Reviews

Wolf Girl 4: The Traitor by Ahn Do

The Traitor is the fourth thrilling book in the Anh Do series about Gwen, her newest companion Rupert, a pack of dogs and an eagle who are searching for lost humans in this dystopian setting. The dogs are searching for their owners and the two children are on the trail of their parents. In this story the pack are attempting to follow the scent of Gwen's mother's scarf and heading into unknown territory. When the wolf Sunrise splits mysteriously from the pack after sniffing the scarf, Gwen is both devastated and disappointed as she strongly felt the pack was bound by trust. The pack then makes a decision to track Sunrise. It is up to Nosey to follow her trail and they are lead into a dangerous reptile park where gigantic lizards, Komodo Dragons, anacondas, rattlesnakes and iguanas do their best to trap the intruders. After a challenging battle and difficult escape the pack are led by Sunrise's scent to a heavily guarded mansion with satellite towers and guards, both human and animal. It is there they find Sunrise who has reunited with her family. Will Sunrise choose her family over her new pack? Will Gwen, Rupert and the pack escape from the dreaded Captain Stone? Will Gwen and Rupert find a new lead to tracking down their parents? Two of these questions will be answered but one will be revealed in further books.

The pack has a difficult journey ahead but Anh Do keeps the young reader on the knife-edge wanting to know more and see a resolution for all who are searching.

Lachlan Creagh's illustrations continue to support the text making this series an excellent read for those reluctant readers who enjoy visuals images to maintain their interest.

Kathryn Beilby

Port Adelaide to Shanghai by Andrew Hunter

This book is not simply for the Port Adelaide Football Club true believers, it is not just for AFL supporters. This story is an example of how determination and hard work can strengthen ties, both cultural and commercial, between two very different societies. It demonstrates that ties formed through non-political associations can create bonds that can outlast the current political machinations.

For anyone who has visited China they will be aware that one old cliche is true "We have a lot more that connects us than divides us". This was apparent to the players led by their captain Tom Jonas, through to the CEO and Chairman. Port Adelaide Football Club has a fantastic history of inclusion and that has held them in good stead through this experience.

Andrew Hunter holds a Master of Philosophy (Asian Studies) and is an athlete in his own right. He was hired by the Port Adelaide Football Club to advance its engagement with China. This engagement was an ambitious strategy for an AFL club struggling both on and off the field.

The author details the challenges involved where such different business, social and political cultures exist. However what comes through is just how many people from both societies had only the best of intentions for this project.

Robert McNair     

Old enough to save the planet by Loll Kirby. Illus. by Adelina Lirius

Old Enough to Save the Planet champions children and teenagers who are involved in climate change projects. What an uplifting and engaging book which shows that even simple activities such as turning school food waste into compost for the city makes a big difference. Twelve children from across the world have been chosen as ambassadors.

Felix from Germany began Plant for the Planet when he was nine, encouraging local school children to plant new trees when forests are cut down. When she was twelve, Adeline from Indonesia formed Friends of Nature after flooding impacted the native mango trees and caused problems with the natural environment. Shalise from Australia began a campaign to clean up beach pollution at the age of eleven.

Each double page spread is beautifully illustrated showing the environment where each ambassador began their campaigns. The text flows throughout the colourful pages, describing how the children began their actions and notes about the impact of climate change, human pollution, gas emissions, poaching and rainforest decimation occurs. Empowering statements written in bold are the titles for each changemaker, Hengde School in China - 'we're dedicated enough to save water.'

Old Enough to Save the Planet is an excellent resource for Environmental Education, in primary and lower secondary schools. Adeline Lirius uses natural tones and brings the different environments to life. Finally, there are action plans for ways for children and teens to begin their own campaigns and make their causes heard. Real photos and links to websites would have added the impetus for further research.

Rhyllis Bignell

Yorick and Bones by Jeremy Tankard and Hermione Tankard

This is an hilarious story about a skeleton who is roused from his death when a hot dog vendor collides with a witch causing a potion she's carrying to spill from her hands and seep into Yorick's grave. He awakens, surprised to find he has slept so long that he has lost his memory until a dog digs him up. All that Yorick wants is a sausage and someone to share it with but while he finds the sausage easily enough, finding a friend is a harder task.

Subtitled The lost graphic novel by William Shakespeare, this is a graphic novel for the upper end of the readership of this blog because the text has been written in Shakespeare's language and iambic pentameter rhythm, making it one for those independent enough to cope with that. At the same time, it may well capture older readers' imagination, particularly those familiar with Shakespeare's works as there are references that have been cleverly adapted throughout. Something different to offer those who declare that they have 'read everything'.

Barbara Braxton

Treasures of the deep by Andrew McGahan

The Ship Kings is a series set in created lands where ocean-going travel, warfare and magical mysteries swirl together in complex narratives. Having read the first of the series - The Coming of the Whirlpool, I was interested to return to this latest book, Treasures of the Deep, threaded with the stories of the 'Scapegoats', the good luck or bewitched seers who travel with the sailors in McGahan's created North Sea world. These blighted souls live difficult lives as they see into the future, and their stories are compelling and awful as the mystery of Dow Amber (the original 'hero' of the Ship Kings series) continues as an undercurrent to the action. With lives lost, ships floundering in frozen wastelands or locked in the grip of a creature of the deep, there is mystery and horror aplenty for the crippled and tortured scapegoats and the sailors who sail the cruel seas and traverse time in this book.

This book could potentially stand alone, a 'lone ship' in the Ship Kings series, but it will be most enjoyed by those who have discovered the mysterious adventures of the previous books. This is more intense and more magical than the Ranger's Apprentice and Brotherband series, but it would be a wonderful next step for those who have discovered this action-adventure genre. 

The writing of this book is elegant, intelligent and mature and readers aged 15+ will be most impressed with the adventurous ride.

Themes Fantasy; Sailing; Mystery; Adventure.

Carolyn Hull

Harry Potter:The broom collection by Jody Revenson

The Broom Collection and Other Artefacts from the Wizarding World is a beautifully presented companion to The Wand Collection in which all the magical wands used by each character in the ever-popular Harry Potter movies were profiled in a visually stunning book. This next book is just as appealing and discusses enchanted broomsticks, the characters who ride them and their creators. For example, Alastor ‘Mad-Eye’ Moody’s broom was designed by concept artist Adam Brockbank who was inspired by Moody's 'gun-slinger-style' coat and wanted an Easy Rider look for the broom. It has a seat plus legs forward to look like a motorcycle. Draco Malfoy rides a jet-black Nimbus 2001 with a straight handle and a snake-like tip. The foot pedals on this broom are similar to a bicycle.

The book begins with a Contents page and leads in with a brief introduction about brooms followed by a detailed chapter about Brooms in the Wizarding World where the reader is able to learn about the process for the construction and usage of the brooms throughout the books and movies. In each chapter individual brooms are described as well as other interesting facts about all aspects of Quidditch. There are also captivating facts about brooms assisting the main charades in escaping danger and information from behind the scenes from some of the cast and crew. Towards the end of the book are the blueprints for the brooms and a detailed and cleverly presented broom index.

The Broom Collection would make a wonderful addition to the library shelves of Harry Potter fans world-wide and a welcome addition for new readers to gain a rich understanding into the world of wizardry.

Themes Harry Potter, Wizards, Quidditch, Brooms.

Kathryn Beilby

Wild Symphony by Dan Brown. Illus. by Susan Batori

Before he wrote classics like The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown wrote music. It was a secret sanctuary for him bringing peace and calm and solace. And in this wonderful, interactive book he has combined those two gifts into a remarkable story for children that offers messages of affirmation and guidance. It is a place for them to seek that same peace and calm and solace.

Led by Maestro Mouse, the reader is taken on a journey of the animal kingdom and invited to learn something from each one that helps them deal with life. At the same time by using a QR code or going to the website, and downloading the app, they can tune into the music of the creatures. Along the way, Maestro Mouse has left surprises - a hiding buzzy bee, jumbled letters that spell out clues, and even a coded message to solve - making this a book that has many layers and which begs to be explored again and again.

Watch the videos for the whole experience, here and here.

Barbara Braxton

I'm a Hero Too by Jamila Rizvi. Illus. by Peter Cheong

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes and most of them don't wear capes - that's the lesson we can learn from this pandemic that has rocked the nation, indeed the world.  In fact, in some countries people have stood outside at a certain time and applauded the local heroes, particularly the health care workers . However, while the children have joined in, many have been left bewildered about the changes in their lives. Children like Artywho doesn't understand why he can't listen in on Mum's conversations any more; or why his dad is working at home and often grumpy; or having to be atthe end of the skipping rope from Granny and not being allowed to play in the playground.   

Why are there all these changes?  Why can't the world go back to the way it was?

When his dad finally explains that that can't happen until people like Arty's mum find a way to beat the virus, Arty realises he can do things that will help to beat it too. That he is not powerless and that he can be a hero fighting this invisible, supersonic virus by doing ordinary, everyday things like washing his hands properly and often; not touching things like supermarket trolleys and his face; coughing into his elbow and putting his tissues in the bin; and helping at home by getting dressed when he is told and waiting for his dad to finish his video calls before interrupting. He can even  draw beautiful pictures and post them to Granny.  And one day, if he and everyone else is a hero, things will change back to the way they were.

Our kids are remarkably resilient and if they understand why they have to do certain things they will adapt and adopt quickly, but sometime we adults forget the explanation.  This is a remarkable book that takes the time to talk to the children and show them how they too, can be heroes just by doing what they have been asked.  That while restrictions may be tiresome and boring, every little bit helps and together, we can defeat this insidious enemy. 

Share the story, and make a wall display in a cape-shape that details the things that our kids can do to be heroes and then let them look for their friends being heroes so they can add their name to the display.  Reinforce the everyday hero concept so they feel empowered and powerful. That's the way to win.

Barbara Braxton

Love, Creekwood by Becky Albertalli

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, The Upside of Unrequited and Leah on the Offbeat took the YA world of fiction by storm with the focus on LGBT+ characters. This novella is definitely a must for fans of the Simonverse books and a satisfying conclusion to that series. A light enjoyable read for those who are unfamiliar with the other books although it could take a while to get the characters sorted as this short book is told entirely by emails. A bit like hacking a bunch of friends' accounts, we get a personal look at the relationships between the characters as they navigate the world after high school.

A more contemporary take on the concept of the epistolary book, this should resonate more strongly with the target audience (although this format is possibly already left behind by the preference for texts and social media). Using such a personal medium, there is an intimacy and immediacy with this book which enables the reader to follow the innermost thoughts and feelings of the characters. The physical side of the romances are discussed although there is nothing particularly in-depth or graphic, as we follow the friends' transition to college and adulthood, and the obstacles that this time of lives and distances involved place on their relationships. This novella may contrast well with other more established epistolary books.

Themes LGBT+, Transitions, Relationships.

Gaye Howe

Havoc! The untold magic of Cora Bell by Rebecca McRitchie

This book is aptly titled. Characters exist and events happen in a somewhat chaotic enchanted world.

There is a cast of multiple enchanted, magical beings in this story. Not only are they numerous but they all have different names, magical powers and allegiances which are a challenge for the reader to sort out as the story proceeds at a cracking pace. The central character, Cora Bell, is simultaneously escaping from an unspecified past and proceeding on an indeterminate quest. As the story progresses it all becomes clearer but it certainly requires a highly determined and able reader to hold the multiple threads together.

Cora is a determined girl, who has suffered much sadness and loss at the hands of evil magic. She is adaptable and full of grit as she meets each new peril on her quest to find her home and the people who are like her. Cora has two fairy friends (Tick and Tock) who stay loyal throughout the quest. She has to discover her true identity as a Syphon and all that that entails. She has to understand her own and her adopted powers and how to control them. She has to race against time to avoid a possible future as a Havoc as she is progressively overcome by an evil magical spell that has been cast within herself.  Together, they confront all manner of evil characters: vampires, demons, shapeshifters, warlocks, necromancers, witches, and hobgoblins- a whole gamut of fantastical creatures.

The narration is lively, dialogue is snappy and the plot is action packed. This is a very busy fantasy. It's hectic and demanding on the reader. Although threads begin to clarify at the end, for full satisfaction one has to read the sequel.

This book is for accomplished lovers of fantasy, who are capable readers able to follow multiple plot twists and characters.

Wendy Jeffrey

The wizards of once: Never and forever by Cressida Cowell

Never and Forever is the final book in the Wizards of Once quartet but it can stand on its own and be read as a fully contained story. In fact, this story, complete in and of itself, could be a great introduction to the wonder of fantasy literature to the uninitiated.

The narration is warm, chatty, instructive, funny, exciting, and observant and it is only at the end that the narrator is revealed. You must not turn to the end because "anyone who has skipped to this epilogue before reading the rest of this story is a big cheat and should go right back to chapter one or I will get really quite shirty"(Page 374). All the way through, the reader is accompanied by this energetic narrator.

The journey that is embarked upon by our protagonists Xar and Wish in The Wizard of Once series, is full of adventure and magic. There are whimsical characters such as enchanted spoons, forks, keys and pins. There are magical creatures such as trolls, sprites, giants and “piskies”.  There are wizards, witches and warriors: good and evil.  The story draws from the past- King Arthur, Camelot, Macbeth and Lancelot and is like a crucible of celebration of all great stories. Like all great stories it encompasses love, forgiveness, desire, tenderness, courage and endurance.  Fundamentally the message is that it is a terrible thing to deny love. The consequences can ripple through the generations and lead to annihilation. The quest within the series is to retrieve the spell to undo love denied. What a powerful and enduring message!

The Wizards of Once series has been translated into 38 languages and has been signed by DreamWorks animation.   Cressida Cowell is currently the Waterstones Children’s Laureate (2019-2021). She is the author and illustrator of the best-selling How to Train Your Dragon books series and author of the Emily Brown picture books.

Highly recommended for Year 5 through Middle Years’ lovers of fantasy and  for those who haven’t yet enjoyed the fantasy genre.

Wendy Jeffrey

Elvis Eager and the golden egg by Emily Rodda

Elvis Eager and the Golden Egg will appeal to young readers with its range of animal, human and fantastic characters engaged in this third adventure in the Monty’s Island series by Emily Rodda. There has been a storm on the idyllic island and a washed-up golden egg hatches an unusual creature called Ickle which eats gold. Bunchy uses her somewhat unreliable magic to turn things into gold for Ickle to eat. Monty is convinced by Elvis Eager, the new arrival, that they need to get Ickle away from the Oragoths. So, the bunch of friends set off on a mission to protect Ickle.  However, Elvis has greedy motives, and these are revealed.

The story, told simply and in present tense, has a pirate flavour. Especially since Clink is a parrot with full pirate gear and also speaks pirate. He provides humour with his rude retorts and antics. An illustrated glossary of the characters at the beginning is very helpful for a first-time reader of the series. The black and white illustrations by Lucinda Gifford really enhance understanding of the story for younger readers.The theme of everyone working together to achieve a good outcome comes through clearly. There is also a theme about the importance of conserving nature and not judging without more information. Yet it has a light optimistic tone ideal for children. It is designed to be read by young independent readers with its short chapters but will also be a fun read-a-loud.

Themes Cooperation, Nature conservation.

Jo Marshall

Tashi: The Book of Giant Adventures by Anna Fienberg and Barbara Fienberg Illus. by Kim Gamble

First published in 1995, Tashi continues to be a much-loved character. In Tashi The Book of Giant Adventures Anna and Barbara Fienberg present eight of Tashi's bold adventures. These include some favourites, beginning with the storyteller Jack's introduction of this little character. Tashi is brave, curious, cunning and daring fighting evil giants, ghosts, witches and warlords.

Tashi's cleverness tricks the last dragon into staring at his reflection and tumbling into the river below. There is always another enemy to defeat: Chintu the mountain sized giant and his wife are challenged to cook the best dumplings instead of cooking Tashi, again his life is saved. Another tale tells the story of two demons who try to steal the town's bus and kidnap the driver's son. Yes, Tashi stays calm and thinks creatively to thwart these enemies.

Kim Gamble's sketches complement Tashi's daring tales, he brings the characters and landscape to life. Fantastic stories for a class novel and great for families to share.

Rhyllis Bignell

How to make a bird by Meg McKinlay. Illus. by Matt Ottley

How to Make a Bird is an exquisitely unique book that captures both the heart and the imagination. A dreamy narrative masquerading as a procedural text makes for a thought-provoking read aloud for children of all ages. The illustrations have an otherworldly Shaun Tan feel that will delight many of his fans. The language is poetic and graceful: 'Now give your bird, inside its brittle bones, a heart that beats faster than any human heart'.

A girl sits in a dark room staring out of a closed window and then begins to assemble a bird: first the bones, then the feathers to make it soar and the heart 'to carry it across oceans and continents'. Next are the 'keen eyes for hunting' and the 'strong claws for gripping'. But there is more to a bird than these mechanical parts, and the inventor's magic then breathes life into this still, silent shape of a bird. 'Set your bird upon the sill and watch while it stretches its wings and looks around with its clear, sharp ears'. The maker only really knows she has succeeded when she sets her creation free, watching it soar off into the vast cloudy horizon beyond. This is a beautiful book that speaks of art and imagination and encourages all children to delight in the magic of independent tinkering and creating. Teacher's notes are available. 

Nicole Nelson

Again again by E. Lockhart

Mickey Double L, Jack and Oscar, are all potential love interests entering Adelaide's life through alternate scenarios as she spends her summer catching up on her academic requirements at Alabaster College. Whilst she is supposed to be designing a model stage set for a play she is studying, she is more interested in her part-time job - walking the dogs of her various college professors. The lives of B-Cake, Ella Bella, Rabbit and the The Great God Pan are both a salve and a source of drama.

We become absorbed in many possible dates with Jack and finally Oscar, after learning that her long-term boyfriend Mickey Double-L had split up with Adelaide, not believing their relationship could sustain a summer apart.
The reader assumes the bold font passages are the fantasies, but the edges blur towards the end of the book and we doubt choosing her trysts with Jack as reality when she suddenly seems to have had a history with Oscar from day one. A little confusing but the strategy creates interest and engagement.
Perhaps Adelaide is just as confused as Lockhart's readers due to the very real hot/cold long-distance relationship with her younger brother, Toby, an addict living with their mother in Baltimore for treatment; while Adelaide remains with her father Levi, at his academic post at Alabaster. This constant and parallel inner angst, which impacts upon Adelaide's work and relationships so greatly, is more suited to experienced readers.

One thing we've come to expect from Emily Lockhart, the bestselling author of We Were Liars, is experimental writing born of a doctorate in 19th Century Literature. Read more about her craft at: www.emilylockhart.com 

Themes Coming of Age, Family, Romance.

Deborah Robins