Reviews

There's a baddie running through this book by Shelly Unwin and Vivienne To

Allen and Unwin, 2018. ISBN 9781760630614
(Age: Preschool+) Recommended. Themes: Humour, Books, Robbers and outlaws, Theft. There's a baddie running through this book is a fun, action packed and engrossing story which encourages children to follow the path of destruction left by the baddie (a racoon). From page one he sneaks his way through the pages stealing different things from other animals he meets. Each time he steals something, it is a piece of paper torn from the illustration, asking children look more closely at the drawings and seeing where the torn piece fits. This encourages interaction on a different level as they must use spatial skills to see how the pieces align.
The thief leaves a trail of sweets and nuts behind him as he makes his way, and this allows the police and those from whom he has stolen to follow and catch him. When he is caught all the goods are returned to their rightful owners and he is locked up, but in tearing a piece of the illustration showing the jail, the question must be asked, how long will he stay behind bars?
The illustrations are great fun encouraging children to pick out the baddie in his mask, with his sack over his shoulder, while laughing at the disruption that he leaves behind and sympathising with those who have lost goods. The book will easily lead classes to discuss the idea of law and order, encouraging them to see what mayhem the thief causes, and how upset those he has stolen from can be. They will see that his crimes lead to jail time, but the twist in the tale gives a hint that he may escape.
I loved the cleverly torn pieces of the drawings, encouraging children to use their eyes and think about how each piece fits, and where the pieces come from. I love the endpapers with the array of characters from the story, encouraging readers to recognise and name each animal.
The rhyming pairs of lines encourage readers to predict the last word of each line, while the use of 'up' and 'down', 'above' and 'below', 'fast ' and 'slow', 'left' and 'right', all reiterate words used every day. The seemingly simple rhyme is infectious: There's a baddie running through this book, Turn the pages; have a look. There he goes, did you see? Sound your siren, chase with me (Publisher) and a joy to read aloud.
Fran Knight

The funny life of pets by James Campbell

Ill. by Rob Jones. Bloomsbury, 2018. ISBN 9781408889947
(Age: 8+) Recommended. Themes: Pets; Humour. Written with the potential for choosing your own path through the muddle of information and complete fabrication related to pets and owning pets, this is essentially a book of nonsense. Campbell obviously has a great sense of humour that would appeal to the generation that loves fart jokes and stories about poo and is mildly interested in animals. Note: serious interest in animals should automatically preclude you from reading this book, and certainly it should never be used as a source of reliable information for a school project! But this information is clearly spelled out in the introduction. The quirky illustrations (similar in style to Diary of a Wimpy Kid) would instantly reveal that this book is designed to amuse and not educate. Young people will probably enjoy the silly humour, but this is not a work of great literature, and the constant references to the disgusting things that animals do may offend animal lovers and some adults. There are certainly many times when the 'facts' are fake and the animals are the work of an active imagination.
Recommended with caution, as diversionary reading material for the reluctant reader who likes animals and who says they want a funny book. But if you want them to avoid reading material that mentions poo, bottom-burps and bums this may not be a book to put in their hands. But don't be surprised if their best friend shares it with them!
Carolyn Hull

Mirror Mirror by Cara Delevingne (with Rowan Coleman)

Trapeze, 2017. ISBN 9781409172758
(Ages 16+) Highly recommended. Red, Naomi, Leo and Rose are four misfits who become the closest of friends upon the formation of their band, Mirror Mirror. Band rehearsal is an escape for all four, giving them momentary freedom from the hardships they face in their regular lives. Red has an alcoholic mother and often absent father, Leo's criminal brother encourages him to follow in his footsteps, Rose uses alcohol and boys to numb her painful past and Naomi runs away from home to finally be free. Just as the band are coming to terms with their group identity and feel as close as a family, Naomi goes missing and subsequently turns up half dead in the Thames. The police believe that she did this to herself but Red begins to find clues suggesting that things are not as they seem. The trio decide that they must take matters into their own hands to truly find out what happened to Naomi.
A tale of determination, mystery and friendship in the face of adversity, this novel reminds its reader that they are stronger than they know and can make a difference in this world. In her debut novel, Delevingne presents realistic characters, deep emotional twists and an all-round inspiring story. Through Red, the reader is brought on a journey of self-discovery while learning some powerful messages along the way.
A beautiful yet sorrowful story that truly captures the turbulence that is our teenage years.
Daniella Chiarolli

The boys from St Francis by Ashley Mallett

Wakefield Press, 2018. ISBN 9781743055809
(Age: 14+) Recommended. Non-fiction. In 1945, six Alice Springs mothers parted with their sons, sending them off into the trusted hands of kindly Father Smith and his wife Isobel, to gain a better education in Adelaide. They were part of Father Smith's assimilation experiment: his belief that young Aboriginal children offered a high level of education would have a better chance in life. He wanted them to be proud of their Aboriginal heritage but also to succeed in the white world.
However need for greater financial support led Smith to be persuaded by the Australian Board of Missions to extend his original concept to allow for up to 50 'part-Aboriginal' boys to be included in his scheme - boys of the Stolen Generations, taken from their mothers. And while the boys remember Father Smith with affection, his dreams were gradually eroded by lack of funds and when he finally abandoned them, Smith was replaced by series of sadistic and cruel superintendents. That many of the boys were able to survive those times and go on to achieve in a variety of fields, is due more to their strength of character and determination not to be beaten, than to any care they received. They had to learn to fight to protect themselves; many found a path to respect and acceptance on the sports field. Wally Macarthur was a champion athlete, John Moriarty became the first man of Aboriginal descent to play soccer for Australia, Charlie Perkins played international soccer, many played rugby league or Australian Rules football.
They all faced racism - from being asked to leave the Balfours cake shop, to being denied opportunity to represent Australia in the Olympics, to being expected to sign a certificate of 'exemption' of Aboriginality to access the ordinary rights of other Australians. Charlie Perkins famously led the freedom bus ride visiting NSW country towns to focus attention on the blatant racism and segregation that was life for Aboriginal Australians. Yet despite all that they endured in those times, so many of the boys of St Francis went on to become exceptionally high achievers. You can read about Charlie Perkins, soccer star and activist; Bill Espie, policeman, awarded the Queen's Medal for bravery; Malcolm Cooper, first Aboriginal player to play for Port Adelaide in a grand final; John Moriarty, designer; Gordon Briscoe, history professor; Harold Thomas, creator of the Aboriginal flag; Vince Copley, Australian Rules footballer and AM in the Queen's Birthday 2014 Honours List; the list goes on. Their stories are ones of sadness and joy, loneliness and friendship, hard work, perseverance and warm-hearted humour.
Ashley Mallett's book highlights the amazing impact that the boys from St Francis had on Australian society. He would like to see their stories more widely known. A good start would be to have this book in every school library.
Helen Eddy

The tales of Mr Walker by Jess Black

Penguin Books Australia, 2018. ISBN 9780143793076
(Age: 7+) Recommended. Subtitled A hotel dog with a nose for adventure. On a brilliant Autumn's day, Mr Walker arrives at the grandest hotel in town. While things get off to a wobbly start, this charming Labrador is determined to put his best paw forward. And it's just as well because the most unexpected adventures await...
The tales of Mr Walker contains four delightful stories inspired by the real-life Mr Walker, a Guide Dog Ambassador who now calls Park Hyatt Melbourne home.
This is an absolutely beautiful book for ages 7 and up. Once trained to be a guide dog, Mr Walker finds himself as an ambassador at the Park Hyatt in Melbourne. He is an endearing dog, with likeable traits who soon finds himself popular with the guests. The book contains four heart warming stories that are beautifully illustrated. Mr Walker learns the many quirky traits of people and frequently adapts his behaviour to suit their needs.
I love the fact that the royalties from this book support the Guide Dogs of Victoria. I am sure there will be more adventures of Mr Walker.
Kathryn Schumacher

Animalphabet by Julia Donaldson

Ill. by Sharon King-Chai. Two Hoots, 2018. ISBN 9781509801633
(Age: 3+) Recommended. Themes: Cut out. Animals. This alphabet book of animals will easily draw children's eyes across each page as they predict the next letter of the alphabet and wonder which animal will be offered when turning each wonder-filled page. The descriptions of each animal take in some of their characteristics, ensuring the reader learns a little as they read. On the first page we see a little ant and the reader is asked what is more beautiful. Turning the page they see a beautiful butterfly in all of its glory, and then they are asked what has more legs. Turning the page the answer is the caterpillar, and then the elephant follows with its size outstripping that of the caterpillar. In this way, Donaldson asks the reader to predict the animal starting with the next letter, and they can compare each as it appears. From A to Z, the animals appear, looming large on each page, filled with colour and wondrous backgrounds. But much more is there to lure the young reader.
Pages sometimes have a flap to lift, revealing the answer to the question posed on the previous page, or more information, while others have cut-outs to peer into the next page, or emphasise the shape of the animal in question. Each page will dazzle and delight, inform and tease, excite and enthral as the readers' eyes take in the detailed drawings before them. King-Chai, now living in London, brings a different style of illustration to this work, full of design features with enormous appeal.
Fran Knight

The Champion Charlies: The grand finale by Adrian Beck

Ill. by Adele K. Thomas. Penguin Publishing, 2018. ISBN 9780143791300
(Age: 7+) Recommended. Easy to read. Champion Charlies is a hilarious junior fiction series of books for boys and girls that celebrates the great game of football. The grand finale is Book 4 in the series. Others reviewed are The mix-up and The Knockout Cup.
The Jets have reached the Grand Final against their arch rivals, The Hammerheads. The build up to the game is intense and a few of the Jets are starting to crack under the pressure. To make matters worse, CJ's sworn enemy, Lenny 'the gorilla' Lincoln, is leading the attack for the Hammerheads. It's up to Charlotte to get the Jets back on track. But will her tactics be enough when they're out on the field?
Donna Isgar

The Bogan Mondrian by Steven Herrick

University of Queensland Press, 2018. ISBN 9780702259982
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. Themes: Coming of age, Domestic violence, Alcoholism. Herrick once again delivers a stunning look at adolescence with some very strong themes of responsibility and friendship threading throughout the easy to read novel. As Charlotte says: 'There are worse things than school.' When Luke becomes friends with her things begin to change. He has been trying to get over the death of his father, wagging school and spending time at the reservoir, but with a visit to Charlotte's house, comes the discovery that wealth and power can hide some awful things.
I found this to be a very compulsive read and managed to finish it in one sitting. Herrick is a master at delving into the mind of young men, and his portrayal of Luke is thoughtful and compelling. Luke's father was a smoker, drinker and spent his money gambling but he was also loving and cheerful. His death has had a huge impact on Luke, who spends his time taking photos around his Blue Mountains home. He has a great relationship with his mother and knows that he is loved. Charlotte on the other hand has arrived in town, with rumours about her expulsion from school and hints of a new start. She comes from a wealthy family and her home and money is an eye-opener for Luke who comes from the wrong side of the highway.
It is Luke's sense of responsibility and loyalty to his friends that shines through the novel and could provoke a lot of discussion if The bogan Mondrian was used as a class novel.
I love the funny talk about verse novels: 'Why didn't the poet just tell the story in the normal way?' and the exposition of Mondrian's art work is fascinating. Country life in the Blue Mountains is also compellingly described as are the interactions with Luke's teachers and friendly neighbours. And the dog Buster is a character in himself.
Lyrical prose, excellent representation of life at school and some thought provoking themes make this an outstanding read for classroom and a must have for libraries.
Pat Pledger

The puffin book of summer stories: eight favourite Australian picture books

Penguin Random House Australia, 2018. ISBN 9780143793540
(Age: 3-7) Highly recommended. Themes: Summer, Beaches, Ocean, Grandparents, Dogs. This is a stunning collection of eight outstanding picture books about summer. The titles include many classics stories that will be familiar as well as some that have not been in print for some time:
Summer by June Factor, illustrated by Alison Lester (1988)
Grandpa and Thomas by Pamela Allen (2003)
My hippopotamus is on our caravan roof getting sunburnt by Hazel Edwards, illustrated by Deborah Niland (1990)
Eve and Elly by Mike Dumbleton, illustrated by Laura Wood (2016)
Castles by Allan Baillie, illustrated by Caroline Magerl (2005)
Seadog by Claire Saxby, illustrated by Tom Jellett (2013)
There's a sea in my bedroom by Margaret Wild, illustrated by Jane Tanner. (1984)
Max by Marc Martin (2013)
All the stories are wonderful and have been carefully selected by the publisher to bring alive summer in Australia. The Australian experience of the seaside is evoked vividly in Grandpa and Thomas, as the pair build a sandcastle and cavort in the waves, while June Factor's text in Summer, brings to life Australian Christmas traditions, with gorgeous evocative illustrations by Alison Lester. Eve and Elly is a personal favourite, depicting the dismay of a child who has lost her favourite toy elephant and the problems that her loving parents have in trying to replace it. Castles by Allan Baillie was new to me and I love the fantasy elements in it as a young girl, a Princess, built a castle on the beach and enjoyed it until a Pirate came along. Caroline Magerl's illustrations show a soaring castle in the clouds and galleon with cannons that toppled the castle's towers and both illustrations cleverly combine the ordinary day at the beach with the imaginative world of the two children. Our dog is a seadog will particularly appeal to children who own dogs as he scatters gulls and jumps and chases the waves. The story of the little girl in My hippopotamus is on our caravan roof getting sunburnt by Hazel Edwards is a celebration of the imagination, as she tries to convince everyone that there is a hippopotamus on the caravan roof or riding a surfboard making waves. There's a sea in my bedroom by Margaret Wild has all the fabulous aspects that one expects from this author and illustrator as an exuberant little boy imagines he has unleashed the sea from a large seashell he had found and discovers that he is no longer afraid of the sea. Children will be delighted as Max the seagull finally finds Bob who has left his fish and chip shop for another location.
This collection contains an outstanding group of picture books. It would be a wonderful gift for young children and would greatly enhance any unit of work about summer and the seaside in the classroom.
Pat Pledger

Girls of paper and fire by Natasha Ngan

Hodder and Stoughton, 2018. ISBN 9781473692190
(Age: senior secondary) Highly recommended. Not suitable for young readers. Contains scenes of violence and sexual assault (not described but heavily implied). Themes: YA, fantasy, LGBT+.
Lei is a member of the Paper caste, the lowest and most persecuted class of people in Ikhara. Ten years ago, her mother was snatched by the royal guards, and her fate remains unknown. Now, the guards are back and this time it's Lei they're after - the girl with the golden eyes, whose rumoured beauty has piqued the king's interest.
Over weeks of training in the opulent but oppressive palace, Lei and eight other girls learn the skills and charm that befit a king's consort. There, Lei does the unthinkable - she falls in love. Her forbidden romance becomes enmeshed with an explosive plot that threatens her world's entire way of life and Lei, still the wide-eyed country girl at heart, must decide how far she's willing to go for justice and revenge.
Girls of Paper and Fire is an intriguing analysis of significant societal issues including racism, abuse, and consent, with Ngan's writing opening many pathways for discussion. The characters come from various Asian backgrounds and are diverse and complex, a brilliant example of well-rounded representation. Their unique, masterfully crafted backstories and motives allow the reader to connect and identify with the struggles of both main and minor characters. Lei's characterisation and continued defiance of the oppressive ruling system emphasised the importance of continuously opposing injustice and never giving in to despair. Ngan's description of the way Lei fell in love was beautifully written and philosophical, revealing the great lengths people will go to for people they care about. While the story is confronting, it critiques and challenges these issues and starts much-needed discussions. Ngan writes with elegance and poise, handling these serious topics with grace.
Despite the story's dark nature, it conveys positive messages for people who have experienced traumas similar to those of the paper girls, detailing the value of healthy relationships, the power of female strength, and reminds the audience of humanity's ability to find hope in darkness, to not just survive, but to live through struggles.
This novel was an engrossing read which, while dark, aims to lift its readers and remind them of their own power and ability to create change.
Stephanie Lam

The Silk Roads by Peter Frankopan

Bloomsbury, 2018. ISBN 9781408889930
(Age: 10+) 'Set your sails east with this stunningly original new history of the world. Peter Frankopan, number one bestselling author and historian, explores the connections made by people, trade, disease, war, religion, adventure, science and technology in this extraordinary book with a remarkable voyage at its heart - the journey along the Silk Roads. From ancient world laws laid down by Kind Hammurabi and the mighty Persian empire, to terrifying Huns, the rise of Europe, two world wars and politics today, The Silk Roads moves through time and history sewing the threads from different peoples, empires and continents into a phenomenal history of the globe.' (Publisher)
This book is absolutely exquisite. The illustrations are to die for and the detailed accounts of the times in history are informative and easy to read. The book centres around Europe and the Middle East, with other countries being mentioned briefly. It begins with Medieval times and passes through centuries finishing in the 2000s. Each chapter is divided into an historical period and the significant events that influenced it. The book does not provide indepth information about each time, but it does entice the reader to seek more information. The book is unique in that it delivers the historical content from an Asian perspective, rather than the traditional USA and English.
This would be a welcome addition to the collection for readers 10 and up or it would make a beautiful coffee table book.
Kathryn Schumacher

Whispering in the wind by Alan Marshall

Ill. by Jack Newnham. Text Classics, 2018 (c1969). ISBN 9781925773064
(Age: 5-8) Themes: Australian children's stories, Fairytales, Read aloud. This is a story about an Australian country boy's search for a princess to rescue. He is given a pouch of magic leaves and a magic whip by his mentor, an old man called Crooked Mick with whom he lives. Peter barely begins his quest when he meets Greyfur, a very special Kangaroo that can pull anything out of her pouch, including an elephant! And armed with these, he is able to solve any problem he encounters. Each chapter presents a challenge that is often solved by a magic leaf. There is an array of unusual characters including talking winds, a Willy Willy Man, a giant, a witch and a bunyip. This story was not without its charms but for me a castle with a moat and a King and Queen did not sit comfortably in the Australian bush. There were references to well known Australian cities which I found disconcerting as it had the effect of pulling you back into reality just when this reader was trying to immerse herself in the story.
With the complexities and sophistication of other fantasies in circulation this story presented as very simple and young.
I would recommend it to parents wanting to read an Australian classic to young children perhaps 5 to 8 years of age.
Joyce Crawford

Ella and Olivia: Sister's day out stories by Yvette Poshoglian

Scholastic, 2018. ISBN 9781743817735
(Age: 6+) Recommended. Early chapter book with a hard cover and full colour illustrations. 'Meet Ella and Olivia. Big Sister. Little Sister. Best Friends!' (Publisher).
Six brand-new Ella and Olivia stories are collected together in this treasury, now illustrated in full colour. It is a very special story collection in this ever-popular Australian series that all girls LOVE.
Follow Ella and Olivia in six all-new adventures as they get a new pet in The new kitten, wear beautiful flower girl dresses at their Aunt's wedding in Flower girls, have fishing adventures at Nanna and Grandad's house in The fishing trip, visit an alpaca farm in Group leaders, bake cupcakes for the school fete in The school fete and take a trip to the circus in The littlest clown.
This treasury would make a popular gift ideal for fans of the series and young children who want to read a larger book.
Donna Isgar

Maddie's First Day by Penny Matthews

Ill. by Liz Anelli. Walker Books, 2018. ISBN 9781925381351
(Age: 4-5) Themes: Starting School. Penny Matthew's picture book Maddie's First Day explores the range of emotions this little girl encounters on this special day. She uses easy to understand descriptions of Maddie's happiness, her nervousness, worry and joy. Liz Anelli's lively images capture the warmth of the family environment, the overwhelming and noisy playground and the activity in the classroom. Different views, from bird's-eye to closeups capture the energy of Maddy's classroom, the engagement of the new students and the warmth and care of Miss Rose their teacher.
Waking up, Maddie looks very excited, she has a new uniform, shiny shoes and a backpack filled with new stationery. Dad's packed her lunchbox and Mum kisses her goodbye as she leaves for work. The decision to slip her favourite blanky in her bag is one that will cause some concern later in the morning. When her friend questions Maddie about her comfort toy, the little girl's tummy feels wobbly. Her worries grow as she can't read the writing on the whiteboard and her voice won't come out when they sing a new song. Luckily for Maddie, at recess Charlie her friend shows her something he has hidden in his backpack.
This picture book approaches that important day in a young child's life from waking up to going to bed. Penny Matthew's simple, descriptive story is reassuring and realistically shows the range of emotions a youngster can experience. The parents are shown as loving and caring, and the teacher is shown as understanding and willing to listen. From being overwhelmed to finding friends, playing in the yard, singing in class and circle time, Maddie's First Day is just right for pre-schoolers introducing them to a typical school day. This is a delightful story to share as a family, discussing Maddie's emotions and how she coped with the challenges.
Rhyllis Bignell

Stories for kids who dare to be different by Ben Brooks