Bina: First Nations languages, old and new by Gari Tudor-Smith, Paul Williams and Felicity Meakins
La Trobe University Press, 2024. ISBN: 9781760644987. (Age:Senior secondary, Adult) Recommended.
Designed as a book for general public, Bina enlightens readers about how Australian First Nations languages are integral to identity and culture, imbuing inherent values and sharing knowledge. An example is the word ‘bina’ itself, with meanings of ‘ear’, ‘know’, ‘listen’, ‘remember’. The reprimand ‘binang gunj’ translated literally as ‘earless’ means ‘You’re not paying attention’. It illuminates the aural nature of Aboriginal knowledge, in contrast to English which draws attention to the eye, as in ‘I see’ for ‘I understand’.
Another interesting observation is the lack of gendered pronouns in most Aboriginal languages; there is no gender distinction between she, he, it. Current speakers of English are discovering the dilemma of how to refer to transgender and non-binary people, with the use of ‘they’ (singular) becoming a mainstream convention. These fascinating kinds of distinctions reflect the values and customs embedded in language.
The book Bina explores the richness of our First Nations languages. That is no small feat as there are estimated to be over 440 unique languages and many more dialects. Traditionally Aboriginal people would be multilingual, speaking the languages of family, neighbours and other groups with which they had contact. New languages such as Pidgin, Creoles and Aboriginal English have evolved through contact with colonisers.
Most devastating has been the loss of numerous languages due to the impact of colonisation. For First Nations people, Country, culture and language are intertwined. 'Biriwalgal', the chapter on the arrival of the English, provides a concise account of the destruction of land, spread of disease, frontier warfare, massacres, relocation of traditional groups, 'stolen generations' and the ensuing loss of language. It is a terrible history.
The good news is the movement towards recovery and revitalisation of languages, with vocabulary and grammar being researched and recorded, First Nations languages taught in schools and tertiary institutions, and the variety of stories, music, art and performances bringing language to life. Anita Heiss’s books, Dirrayawadha (2024) and Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray (2021), incorporating Wiradyuri language, are an example, but there are many others.
For readers interested in languages, Bina provides fascinating examples of word meanings and concepts, common usage and grammar structure, and what that reveals about the culture of the speakers. For the general reader, a window is opened to the complexities of First Nations languages, the variety of languages spoken in Australia, and the toll that invasion has taken on the original inhabitants of this country. In this decade, the UNESCO International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032), it is timely to remember that language is a basic human right, and that all Indigenous peoples have the right to communicate in their first language. The extensive research undertaken for Bina provides the opportunity for each person to find out a little about the language of their local area, and the amazing wealth of language and culture to be found in Australia.
Themes First Nations, Aboriginal languages, Aboriginal culture, Aboriginal history.
Helen Eddy
Globe defenders: Rainforest rescue by Jonny Daymond
New Frontier, 2024. ISBN: 9781922326959. (Age:9+) Highly recommended.
Globe Defenders: Rainforest Rescue is the first novel written by Jonny Daymond. It is an exhilarating adventure that grips readers from the first page; with a fascinating narrative that blends elements of science fiction with real-world environmental issues.
The story follows siblings Jesse, 13, and Jack, 11, as they grapple with the mysterious disappearance of their parents and try to navigate the complexities of a new school, Hilltop Academy. The children’s lives take a dramatic turn when they are unknowingly implanted with a device called an AB, which enhances their physical abilities. This transformation thrusts them into the world of the Secret Academy GDA, an elite group tasked with protecting the planet.
The plot is rich with tension and suspense as Jesse and Jack find themselves on a dangerous mission to the Amazon rainforest, hoping to save the environment and its inhabitants from the destructive actions of loggers. The siblings’ determination and courage are tested repeatedly as they confront both the perilous environment and the villains who threaten the rainforest. Jesse and Jack need to learn to harness their new abilities and work together with the other Global Defenders before it is too late. But will they ever find out what happened to their parents?
The book is not only a thrilling adventure but also an educational journey, shedding light on the critical issues facing the world's rainforests. The inventive technology and high-tech gadgets intertwined with the natural beauty of the rainforest creates a unique and captivating contrast that will engage readers who are tech-savvy and environmentally conscious.
Globe Defenders: Rainforest Rescue is a must-read for middle-grade readers who love adventure, nature, science fiction and stories about making a difference. Jonny Daymond has crafted a tale that is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, encouraging young readers to reflect on the importance of environmental conservation and the power of courage and perseverance. Teacher's notes are available.
The opening chapter presents Hannah, calling ‘Help’, bound to a chair in a nondescript white room, hearing the approaching steps of her captor, and preparing to die. But this is not the first chapter of a thriller as most would expect, but a very funny and bizarre rom-com about a woman ludicrously infatuated with a serial killer.
There is never any explicit description of Hannah, but the references to her binge eating of takeaway and machine dispensed snacks, her shabby clothes, blanking by friends and former would-be boyfriend, and her obsession with social media in work hours, all contribute to the portrayal of a person who is failing in all areas of her life. Even her mother sounds disappointed during phone calls.
Hannah is one of ‘those women’ who write letters to serial killers in prison. There are a number of women writing to William Thompson, but the thing that Hannah loves is that he writes back . . . because she is special, they have a connection. He wants her to be his girlfriend.
I loved reading this book. It is so funny, not in a laugh out loud way, but in a subtle ‘can you believe it’ way, that is reinforced by the narrator’s complete lack of insight into herself. It is like reading a person’s account of something and knowing that others have a completely different view of the event. Hannah is so wrapped up in her own world, she doesn’t realise how bizarre she is. We read her letters to the serial killer, and think how could he possibly want to have a relationship with her. But he does!
This book is so much fun. It is clever, and satisfying in the way the mystery is resolved. But don’t expect an ‘edge of the seat’ thriller. It’s not that, more of a character expose shining a light on the insecurities we can all identify with in some way. This is a debut novel by Tasha Coryell. Please write some more!
A poster calling for animals to join the ranks of the circus encourages those in the jungle and wood to audition. Elephant can belly dance, Lion can juggle, and Moose can play magic tricks. But Bear has no skills to offer. He goes off and finds a bicycle on which he practices a host of tricks to take to the circus. But they do not want him: they already have Panda who cycles on one wheel, not two, so Bear is sent away. He rummages in the river and fishes out a supermarket trolley. He repurposes the single wheel and makes himself a one wheeled cycle with which to wow the circus people. But when he gets to the circus he finds his friends are most unhappy. They are not doing the acts they perfected, but are being used in a series of acts in which they are laughed at and abused. Elephant is made to do a handstand, Moose is stuffed into a canon, while Lion is being poked at with a chair, expected to jump through a fiery hoop, and Panda is hanging from a trapeze swing without a safety net. Bear takes action. He pedals his cycle to Lion and hosts him on his shoulders, Bruce the Goose is swept up, and Panda taken from the high wire, after Elephant stands on the seesaw launching Bear and the cycle and his companions into the air. So Bear heads for the wood with a very heavy and relieved load.
In wonderful rhyming verses, this lovely story unfolds. Full of bravery and looking out for your friends, the Bear does not think of his own safety, but is spurred into action when he sees what has happened to his friends.
Beautiful illustrations capture the essence of an old fashioned circus which younger readers will not have seen. So this book opens up the possibility of talking about why circuses have changed. The animals are amazing, their excitement shown on their faces, while Bear’s trepidation at learning his new skills equally obvious.
The striped tent is shown on many pages, and the last line gives Bear’s hope that he never sees another, the tent now packed up and being taken away by the three foxes on a bike, this one a tricycle.
Lots of fun will be had using this book. Apart from predicting the rhyming word, which kids love to do, they will also come across new ideas to be discussed, love the animals and cheer when Bear saves the day.
In rhyming stanzas, the text encourages the reader to think of times when they are touched by someone they know, a family member or close friend. These cuddles, hugs and kisses are reciprocated and wanted and given back. The first few pages talk of the wanted kisses, whizzies, hugs and cuddles. But then the reader is told that some may not be as welcome. In the past they have accepted kisses and cuddles from relatives of friends, but now it is unwanted.
Just as a three legged race will only work if both partners are willing; it will not work if one does not want it to be there. And a kiss and cuddle are just the same, both people must be willing.
Just like a cat which will cuddle, and purr and loves sleeping on someone’s lap, there are times when the cat does not want this. At these times it is obvious that the cat does not want to be touched; it will wriggle and squirm, and jump off the lap, and go away.
With people, it is OK to say no. Tell the person that you don’t like a kiss or hug. But look and listen to them as well. Just like the cat: people know when the cat wants to be cuddled and touched, but the cat is equally able to let its feelings show, and walk away when a cuddle is offered.
Using a cat and its well known behaviour to tell kids about who is allowed to touch you is a wonderful analogy and most kids will get it. There are times when a kiss and cuddle is great, but other times it may not be. It may be great from the aunt now, but not in the future.
With funny, cute illustrations from Dasha Riley, the story will be read in classrooms where discussions around touching arise, and kids will love reading the tale as a support for their own concerns with who to touch and who not.
Themes Relationships, Safety, Touching, Family.
Fran Knight
Racing Legends: Charles Leclerc by Maurice Hamilton
Another famous racing car driver joining legends Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris is Charles Leclerc. This very popular Racing Legends series is written by Maurice Hamilton who has attended over 500 Grand Prix races all around the world and has commentated on F1 races for BBC Radio 5 Live for 20 years. His knowledge of all things racing related is second to none.
Each book has a colour photograph of the driver on the front cover and contains 101 facts about Formula One. The Contents page begins with Chapter one: An introduction to Formula One and the second to last chapter in each book has the heading ‘How can you be like Lando Norris or Charles Leclerc.’ Throughout the book are illustrations as well as tables, diagrams, maps, comparison facts, highlighted key words, F1 terminology as well as the opportunity to learn about what goes on behind the scenes.
The exciting facts about each driver provide readers with snapshots of their lives. Charles Leclerc began racing karts at the age of seven and in 2013 at the World Karting championship finished second behind Max Verstappen. He began in Formula 1 racing in 2018.
Each of the four books in the series are proving to be entertaining reads for those middle to upper primary readers who are sport enthusiasts and prefer information over fiction. With engaging facts and numerous infographics to absorb and discuss with their friends, these books are flying off library shelves.
Themes Racing Cars, Drivers, Family, Competition, Biography.
Kathryn Beilby
Read at your own risk by Remy Lai
Allen & Unwin, 2024. ISBN: 9781761180934. (Age:10+) Highly recommended.
Read at Your Own Risk by Remy Lai is an exhilarating ride through a spooky and hilarious adventure that grips readers from start to finish. This illustrated sketch diary chronicles the eerie experiences of Hannah, a young girl who finds herself haunted by an evil spirit after a game with friends goes horribly wrong.
The story begins innocently enough with Hannah and her friends deciding to play Spirit of the Coin, a game meant to communicate with the dead. What follows is anything but innocent as an evil entity answers their call and embeds itself in the pages of Hannah’s journal. The playful, light-hearted tone quickly turns sinister as Hannah realizes the gravity of their mistake. Lai expertly balances humour and horror, crafting a narrative that is as laugh-out-loud funny as it is chilling.
Hannah's encounters with the spirit lead to a series of serious misfortunes, and her attempts to rid herself of the haunting provide both suspense and comic relief. The diary format, complete with Lai's expressive illustrations, immerses readers in Hannah's world, making the supernatural occurrences feel immediate and personal. The visual elements enhance the storytelling, adding layers of emotion and detail that words alone might miss.
Lai’s background as the creator of the award-winning Ghost Book shines through in her ability to weave a compelling, multi-dimensional tale. The illustrations are not just complementary but integral to the narrative, bringing Hannah's fears and frustrations to life. Each page turn holds a new surprise, whether it's a startling revelation or a moment of dark humour.
Read at Your Own Risk is a must-read for fans of Goosebumps and anyone who enjoys a good scare laced with laughter. It’s a masterful blend of frighteningly and darkly funny moments that keep readers hooked. Hannah’s journey is both a cautionary tale and a wildly entertaining adventure, making this book a standout in the genre, but it is definitely not for the faint hearted.
Themes Evil spirits, Haunting and Scary, Humour.
Michelle O'Connell
Everything you ever wanted to know about the tooth fairy (and some things you didn't) by Briony Stewart
For those children that have questions for the tooth fairy then this is the perfect book for them. Written and illustrated by award winning Briony Stewart, this is an engaging and humorous look at all things tooth fairy related.
Each bright and boldly illustrated page has a key question at the top with an excellent answer following. For example, the first question is the most obvious, ‘What’s a tooth fairy?’ The answer, using a labelled diagram, will please all those who have asked. The tooth fairy is a bit bigger than a thumb nail and is dressed in comfy all-day pjs, has wings for balance, socks for quiet sneaking, pockets for shrunken coins and they only have two teeth.
We can then find out what they eat and the hole in a dirty sock might have just fed them! But of course, what do they do with the teeth? They build homes, schools and shops but also turn teeth into fairy dust. Or crush them to make roads and walls. Why do tooth fairies like children’s teeth? Well dinosaur teeth have dangerous magic but human baby teeth have good magic. And the question on everybody’s lips: How do they take our teeth? This is described in detail with some glorious illustrations.
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Tooth Fairy (And Some Things You Didn't) is a delightful book to share with children who are starting to lose teeth or just want to know more about the tooth fairy. The illustrations are striking and add so much to the text. A marvellous book for home, school or public library and a perfect gift for young children.
Six times we almost kissed (and one time we did) by Tess Sharpe
Hachette, 2023. ISBN: 9781444967876. (Age:13+)
Penny and Tate have known each other their whole lives, basically because their mums are best friends. This has not made them best friends though. In fact, they've basically always clashed. They just survived the playdates and other mum get togethers, they know each other, and know each other's history, know a LOT about each other. But are extremely surprised to learn that their mums are moving their families in together - to save money and to help with medical stuff that Tate's mum is going through. This is huge. So they make a pact to play nice, and keep things stress free for their mums. Problem is, Penny and Tate have issues. Like they don't talk. And, they keep almost kissing. And Tate keeps seeing Penny at her worst moments, and that just makes things worse.
Written for fans of the slow-burn, waiting for the kiss and for the couple to get together, which many readers enjoy. This book has characters that some people will never like, and some characters readers will instantly love. Unfortunately, some of the lead characters are either incredibly unlikeable or make choices that frustrate the reader. The book moves between novel format and text messages format, flowing smoothly. Several of the side characters add depth to the story, which takes time to come to fruition. There are flashbacks to several years earlier, helping to make sense of why several of the characters are why they are the way they are, but not fully justifying them either.
Themes YA; Romance, LGBTQIA+, High school, Lesbian, Mental Health Issues, Water Sports, Relationships.
Melanie Pages
One little dung beetle by Rhian Williams. Illus. by Heather Potter and Mark Jackson
Wild Dog Books, 2024. ISBN: 9781742036656. (Age:1+) Highly recommended.
A counting book unique in its focus will take youngsters into the realm of the beetles in their backyard, encouraging them to look at what lives there. In rhyming verses designed to stimulate a response from the children in predicting the rhyming words, each double page focusses on a different beetle. The four lines give a little information about that particular animal, alongside a wonderful image which must be totally absorbed before the page is turned. One dung beetle gives way to two black rhino beetles, then three Christmas beetles, four screech beetles, and so on until the pages turn to number ten. Each double page holds a plethora of information. Children will spot the environment in which these beetles can be found, what they look like and sometimes what they eat.
At the end of the ten double pages comes two double pages full of information about these beetles, encouraging interest and answering some questions the audience may have had.
The watercolour illustrations are amazing. The background of the Australian environment is shown with an eye to detail that young readers will love, the animals, setting the stage for the beetles. Each page shows a number of insects, one of which is the beetle being spoken about. The contrasting illustrations caught my eye. The screech beetles (number four) live underground, the click beetles (number seven) live in the outback, the diving beetles (number eight) can forage underwater.
Each set of beetles is brilliantly shown in their environment, evoking questions from the audience, as well as counting the beetles on each page. The endpapers too will cause excitement as they show the size of the beetles showcased in the book.
A wonderful introduction to a familiar animal which can be seen very easily in the backyard or school yard, encouraging children to engage with their environment.
Themes Insects, Beetles, Environment, Australian animals.
One may be forgiven for thinking that a book with a flowery pink cover complete with a glossy pink heart is going to be a "girly" froth of a book - a lightweight piece of chick-lit. A thousand broken pieces is anything but! When serious themes are highlighted, the immediate concern is whether or not they are handled responsibly enough for a book to be placed into the hands of potentially vulnerable readers. In A thousand broken pieces, the author Tillie Cole handles these themes with insight and care and the resultant book is not only a romantic story but also an offering of many alternate healing pathways for readers who are struggling with loss and grief.
A thousand broken pieces is the follow-up novel to A thousand boy kisses and although they are part of a series, each book can be read independently. Cole wrote the books as part of a personal healing journey after losing members of her family to cancer. Not only was it a method to heal herself, writing the books was also to show others that even after the worst grief, life will go on. Having a BA Hons in religious studies and being a high school teacher and world traveller, gives her some authority to write a book that explores different healing experiences that are offered in different parts of the world through different cultures and religions. An extra bonus is that the reader can travel, with these young people, to five different countries as a part of their unique (and very exclusive) healing journey.
Written from the alternating first-person narrative stances of Savannah (who is suffering anxiety and panic attacks after her sister's death from cancer) and Cael (who has anger management problems after his brother committed suicide), the book traces their journey (and the journey of other young participants) towards recovery through the Lakes District of England, Norway, Goa, Agra and Varanasi-India,The Philippines and Japan. Each country offers something different in the therapy process. The grief-struck young people experience extreme physical exertion while mountain climbing where they are pushed to their limits in order to develop resilience and grit and a sense of achievement. They witness awe-inspiring beauty and a sense of something greater than themselves. They witness the ritual celebrations of death in India and the extreme poverty and losses of children in the Philippines. They witness the beauty and transience of cherry blossom in Japan and take part in Kintsugi classes in Japan where they discover the beauty in brokenness. Intertwined throughout is the developing romace between Savannah and Cael.
Tillie Cole drags the emotion out of the reader. The prolonged agony and struggle depicted and the delicate but unflinching style may just provide the catharsis that young readers suffering huge emotions may need. At times, this hardened reader felt a sob catching in the throat. Like it or not, this style of writing has launched Tillie Cole into becoming a global sensation, charting on New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists and becoming a viral sensation online.
The overarching message (this reader infers) is that when recovery from loss is not happening and a person is not responding to the usual counselling, a break away from the usual environment, placement in totally different environments with new companions coupled with expert professional support may be the way to go.
I know that this book will be a great pleasure and also helpful for young people to read.
Themes Death, Suicide, Grief and loss, PTSD, Recovery, Romance.
Wendy Jeffrey
Mushrooms know: Wisdom from our friends the fungi by Kallie George and Sara Gillingham
Did you know that the Nameko species of mushroom can multiply after a lightning strike or that one honey mushroom has an underground network that covers thousands of acres and has been living for 2500 years? If you did not know and want to find out more then this new publication Mushroom Knows might be perfect for you or the young mycologist in your life. Mycology being the study of fungi.
With a bright blue cover and some luminescent mushrooms in all colours, this book will engage young readers and adults alike. With its easy and accessible text sharing the different coloured pages with beautifully drawn images of fungi of all shapes and sizes, this is an interesting and creative look at the world of mushrooms. There are over 30,000 known species of mushroom and this book touches on many that may not be familiar to the reader. There are mushrooms known as Bleeding Tooth, Dog Stinkhorn, Chicken of the Woods, Turkey Tail, Antler Reishi, Eternal Light and Jack-O-Lantern. There are more common ones such as Lion’s Mane which is becoming more popular in dealing with memory loss, Yellow Field Cap and the Puffball. There are bioluminescent mushrooms that glow in the dark and produce a light called foxfire.
Mushrooms are connected to a healthy environment and they are a sign the ecosystem is functioning well but mushrooms are also affected by the growing consequences of climate change. The ‘Did you know?’ section at the end of the book offers some important information as well as the key fact not to eat or touch any mushrooms found in the wild.
Mr Archimedes' bath has always been a firm favourite of mine so I was thrilled to see that Pamela Allen, in her 90th year, has written a new picture book starring Mr McGee. This time Mr McGee, who lives under a tree, is getting ready to play when a strong wind blows him, his hat, his cat and his bed high above the ground. When the wind stops, they all fall down, but Mr McGee cannot find his hat. Where could it be?
Mr McGee looks everywhere for it – under the table and under the bed, high up a hill and in a grove of trees, and even on top of a haystack. Young children will have immense delight to knowing more than Mr McGee – and will be able to point to where his hat is hidden.
The rhyming story is a delight to read aloud and would be a boon for a young beginner reader with its complementary illustrations. And those illustrations in pastels and black outlines – what fun! Mr McGee is a plump old man with a tiny moustache and bald head. His cat with its expressive face will bring chortles of laughter and the way the wind blows Mr McGee’s possessions around is very funny. All will ensure that Mr McGee and his hat becomes a firm favourite with young children, one that will be read repeatedly, and will be handed down to the next generation.
My copy will be winging it way to my grandson, and I’m sure that other books by Allen will become favourites, especially those about Mr McGee like Mr McGee and the elephantsand others like A bag and a bird.
Readers who enjoyed Brown’s dystopian romance novel All that’s left in the world will be eager to take up this sequel to find out what happens to Andrew and Jamie next. Will they create a new life together in the relative safety of the Key Colony while the rest of the world is ravaged by white supremacist groups and roving gangs? It is a post-apocalyptic world, one where a super-flu plague has devastated populations, and law and order has collapsed. Gangs are reduced to looting and pillage to scrounge the essentials to survive.
This novel seems directed to a slightly older audience than the first one, with the central preoccupation being the tensions in the relationship between Andrew and Jamie. Now that they have stopped in one place for a while, there is the beginning realisation that perhaps they each want different things in life. Andrew is all for staying surrounded by friends, his new family, whilst Jamie is very slow to trust and is focussed on returning to the solitude of the cabin they shared away from everyone.
The adventure doesn’t stop – there are challenges from ferocious alligators to ruthless thieves to bounty hunters after the reward for Jamie’s capture. However, this second book suffers a little from the problem shared by many sequels, the frequent references to people and events of the first book and the need for explanations of what went before. Readers may not find this book as enthralling as the first.
There is lots to like nevertheless: the smart and witty humour, warm and supportive characters like Rocky Horror and Clara, and the sad orphan ‘The Kid’ to pull at heartstrings. I especially like the relationships between Andrew and Jamie and the little children they gather together. I rather hoped the two would end up setting up a family home with all the orphans. It is a very different scenario to the usual LBGQTI+ romance, and is so much richer for that.
The next novel by Brown promises to be a stand-alone ‘dark YA thriller’, something to look out for.
Set in the world of high finance, the unnamed narrator is a wheeler and dealer of international speculative deals. He moves between anonymous airports of Asian countries, fluent enough in languages to make the right connections and pick up beautiful women as he wants. He is about to secure the millions needed to buy the apartment he wants to settle down in, when he finds himself coerced into undertaking a seemingly simple secret mission, one that changes all his prospects.
A disenchanting life of self-interest and aimless drifting, takes a turn when he encounters Tien, a Vietnamese courtesan whose values of caring for others and love of home provide a counterpoint to his.
A novel that begins as a portrayal of the shallowness and detachment of modern life suddenly morphs into an overwhelmingly beautiful story of disinterested love and self-sacrifice. Oblivion turns out to be a surprise.
