Reviews

The salmon of knowledge by Celina Buckley

Women artists A to Z by Melanie LaBarge

Illus. by Caroline Corrigan. Penguin Random House Australia, 2020. ISBN: 9781760896317.
(Age: 8+) Highly recommended. Women artists A to Z by Melanie LaBarge is a remarkable look at a range of women artists from all walks of life. Some of the artists featured were familiar but most were unknown - Mirka Mora, Betye Saar, Helen Frankenthaler, Yayoi Kusama, Kay Sage, Georgia O'Keeffe, Agnes Martin, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, Elizabeth Catlett, Judith Leyster, Leonora Carrington, Carmen Herrera, Edmonia Lewis, Maya Lin, Hilma af Klint, Maria Martinez, Gee's Bend quilters, Frida Kahlo, Louise Bourgeois, Lois Mailou Jones, Alice Neel, Helen Zughaib, Ursula von Rydingsvard, Dorothea Lange, Xenobia Bailey and Maria Sibylla Merian.
Each artist has a very different style and depending on the letter of the alphabet chosen relating to the artist, every double page tells a different story. For example, H is for Horse expresses the art of Jaune Quick-to-see Smith whose work challenges the treatment of Indigenous peoples in the USA. She often includes horses in the paintings hence the letter H. R is for Roots showcases Frida Kahlo and her small yet powerful images that were rooted in her Mexican identity.
On each page is a brief yet succinct explanation of the artist and their work. At the end of the book is more detailed information and questions relating to each artist. This would provide further discussion and research for teachers and students. The illustrations by Caroline Corrigan are simplistic in style and do justice to the simple text and as an introduction to a new artist for young students. However as I viewed each double page spread I strongly felt the need to research each artist to see their work as it is truly presented and was astonished by the wonderful selection of diverse cultures and mediums included in this book.
Women artists A to Z is fabulous way to introduce children to new, perhaps lesser known artists. There is a wealth of learning to be gained for both adults and children by reading and sharing the information in this book. Themes: Women artists, Diversity, Cultures, Art mediums.
Kathryn Beilby

We love you, Mr Panda by Steve Antony

Hodder, 2020. ISBN: 9781444927924.
(Age: 3) Recommended. Themes: Pandas, Love, Relationships, Friendship, Hugs, Mental health. Mr Panda is giving out free hugs and would love some in return but everyone seems to be too busy hugging someone else. Skunk says he wants a hug but he is talking to Croc. Elephant says he wants a hug but he is talking to Mouse. Mr Panda offers a hug to Sloth but he rejects the offer, saying that he can hug himself. Even a flock of sheep bypass him for the Ostrich.
Slowly he walks away, realising that no one wants his hugs, but as he nears the edge of the page voices call out, asking if he would like a hug. Now he says he would love a hug, and immediately all of his friends come along and hug him to pieces.
A charming tale of friendship, of telling people what you feel, of sharing your feelings with friends, this will encourage younger readers to articulate their thoughts, especially when they are feeling low.
Mr Panda offers himself to all of his friends, but it is only when he says the he would love a hug that they respond.
The funny illustrations parallel the text in showing a dejected Mr Panda come alive when his friends respond. Children will be sad along with Mr Panda when in the middle of the book, his face takes up the whole double page as he realises that no one wants his hugs. And then be happy with Mr Panda when the friends see how low he is and come running. Readers will love spotting the lemur and penguin who accompany Mr Panda on every page except the middle page, and laugh with Mr Panda as he hugs a variety of animals, contemplating perhaps what it would be like to hug a crocodile or an elephant or penguin.
This is the fifth in this series of books, and children will love finding these on the shelves to spot the similarities between them. Look out for Please, Mr Panda (2016), Thank you Mr Panda (2019), Goodnight, Mr Panda (2018) and I'll wait, Mr Panda (2016).
Fran Knight

Arabella and the magic pencil by Stephanie Ward and Shaney Hyde

Exisle, 2019. ISBN: 9781925820010. 32pp., hbk.
Arabella is the only child of a duke and duchess who allow her to have one wish granted every year. She has been given a pink puppy, a fair, even a fairy. But one thing she does not want is a baby brother but he comes along without her wishing. And Master Archibald Vermillion Remington XV (aka Avery) cause so much mayhem that although Arabella loves him as she should, she does not always like him. Her next wish is a magic pencil, one that can make everything she draws real. She has a lot of fun with it until the day she draws a magnificent garden party and Avery invites himself in. He ruins it for her, climbing the hill of honeycomb, skipping across the sparkles and wallowing in the whipped cream waterfall. Arabella pulls out her pencil and begins to use the other end of the pencil to rub things out. But then the illustrations change from bright summery colours, filling the pages with colour and interest, to ones that are drab and uninteresting now that her little brother has gone.
A true cautionary tale about wishes not being all they seem, children will ponder the fate of the unwished for sibling and think about their own siblings and how much they are part of their lives.
Fran Knight

Are you watching? by Vincent Ralph

Penguin, 2020. ISBN: 9780241367421. 371 pp.
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. Fans of mystery thrillers will grab this riveting book, and like me, will probably read it in one sitting. Jess is a 17 year old young woman whose mother was murdered ten years before by the Magpie Man, a serial killer. Determined to find him, she goes on a reality YouTube series in an effort to uncover more clues about his identity and see if she can lure him out of hiding. Once a week she is filmed for a whole day and she uses this to reach a huge audience.
Ralph's use of short chapters with a new twist at the end of most of them is perfect to keep the reader involved and determined to read on as Jess's use of social media brings out many followers and not a few crazies. Red herrings are scattered throughout and the reader is left wondering just who the Magpie Man is, until the exciting conclusion of the book. The police appear to be totally bamboozled by what is going on, and disinclined to listen to Jess, even when it appears she is being threatened by the Magpie Man.
Jess is an engaging character, one who does not want to be a victim. She makes mistakes, and she doesn't know who to trust, but she is very determined to find the killer. With the popularity of reality shows like Big Brother, readers will easily grasp the notion of Jess reaching millions and see the consequences of the social media event, both good and bad.
Fans of Small Spaces by Sarah Epstein, A Good Girl's Guide to Murder and One of Us Is Lying will be delighted to have another great thriller to read.
Pat Pledger

Ali Cross by James Patterson

Penguin Random House 2019. ISBN: 9781529119725. 309 pp., paperback.
(Age: young teens - young adults) Recommended. Ali Cross knows that when his friend Gabe Qualls goes missing that he must jump right into action to find him. But with each day that passes his odds seem to dwindle. Determination, intelligence, logic and persistence are all things he has inherited from his father Alex Cross, a brilliant DC detective who is facing his own troubles at the same time as his son. Following along both father and son and their investigations, we see if they can help each other solve the mystery of what happened to Gabe Qualls.
As a short novel this was a very intriguing story about crime, families and friendship. It also branches off from Patterson's adult fiction Alex Cross series, but Patterson does well to include the father in this without mention of any events that happen in his respective series. Instead the focus is mainly on his son and portrays more of his actions and personality as a father instead of a detective. Ali himself is also written in a way that portrays him as the spitting image of his father, the only thing he lacks though is his patience which gets him in a few spots of trouble throughout the story, but also helps him out a few as well.
I would recommend this to young teens/young adults interested in crime and suspense, as well as anyone looking to get into James Patterson's works also.
Kayla Raphael

Warrior of the wild by Tricia Levenseller

Palgrave USA, 2020. ISBN: 9781250233653.
(Age: 13+) Recommended. Fans of fantasy and survival stories are in for a treat with this easy to read, engaging story. Rasmira is the daughter of the village chief and when she fails her coming of age trial, she is banished to the Wild and given an impossible task: kill the god who demands a tribute each year from the surrounding villages, making it difficult for them to survive. No one else who has been banished has ever succeeded and she is expected to die.
Rasmira has been trained as a warrior and is strong and determined. When she meets two other boys, Soren and Iric, who have been banished, her grit and intelligence and emerging leadership skills come to the fore. Together they decide that they will complete their virtually impossible tasks and show the villagers their skills and the injustice of their exile. Initially Rasmira is depicted as a self-centred young woman who is very confident about her ability as a fighter but has little knowledge of the skills needed to lead. Her father's favouritism has led to her mother feeling left out and the village boys are not happy with the attention given to her as well. It is in the Wild that she comes to realise what skills are needed as a leader and begins to discover that valuing the abilities of Soren and Iric and their resulting teamwork is necessary if they are to succeed.
The story is written is a very easy to read style with the dialogue sounding almost modern. With its tones of a Viking type lifestyle, the emerging relationship between Rasmira and Soren and Iric's love for a village boy, it will appeal to a wide readership, and the fact that it is a stand-alone will make it an easy choice for readers who don't want to commit to a series. It was one of a 2020 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers.
Pat Pledger

Knock Three Times by Cressida Cowell

The Wizards of Once book 3. Hodder Children's Books, 2019. ISBN: 9781444941470.
(Age: 10-13) Recommended.This is the third book in the Once series and continues the adventures of Xar and Wish who are from opposing kingdoms. Xar is a boy wizard who has struggled with magic and Wish is a warrior girl with magical gifts that are not appreciated by her people, especially her mother, the indominable Queen Sychorax. In previous novels, Xar and Wish became friends, much to the horror of their parents.
In the exciting opening to book 3 the children, Xar, Wish, her not so fearsome bodyguard Bodkin and an assortment of magnificent and magical creatures are escaping from Xar and Wish's parents, King Encanzo the Enchanted and the warrior queen, Sychorax. Unbeknown to them, they are also being pursued by the witches they accidentally released in book 1.
Xar and Wish's mission is to try to find all the ingredients to make a potion that will rid their kingdoms from the evil of witches forever.
I feel this series improves with each sequel. I found the characters endearing and humorous and enjoyed the close escapes and high action in this book. More of the background story of their parents is revealed and many previously unconnected events are brought together.
This book is a chance for Bodkin the fainting bodyguard to shine and prove his worth to himself and the group.
I loved all the magical characters, although my heart belongs to the adorable, tiny "Squeezjoos" a hairy fairy, with his comical antics and comments and the beautiful and loyal snowcats.
Cressida Cowell's artwork is a constant throughout the novel and adds a wonderful layer to the whole story.
The story is unfinished and a fourth sequel will be forthcoming.
Lovers of fantasy books will enjoy this story and I recommend this book to children aged 10 to 13 years old.
Small trailer here.
Jane Moore

Euphoria Kids by Alison Evans

Publisher: Echo, 2020. ISBN: 9781760686505. 247pp., pbk.
(Age: Young Adult Readers) A modern Young Adult fairy tale exploring belonging, identity, friendship and gender. Alison Evans has written a very imaginative story full of magic and tenderness.
I find Alison's books have a way to provide support and representation that is aimed at gender queer youth. She has managed to do this once again with a modern fairy tale full of magic, witches, realms, faeries and many other magic folks. I think Alison's books are a great addition to a school library to help queer kids try to find a place in our world and school.
Euphoria Kids takes the reader on a journey exploring three characters, Iris, Babs and a boy who has not got a name yet. They meet each other at school and become good friends. They explore who they are and who they want to be while supporting one another finding their true self. All three come from loving and supportive families and we read how they negotiate life between school, family, home, classes, the woods, and magical realm.
The characters are very interesting and you could probably read more into them. Iris is identified as non-binary and who grew from a seed. Babs is a girl who is a girl who often feels invisible and sometimes is, she is made of fire. There is also a trans boy who is new to the school who has not yet found his real name.
I must say when I first picked up Euphoria Kids I thought does this continue from Alison's last book Highway Bodies a zombie apocalypse novel which I enjoyed. Nope, Euphoria Kids is nothing like it but still an enjoyable read.
Maria Komninos

Max and the Midknights by Lincoln Peirce

Macmillan Children's Books, 2020. ISBN: 9781529029260.
(Ages 9-12). Highly recommended. Max and the Midknights is a funny, exciting adventure story set in the Middle Ages and told with a mixture of text, speech bubbles and comic panels by the author of the Big Nate series.
The main character Max is a troubadour apprentice to Uncle Budrick but dearly wants to become a Knight. But there is a problem, Max is a girl, something that is not revealed until nearly 60 pages into the story. She travels with her Uncle to his childhood home Byjovias only to find that the kingdom has been taken over by a nasty treacherous King Gastley who has bewitched the population to make them compliant.
King Gastley makes her uncle his castle fool and Max sets out to rescue him with her new friends Kevyn, Millie and Simon (who form the Midknights) and a retired magician called Mumblin who often messes up his magic spells. Mumblin reveals to Max that she is mentioned in a book of Prophesies which says she is to undertake a journey to save the Kingdom. Max shows how brave and determined she is as she leads her group on the quest which includes encounters with zombies in the haunted woods, friendly flying dragons, a real knight and a sorceress. This story has everything from magic rings to enchanted swords and a lost king hidden in a high tower. Told using quite modern language but including some excellent information about life in the Middle Ages, this book will be popular with both boys and girls in middle primary. Themes: Knights and knighthood, Middle Ages, Troubadours, Sex role.
Gabrielle Anderson

Charlie morphs into a mammoth by Sam Copeland

Illus. by Sarah Horne. Penguin Books, 2020. ISBN: 9780241346235. 320pp.
(Ages 8-12). Highly recommended. Charlie McGuffin has a unique ability to change into animals and he uses this ability to help his friends and solve problems, just like a real super-hero. In this third very funny book of the series he is beginning to be able to control which animal he changes into. Charlie can metamorphize just by thinking of something sad or upsetting and he uses the fact that his mum and dad seem to be on the verge of separating as the tool to change in this book.
Having faced a very sick brother, a schoolyard bully and nearly losing the family home in the previous books Charlie is faced with his parent's constant arguments and some mysterious animal disappearances around him in this story. His friends are also are finding it increasingly difficult to keep his special ability a secret and when it starts to appear as if he himself is behind the petnappings he and his friends band together to find out what is really going on.
Sam Copeland engages the reader with a great story but also with some disruptions at various points in the book, such as letters from readers of his previous books at the beginning, disagreements with his illustrator halfway through and conflicts with the publisher about some content. The fact that the titles of his books have little to do with the story is a source of funny exchanges with the publisher at various times throughout the story. Small footnotes about the animals Charlie changes into are also a great addition to the book and could be used by teachers to explore the use of them as a tool in writing.
Children will love the fact that sometimes Charlie becomes a creature that puts him into some very yucky places especially when he turns into a Nematode worm and is eaten by his enemy Dylan. His journey through Dylan's body is an entertaining couple of chapters indeed! An entertaining read. Themes: Family relationships, Shapeshifters/Metamorphosis, Friendship.
Gabrielle Anderson

Orphans of the Tide by Struan Murray

Puffin, 2020. ISBN: 9780241384435.
(Age: 13+) Recommended. Ellie is an orphan, who is a tinkerer and is continuing her Mother's trade as fixer and creator of strange items in her workshop near the Orphanage where she used to live. Her brother's recent death has left her alone and she has had to learn to be resilient and self-reliant. In a world where the sea has claimed most of the city, a whale is beached on the top of one of the submerged buildings. Ellie releases a boy, Seth, from within the dead carcass and with that act of rescue also unleashes the fear of her home community about the dark power known as the Enemy - the evil cause of the devastation in her City. This enemy is known to take over and possess the body of an individual (the Vessel) and seems to parasitise and wreak power over their life and create havoc in the island city. The local people of the City want to get rid of the evil and are in fear of its presence and so make every effort to get rid of the Vessel. Ellie wants to save the innocent boy from the local fearmongers, the Inquisitors and their attempts to destroy him. He may not be the Enemy, but he is very unusual! Ellie retains a friendship with fellow Orphan, Anna, who helps Ellie and Seth as they set out to set things right. But overshadowing shame that Ellie feels and the secret she carries may cause all of her friends to know great distress.
This is a fantasy novel with a dark and foreboding quality - the possession of an individual by an evil 'power' is quite sinister. The world of the sunken City is also very unusual and with ruins and strange remnant architecture as the foundation of existence the author has created a very different environment for the action of the fantasy story. There is action and supernatural unusual influences through the course of the story and it is a dark fantasy tale for young teen readers. I would not recommend this for too-young readers, even though the central characters seem to be young, because of the chilling nature of possession by an evil power. Teen readers may be able to recognise the hints of the power of fear, shame and guilt that are threaded through the unusual story. It is well written and compelling with a strong female lead character and will appeal to devotees of the dark and gothic genre because it has such an unreal and ethereal quality and will also appeal to enthusiasts of fantasy and dystopian fiction.
Recommended for readers aged 13+ (with care to avoid recommending to those who might be prone to nightmares!) Themes: Fantasy; Grief and loss; Supernatural; Fear; Shame and guilt.
Carolyn Hull

Children of the Otori series by Lian Hearn

Hachette, 2020.
Orphan Warriors. ISBN 9780733641213.
Sibling Assassins. ISBN 9780733643545.
(Age: Secondary/adult) Highly recommended. Lian Hearn continues her enthralling Children of the Otori series in these two new books: Orphan warriors and Sibling assassins. Set again in the medieval fantasy world in Japan, the five previous novels sold in their millions, and were followed by two prequels. Orphan warriors and Sibling assassins follow the perilous life of Arai Sunaomi. Around him are members of the feuding clans and the Tribe, all trying to survive, manipulate and or gain power. Sunaomi and his younger brother have been saved from execution by their aunt after the disgrace and treachery of their parents, but they must remain as monks in the Terayama temple. It is here that Sunaomi, now known as Kasho, begins to realise he has special powers but as yet does not understand them. Others however see his potential and wish to use him for their own ends.
Chief among these is Hisao a ghost master who seeks to become a powerful controller with the aid of Kasho and his ability to bring inanimate objects to life. Then there is also the Tribe, a group who with special training and talents wish to have Kasho within their realm and use him to their own ends. He is able to stay alive through the help of some faithful retainers and some members of the Tribe, but he is never sure who he can trust or if he is really in control of his gifts.
In Sibling assassins a few years have passed and Arai Sunaomi is now 17 and seemingly enjoying a safer more comfortable life. He will be the heir of his aunt and other powerful families wish to be allied to him. His friend Masao has gone off the rails; he is accused of murdering a young noble and fled. Sunaomi is tasked with finding him and bringing him back to face the consequences.
He must also travel to Hoshu to gain intelligence on Terada Fumio now Lord in Hoshu, the Hidden a religious sect, the influence of western foreigners as well as numbers of ships and western weaponry. Sunaomi and his small retinue soon find that their credentials from his aunt and the Empress mean little and danger lurks everywhere. This extends not only to the world of men but the supernatural as well. His relationship with Utahime the dead sister of Masao is one which threatens his sanity and his ability to interact with those who faithfully serve him.
Terada is forming alliances, ships and western weapons to rebel against the rulers in Miyako. Sunaomi has no status in Hofu. He is seen as a young boy with no experience and no backbone, and finds himself without friends and imprisoned. It is only by chance during a typhoon that he is freed and able to escape the city to safety and those loyal to the Empress.
For those who have not read any of the Otori series before, I would recommend you do read them or check out the outlines on the web. I had not read some of the later books in the series and found the Orphan warriors problematic because of the number of characters. The author does give a list at the beginning of the books which is helpful, and when reading Sibling assassins it was much easier to gasp what was happening and enjoy the narrative far more. For those who are fans of Lian Hearn (Gillian Rubinstein) and the Otori books I have no doubt you will once again enjoy delving into to mystical, magical, medieval Japanese world she creates. Themes: Fantasy, Japan.
Mark Knight

Bab Sharkey and the animal mummies: the prickly battle by Andrew Hansen

Illus. by Jessica Roberts. Walker Books, 2020. ISBN: 9781760651190. 240pp.
(Age: 8+) Highly recommended. This is the fourth in a series of adorably crazy stories about a boy called Bab Sharkey who becomes the new Pharaoh of the lost city of Animal Mummies, after a magical Pharaoh's beard attaches itself to his chin (Book one: The weird beard). He becomes the ruler of a group of dead mummified creatures who become his friends despite their smell. After enduring the cruel Unpharaoh, who has seemingly passed into the afterlife, the kindly Bab is very welcome.
The author, Andrew Hansen, a standout comedian and writer for comedy shows such as The Chaser, has lots of funny asides and comments added in his story about Bab grappling with Unpharaoh now leading a large army of enslaved animal mummies to overthrow him.
Jessica Robert's illustrations add to the humour of the text. Spread throughout the novel they strangely illustrate the world Hansen creates, giving it a grounding that is easy to assimilate.
Jessica Roberts and husband Andrew Hansen have co-authored the series, inspired by a trip to Egypt where they saw a range of mummified animals including a fish and ibis, the creatures which make up Bab's friends, Scaler and Prong.
The Mummy files at the end of the book give a fascinating profile of the main characters and is followed by a brief biography of Andrew and Jessica, and advertisements for the other three novels in the series. Themes: Fantasy, History, Adventure.
Fran Knight

Meet Taj at the Lighthouse by Maxine Beneba Clarke and Nicki Greenberg

Aussie Kids series. Penguin, 2020. ISBN: 9781760894528.
(Age: 6-8) Recommended. Puffin's new Aussie Kids series is written for emerging readers and introduces fun characters who live in special places around Australia.
Taj loves wearing his lightning bolt t-shirt, it makes him feel like he can do anything. With his Mama and Dadda they left behind their close family and friends and a strife-ridden country to move to Australia. At first things are difficult, different foods, language and his father can't find work. His mother encourages him to believe things will turn out, even when he feels discouraged.
When Dadda comes home and tells them to pack up Taj is surprised. The family journey down the Great Ocean Road surrounded by all their belongings. To Taj's surprise they stop at a lighthouse with a little cottage on the side. His father has a new job as the lighthouse guide and Taj has a new school to attend. His new classmates are friendly, asking him about the lighthouse and his background. Taj explains about his special t-shirt and the teacher announces he will be called Taj Lightning from now on.
Maxine Beneba Clarke's story helps young readers with feelings of being in a new country, overcoming and facing fears and the problems facing immigrant children. Inclusivity and acceptance are key values, presented through loving words and encouragement to be brave.
Blue and black tones fill the pages; Taj's t-shirt is bold and bright. Nicki Greenberg captures the children's emotions as they surround Taj in the classroom, she shows his growth and happiness in finding his special place - joining the Nippers and practising rescuing. Fun facts about lighthouses are included as well. Themes: Immigrant children, School life, Inclusivity.
Rhyllis Bignell