Penguin, 2019. ISBN: 9780143789376.
(Age: 7-10) Recommended.
Themes: Identity, Aboriginal peoples, Culture, Aboriginal Poetry.
'We need to always remember, to keep our culture growing inside. We
must learn our traditions, and always be filled with pride.'
Storyteller, musician and artist Gregg Dreise proudly presents his
connections to country and celebrates his history in My culture
and me. With natural landscapes painted in earth tones
overlaid with dot paintings, closeups of dancing fire, celebrations
of dancing and music, he captures the ancestral and personal
relationships with the environment. Rich ochre tones, sage greens,
sky blues, fiery reds and earth tones create a visually rich
narrative. Bright shining eyes, warm smiles and a sense of pride
show in the closeups of the dancers sharing their sense of belonging
and stories.
Dreise's use of poetry, sensory images concisely written to explore
and explain his culture. Sensory experiences are portrayed: 'the
waving lines of the rivers, tantalising, a refreshing shine.' Here,
Aboriginal footballers support each other climbing down the cliffs
with one kneeling to look at the shining water. He captures the
spirit of the dancers prepare for corroboree with ochre decorations.
Percussive sounds, the feelings of the didgeridoo, musical rhythms,
the clapsticks' melodies provide the sense of belonging and making
their families proud. He presents ways forward to future generations
to develop their sense of identity and honour their culture. 'We
must listen to the spirits, from our hearts to our hands.'
Gregg Driese's biography concludes My culture and me
explaining his Dreaming, connection to Country and his Emu totem
which can be found throughout his paintings.
This book is a valuable resource for Junior and Middle Primary
educators teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories
and Cultures' key concepts of Country/Place, Culture and People.
Rhyllis Bignell
Moon fish: Poems to make you laugh and think by Harry Laing
Ford Street Publishing, 2019. ISBN: 9781925804256.
(Age: 5-11) Theme: Poetry. This is Harry Laing's second book of
poems; he has performed the poems from his first collection, Shoctopus,
at festivals and in schools around Australia. There are some
exquisite illustrations in here that aren't fully appreciated at
first glance; I think because there is so much variation in style it
is a little overwhelming or confusing at first. But when you take
each individual poem on its own merits there are some fantastic
pieces and many would be great for reading aloud and performing.
Illustrations by Shaun Tan, Lucia Masciullo and Mitch Vane are
particular standouts. Sadly, there are quite a few illustrations
that are disappointing or just don't seem to belong, especially when
placed next to others of a very high calibre. There are some
standout poems (Termite tales, Spider action, Creatures you wouldn't
want to meet, Pet flea) and some that are relatable to the target
audience (It's pizza! And Dog language) but the lack of consistency
in both the text and the illustrations (if one element was more
uniform it would help) makes the collection a little unfocused. In
addition, some poems are trying to be a bit too hip to appeal to a
young crowd (I'm an angry old lady), some are a bit too strange (The
yumbie) and some won't be understood by the target age group (I'm
Henry Lawson's moustache, TV Pug). While there are some impressive
elements here, it doesn't seem to gel all that cohesively as a
complete work.
Nicole Nelson
The Space race by Sarah Cruddas
Dorling Kindersley, 2019. ISBN: 9780241343777.
(Age: 8+) Recommended. Subjects: Moon, Solar system, Space
transport, Mars mission. Astronaut Eileen Collins introduces The
Space race in an inspirational foreword. She discusses her
nine-year-old dreams to become a female astronaut, her career as a
space pilot and her future hopes for women to walk on the moon and
live on Mars. The Space race is presented in three sections: 'To the Moon';
'After Apollo 11' and 'The new Space race'. Each spread includes
easy-to-read information, colourful photographs, diagrams and charts
with interesting captions. In Rocket Power we learn about ancient
Greek scientist Archytas who created a steam-powered wooden pigeon
which flew on a wire for 200 metres. The Chinese invented gunpowder
and fired arrows filled with this explosive material from 1200CE.
Animals played an important role: fruit flies, mice, the Russian dog
Laika even a trained chimpanzee called Ham who tested weightlessness
for sixteen minutes!
The 1960's Space race influenced TV shows - The Jetsons, clothes,
toys, fashion and even food and drinks. Author Sarah Cruddas
provides backgrounds of the women who played pivotal roles,
mathematicians, scientists and engineers. Some women worked as
'human computers' solving difficult mathematical calculations to
understand spacecraft performance. 'The quiet heroes' tells of the
team of 400,000 people who backed the astronauts, from seamstresses
who handstitched the space suits to ground control personnel and the
teams of scientists and engineers across the globe who tracked their
flights.
'The new Space race' is a wonderfully exciting section, exploring
the future possibilities with robonauts, super mega-rockets, the new
space nation of China and the possibility of building s permanent
base on the Moon and Mars. The author leaves the ending open - where
to next?
Sarah Cruddas and the Dorling Kindersley publishers have created a
visually outstanding and highly educational resource. The Space
race is an excellent resource for STEM and History research
investigating the ancient and modern dynamics of travel, propulsion,
living in Space and the influences of governments in exploring
space. Families will enjoy sharing this informative book, opening up
new realms and frontiers, providing lively discussions and piquing
the interests of space fans.
Rhyllis Bignell
The race to Space by Clive Gifford
Illus. by Paul Daviz. Words and Pictures, 2019. ISBN: 9781786038890.
64pp., hbk.
It is hard to believe that it is only a little over a century since
the Wright Brothers made the first powered flight, achieving a
distance of 37 metres at an altitude of just three metres with the
flight lasting just 12 seconds at the amazing speed of nearly 11km
per hour, and now we take flight taken for granted with humans spending
months in space in the International Space Station, vehicles landing
on Mars and probes travelling to the deepest corners of the solar
system.
Even though the earliest rockets were invented by China over 600
years ago, it wasn't till the mid-20th century when the USSR
launched Sputnik, the first manmade device to orbit the Earth, in
1957 and the US, the other world power to have emerged from World
War II, were concerned that this would lead to the USSR having
military control of space, that the race for the exploration of
space really got going.
As the 50th anniversary of man first's landing on the moon
approaches, this new book traces the history of the space race from
the launch of Sputnik to the moon landing with its early focus on
the tensions between the US and the USSR, and concluding with the
'handshake across space' in the joint Apollo-Soyuz mission in 1975
marking a new collaboration rather than competition.
Illustrated in full colour and spattered with quotes from
significant participants of the times, this is a book for
independent readers who want to know the stories behind the
milestones and understand why it became a 'race' with that word's
connotation of winners and losers.
Another opportunity to revitalise your collection about this period
of history that is really so recent that many staff and parents will
remember it vividly.
Barbara Braxton
Don't follow Vee by Oliver Phommanvanh
Puffin, 2019. ISBN: 9780143505747.
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. Themes: Humour.
Vee has always gone along with her mother's snapping a picture each
morning to put on her Instagram account 'The Chronicles of Vee' - an
account her Mum started when she was a baby, and Vee always says yes
when Mum asks her if it is OK to continue, but this year is
different. Vee is in high school, and Mum has begun accepting things
from businesses to have Vee wear at school and show online. She has
also started trying to jazz up Vee's life and show baby pictures,
something Vee hates. She tries being anti-Vee, doing things that Mum
would hate to try and turn the account upside down, but she gains
more followers. Mum is aiming for 150,000 followers so what can Vee
do to stop it all. So she turns the table on her mother, snapping
her one morning before she wakes. She encourages her mother to get
out more, join a singing group and meet new friends.
This is an excellent middle-primary book about the Internet,
friendship, and family. Phommanvanh's humour is a treat, easy to
read and laugh out loud at the antics of Vee as she tries to subvert
her mother's interference in her life.
Along the way are some neat sideswipes at the power of the mobile
phone, as children cannot wait to see the number of likes, or what
the next instalment of Vee's life is about or how many burgers her
friend has eaten, or what Mum is doing to get her daughter noticed.
The underlining imperative of 'get a life' appealed to me and will
touch those who read the book and may find that reading it better
than looking at a screen!
And I loved Vee, trying hard not to upset her mum who has brought
her up alone but equally aware that she needs to focus on something
else, and make a life for herself.
Fran Knight
The very hungry caterpillar's birthday party by Eric Carle
Puffin, 2019. ISBN: 9780241376119. Board book.
(Age: 1-5) Highly recommended. Themes: Birthday parties,
Caterpillars. Everyone's favourite caterpillar is back with a
birthday party to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The very
hungry caterpillar. A board book, complete with glitter and
sparkle and a special fold-out surprise, has the very hungry
caterpillar watching the events of a special day. The colours are
all hues of the rainbow and flowers and bees, butterflies and
ladybirds, can be seen fluttering in the air. All the accessories
that make a wonderful party are scattered throughout the book. There
are 'Bright balloons . . . bobbing in the sky' and 'pom-poms burst
with colour', while a pile of gifts stands high and the candles are
alight on the birthday cake. All of these are watched by birds, a
curious cat, and a line of ants and of course, the very hungry
caterpillar. The book culminates with a gorgeous fold-out that eager
little fingers will long to touch. Along the way, they will be able
to search for the hungry caterpillar and see what he is up to and
observant children may notice that he is growing bigger as well.
Fans of The very hungry caterpillar will be thrilled to see
another beautiful, sturdy board book that little children will
delight in, complete with all the magic and art of the original
story. The interactive foldout, with its raised glitter objects, is
a tactile pleasure, a lovely bonus for children who like to touch
and feel. It would make a perfect birthday present and a great read
aloud to share at bedtime.
Pat Pledger
Stand up for the future: A celebration of inspirational young Australians
Puffin Books, 2019. ISBN: 9780143794394.
(Age: 14+) Recommended. Themes: Young Australians, Achievements,
Diversity, Overcoming difficulties, Resilience, Aspirations, LGBTIQ,
Sports stars, Arts, Environmentalists, STEM. There has been a
plethora of bright biographies released about successful people
recently. This book distinguishes itself in that it feels more like
a presentation night with each individual appearing on the
Australian stage as a young Australian achiever. As each
biographical detail is introduced, a colourful introduction double
page invites the reader to 'stand up for . . . ' the latest young
Australian of note. The stories of achievement are inspiring. Each
young person highlighted has made their mark in a diverse range of
fields. Within the 'stage' of this book there are entrepreneurs,
STEM enthusiasts, social or environmental activists, sports stars
and successful singers, poets, writers, and the list goes on! Each
young person is extraordinary, but some of them have very ordinary
backgrounds, and have just been able to break through into the
public arena in some way.
With an illustration of the young achiever that is merely 'a
suggestion' of their appearance and utilises a variety of artistic
style features, different artists and lots of colour, this book is
almost a conversational biography rather than a reference book of
biographical information. (It would be impossible to recognise the
young Australian in the street from their illustration!) The purpose
of the book is to inspire, and the purchase of the book also creates
a charity donation towards the Smith Family charity to enable them
to continue to support young people to be the best version of
themselves and to aspire for a positive future.
Carolyn Hull
Bodies of men by Nigel Featherstone
Hachette, 2019. ISBN: 9780733640704.
(Age: Adult) Recommended. Set in Egypt 1941, the story opens with a
scene in the desert, where a young captain, William Marsh, whilst
moving forward to help a Medical Officer reach a wounded lorry
driver, hesitates to fire on the enemy before him - someone else
rises up and fires the shots, but in that moment of hesitation the
MO is severely injured. The man that makes the decisive shots is
James Kelly, someone who is familiar to William . . . from long ago,
at home.
That moment in the desert haunts William - it is his fault the MO is
wounded. And from then on, he is driven to ensure that his men are
in the peak state of preparedness. Because of his family
connections, he is stationed in a relatively safe location where he
has time to devote to training his men, and strict and demanding
training becomes ongoing, every day. A note from his superior
informs him that the other soldier, James Kelly, has gone AWOL, and
in that moment William realises how he knows him.
The story gradually reveals how the two men's lives have crossed,
from a naive boyhood friendship to enlistment in a war in a foreign
land; and then how their paths continue to blend together as their
love for each other grows. It is a love story told beautifully.
Featherstone brings alive the city of Alexandria, amid the desert
landscape, as well as the complexities of people from different
nationalities and backgrounds, thrown together, escaping from the
war in Europe, people with secrets. It is an intriguing story that
draws you in; we empathise with the young men, in dread of secret
organisations and the brutal Provost Corps, trying to find a way to
be together. Bodies of men is a war romance of a different kind. Written
whilst on a residency with the Australian Defence Force Academy,
Featherstone says he became 'intrigued by the idea of researching
different expressions of masculinity under extreme military
pressure'. The result is a beautifully written and tender love
story. For more about his inspiration for the book, see the author's
comments
online.
Helen Eddy
Little Frida by Anthony Browne
Walker Books, 2019. ISBN: 9781406381221. Hardcover, 32 pages.
(Age: All) Highly recommended. Themes: Frida Kahlo,
Disability. Resilience, Artists, Belonging, Imagination. Fans of
Anthony Browne's wonderful books and fans of the artist Frida Kahlo
will welcome this gorgeous picture that pays tribute to the artist's
young life. When she was six Frida Kahlo contracted polio and from
then on walked with a limp. She was bullied at school and felt
lonely and isolated until she went on a journey and met an imaginary
friend who could dance beautifully. This figure would feature in her
art in her later life.
Browne has used Kahlo's diary entries describing the time she met
her imaginary friend beneath a dairy to write a poignant story about
Frida's early life. His illustrations, done in the style of Kahlo,
are very evocative and tell a touching tale about a young girl's
disability and quest for friendship. Browne has won The Kate
Greenaway Medal twice and Little Frida could well be another
winner of this prestigious award. His illustrations, done in the
bright colours that characterised Kahlo's work, are beautiful and
will strike a chord in the minds of young and adult readers as they
follow Kahlo's flights of fancy when she dons a pair of wings that
she has been given for her birthday. The resilience that Kahlo had
is inspiring and the richness of her imagination comes across as an
important factor in her journey to becoming a world famous artist.
Children are fascinated by the artwork of Kahlo: bookstores keep
popular bookmark souvenirs and mugs depicting her self-portraits, so
this book will resonate with readers who want to learn more about
her life and art. There is biographical information at the back of
the book, and a picture of The two Fridas (1939), showing
her imaginary friend, gives the reader an insight into her
paintings.
This exquisitely produced book with its moving story and superb
illustrations will be one that readers will want to keep and return
to again and again.
Pat Pledger
The greatest book in the world by Matt Porter (Rudolph Wordsmith)
Ill. by Dave Atze. Ford St, 2019. ISBN: 9781925804140.
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Themes: Language, Rhyme, Verse story,
Bad language, Nudity, Humour. If you love looking for rude words
that rhyme with 'bart' and 'snickers' and 'mum' and 'slurp' and 'start', as
Rudolf writes his way through this book in four line rhyming
stanzas, then this book is for you. Rudolf introduces his book,
inviting readers to add the last word of each stanza, carefully
picking a word that rhymes. Of course the words that kids will call
out, suggest and perhaps think but not say are the rude words that
kids adore ('poo', 'bum', 'knickers' and so on) so Matt Porter instantly
gets his readers on side and involved with words that are not quite
acceptable. What a hoot - kids will love it, as well as adults as
they read the book out loud, soliciting the correct words as well as
those not quite so correct.
Atze's illustrations show a zany cartoon character for Rudolf,
divesting himself of his clothes as the story unfolds. Poor Mum and
Grandma the unwilling witnesses to Rudolf's antics. As each page is
turned the correct word is revealed, the author often admonishing
the reader for the word they thought of, again reinforcing the
correctness of language and what is acceptable and what is not. This
is a treat for kids discussing acceptability of language, looking at
what language can be used and where as well as its
appropriateness in particular circumstances.
Almost put off by another fart book, I found that the basis of the
story in showing children when and where language can be used is a
useful tool for parents and teachers alike in setting standards in
their home and classrooms. With a great lashing of humour supported
by funny illustrations, this book will be rarely left on the shelf.
Fran Knight
The cold eye by Laura Anne Gilman
The Devil's West bk. 2. Simon and Schuster, 2019. ISBN:
9781481429726.
(Age: 16+) Themes: Fantasy, Road trips, Western, Coming of age. In
the sequel to Silver
on the Road, Isobel is once again faced with the magic in the
land. This time something that is making the earth quake is
threatening everything and she must try to set the Territory to
rights. Accompanied by her mentor, Gabriel, she rides to uncover
what is destroying the land and making the animals and people flee. The cold eye has a slower pace in comparison to Silver on
the road, and concentrates on the gradual growth of Isobel's
strength and understanding of her skills and the responsibility that
the devil has laid on her shoulders. Isobel is a strong character,
and the reader will become immersed in her gradual coming of age.
Some more of the tantalising secrets that Gabriel has hidden come to
the surface, but Gilman still leaves enough uncovered that the
reader will look forward to the next book in the series.
Gilman's real strength is in her world building. The landscape of a
strange version of the old West is vividly described and the world
of the Territory, its magic, the wards that are used by everyone to
contain it and the different people come to life and make for a
unique read.
Although slow at times, The cold eye leaves the reader eager
to find out more about the quests that Isobel must undertake as the
devil's Left Hand and the secret powers that Gabriel hides in the
next in the series, Red waters rising.
Pat Pledger
Red Waters Rising by Laura Anne Gilman
The Devil's West bk. 3. Saga Press, ISBN: 9781481429757.
(Age: 16+) Recommended. Themes: Fantasy, Western, Coming of age. In
the conclusion to The Devil's West trilogy, Isobel and
Gabriel ride to the great river, the Mud River, (aka Mississippi)
where Isobel will once again be tested not just as the Devil's Left
Hand but as a bone child. With strange threats to the welfare of the
Territory, it is up to Isobel to work out what is happening.
Meanwhile, Gabriel is increasingly drawn to the waters of the Mud
River.
The alternative world of the West has been a great setting for this
character driven trilogy, and the descriptions of the Red Stick, its
inhabitants and relations with the Native peoples all make for an
interesting reading experience. As the settler numbers increase and
the American fort across the river grows in size, there are tensions
about the Agreement that binds the people and allows them to stay in
the Territory. Isobel must arbitrate carefully to help calm the
unrest that is developing.
It was unusual to see the strong relationship between Isobel and
Gabriel, who acts so well as her mentor, teaching her the skills she
needs and ensuring that she takes the lead in solving the problems
facing the land. Isobel has developed from a young 16 year old to a
confident young woman who is prepared to think through issues and
act for the best of the people, while readers will be intrigued by
the pull that the water exerts on Gabriel.
The conclusion is complex and well developed, strange and
disturbing. Readers will be sure to pursue the novella, Gabriel's
road, for a further look at the world of the Territory and
Gabriel's quest for peace.
Pat Pledger
The City of Guardian Stones by Jacob Sager Weinstein
Walker, 2018. ISBN: 9781406368864.
(Age: 9-12) Themes: London, Fantasy, Magical realism, Adventure. The
City of Guardian Stones is a hilarious, entertaining fantasy
caper that takes us deep down into sewers, art gallery and railway
tunnels, chasing the dastardly Minnie Tickle stone thief. Hyacinth
and her family and friends return for another fantastical quest to
save their city from evil forces. Someone is stealing the magical
heritage of London; ancient stones are disappearing from
underground.
Hyacinth's family are mysteriously connected to the magical rivers
that run under the city of London and the stones that hold the
ancient secrets of the city. They undertake an epic journey across
London, travelling with Oaroborous a giant pig wearing a swimsuit
who communicates succinctly with responses written on little cards.
They are also assisted by the Coade stone statues which are
strategically placed throughout the city, especially the stone lion
Hungerford who transports them and assists them in some dangerous
situations.
The young girl, her Mom and Little Ben Franklin find themselves
locked in jail, stuck in the Lost and Found Office and fighting in
magical foggy conditions. Here, Hyacinth's sword and dancing skills
utilising her 'Excalibrolly' prove useful fighting Minnie Tickle.
Can Hyacinth and her friends stop Minnie from resurrecting the old
London Bridge and stop the evil that wants to control the city?
Weinstein's epic story has a surprising array of quirky characters,
strange settings and magical moments that takes the reader on a
thrilling ride. His world building, architectural descriptions and
unique underground places add to the excitement. Each of the main
characters learn more about their capabilities, strengths and
working together as a team. For added interest, photos and
information of the real London sites are included.
Rhyllis Bignell
How to rob a bank by Tom Mitchell
HarperCollins Children's Books, 2019. ISBN: 9780008276508.
(Age: 11 and up) Recommended. Themes: Adolescents, humor, guilt,
bank robberies, fires. When I first read the title of this book
little alarm bells rang in my head thinking this may not be such a
great topic to allow into a teenager's hands. However, the story is
more about a young man's need to impress his first love than
stealing from a bank. Fifteen-year-old Dylan Thomas is competing
with annoying Harry for Beth's affections and giving her a Nepalese
candle for her birthday seemed a great idea at the time. But as with
many of Dylan's great ideas, his execution never seems to come up to
what he's envisaged. The candle smelled awful and trying to get rid
of it in a hurry when Beth's mum was on her way to catch him in
Beth's bedroom meant throwing it into the bin. Great idea, unless
the candle is still alight and causes a house fire.
Things turn from bad to worse when he realizes he has caused such a
catastrophe that Beth must move in with her Aunt and go to a
different school as the family can't afford the rent for the flat
they are forced to live in as a result of the fire. The idea that he
could somehow gift Beth the money her family needs gives him the
motivation to rob a bank. Watching movies with his dad, who is not
opposed to bending the rules when it suits him, has shown him that
there are many smart ways out there to get money without having to
go into a bank. In desperation to save Beth from her family's'
financial woes he decides to try a few out.
Again, his implementation lets him down on several occasions
providing the reader with a story that is very entertaining. Dylan
is a thinker and is determined to get this right and no unfinished
history homework, horrible Saturday job or nasty bank manager is
going to stand in his way.
Gabrielle Anderson
The Talent Show by Delphine Davis
Mermaid Holidays bk. 1. Illus. by Adele K. Thomas. Puffin
Books, 2019. ISBN: 9780143796510.
(Age: 6-8) Recommended. Themes: Friendship; Mermaids. This is an
easy-to-read Friendship tale involving friends who catch up every
school holiday break . . . and mermaids! Each of the four
mer-friends has a companion side-kick - a marine creature that often
speaks the words of wisdom that they need to hear. In this tale, the
mer-girls get together to plan their mer-formance (performance) in
the upcoming talent show. Sophia's bossiness gets in the way of a
polished performance, creating waves amongst the friends. Will the
friendship recover from the debacle? Only the voice of reason from
Sophia's side-kick, Smedley, can restore what has been wrecked.
This is a book for readers of easy chapter fiction for girls, not
dissimilar to many others written for this age group, but with
mermaids as characters. Illustrations are simple comic style which
reveals story and character details with hints of humour. There is
no great complexity to the plot and young girls will recognise the
playground and friendship dilemmas and solutions. There are other
books to follow in the series, so this is one to recommend to the
young reader discovering chapter books and reading independence.
Especially if they love mermaids!
Carolyn Hull
