Down in the seaweed and kelp forests of Australia's southern coasts dwells a creature that looks like it has come straight from the pen of one of our children's book illustrators. With its colourful spots and bars, long snout and tail and dingly-dangly camouflage bits it revives any loss in the belief of dragons. The little weedy sea dragon (and its cousins the leafy sea dragon and the ruby seadragon from WA) are among the fascinating creatures that live in this new world of under the water and to have had the privilege of watching their graceful mating dance remains one of my most precious scuba-diving memories.
In this stunning book, not only is the reader introduced to this intriguing inhabitant of the ocean but also to the reason that these sorts of non fiction titles must remain an essential element of the school library collection. "Everything" may be "available on the Internet" but who would know to investigate weedy sea dragons if you don't know they exist? You don't know what you don't know. Alongside Bury's delicate illustrations, Anne Morgan has crafted a text as graceful as the dragons' dance and accompanied it with further information that whets the appetite and supports the development of those critical information literacy skills. As well, there are extensive teaching notes for Yr 2-6 that focus on Science, English and Media Arts,leading the reader to consider how individual characteristics help species survive and thrive. A must-have that will lead young non fiction readers into their own new world. If there are dragons in the oceans, what else might be there?
Stories about life as a member of a gang have been around for a long time – The Outsiders, even Romeo and Juliet. In some ways, this is just another one but in other ways it has its own place in the literature. Angie Thomas has set her story in the 90's, in a fictional poverty-stricken black neighbourhood in the United States, a sort of pre-quel to The Hate U Give. Drugs are rife, jobs poorly paid. Gangs and the associated violence are the narrative of the world in which the characters live. Rising above that world is almost impossible as the gangs' claims are generational and opportunities to avoid those claims are few. Maverick Carter is a young black man, still in high school, who is torn between the security of the gang life and taking the straight road. Shouldered with the sudden responsibility of a baby, he is forced to consider his future and how he is going to face things as father when the world seems to be against him.
While some of the events in this book are predictable, others take a different turn than expected. This book is about relationships, positive and negative; perceptions from differing points of view; poverty and deeply ingrained hopelessness; racism; and what it means to be an adult. Concrete Rose could be read as a complement to other books about the race divide or gang violence. It is a compelling read although at times, the vernacular does get in the way of the story.
Themes Gang violence; Poverty; Relationships; Racism.
Gaye Howe
Joe and the stars by Phil Cummings and Connah Brecon
Recalling his own childhood, moving from a carefree existence on a farm to a place where he could no longer see the myriad of stars he once cherished, Phil Cummings engages the younger reader who may feel at odds with a new environment, at a loss when change is underway, underwhelmed when things look different.
For Joe, the move to the city is not a happy one. He now lives in an apartment without the endless blue sky of his early years, or the red of the endless horizon, the shelter of the huge tree next to his house and the vast night sky under which he sat with his Dad.
His new home is vastly different: a small apartment with a shoe box sized window looking onto a paved courtyard and one small tree in its centre, a city filled with noise and so much light at night that he can not see the stars.
Phil Cummings gets to the heart of his hero: recalling his own youth at a time of immense change, when things had an uncertain edge and he had to look inside himself for comfort. In this story Joe builds his own night sky, fashioning stars to hang from the bare branches of the neglected tree, waiting for the lights of the city at night to bring them to life. Doing this attracts the attention of other children and where once he was alone and unhappy, he is now accepting and befriended.
A text full of contrasts: life on the farm compared with life in the city, Grandpa's tree and the courtyard tree, its once bare branches now sporting a tiny green leaf, the farm house and the apartment, the night skies, all underline the change Joe is having to absorb. The text underscores words which add movement and sound; the 'toot, screech and beep' of the city, and 'ting tong' of the wind chime in the tree. Readers will love emphasising those words as they appear in the text, a wonderful moment for movement, noise and dance.
The luminous illustrations are full of intriguing contrasts; the endpapers are similar but different and children will love noting those differences which reflect how Joe's life has changed. The colourful double page sweep of the farm and the night sky on the title page is paralleled through the story reprising Joe's relationship with the stars while the double page spread in the city is totally different, mirroring the change in circumstances. The tiny window he now uses to view the night sky is an unsettling contrast with what he once had and children will look at that image with sympathy. But eagle eyes will be heartened when they notice shadows of his former home in the new night sky and its one small star.
And a YouTube link takes you to a song penned and sung by Phil about his childhood on the farm giving a context and companion to the book. I can hear voices singing along with the chorus and imagine lots of foot tapping while children marvel at the images the clip shows of rural Australia. A wonderful adjunct to a story of resilience and change.
Themes Resilience, Change, Stars, Night sky, Rural life, City life, Family.
Fran Knight
Plantastic! A to Z of Australian Plants by Catherine Clowes
While books about Australia's unique fauna abound for readers of all levels, there are fewer that focus on our unique flora and even less for younger readers who are just developing an interest in the plants the populate our landscape.
In this new publication from CSIRO, 26 of our well-known and not-so plants are in the spotlight offering an introduction to things we see daily and those that are not so common yet still readily seen in local environments. Maps pf plant ecoregions enable readers to identify what they are most likely to see where they live. Each double page spread has a similar format with some detailed information using accessible language that speaks directly to the reader ensuring challenging scientific concepts are easily understood such as the exploration of plant classification (families,genera and species) through the analogy of mixed lollies; an interesting fact that goes beyond the scientific nature of the plant; and an activity that encourages the reader to discover more about what they have just read and engage with the plant. There are beautiful biologically accurate watercolour illustrations of each plant and its parts, while the whole has all the necessary elements to encourage easy navigation and information literacy skills. Comprehensive teachers' notes are available spanning a number of the Australian Curriculum areas, including a focus on the use of the plants by indigenous people.
If we are to have our students value our bushland then they must first know what there is to value (and there are pointers about how to explore it so that both explorer and environment stay safe) and so this is a must-have for any library collection and study that has the protection of our habitat at its heart.
Barbara Braxton
Lift-the-Flap Looking After Our Planet by Katie Daynes. Illus. by Ilaria Faccioli
The salvation of the planet and particularly, those things that individuals can do to work towards that, has certainly been the hot topic in publishing over the last year or so. And now Usborne have added to the mix with another one of their amazing lift-the-flap books.
This one gives a good overview of why we need to protect the planet, what has been causing it to deteriorate, specific issues that changes in human behaviour can address and an action plan that suggest small changes that make big differences. But don't be misled by the lift-the-flap format because this is more a book for independent readers who have some concepts about the environment and its sustainability. Although the facts are straightforward as they introduce the various concepts, plentiful and illustrated in an engaging ways, the reader still has to be mature enough to understand them.
In addition, the format offers a model for students to build their own resource. Encourage them to pose a question about a topic that interests them, seek and verify the answer and then present it in a lift-the-flap type format for others to discover. To assist with this and give greater insight into the various concepts, Usborne has provided its usual Quicklinks making this an essential resource on this topic.
Barbara Braxton
Earth matters by Carole Wilkinson. Illus. by Hilary Cresp
The brief introduction to Earth Matters talks about how over the past 50 years maximum temperatures have been creeping higher and there have been record droughts, floods and bushfires. This is a sobering thought for most adults and young people with this new release carefully explaining the history of how and why this has happened. There is an initial explanation of the difference between climate and weather which leads onto Earth's atmosphere and to global warming and greenhouse gases. Fossil fuels, renewable and non-renewable energy, extreme weather and waste are clearly discussed in an easy-to-understand and follow manner. The book cleverly offers a plan to enable students to see how they can help change the destructive path Earth is heading down as well as giving very do-able options for making better choices in the future.
This is beautifully presented book with a striking cover and end papers. The simple pastel illustrations used throughout book complement the text perfectly and give the reader images to focus on. There is a Contents page as well as a detailed Glossary and Index. This book is a very interesting and informative read and would be a welcome addition to any school or public library.
Themes Climate Change, Planet Earth, Choices.
Kathryn Beilby
Zoom ocean adventure by Susan Hayes. Illus. by Sam Rennocks
What on Earth Books, 2020. ISBN: 9781999967994. (Age:1-5) Recommended.
Like Zoom Space adventure, the reader is taken off into an exciting world, this time the ocean, where brightly coloured marine life will be enthralling for a young reader. Noah is a young boy who dons his wetsuit, fins and snorkel and dives down deep to see some amazing creatures, like an octopus, butterfly fish and of course a Great White shark. Each page has a myriad of sea creatures to look at and some are labelled which will be a boon for beginning readers as well as an adult who may be reading this aloud. The cut-out on the page will give a glimpse of what will be on the next double page spread and children will enjoy guessing what it might be.
The illustrations are very cute and there will be 'oohs' and 'ahhs' as a page is turned and the razor sharp teeth of the hungry shark emerges. Noah escapes to his submarine and the reader is taken down into the dark water to find out what lives down there. Lots of creatures like the vampire squid and comb jelly are highlighted against a black background and then the reader spots a pirate ship and finally is taken into Antarctic waters. A pop -up of a humpback whale’s water spout shows Noah getting a ride home.
Readers will learn lots about the ocean while having fun with the idea of using your imagination to go on adventures. The strength of the board book ensures that it will last the use of little fingers and is likely to become favourite.
Ten lively lorikeets by Grace Nolan. Illus. by Nancy Bevington
Big Sky Publishing, 2021. ISBN: 9781922265630. (Age:4+) Recommended.
10 Lively Lorikeets is another book in a delightful series of rhyming picture books showcasing early mathematical concepts for younger readers. In this book the young reader is introduced to basic subtraction. Each double page shows beautifully illustrated lorikeets flying away to join other Australian birds. The birds included in the book are magpies, cockatoos, rosellas, kookaburras, galahs, emu chicks, wattlebirds, fairy wrens and lyrebirds.
The clever rhyming text is both simple and appealing e.g. Ten lively lorikeets chatting in a line. One chased a kookaburra then there were . . .
On each page is an easy subtraction equation presented in a horizontal format. At the end of the book are fun learning activities including counting backwards from ten to zero, an explanation of minus and take away plus some subtraction sums for the reader to try on their own.
For teachers or parents this will be a lovely book to share with young children who are just beginning their mathematical journey. The other titles in the series are 10 Naughty Numbats and 10 Bush Babies.
Themes Mathematics, Counting, Simple Subtraction, Australian Birds, Rhyme.
Kathryn Beilby
The vanishing at the very small castle by Jackie French
The Vanishing at the Very Small Castle is the second historical read in the Butter O'Bryan Mysteries.
Butter O’Bryan lives with his father and his very eccentric and entertaining Aunts: Peculiar, Cake and Elephant. Also living at the Very Small Castle are Gil, Olive and Tish, children who have lost their parents and whom Butter befriended in the first story, The Ghost of Howlers Beach. The setting of this story is once again the secluded Howlers Beach and the very impressive castle where the main characters live. For most of this story Butter's father and Gil are absent seeking treatment for Gil's polio. The remaining children are under the care of the Aunts and become involved in movie making and mystery. A disappearing leading lady, a giant of a man known as the Monster, circus acts, deception, numerous shared meals and a wartime romance all provide an entertaining and exciting read. The disappearance of Delilah Devine and the pointing of a finger of suspicion at the Monster leaves Butter, the Aunts and the Police all questioning the reality of what is really going on. Young Tish is unwavering in her support of the Monster and in the end Butter will solve the disappearance and truth will prevail.
In the Author Notes Jackie French has provided detailed information about historical aspects of the time as well as well-known and famous Australian recipes such as the pavlova and Victorian Sponge. This book would be an excellent read aloud for classes studying early Australian history.
Themes Australia, Great Depression, Film making, Adventure, Mystery, Families, Friendships, History.
Kathryn Beilby
The Wizard of Oz by Russell Hunter and L. Frank Baum. Illus. by Simona Bursi
Usborne, 2020. ISBN: 9781474968850. (Age:7+)
The classic story of Dorothy, the Tinman, the Scarecrow the Cowardly Lion, the Munchkins and the Wicked Witch of the West has been beautifully reinterpreted in this colourful graphic novel, perfect for younger readers who have not yet made the journey from Kansas to the Emerald City and just in time to be a focus for the 2021 Book Week theme of Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds.
Declared by the US Library of Congress as "America's greatest and best-loved homegrown fairytale", this is a story that all children should be familiar with given the references from it that appear in life today, and so to have it in graphic novel format which makes it accessible to newly independent readers and a whole new generation of children is a bonus. The full plot of the story is summarised here, and it could be wise to have the unabridged classic version available for those who are enticed to read that as well.
For lovers of Greek mythology and romance, this story has it all. It takes you into the woman's perspective of the time of Gods and heroes and is a feminist retelling of the ancient story of Ariadne, Theseus and the Minotaur. Ariadne is the Princess of Crete, and the Minotaur is her brother, half man half bull, the cruel result of a curse on their mother Pasiphae, punished by the gods for the greed and deceit of her husband King Minos. And that, as Ariadne is well aware, is the way of things - women continually pay the price for the faults and crimes of men.
Minos makes use of the Minotaur to instil terror throughout the lands, demanding sacrifice of seven Athenian youths and seven maidens each year to feed the monster. When Theseus arrives among the sacrificial group, Ariadne is so attracted to him, she resolves to help him slay the monster, her brother, and escape the puzzle of the labyrinth.
But the happy ending eludes Ariadne, for Theseus is as flawed as other men, and even the charming god Dionysus who comes to her aid seems to be not entirely trustworthy. Whilst humans are treated as playthings by the gods, and subject to their whims, women have it worse, powerless against both men and gods. But Ariadne is determined to assert her own power.
Whilst this story can be read and thoroughly enjoyed as an immersive fantasy, it also has relevance to current issues of the imbalance of power between men and women, and would make a good discussion starter about male female relationships and modern day politics.
Themes Greek mythology, Women, Power, Deception.
Helen Eddy
Dandy & Dazza by Mike Dumbleton. Illus. by Brett Curzon
New Frontier, 2021. ISBN: 9781913639150. (Age:3+) Highly recommended.
The names of the two dogs say it all: Dandy is a dandy, has only the best food, wears clothes to the park, wins trophies and is often found sleeping on the lounge, while Dazza is a mess of a dog: loud and boisterous, naughty, dirty and inquisitive. The two dogs could not be more different. The opening pages reflect these differences. On one side of the page is Dandy: refined, only eating the best food, obedient and well trained and coming to the park for a wait and see, meeting Dazza: a rough and tumble sort of dog, dashing about, going onto the places that say ‘keep off’, with a host of flies buzzing around his head.
Dumbleton inspires with his choice of words describing the two animals, and I can imagine children not only rolling the words around their mouths, repeating them as they hear them, trying them out, working out what they mean, but also acting them out, being the dogs - Dazza straining at the leash, bouncing and pouncing, while more sedate Dandy sits and watches, until the two come together, having the best rough and tumble time in the park.
They squirt and sprinkle on every post and tree they find, ignoring the sign which asks that only well behaved dogs are welcome in this park, they simply go crazy.
This wonderful tale, full of vim and vigour, will be a treat to read aloud, with children joining in, imagining that they are the dogs, learning that even though they are very different, they are the best of friends.
The vibrant illustrations match the mood of the book, with an excited Dazza shaking muddy dirt all over the place, while quieter Dandy simply watches, until he becomes part of the mayhem Dazza causes. Both animals are shown in such a way that their personalities are immediately apparent. Dandy sitting up so straight, a smell under his nose, whereas Dazza is rummaging through an overload bin, having the time of his life. The detail on every page adds another level of humour, and I love the buzzing endpapers and so will the kids.
This is a wonderfully inviting treatise on difference and coming together, friendship and best of all - fun.
Themes Friendship, Difference, Dogs, Behaviour.
Fran Knight
The little pirate Queen by Sally Anne Garland
New Frontier, 2021. ISBN: 9781913639143. (Age:5+) Recommended.
Lucy is on an adventure searching for Far Away Island. She has a small, rickety raft which she patches up over and over again. The other children sailing have much better sea crafts than her and she wishes she had something better. One day a huge wave crashes over the children and Lucy is the only one who stays afloat. She rescues the others and teaches them how to mend the sails and row the raft. On their journey she fills their heads with stories of pirates and treasure. Just as they are feeling like they will never find Far Away Island, they discover wreckage from other boats so together they create a new and stronger great big pirate ship. Land is finally in site and the rescued children head ashore for their own adventures leaving Lucy sailing the seas.
This is an enjoyable read that taps vividly into a child’s imagination. The illustrations are beautifully drawn and perfectly complement the text.
The daring princess by Susanna Davidson. Illus. by Alessandra Santelli
Usborne Publishing, 2021. ISBN: 9781474969796.
his is a re-telling of the Grimm fairytale, 'The Iron Stove', in which a princess frees a prince from an iron stove, after he was trapped there by a wicked witch. But no sooner has she freed him, than the witch appears and snatches the prince away. Now the princess must climb a glass mountain, cross a lake and a field of swirling spikes to save him.
When the collectors of traditional tales started writing them to preserve them, they focused on those which reflected the ideas and ideals of the time, so we have stories like Snow White and Sleeping Beauty in which the princesses were patient and polite, and there was a strong message that encouraged children to do the right thing or else. Those stories featuring feisty, girls able to fight their own battles were ignored, but as times change new collectors are searching for and recovering other stories. Many of these have been included in Forgotten Fairy Tales of Brave and Brilliant Girls and now Usborne is releasing a new series of single stories especially written for the newly independent reader. Featuring short chapters, larger font and plenty of illustrations, they are ideal for supporting a fairytale focus enabling young readers to be able to access something different that supports their needs.
The sequel to The sky so heavy, this time featuring Lucy as the main protagonist, was very difficult to put down. Lucy, Fin and Max are trying to recover from the devastating events of the nuclear winter in Sydney, as they drive toward Wattlewood, the sanctuary that their teacher had told them about. When they arrive, they find that it is like a compound, heavily guarded, and each person must prove their worth in order to stay. Lucy has doubts about how it is organised, and she is unsure that they are safe there.
Told in the first person by Lucy, the reader is drawn deep into her fears about life at Wattlewood, where one of the leaders, Jaxon, is controlling and into power. He does not appreciate a young woman like Lucy who speaks her mind, and Lucy is not happy with the stereotyped role that she is given, in the laundry and in the kitchen. However, Fin fits in as a guard and Jaxon manages to pull Max out of the depression that he had slipped into after the trauma of their stay in Sydney. Lucy also delves back into her past and her relationship with her sister, Bit, and the reader will empathise with the reason that Bit had anorexia and why Lucy is wary of men and of forming the relationship that Fin craves.
Although there is action and suspense as Lucy learns to hunt and the compound is shut down because of threats from the outside, themes of power, feminism and compassion are the dominant threads of this story. Zorn keeps the reader enthralled as Lucy weaves her way through the pitfalls of maintaining her own self confidence under a concerted effort by Jaxon to belittle her as he does Esther. Readers will be able to identify the means that violent men use to dominate women and will identify with Lucy as her sense of justice and compassion and her belief that outsiders should be helped, wars with the powerful Jaxon.
Although this is sequel, it can be read as a standalone and readers will want to pick up The sky so heavy if they have not read it. It would make a topical class novel or literature circle text. Teacher's notes are available, and you can listen to Claire Zorn talk about the book here.
