History, Australian History, National Sorry Day, NAIDOC Week, Australia Day, Australian National Anthem, Unity, Community, Indigenous Art.
This is the ninth book in the witty series of Funny Kid by Matt Stanton. Prank Aliens, is a funny and entertaining story that will be enjoyed by anyone who loves a laugh. It all begins with boring school holidays, which most children at some stage can relate to. Max and his friends, Hugo, Pip Tyson and Abby are sitting at an Un-fun Fair and Max wants to spice things up a bit.
The Un-fun Fair has been organised by Mayor Lopez, in an attempt to put their wonderful town of Redhill on the map. Max can’t understand why Redhill needs to be on the map, because he has seen it printed on plenty of maps before ….. but he decides that he can do a much better job than what is currently being done by Mayor Lopez’s silly fair.
Max is a lovable and relatable character who is endearing, egocentric and annoying; usually all at the same time. Max is the king of attention seeking and loves playing pranks; his friend Hugo loves aliens; Pip loves the environment and drags her twin Tyson in to help and Abby is attempting to find inner peace. Prank Aliens has crop circles, poop collecting, conspiracy theories and more, and Max and his friends are certainly in the thick of the mayhem. But can any good come from playing pranks . . . can a prank go too far . . . and who will have the last prank laugh?
Stanton cleverly engages the reader to keep them genuinely engrossed in the drama and pandemonium. His illustrations and dialogued cartoons make the story an easy and enjoyable read. With surprise twists and turns, you will be page turning and continually laughing out loud!
Belinda Murrell is probably most familiar to readers of the popular Lulu Bell and Pippa’s Island series. The Golden Tower, a time-slip fantasy story, transports the reader to the land of Tuscia, a location inspired by the Italian Renaissance.
Sophie, has been spending time with her grandmother in the English countryside while her younger brother, Archie, is attending a camp at Oxford University. She feels overshadowed by him and somewhat jealous of his adventure.
Nanna is a comfort to Sophie and introduces her to the magic and mystery of some nearby Roman ruins and suggests that she explores a bit on her own. Nanna seems to sense that her granddaughter’s bravery is soon to be tested. This is a good beginning to a well-structured story; Murrell, quite effortlessly, takes Sophie to Tuscia, and the readers with her. By accident, Sophie saves Isabella, the daughter of a wealthy family, but things are not so straightforward. There are shades of fairy tales with the presence of a dominant stepmother, a talking cat and Pegasus horses.
The author’s descriptions of time and place are excellent and the characters met by Sophie are drawn well. The adventure has just the right mix of intrigue and enjoyment. The theme, though, is one of bravery and facing one’s fears: Sophie learns to overcome her feelings of inadequacy and not worry about what others may think of her.
I only have one rule in my classroom And I call it the human rule. It’s very simple. I will treat you like a human and I expect you to treat me like a human, too.
Aussie Stem Stars: Eddie Woo begins with harrowing details of the relentless bullying Eddie received in primary school. For some students the school yard is not a safe place and being small, suffering from allergies and one of only three Asian students in the school meant that Eddie was easy fodder for bullies. During these long and difficult school years Eddie learnt empathy. This trait would be important in years to come. For Eddie, winning a coveted place at James Ruse Agricultural High School, would be the longed for salvation to years of trauma suffered at primary school. At high school Eddie blossomed. He made friends with like interests, joined clubs and experienced learning under his terms. It was also at high school that Eddie encountered teachers who actually cared about him. It was during these very happy years that Eddie’s beloved mother was diagnosed with lung cancer. Eddie struggled to maintain his grades during Year 12 as his mother’s condition was worsening and it was during this time that Eddie made the decision to become a teacher as he wanted to pass the joy of learning onto others. He wanted his students to always feel safe, respected and cared for at school. His parents were horrified as they had planned that Eddie would be able to take on a highly paid prestigious career however they understood his decision. Eddie’s mother passed away once his exams were over and her loss had a profound effect on him and further enhanced his incredible understanding of empathy for others. Once at University Eddie was hoping to become a teacher of History and English but a chance encounter led him to pursue Mathematics. From then on his life pathway changed.
Students today will appreciate the struggles Eddie had and the story of his journey to where he is now. His name is recognisable all over the world and students from all walks of life know the brilliant Mathematics teacher Eddie Woo. This book would be a wonderful class novel to share with students. The bully and racism suffered by Eddie, his siblings and family is quite distressing but needs to be told and discussed. A perfect addition to any school or public library.
Have you ever wondered how you can write stories that capture the audience’s attention and leave them wanting more? Well, if so, this is a must-read story for you! Comedian and author of The Funny Life Of. . . stories, Campbell knows how to entertain the masses with his clever wit and knack of enticing an audience. Write You Own Funny Stories is a highly useful, purposeful and entertaining book that parents, and teachers will be spruiking, and will have kids aspiring to be an author. Either way, both audiences won’t be able to put it down due to its highly engaging and entertaining illustrations and writing journey.
Throughout the book, Campbell demystifies the art of funny writing. Jam packed full of awesome tips and tricks to help you create your own great humorous piece, you won’t be able to get your pen out quick enough! Introducing characters like the Inspirational Elf and tackling the theme of boredom, Campbell demands that you “show him the funny!” This book includes multiple sections where you become the writer and by the end of the book there is a whole section for your inspirations to flow freely. Each part provokes your thinking as he encourages you to join him in creating something funny, while giving you an abundance of ideas to inspire you. When reading this book, picking up a pen and finding your inner funniness seems easy. Rob Jones’ illustrations emulates and captures Campbell’s ideas, as he challenges you to be a writer. Budding writers and those struggling for ideas, will easily make connections with Campbell and Jones’ suggestions, while seeing their ideas come to fruition. As a reader, you will feel easily inspired to pick up a writing instrument and create your own witty wonders.
This is a very clever novel, that will have both children and adults reading and creating in no time. A MUST have for all those who want to find and release their inner creative, intellect and wit!
Iris Hollow and her two older sisters are unquestionably strange. Ever since they disappeared on a suburban street in Scotland as children only to return a month later with no memory of what happened to them, eerie occurrences seem to follow them. And they’re changing. First, their dark hair turned white. Then, their blue eyes slowly turned black. They have insatiable appetites yet never gain weight. People find them disturbingly intoxicating, unbearably beautiful and inexplicably dangerous.
But now, ten years later, seventeen-year-old Iris Hollow is doing all she can to fit in and graduate high school – something her two famously world-travelling older sisters, Grey and Vivi, never managed to do. But when Grey goes missing without a trace, leaving behind bizarre clues, Iris and Vivi are left to piece it together. They aren’t the only ones looking for her though. As they brush against the supernatural they realise that the story they’ve been told about their past is unravelling and the world that returned them seemingly unharmed ten years ago, might just be calling them home.
I absolutely inhaled this book. It was dark, eerie and at times made my skin crawl. Krystal's writing had me captivated from the very first page. Her description of the scenery was so on point I could almost see/smell/feel what she was writing about. The mystery of the three sisters was completely unpredictable and I had to stop myself from skim reading to find out exactly what happened to them as children!
I was creeped out, I was sad, I was tense and I was thrilled reading this book. Highly recommended to anyone who would love a good fairy-talesque, creepy, eery and dark novel that will have you avoiding abandoned doorways for all of eternity.
TW: blood, gore, violence, murder, attempted murder, death, death of a loved one, self-harm, suicide, body horror, attempted sexual assault.
Themes Death, Family Relations, Guilt, Horror, Identity, Memory, Supernatural.
Lockdown and the effect it had on everyone is the theme of this beautifully illustrated first-person narrative, written and illustrated by LeUyen Pham. Using a small black cat to guide us on every page, the book depicts the global impact of the Corona virus pandemic (without ever mentioning the disease) in 2020.The story and detailed, colourful illustrations capture the variety of things people did in their homes during the lockdowns. It shows what happened inside – baking, working from home, watching TV, using screens to talk to loved ones and doing our schoolwork, making things and exercising indoors.
The world outside is also included showing that nature continued as usual but the only people who went outside were the workers who kept hospitals and other vital services operating. The sentiments throughout this book are touching, hopeful and uplifting. They explain that although we are all different on the outside, we are the same on the inside and that we went into lockdown because it was the "right thing to do". I think the author has encapsulated our experiences of this pandemic brilliantly and the book would be a great addition to every school library.
