Macmillan 2019. ISBN: 9781529019124.
(Age: senior secondary/adult) Recommended. Robin Cook has set his
sights once again firmly in the medical world. Laurie
Montgomery-Stapleton is Chief Medical Examiner in New York and her
husband Jack is one of the medical examiners who works for her. We
enter the world of autopsies and forensic investigation.
A seemingly routine drug overdose throws up some anomalies, which
pathology resident Aria Nichols is eager to solve. Dr. Nichols is
intelligent, quick, decisive but shows no empathy or courtesy with
co-workers or the general public. Perhaps it's as well she is
working with the dead.
The body count begins to rise but the dots are not joined,
especially when the first victim is not considered to have been
murdered by anyone other than Aria. It is when she meets with the
victim's friend that using ancestral DNA becomes a possibility in
finding the killer. She has concluded with no evidence that the
killer is a married man who has been secretly having an affair with
the victim. The possibility of murder becomes firmer when the friend
is pushed into the path of a subway train.
This escalation continues when medical examiners are confronted with
the body of Aria Nichols in the morgue. Her death is in every way
similar to that of the first victim. Dots begin to be joined, but
the killer is eliminating those with any knowledge, and the final
victim could be Dr Laurie Montgomery-Stapleton.
The most interesting elements of Cook's narrative are the
descriptions of autopsies and their procedures. The characters are
fairly standard with some being stereotypical, even the brash
abrasive Aria is just a shell and Cook doesn't delve deeply into
anyone's psyche. There is a need to confirm thoughts about who
"dunnit", but the most interesting aspects are DNA ancestral
histories and the uses to which they may be used, never envisaged by
the developers.
Themes: Crime, Medical procedure, Autopsies, Mortuary procedure,
Police, DNA.
Mark Knight
Paddington's Post by Michael Bond
Illus. by R. W. Alley. HarperCollins, 2019. ISBN: 9780008357245.
48pp., hbk.
Living with the Browns in London is very different from Paddington's
original home in Darkest Peru and there is much to see and do and
absorb. Using Michael Bond's original stories, Paddington reflects
on the changes and writes letters, draws maps, and creates other
mementos, each of which is enclosed in its own envelope waiting for
the young reader to discover and read.
Since his 60th anniversary in 2018, there has been a resurgence in
love for this childhood favourite and this is another opportunity to
share the love with a new generation. Children love stories that
have letters that they can pull out and read - it adds an extra
layer of intrigue and mystique - and this will be no exception. It
might even inspire them to write to Paddington and tell him about
where they live and the things they like to do.
Barbara Braxton
Juno Valentine and the fantastic fashion adventure by Eva Chen
Illus. by Derek Desierto . Macmillan, 2019. ISBN: 9781250297303. Juno Valentine and the Fantastic Fashion Adventure is a
picture book that has been written to address some of the issues of
the day e.g. promoting "Girl power". Specifically for girls and
particularly American girls, it describes the adventures of Juno
Valentine, a small girl who finds self-expression through fashion,
with the help of some famous women.
The collage inspired illustrations express happiness and buoyancy,
promote the obligatory multicultural cast of characters and include
a focus on fashion items and textile patterns.
As Juno progresses through a time warp type of adventure, she
receives wardrobe help from women through time from Joan of Arc
through to Michelle Obama. At the end of the book there is a
glossary on these women.
This book would appeal to young girls who derive identity from
clothes. Other important values that create a solid sense of self
are not evident. The cast of women role models is particularly
American. Juno Valentine and the Fantastic Fashion Adventure is mildly
entertaining. It would be most appreciated by young American girls
who are interested in consumerism and fashion as self-expression.
Wendy Jeffrey
The Daughter's Tale by Armando Lucas Correa
Simon and Schuster, 2019. ISBN: 9781760851248. pbk., 303 pgs.
(Age: 12+) What would you do for someone you love? A Daughter's
Tale is a fictional story, based on true events of WWII, about
a mother, Amanda Sterling and her daughters and the difficult
decision she has to make to protect her children. The decisions
Amanda had to make were heartbreaking but it was a matter of
survival. We also meet some extraordinary characters along the way
that risk their own lives to help others, while others were . . . .
what can I say?
If you liked reading Nightingale by Kristin Hannah or The
Book Thief by Markus Zusak you probably enjoy this one.
I think Armando Lucas Correa has done a great job writing about a
major event in our history that was very horrific. He has managed to
tell us a story of horrible things that happened during WWII. He
tells us a story about Amanda and Julius Sterling and how their
lives changed in 1939, when the Nazis descend into Berlin. Their
family is broken apart. Correa has managed to keep the details of
their story lighter compared to other historical fiction books based
on events during WWII. The horrific parts are not too graphic. I
think this is good because it won't freak out students as they read.
And I would let them read A Daughter's Tale. Yes, you will
get emotional about some of the stuff that happened but it doesn't
go into graphic details.
The story is also based in 2015, New York. An 80-year-old Elise
Duval receives a phone call from a lady that gives her letters
written to her by her mother during WWII. This is a part of Elise's
past she has forgotten. I personally felt for her. As I was reading
I did recall some of the atrocities of what the Germans did to the
innocent people. I especially, remember hearing about what had
happened in the little French village Oradour-Sur-Glane . . . you
will have to read the book to find out more. Also the French
Resistance.
The characters were likable and you could picture them in your head.
I must say my favourite was the priest at the orphanage.
The one thing I love about historical fiction, you always learn
something you didn't know before and I did reading A Daughter's
Tale. I think this a great read to learn and remember about
what happened during an important part of our history. It's
something that no one should forget.
Also, well done to Nick Caistor on his translation of this wonderful
story into English so we all can enjoy reading The Daughter's
Tale.
Maria Komninos
The Taylor Turbochaser by David Baddiel
HarperCollins, 2019. ISBN: 9780008334178.
(Age: Mid primary - Upper primary) The Taylor Turbochaser is
an action packed story of escapism and camaraderie. This book turns
stereotypes on their heads. The central character, Amy, is a petrol
head like her father. She is also confined to a wheelchair. This
does not diminish her love of cars, speed and rally driving. She is
a natural.
When a complication hits, Amy, Jack, her 14 year old brother, Rahul,
her friend and inventor of crazy devices and Janet (all quirky
characters) head off on a crazy road-trip in the ingenious
contraption, The Taylor Turbochaser. This machine seems to develop a
personality of its own, something like Chitty, Chitty Bang Bang.
All the elements children like, e.g. escaping from parents (who are
likeable) and a police chase in a cross country dash from England to
Scotland exist in this book. It could be read as an auditory
experience because it's full of onomatopoeia and great interchanges
between the characters. Hilarious conversations pepper the action as
the children work together falling into scrapes and ingeniously
escaping.
Of-course there is cow poo and farts and all the rest of it. The Taylor Turbochaser would make a great read aloud for mid
to upper primary ages. The teacher would not have to read much
before children would be lining up to borrow it or begging to have
it read as a serial. Serious themes such as dealing with disability
underlie the fun.
This book is a romp that demystifies disability and celebrates
friendship, resourcefulness and family togetherness. Children need
fun books like this.
Wendy Jeffrey
Prince of Ponies by Stacy Gregg
Harper Collins, 2019. ISBN: 9780008332310.
(Age: 11+) Recommended. Themes: Horses; World War II; Refugees. This
is not a sickly-sweet pony club story, rather it is a mature story
based on historical fact that combines the history of some famous
horses that were almost part of Hitler's equine breeding programme.
It also includes the fictional story of their youthful Polish
rescuer - Zofia; and then her protege, the Syrian refugee - Mira. Prince
of Ponies begins with Zofia's account of her introduction to
the Arabian stallion - Prince of Poland - during a time of great
stress as the Germans were taking over her home in Poland in World
War II. The bond that was forged between rider and horse gave her
opportunity to survive and then flee from Hitler's advancing program
of destruction. The account of Zofia's early life is related to Mira
so that she can record this history and she is also trained to ride
the horse - Amir, from the breeding line of the original stallion.
Mira's own life of struggle as a Syrian refugee living in Germany is
a side issue to the training and performance of the horse and its
youthful rider. With a hint of the bullying that Mira must face in
her school context, this is also a story about rising above the poor
treatment inflicted by others.
This book is reminiscent of stories written by Michael Morpurgo
where a serious historical incident is woven into a powerful story.
It is written as the story of Mira, but includes the recount of
Zofia as a separate narrative. The relationship between the much
older Zofia as riding coach and the young Mira is unusual, but
connects the two narrative elements. This is a book that is worthy
of recommendation for the historical quality of the story, but horse
lovers and enthusiasts of dressage and show-jumping will also be
impressed by the detail of this in the book. The growth and maturing
of the young protagonist as she overcomes difficulties and fears
will also appeal to readers.
Recommended to readers aged 11+ (Not just for lovers of horses!)
Carolyn Hull
The man that got away by Lynne Truss
Constable Twitten Mystery book 2. Bloomsbury, 2019. ISBN:
9781408890530.
(Age: Adult) Themes: Detective novel, Deception, Subterfuge, Murder,
Mystery. Young Constable Twitten is very sharp, he has read
Mitford's Noblesse oblige and knows that the language a
suspect uses can betray his origins, whether upper or lower class.
He also has a mind for detail, and regularly updates his notebook
with observations and paths of inquiry. Unfortunately however, he
has to contend with the clumsy ineptness of Sergeant Brunswick and
the vain delusions of his superior, Inspector Steine. And then there
is their tea lady Mrs Groynes, whom Twitten believes to be a
villainous mastermind. But nobody believes him.
First there is the discovery of a body, in a deck chair on Brighton
Beach, not a suicide as Steine too readily dismisses, but a murder
committed in broad daylight amidst other holiday makers on the
shore. Twitten continues to follow his leads, determined to solve
the crime, but it just becomes more and more convoluted the deeper
he gets. It involves two sweethearts, a family of thugs, and string
of confidence tricksters. Twitten's colleague Brunswick goes
undercover as a trumpet player in the local nightclub, joining a
whole gang of double agents. Fortunately for the reader, at this
point Truss, the author, provides us with a little list of who's
who.
There are many odd characters and funny scenes; in fact one scene is
just so hysterically funny, it just caps off the whole book. The man that got away is the second in the Constable
Twitten Mystery series, and while it easily stands alone, it
does make the reader curious to read its predecessor. This book will
appeal to readers who enjoy the Miss Marple type of detective story
with a lot of quirky characters adding red herrings to the plot.
Helen Eddy
The immortal jellyfish by Sang Miao
Flying Eye Books, 2019. ISBN: 9781911171799. 40pp., hbk.
Grandpa is explaining about the immortal jellyfish to his grandson,
a creature that begins its life again when it is about to die. When
the boy asks his grandfather if humans are immortal, he is told that
there are other ways humans can live on but sadly the old man dies
before he can explain. While the boy is devastated, one night his
grandpa appears in a dream and takes him on a journey to the Life
Transfer City where those that have died can choose a new identity.
But before he discovers his grandfather's choice he is taken back to
the real world on the back of a beautiful white bird . . . Will he
ever recognise his grandfather again?
At first glance, this seems a rather morbid book with its dark
palette, but it really is a most beautiful way to help young
children deal with the passing of a loved one as sadly, so many have
to. Helping them understand that those who die live on in our
memories and thoughts, the things we see, do and smell or taste,
even when they are no longer physically here is a way that we can
help with the grieving process, particularly if there is no
religious belief of an afterlife. It offers a way for the bereaved
child to think about those memories and what their loved one might
choose to be, as well as being able to share those thoughts rather
than not talk at all, which is so often the case. Grown-ups often
want to protect little ones by not talking, but often that's just
what the child needs to do.
Sensitive and heart-warming, but not sickly-sentimental, this is
something special for one of the most difficult parts of growing up.
Barbara Braxton
Don't worry, Little Crab by Chris Haughton
Walker Books, 2019. ISBN: 9781406385519. 48pp., hbk.
In the rockpool above the sea, live two crabs: Big Crab and Little
Crab. Today, they're going for a dip in the sea. "This is going to
be so great!" says Little Crab as they go tic-a-tac, tic-a-tac over
the rocks, splish splash, splish splash across the pools and
squelch, squelch, squelch through the slimy, slippery seaweed. "I
can go ANYWHERE", says Little Crab.
But when he reaches the sea and sees the size of the ocean waves, he
is somewhat daunted and very reluctant to take that final leap. Will
he find the courage?
The illustration style is very distinctive and it tells as much of
the story as the text does. bout a little one finding the courage to
face their uncertainty. This is a common theme in children's picture
books, this time inspired by the creator's observations
of crabs and their human-like way of moving. and the way they
braced for the impact of a wave but then went about their business
once it frothed away. In fact, the story of its evolution gives a
real insight into where authors get their ideas and how they are
shaped, so it is worth sharing that too. It wasn't so much the
message that came first, but thinking about what was in front of him
and working from that! Perhaps a lesson for budding writers about
being observant and curious and working backwards!
Barbara Braxton
Christmas Wonder by Vicki Conley
Illus. by Cheryl Orsini. Affirm Press, 2019. ISBN: 9781925870770.
32pp., hbk. Christmas time,
Seven sleeps.
Busy house
Tummy leaps.
In a series of eight-word rhymes, the magic and excitement of the
countdown to Christmas in Australia is captured in this charmingly
illustrated book. Embracing all the familiar things that families do
at this time, combining the traditional with the contemporary, young
readers will enjoy spotting their family in the illustrations while
talking about what's happening and sharing their stories of what
they do that is similar as well as what they do that is a bit
different. It's a great opportunity to broaden understanding and
share diverse perspectives - there are few who don't celebrate
Christmas, even if they do it differently.
In a storyworld with many Christmas-themed books to choose from, it
is refreshing to have a new story that has some depth, reflects who
its readers are and what they do while not making them caricatures
of all that is "ocker", and opens up the opportunity to explore and
explain.
Barbara Braxton
The beast of Buckingham Palace by David Walliams
Illus. by Tony Ross. HarperCollins, 2019. ISBN: 9780008385644.
Fanciful, escapist, heart-stopping action is in store for children
who read David Walliam's latest book The beast of Buckingham
Palace. What a clever, multi-faceted book - if you can get
over the action to the underlying themes and the history.
Our hero is small, weak, bespectacled Prince Alfred who is captive
in Buckingham Palace in the year 2120 (one hundred years from now.)
It seems that humans have wrecked the planet, all of the major
landmarks of London are in ruins, the water undrinkable, the people
starving and the land is in darkness. The royal family still live in
the palace under the control of evil forces that are progressively
unveiled as the story proceeds. It is a classic fight of good
against evil with a mash-up of the historical going back to the time
of King Alfred and the futuristic with laser gun-toting guards, the
All-seeing Eye and the Octobut.
Twelve year old Prince Alfred discovers his strength and leadership
ability with the aid of a little street mite, his mother the queen
and a band of elderly lady revolutionaries. Together, through a
series of exciting and dangerous twists and turns they fight
supernatural power that is magically derived from the ancient
scripts and texts from the days of old Albion.
David Walliams, as in Grandfather's great escape, captures
with warmth and humour, the effective partnership that can exist
between the very elderly and the very young when bad things have to
be overcome. What a band of feisty fighters the old ladies turn out
to be, fighting for Britain with their handbags, rolling pins -
whatever comes to hand! They are crucial to the victory with their
dauntless, fearless and canny strategies!
David Walliams and Tony Ross go together like Roald Dahl and Quentin
Blake. This book is a visual feast of pictures and weird fonts that
complement the action packed story line and onomatopoeia-laden text.
Children will love this book.
Wendy Jeffrey
My Mummy's magic by Shaun Bartlett
Illus. by Denise Muzzio. Little Steps Publishing, 2019. ISBN:
9781925839357.
(Age: 3-6) Rhyming book, Mothers, Pregnancy. 'My mummy's magic . . .
Her wishes do come true. She waved her magic wand, confirming what
she knew'. This first page (featuring a woman holding a pregnancy
test with positive symbols fanning out as if she is casting a magic
spell) will probably make parents giggle. Indeed, the rest of the
book may seem a little indulgent also, with its focus on a mother
wishing and hoping a baby into existence.
There is a lovely story here though, which shows the journey of a
new baby and the close bond between mother and baby. The growing
baby is compared to an animal, a clever way of helping children
develop meaningful understandings. 'For in her magic belly, taking
shape at speed, was me so teeny tiny - it's hard now to believe. I
was no bigger than an ant!' This refrain is repeated throughout the
book and we see the mother's belly swell until the unborn baby is
about the size of a lemur. In between these updates we see the usual
goings-on of pregnancy and how the mother cares for her baby;
sleeping, feeling unwell, eating and food cravings, scans and
spreading the good news.
The illustrations are fresh, vibrant and organic. 'My mummy's magic.
She wished with all her might to bestow her greatest gift of all -
my very first breath of life'.
This is a lovely book for a toddler or pre-schooler with a growing
interest in the concept of pregnancy, and particularly for those
with a sibling on the way.
Nicole Nelson
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
Alex Stern book 1. Orion, 2019. ISBN: 9781473227972.
(Age: Adult) Recommended. Good Reads Best Fantasy Winner,
2019. Themes: Sexual abuse, Rape, Drugs, Secret societies. Alex
Stern, the sole survivor of a terrible multiple homicide, is in
hospital when she is offered the chance to go to an elite
university. Why her? She has been a school drop-out, has been
involved with drugs and drug dealers and her life was going nowhere.
Tasked with checking on the occult used in Yale's secret societies,
she is drawn into a strange and different world, mentored by
Darlington, who introduces her to the rituals of the rich and
privileged people who belong to them.
Bardugo has previously written YA fantasy and this is her first
foray into fiction for adults. It is dark and disturbing and
certainly for adults. The themes that are explored against the
fantasy background of the secret societies include rape, date rape
and the attitude of rich and powerful young men who believe that
they can have everything without any consequences. Alex however
doesn't believe that and her revenge is challenging for the reader.
The question of class, privilege and poverty is also explored, as
Alex struggles with her classes and realises that the murder of a
poor woman doesn't have the impact of that of a rich white person.
Add in ghosts who haunt her, the quest to find who is a murderer,
and the gradual realisation of her powers and the reader will be
dragged along with Alex.
This is a book for readers who enjoy a mix of dark horror and
fantasy, laced with themes that are pertinent in today's world.
Pat Pledger
Gregory Goose is on the loose: In the jungle by Hilary Robinson
Illus. by Mandy Stanley. New Frontier Publishing, 2019. ISBN:
9781925594874.
(Age: 0-3) Board book, Rhyming book, Search and Find book. The
bright, eye-catching colour of this new board book series (the other
title is On
the moon) will draw and hold the attention of even the
littlest children. In each of the books, children can search and
find Gregory the Goose as he camouflages into the background of each
page. In this case, he is travelling through the jungle, complete
with safari jacket and binoculars. 'Gregory Goose is on the loose.
Let's try to find him!'
Simple, predictive and rhyming text make this perfect for the target
age group and in each page Gregory is well-hidden but not difficult
to spot. I particularly like the sense of perspective used, as in
some pages he is close to the front so larger, while in others he is
put further into the distance and is quite small. The text ('Is he
with the chimpanzees, or wading in his boots?') also gives clues
about where we might find him or what he might be doing. The final
page sees all the jungle animals come together for a party; 'Look!
Who's eating jungle cake?' It's Gregory, of course!
This is a bright, engaging board book for little ones to explore
alone or for a fun shared activity.
Nicole Nelson
Where else do teachers go at night? by Harriet Cuming
Illus. by Sophie Norsa. Little Steps Publishing, 2019. ISBN:
9781925839050.
(Age: 5-7) Rhyming Book, Teachers. This is a follow-up to the 2015
publication Where do teachers go at night? It doesn't
present anything new but follows the same pattern as the previous
book, an add-on rather than an elaboration. 'Shooting the Congo
river rapids in Africa, or crescent sailing in Madagascar' are just
two of the suggestions of nocturnal teacher activities.
The text reads fairly well aloud, despite a couple of clunky rhymes
and a grammatically grating first line ('Skating in Iceland on
luminous lake') and the watercolour illustrations are visually
engaging and thoughtfully laid out. Disappointingly, the teachers
are stereotyped (bespectacled female librarian always with her head
in a book, burly male PE teacher with a whistle around his neck,
lab-jacketed science teacher with crazy beard and thick glasses). I
assume this is to further play on the misconceptions of students but
it seems unnecessary. The book ends with the main teacher being
wheeled into school by a nurse, looking happy but fairly out of
sorts. The children look confused and worried.
As with the first book, this is very tongue-in-cheek and does
absolutely nothing to help young kids realise that teachers are
actual human beings with lives outside of the school. The worldly
adventures that the teachers embark on and the busy and sometimes
humourous illustrations are where the fun lies. There is also a frog
and a snake to spot on every page.
Nicole Nelson
