Fuelled with determination and a passion for science, a bright young girl named Fei Fei builds a rocket ship to the moon to prove the existence of a legendary Moon Goddess. There she ends up on the adventure of a lifetime and discovers a whimsical land of fantastical creatures.
Based on the Netflix original animated film, this illustrated novel retells the story of Over the Moon and includes original concept art!
Directed by animation legend Glen Keane, and produced by Gennie Rim and Peilin Chou, Over the Moon is an exhilarating musical adventure about moving forward, embracing the unexpected, and the power of imagination.
Although I am unfamiliar with the screen version of this story, this novelisation offers an engaging tale of a modern young miss who likes both sides of the story - the one her mother used to tell her of the fantasy and the scientific explanation of the same phenomenon given by her father. Does the moon change its shape because the Space Dog bites chunks from it until the Moon Goddess Chang-e makes him spit it out, or is there another explanation? There is a delicate balance that keeps the reader entertained as Fei Fei fulfils her quest, at the same time as offering the reader another, deeper layer to accompany the screen version.
Just as very young readers like to connect with the print versions of their favourite screen characters, so too those who are older and independent. The subtle nuances of the written word add substance to what might be lost in the whizbangery of the animation.
This will be a great addition to those who have a focus on screen-print matches this year while offering a quality read to take our girls to new worlds. It also opens up the world of traditional tales that have carried the stories of generations over generations.
Barbara Braxton
Zoom : Space adventure by Susan Hayes. Illus. by Susanna Rumiz
What on Earth Books, 2020. ISBN: 9781999967987. (Age:1-4) Recommended.
Ava is all set to go off on an adventure into space. The young reader or listener will be intrigued with the cut-out of the rocket ship that launches with both her and her little white cat aboard. The climb of the many stairs that show the preparations that take place before lift-off will grab attention. What will happen next?
Ava is an engaging character and children will love the little cat that also peers out the window of the rocket ship. The colourful illustrations give much information about space travel, the objects found in space and the activities that take place there. Not only is information given about a rocket launch, but Ava docks at the International Space Station to drop off supplies, repairs a solar panel during a spacewalk and collects samples on the Moon. Then off to the Solar System to see the Sun and eight planets that travel around it, as well as the Curiosity Rover on Mars and an asteroid belt. Finally, in a wonderful last pop-up, there is a supernova exploding.
This a very informative board book, the fairly sparse text giving a very good overview of space exploration and the solar system for young readers. It also is very sturdy and will withstand much handling. The cut-outs will provide fun for small fingers and children are sure to love finding that cute little cat on every double page spread.
Themes Space flight, Rockets, Space stations, Moon, Solar system, Mars, Imagination.
A wonderful joining in story will appeal to young readers as the story is read aloud to them. They will not be able to contain themselves, calling out Vernon's name at the appropriate places, and whooshing with the words denoting the movement of the penguin as he strives to achieves his greatest ambition: to fly. From the cover where Vernon sits with a kite, a crash helmet firmly placed on his head, the smiling will start, then turning the cover and seeing the endpapers filled with images of Vernon in various poses, kids will laugh out loud as Vernon aspires to achieve the seemingly impossible.
Since he was born he has always wanted to fly. At night he dreams of twirling and swirling and one day he makes a decision. He makes some wings but they do not work, he attaches himself to a bunch of balloons, has himself shot from a cannon, uses a seesaw, a slingshot, a hot air balloon, but all to no avail. Mother tells him to go and see the wise old penguin on the ridge. He tells her his problem and she offers a solution, one that shows him that although he cannot fly, he can do other things.
A very funny tale about accepting who you are will bring tears of laughter to the readers' faces, as they strive with Vernon to achieve his impossible dream, only to find that there are lots of things he can do that involve the same sorts of skills. He can swirl and twirl, swish and curl just as well sliding along the ridge flying into the air and landing in the water. And he can do it very well, receiving lots of applause and accolades from the onlookers.
A delightful tale of being yourself, of striving for something out of your reach but accepting your limitations. I love the images of the little penguin, looking upwards, seeking to fulfil his dream. A few changes with a pencil and he is sad, another, optimistic, but always engaging and funny.
Themes Dreams, Goals, Achievement, Penguins.
Fran Knight
Jungledrop by Abi Elphinstone
Unmapped Chronicles. Simon & Schuster, 2021. ISBN: 9781460753903. (Age:9-13)
Eleven year old twins Fox and Fibber are very unlikeable children. In fact they have been trained to be that way by their very unlikeable parents, who have always pitted one twin against the other. Their scheming, crooked parents (with the very apt name of Petty-Squabble) have set the direction for their future . . . until they embark on a journey to Jungledrop, the fantastical other world of the Unmapped Kingdom, a place where the earth's weather is controlled.
Unfortunately the evil Morg has taken control of large parts of Jungledrop and is spreading havoc while searching for the Forever-Fern. It is Fox and Fibber's quest to retrieve the Forever Fern, rescue Jungledrop and return the rains to their own world. A difficult feat when they have been trained not to trust each other.
There is some wonderful imagery and characters in this story. I particularly enjoyed the majestic golden panthers and Heckle the parrot, who verbally relays your thoughts out loud for all to hear.
The twins, in particular Fox, grow and develop in the story and learn about themselves, their sibling and the destructive negative influence of their parents. Relationships is a strong theme in the novel and the need for environmental protection is strongly implied. Greed should not win over the needs of the planet.
This book continues the Unmapped Chronicles series, preceded by Everdark and Rumblestar. I had not read the previous novels so I came to this book without any background information which might explain why it took me some time to get into the plot.
There is to be another book is the Unmapped Chronicles series coming out this year.
This novel will be enjoyed by fantasy genre lovers and would be suitable for ages 9-13 years.
Jane Moore
100 Things to Know about Saving the Planet
Usborne, 2020. ISBN: 9781474981835.
There has been a plethora of books about how individuals can save this planet recently and so adding another to the mix seems almost superfluous.
However, this one is for slightly older readers who have a broader perspective than just the regular reducing, reusing, recycling of household goods and changing personal practices. Its cover is intriguing with statements such as "recycled jeans can keep horses warm' and "eating beef saves water" so the reader is enticed to look inside to discover more.
And inside are even more intriguing tidbits set out in a colourful appealing way that make a provocative statement followed by an easily accessible explanation. How could plastic-eating bacteria help reduce waste? Can a river be given human rights? Could we generate all the power we need from the sun and the wind? How do woolly sweaters help penguins in peril? Would building a giant sunshade in space stop the world from overheating?
The environment and its sustainability permeate our lives in a way that makes even the youngest reader aware of the consequences of their actions so books like these that open up new ideas such as joining a jeans library so fewer pairs have to be made or knowing that making one hamburger actually uses more water than a person drinks in three years are an integral part of our understanding and actions. While each article offers its explanation, there is scope for an interested student to engage in a deeper investigation to explore, expand and explain the particular phenomenon.
As well as all the usual supports for locating, selecting and using the information, there are also the popular Quicklinks that take the reader beyond the text to new knowledge.
Barbara Braxton
Penguin Bloom : The odd little bird who saved a family by Cameron Bloom and Bradley Trevor Greive
An uplifting and poignant book, Penguin Bloom: The odd little bird who saved a family, speaks powerfully from the lived experience of a horrifying accident and the long road to acceptance of the consequences of that accident. It is written by Cameron Bloom and Bradley Trevor Greive. The beautiful photography throughout is by Cameron Bloom. Harper Collins have published this book in hardback format. The cover and internal design and photography are beautiful.
Penguin Bloom is written in the first person voice of Cameron Bloom. He narrates the story of his life with his wife Sam and his three boys Rueben, Noah and Oliver. The story begins with when he first fell in love with Sam and it traces their family before and after the accident which changed all of their lives irrevocably and profoundly. It is a deeply personal story, full of love and pain. Through this harrowing experience, the family learnt to rebuild their lives in a new way. Central to this rebuilding was the arrival of a wounded magpie that became a family member and saved the family from the self destructive spiral of guilt, depression and hopelessness that they had drifted into since the accident.
This true story is told with warmth. It flows well although it is emotionally not an easy read. There is a personal message from Sam herself at the end which is a no holds barred piece of advice for anyone who has suffered or had someone close to them suffer serious spinal cord injury and been paralysed. As she states,her words are ". . . brutally honest" but coming from someone who lives the experience, they are supportive and give hope and advice. A generous percentage of the book's royalties go to support the work of Spinalcare Australia.
This is a book that people all over the world will identify with. Sam's accident could happen to anyone of us. Set in Australia, as it is, the family life, the landscape and Penguin Bloom herself are very recognisable to Australian readers. This beautiful family are a tribute to the power of love, of family relationships and the importance of our relationships with animals. It is now a major motion picture starring Naomi Watts and Andrew Lincoln.
Highly recommended.
Themes Accident victims, Life changing events, Family relationships, Human-animal relationships.
Wendy Jeffrey
Mo and Crow by Jo Kasch. Illus. by Jonathan Bentley
Allen & Unwin, 2021. ISBN: 9781760631758. (Age:4+) Recommended.
Mo lived alone in his house surrounded by a high wall that kept out the rain and the wind and anything else that may happen by. But one day a tapping began. He blocked his ears, whistled, and put his hat over his ears. The tapping did not stop, and eventually a stone popped out of the wall and a crow's head appeared. Mo picked up the stone and put it back in its place. Undeterred the crow kept knocking more stones out of the wall, and just as quickly, Mo replaced them.
Mo told the crow to go, and shut his door but no matter what he said the crow stayed. He went to bed and when he woke the next morning, the crow was gone. He called out, and put the stones in his wheelbarrow and went to the wall to begin the repairs. But looking out, he saw the world. Where the wall had been was a view he had not seen before. He called the crow, and eventually it appeared, and the two settled down together.
The stunning watercolour and pencil illustrations by award winning Bentley, will captivate the readers as they read of the barriers breaking down between the two protagonists. Crow keeps trying, undermining the defences Mo puts in place, chipping at the wall he has built, getting under his guard. At first Mo repels all advances, but once used to the crow being there and seeing the world outside his walled garden, he relents, inviting the bird into his home.
A lovely tale of building bridges not walls, this story is particularly apt when readers hear of the physical walls being built in places around the world.
Did you know the oldest evidence of animals, fossilized animal tracks dating back 560 million years, was found in the Ediacara Hills in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia? Those adults and younger readers who are fascinated with palaeontology will be drawn to this new release, Fossils from Lost Worlds, as it discusses so much of what piques and maintains their interest. The book was originally published in France and the preface from the Head of Palaeontology at the National Museum of Natural History in Paris begins the journey into the book. There is a double Contents page clearly set out with images, topics covered and a list of the dinosaurs discussed. A detailed map of the geographical periods follows with illustrations, labels and highlighted text boxes showing important events that occurred over time. Each page uses a variety of visual techniques including graphics to focus on a different aspect or creature which allows the text to be segmented into readable and engaging chunks complete with detailed illustrations. The fascinating information conveyed is not onerous or complicated and will appeal to younger children and reluctant older readers. At the end of the book is an extensive but clearly presented Brief History of Palaeontology.
This book is an excellent new resource for home, school and public libraries.
In Maree Coote's endearing and well-known artistic style she has encompassed many of the City of Melbourne's famous iconic attractions. Trams, statues, stately buildings as well as familiar shops are some of the features illustrated in a fun, colourful and cleverly designed picture book. Published first in 2013, this book has been reprinted for a 2020 release. Clever speech bubbles create a sense of fun and encourage the reader to explore the very detailed and complex illustrations. One double page of particular interest is that of the State Library of Victoria where the seagulls are discussing authors and books. There is also a map of Melbourne's perfectly laid out grid of well-known streets. A dedication by the author to her mother thanks her for taking her to town. A trip to an Australian capital city was a highlight for many older readers who have memories of shopping and special treats. On the inside back cover is a number of items to count plus a comprehensive list of all the landmarks covered in the book.
This is an enjoyable book for reminiscing over trips to the City of Melbourne and would be a perfect souvenir or keepsake for residents or visitors alike.
Themes Melbourne, Australia, Tourism.
Kathryn Beilby
Hold your fire by Chloe Wilson
Simon & Schuster, 2021. ISBN: 9781760857721. (Age:Adult)
Chloe Wilson's stories explore a side of human nature that most of us don't like to consider too much - not abuse as such, more an exposure of those unpleasant narcissistic men that dominate our lives, and the women that live around them, silently suppressing their anger and hiding their inner rebellion.
Many of the stories touch on the secret moment between maintaining self-control and the tempting urge to do something forbidden, something violent, like leaving a baby in a pram in the middle of the road, or pinching its nose tight.
All sorts of bodily functions are exposed, the passing of kidney stones, faecal transplants, vomit; Wilson's pen shines a light in all the dark places, the kinds of things we like to keep hidden. It is a highly original collection of stories, from the brief imagining of the leopard in the next door apartment, to longer perusals of the kind of character it would require to be the one to push the button for the bomb.
Well crafted, each of these stories taps into a vein of curiosity and secret fascination.
To be evacuated during wartime would have been very difficult for children. Jimmy and his younger brother, Ronnie, are sent to a Welsh mining village in September 1939 and must adjust to many changes. For Jimmy, the responsibility for his brother, the unwanted change and the insecurity he feels makes for an unpleasant beginning in his new 'home'. His resentment is palpable. And his hosts Alun and Gwen seem to have a secret that has made their lives very difficult in the small Welsh town. Ronnie soon settles into his new home, but it isn't until Jimmy discovers a skeleton, finds a new friend and fends off a local bully that he too feels that being in Wales is a good place to be.
This is a beautifully written historical story essentially about the love of brothers and how love and friendship can be found even when you are not looking for it. Because of its war-time evacuation setting, this will be unfamiliar to most young Australian readers, but the story will resonate as it evokes an era of pain and suffering that even children had to endure. With an underlying pathos and an element of fear and uncertainty because of their hosts' secret struggles, the mystery of this story is intriguing. I will be actively recommending this debut novel to readers aged 10-14.
Themes World War II, Evacuation, Wales, Brothers, Secrets.
Ash Bowman is your regular, every day guy, linebacker on his high school football team. Then something changes, when the tackles and hits on the field start causing universe shifts. Ash questions himself and the world he thought he knew as the shifts bring about changes he could never have imagined.
I've never read anything written by Neal Shusterman before, and I found his writing style descriptive and realistic. Readers will be quickly emerged in the story, following Ash through each universe changing shift, learning more about his own privilege and the issues that his friends face. As a science fiction book, it's not too heavy on the sci-fi, just enough to explain the workings of the 'jumps' and the impacts experienced by Ash (and those in his life). Shusterman has written relatable and real characters, who also experience changes throughout the jumps. Ash is surrounded by a variety of characters - including ones you hate, ones you wish would be better and ones that prove they are true friends. The book looks at how the world would be now if certain historical events (revolving around activism, segregation/integration and justice) had not occurred. Shusterman takes readers all over hard hitting issues: race and racism; gender and sexism; LGBTQIA+ acceptance; privilege and consequences of actions based on said privilege (or lack thereof). While Shusterman has created a sci-fi that looks at the issues that are relevant today - society's expectations of gender, restrictions and prejudices placed on minorities, and the battle for acceptance and equality, sadly the book doesn't delve deeply enough into the issues to enact profound change for the reader - this is something the reader will need to take upon themselves.
This is a novel that will grab readers who enjoy a murder mystery with ghoulish references.
Everything about Violet Veil revolves around death and the graveyard. Her family are undertakers and Violet herself was born in the cemetery. She is fascinated by the family business, but as a girl in Victorian England, she knows that the apprenticeship will be passed onto her younger brother. Violet is constrained by the values of her time, and she rebels against them. It will be her courage and determination that eventually saves her family.
There have been some strange, unexplained deaths that have passed through the funeral parlour and perhaps the most bizarre is Oliver, the young man who seemingly rises from his coffin to wander the graveyard. He had recovered from a violent blow to the head and as he can't remember anything from his past, he stays to help work in the family business.
Violet befriends Oliver and they team up to try to solve the mysteries of the unexplained deaths, Oliver's past and the secretive veiled woman who seems to be a part of the unfolding story. The biggest blow for the family is when Violet's father is arrested for murder and jailed. This is when Violet's bravery and excellent problem solving skills come into force and with Oliver's help she sets out to find the real murderer.
Gothic imagery runs throughout this novel. The family funeral business, their graveyard home, Violet's black clothing and the grimy, frightening Victorian streets create a strong visual image. Violet has a skinny greyhound aptly named Bones and Violet herself has the skill to listen to the dead as she can hear their thoughts and sense an echo of their past lives. She is not constricted by adult views or demands and has a strong sense of right and wrong which drives her on to unravel the mysteries of her father’s imprisonment and the unsolved murders.
Sophie Cleverly is well known for her previous detective series, Scarlet and Ivy, and fans of hers will certainly enjoy this new novel. I look forward to other books in this series and I feel this story will have wide appeal amongst readers 9 years and older.
Themes Undertakers, Apprentices, Mystery and suspense.
Jane Moore
Maralinga : The struggle for return of the lands by Garry Hiskey
Most will know of Maralinga as the site of the British atomic bomb tests in the 1950's. The Anangu people who were living there were relocated south to Yalata. In 1962, Premier Sir Thomas Playford announced the intention to gazette Maralinga as an Aboriginal Reserve once it was safe for the people to return to their land.
Hiskey's book is the meticulous documentation of the long process of negotiations it took before that promise was finally fulfilled in 1984 with the passing of the Maralinga Tjarutja Act, over twenty years later. Hiskey was the lawyer engaged to act on the behalf of the Yalata community. It was a role involving many challenges, not least of which was language, not only the language of the Anangu, but the language of legalese - the difficulty of trying to explain complex legal ideas to a group with a completely different world view.
The role involved dedication, persistence, a high level of integrity, and a growing sense of respect and friendship for the Aboriginal elders he represented. At one point in his book, at one of the meetings held on the land with the bird noises overhead, he writes that it could almost be regarded as the theatre of the absurd - trying to reconcile the vastly different interests of a tribal Aboriginal group with the interests of a modern 20th century community.
There were of course all the political machinations of the different interest groups to also be navigated, as well as changing governments. It was a complex and prolonged process.
What stands out for me in this account is how much Hiskey came to appreciate the seriousness of the Anangu's responsibilities for their sacred sites. He says it made a lasting impression on him. There is a moment where he was alone on the lands, sitting on his swag and waiting to be picked up from 'jilly jilly corner', which must have been such a profoundly lonely yet significant moment that led to his commitment to secure whatever protection of culture the law could afford. Fortunately, in the end, the Maralinga lands were returned to the traditional owners. Hiskey's book is an important historical record of a momentous achievement.
Themes Maralinga, Aboriginal land rights.
Helen Eddy
A wizard's guide to defensive baking by T. Kingfisher
An Andre Norton Nebula Award Nominee for Middle Grade and Young Adult Fiction is always worth pursuing, and this unusual, whimsical story will gain many fans. Mona is a fourteen-year-old baker wizard. Her skills lie in producing excellent sourdough bread, due to her strange sourdough starter named Bob, who lives in the cellar under the bakery. She can make gingerbread men dance for the bakery's customers and has a gingerbread man who perches on her shoulder and obeys her commands. When she finds the body of a young woman on the floor, she is swept into an adventure full of danger. Can she use her magic to find the assassin who is killing off all the wizards in her city and help to save her people from an evil man who wants to take power?
Kingfisher comes up with the most original plots and this book will delight adult readers who wish to read about a character with unique abilities, while middle school readers will enjoy a heroine who doubts that her skills are adequate to the task of defending her city from a siege but is still determined to do her best. Readers will be amazed at what she comes up with – giant golems who provide a barrier to invading mercenaries, sneaky gingerbread men who harass the soldiers and their horses and sourdough missiles that burn their adversaries.
Kingfisher's characters are very engaging. Mona, although she has doubts about being a hero and wishes that the adults in charge had been braver and taken on the task, overcomes her fears and works on her talents. Her off-sider Spindle is street wise and clever, and Knackering Molly and her skeleton horse will bring a tear to the eye. And some of Mona's dough creations are stand out characters in their own right - who could go past a grumpy sourdough maker called Bob and a tiny gingerbread general who could control his group of soldiers?
Fans of Robin McKinley are sure to enjoy the smart dialogue and intelligent heroine and readers who enjoyed this could go on to read Minor Mage by T. Kingfisher.
