Reviews

Grandpa's space adventure by Paul Newman

Ill. by Tom Jellett. Puffin Books, 2018. ISBN 9780143785569
(Ages: 4+) Highly recommended. Themes: Humour, Space, Camping, Fear of the dark. Following the warm hearted tale, "Grandpa's big adventure" (2016) comes another just as funny, warm and encompassing when his grandson reveals a secret, that he is afraid of the dark Taking this in his stride, Grandpa tells him that the dark allows them to see all the wonders of space and relates the story of when he went up into space, building a space ship in the back yard. He tells of all the things he did in space: looking at the dog star, throwing a stick for Rover but it didn't come back, avoiding the restaurant on the moon because of its lack of atmosphere and walking in space. Each story is full of humour and factual information which kids will love, initiating questions about space: was Rover the first dog in space, who first walked on the moon, as well as questions about the stars and planets. There are allusions to things the audience will know: the story of the cow that jumped over the moon, UFO's, floating in space and what to wear in space. And it will intrigue and delight, and kids will love the boy's losing his fear of the dark through Grandpa's marvellous story. Camping out doors with Grandpa is inventive and comforting and the readers will laugh out loud as Jellett's wonderful illustrations showing the range of things Grandpa did in space, along with his wise dog, Rover, and I can see lots of classes making the boy's space helmet after they read this book.
Fran Knight

My old man he played rugby by Peter Millett

Hide and seek with grandpa by Ed Allen

Ill. by Nicky Johnston. Scholastic, 2018. ISBN 9781742765426
(Ages: 3+) Recommended. Themes: Grandparents, Family, Play, Lions. Younger readers will immensely enjoy spying out the little lion as it hides form Grandpa during their outing in the park. The two go for a picnic, Grandpa holding the littlest bear in his arms, while the older bear goes off to hide. Instructions are given to Grandpa to look up high, or down low, as the little bear hides in all sorts of places giving the reader a great deal of fun in finding its hiding place.
In the meantime, all sorts of activities are taking place in the park: some are practising their Tai Chi, others are playing on the equipment, some are eating (particularly the mouse and the line of ants), some are taking a photo, some flying a kite and some are in a parade, while they all seem to gravitate to the ice cream van to buy an ice cream.
This is a loving picture of children at play with their grandpa, covering a range of things children can do when out of doors, encouraging the readers to also participate in these activities, and also to look more closely at the charming illustrations to find what it there, and laugh out loud as the tables are turned on the last page.
Fran Knight

My Dad is a Robot by Matt Cosgrove

Koala Books Scholastic, 2018. ISBN 9781742993256
(Ages: 3-6) Themes: Fathers, Robots. 'It's PRETTY FUN having a robot for a dad! Even if he's an older model.'
Matt Cosgrove's imaginative picture book "My Dad is a Robot" is jam-packed with dad jokes, robot comparisons and loads of humour. He draws and writes from his personal experiences of being a son and a father. Who doesn't want their dad to be a robot?
This is a top-secret story as the small boy takes us on his journey of discovery, firstly his dad's not the awesome futuristic type with laser eyes, jet-powered feet and retractable arms. His characteristics are quirkier, they belong to an older model, one that can robot dance, has X-ray vision and runs entirely on leftovers. This dad loves working in his 'Secret Headquarters for Engineering and Development - S.H.E.D. for short.
Of course, Cosgrove includes those classic dad responses to common questions and situations. 'Dad I'm hungry.' 'Nice to meet you, Hungry!' Each scene shows dad and son in a different place, wearing embarrassing bathers at the beach, dressed as a chauffeur and as a personal beanbag for his son to rest on. This dad loves to rest, his batteries often run low and he falls asleep on the couch. The son's unique solution is a solar-powered helmet made from everyday items, and dad's response is really funny!
"My Dad is a Robot" is a wonderful amusing picture book, just right for dad and grandpas to share with their families. Take time to look at each scene and situation both the dad, his son and their dog find themselves in, delight in the jokes and robot comparisons!
Rhyllis Bignell

The mulberry tree by Allison Rushby

Walker Books, 2018. ISBN 9781760650202
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. Themes: Supernatural, Friendship, Depression (mental health). When Immy (short for Imogen) and her family, dad, a doctor on sabbatical and mum a cardiologist working for a year at Cambridge, look for a place to live, they have fixed ideas. Wanting a thatched cottage within commuting distance of Cambridge and a garden proves hard to find, but driving past a place called Lavender Cottage, Immy calls the reluctant estate agent to stop, as the place seems to have all the right characteristics. Once inside, the garden with its huge old mulberry tree seems to call her, but when she arrives at school the Monday after they move in, she learns the stories of the place, that girls turning eleven are taken by the tree. As it is her eleventh birthday next month she is a little concerned, but the bullying by the trio of girls is put aside as she and another school newbie, Riley investigate the stories about the tree.
With her father's depression resulting from his perceived part in the death of two people back in Australia, Immy finds it hard to maintain patience with his illness. Her anger boils, and she realises that the tree too has issues and is angry, and she must find out why. Her eleventh birthday looms, with the family inviting friends along for a party in the garden. Many refuse the invitation, shocked at the family's refusal to believe the legend of the tree, but as Saturday looms, the readers' interest deepens.
I loved Rushby's "The turnkey" (2017) with its overlay of the supernatural seeming as natural as any life lived in a cemetery can be, and this book too with its nuance of being able to communicate with the tree and the disappearance of two girls, will hook readers into its world. Classroom ideas are available.
Fran Knight

The dog with seven names by Dianne Wolfer

Random House, 2018. ISBN 9780143787457
(Age: 9-14) Highly recommended. Themes: World War 2 - Australia, Dog stories. Dianne Wolfer's "The Dog with seven names" is set against the backdrop of World War 2 in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions of Western Australia. Creatively told from a dog's perspective, we follow her journey, her different owners and experience her struggles and deprivations and her happiness and her quest to be reunited with her first owner Elsie.
Born the runt of the litter, this little Australian terrier dingo crossbreed, seems destined to die. Young Elsie saves the pup, nursing her back to health, dressing her up, even teaching her to dance. Her first name is Princess. Looming large in the background is 'a thing called war'. The radio's broadcast of the fall of Singapore, then the bombing of Darwin signals changes to the young dogs' life when Elsie is evacuated south and there's no room for her dog.
Herding the station's cattle across the plains to Port Hedland with stockman Dave proves challenging. Dog becomes the Flying Doctor's companion, enjoying flights into the countryside to help sick patients and settles in to life at Port Hedland Hospital. She is renamed Flynn by a very ill girl Beth as she provides comfort for her on a mercy flight to the hospital. Now a military garrison, Flynn finds her life in the hospital grounds both difficult and enjoyable. Chinese cook Lee Wah cares for her, feeding her scraps and names her Gengi-Golden-eyes. The impact of the Japanese bombing of Broome and the huge influx of patients to the hospital, sees the frightened dog providing comfort to an injured Dutch boy. Even Matron is happy for the dog's help. As the war continues, the little yellow dog never gives up hope that he'll be reunited with his first owner Elsie.
Dianne Wolfer's junior novel is imaginatively written and well researched, exploring the impact of World War 2 on the residents, soldiers, families and evacuees in the north of Western Australia. Her characters are realistically portrayed, as we experience the sights, smells, the seasonal changes and the harsh realities of life from the little dog's point of view. "The Dog with seven names" is an excellent class novel for Middle and Upper Primary students, providing opportunities to undertake historical research.
Rhyllis Bignell

Brontide by Sue McPherson

Magabala Books, 2018. ISBN 9781925360929
(Age: 14+) Themes: racism, bullying, peer pressure, indigenous youth. Sue McPherson's "Brontide" is a series of interviews of 4 young teenage boys living in Taralune, Queensland.  Sue acknowledges that her interview technique was "at times, clunky, unconventional and embarrassing".  I believe her natural approach encouraged the boys to speak to her naturally and without inhibition.
The boys aged 12 to 17 were interviewed independently but their stories were intertwined in ways they did not know nor understand.  Each child's stability comes from the love they receive from their various different and unique caregivers.  While the boys have had different upbringings they are all faced with the challenge of finding their own path and who they want to be.  
"Brontide" is a thought-provoking, interesting book, which highlights the complexities of growing up in a small urban town whether you are of Aboriginal heritage or white Australian.
This book would be good for older reluctant readers especially boys. 14+.
Ali Martin

Maximus by Steve Heron

Ill. by Tash Macfarlane. Serenity Press, 2018. ISBN 9780648146612
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. Themes: Animal-human relationships, Friendship, Bullying. "Mitch says stuff sucks. His life has been turned upside down since his dad started working FIFO at the mines.
From a messy bedroom to a close footy match; an annoying little sister to incredible Anzac projects; losing friends and losing face, Mitch deals with an explosion of feelings associated with bullying, fighting, suspension, family conflict and his first crush, all in the space of eight days.
Will an encounter with a surprising new feathered friend and the reliability of old ones help Mitch get his mojo back?" (Publisher)
You never quite know where the help or support you need is going to come from. This is exactly what happened to Mitch, as far as Mitch was concerned life sucked and that was just how it was. Through an incredible friendship with the most unlikely character Mitch was able to start seeing life in a different way. He was able to look at things through new eyes, and experience things in a different way. This allowed Mitch to start to enjoy life in a way he hadn't for a long time.
Mitch is a very believable character with family problems that could be happening in any home. This book showed Mitch that there are things that happen that he doesn't understand but still impact on his life, and he learnt the importance of talking about problems with someone to help work through them.
This is a well-written book and I would highly recommend this book to children aged 10+. Resources on the publisher's website include: Maximus class activity, teacher's notes and curriculum notes.
Karen Colliver

Professor Astro Cat's human body odyssey by Dr Dominic Walliman and Ben Newman

Flying Eye Books, 2018. ISBN 9781911171140
(Age: 8+) Highly recommended. "Professor Astro Cat's human body odyssey" is big, colourful, engaging and full of facts. Each double page offers interesting facts and illustrations about the different parts and systems of the body. Readers can follow Professor Astro Cat as he explains in short, descriptive paragraphs and labelled diagrams what is going on inside the body. Look inside a cell or at the different bones of the body. Read about the medicines humans need as well as ways to be healthy. There are a collection of fun characters supporting Professor Astro Cat as well as their human helper (the author in cartoon form) Dr Dominic Wallman.
"Professor Astro Cat's human body odyssey" is a gorgeous way to learn about the body from a young age. Each double page could be investigated before bed and independent readers can start anywhere in the book. This book is full of technical language which is a great tool for getting children talking and increasing their vocabulary. The double pages could also be read in a classroom when there are a few minutes to spare (great in a Health lesson). The Glossary/Index is also helpful as there are many definitions to support understanding. This text is also good for teaching children about the elements of a non fiction text thanks to its larger format being easier for a whole class to see.
It is highly recommended for independent readers aged 8+ but younger readers will love investigating the illustrations and asking questions (just like Mr 6 in my classroom).
Kylie Kempster

Baby's first bank heist by Jim Whalley

Ill. by Stephen Collins. Bloomsbury, 2018. ISBN 9781408891193
(Ages: 4+) Highly recommended. Themes: Animals, Babies. Utterly crazy and equally hilarious, this is the tale of an errant infant, Frank, immediately distinctive in a black and white Babygro. An ardent animal lover, he has an overwhelming desire for a pet of his own, but his parents won't allow it, stating that pets are too expensive to upkeep. This leaves Frank with only one option and he desperately becomes a bank robber. The issue is this tiny lad is not content with just one animal, and with cash in abundance, within no time at all he has all the pets he ever desired, from a meerkat to a rhino, and the entire house resembles a menagerie.
Until . . . one afternoon his Mum makes a startling discovery!! Frank's deceitful escapade has been discovered and it is now time to make amends. With none of the stolen loot left, what can the family do to raise the funds to repay the bank? And what do they do with all the newly acquired animals? There is only one way to set matters right. I won't say what ensues but will merely add that baby Frank spends some time behind bars.
This pet related preposterous tale will get both children and adults spluttering with glee at the pint-sized criminal mastermind, as wily as the animated film star (Boss Baby). Debut author Jim Whalley narrates in suitably deadpan rhyme while Stephen Collin's witty expressive illustrations will delight young and old alike.
First in a series of picture books featuring Baby Frank and his criminal activities, children will love Frank's logic and naughtiness.
Donna Isgar

A first book of the sea by Nicola Davies

Ill. by Emily Sutton. Walker Books, 2018. ISBN 9781406368956
(Ages: 3-7) Highly Recommended. Themes: Poetry. Oceans. Emily Sutton is a whimsical, traditional illustrator, whose work is perfectly suited to this earthy, old-fashioned and hearty collection of poems. The author and illustrator have collaborated successfully in the past on Tiny and Lots, and have now put together a hardcover book with over fifty short poems, perfect as a first book of poems for young ones but will also interest junior primary children. The poems are about oceans and ocean life and celebrate the vastness, mystique and intrigue of the great blue world that surrounds us. The book is separated into four categories, as shown within a contents page: down by the shore (Catching a wave, Paddling, Shore crab), journeys (Limpets, Sailor's jig, Blue whale's map), under the sea (Longline fishing, Seaweed jungle, Shipwreck) and wonders (Rockpool, Albatross, Sea people). The poems are helpfully titled so you know what each is going to be about and can pick based on children's interests. They also seem carefully curated to include favourite aspects of young readers (shipwrecks, deadly sea animals, sharks, giant squid, etc.).
The illustrations, beautifully textured and intricately detailed, are perfect and because of the large format and the brevity of the poems, are full partners rather than just an afterthought. While the author and illustrator are English the book isn't identifiably so (except for the poem about big shopping and entertainment piers that are not a feature of Australian beaches). The poems evoke the feelings of being in and around the sea, such as the thrill of catching a wave or searching for shells, but they also provide fascinating information that reminds us of the power and long history of the world's oceans ("The sea has shaped them, rubbing and rolling, rolling and rubbing, for a thousand, thousand years"). They remind us of how to take care of our oceans ("Deadliest of all is the plastic we throw away that strangles, suffocates and poisons"). They inform us of the wisdom of those who live in harmony with the sea ("the old man draws the night sky out in pebbles to teach his grandson the pattern of the stars") and about how man has learned to deal with the wildness of the sea ("From one to twelve runs Beaufort's Scale, to tell ships when it's safe to sail"). There are a wide variety of poem styles, some rhyming but most not.
There are many conversation points within the book and some poems openly encourage children to engage with the book (in "Favourite dolphin" the only text asks "Choose just one? It's impossible to pick!" and shows a plethora of dolphins of different varieties). The big fold-out page for the large humpback whale tells the reader how to sing like a humpback. The last poem, "Happiness", is a reminder of the simple pleasures of the sea ("Sand in my shoes. Salt in my hair. A pebble in my pocket. The horizon in my eyes"). Simple, evocative, glorious.
Nicole Nelson

Animal Ark: Puppy in peril by Lucy Daniels

Orchard Books, 2018. ISBN 9781408354049
(Age: 6+) Recommended. Amelia and Sam are back with a new adventure. A poorly puppy is brought into Animal Ark, and nobody knows who it belongs to. Can Amelia and Sam find the owner and save the puppy? Amelia and Sam need all the help they can get but will it be enough?
Amelia and Sam are determined to help this puppy; they are so determined that they even get the help from a news reporter.
This book is well written with large text and it has interesting pictures that help make the story. I recommend this book to animal lovers like Amelia and Sam that want to help out. I also recommend the rest of the series, Kitten rescue, Bunny trouble and Fox cub danger.
I recommend these books to 6+
Grace Colliver, Year 7 student

Jenna's truth by N.L.King

Serenity Press, 2018. ISBN 9780648212768
(Age: Teens) Highly recommended. Themes: Cyberbullying. Suicide. Internet - Safety measures. Alcohol and teenagers. Peer pressure. Sexual behaviour. Popularity. Friendship. "Jenna's just a teenager who wants to fit in. The popularity that she wanted though, quickly turns into infamy when two "well-meaning" friends spark a controversy that alters her life forever. What happens when the popular kids are responsible for one of the most painful and humiliating events in your life?
Inspired by Amanda Todd's tragic story of bullying, Jenna's truth is more than just a teen short story - it's a lesson in empathy, self-awareness, and speaking out about what matters." (Publisher)
Jenna's Truth is a good story from a teenager's point of view, talking about teenage drinking, sex, bullying and suicide. It looks at what is going on from the victim's point of view and how she came to make the decisions she did. The difference in this book is that the outcome for the main character is not what you expect.
This book is well written and an easy read and would make a great class novel where the topics can be openly discussed in a safe environment.
This book is very well written and the inclusion of Teaching suggestions and discussion topics makes this book a valuable teaching tool to work with teenagers about these topics.
I highly recommend this book to teenagers and to teachers so they can facilitate conversations about these topics in a safe way.
Karen Colliver

Cat spies Mouse by Rina A Foti and Dave Atze

Big Sky Publishing, 2018. ISBN 9781925675344
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Themes: Tolerance. Respect. "In this picture book Cat spies Mouse is a fun and interactive story about an arrogant and impatient cat who comes head-to-head with a humble and patient mouse. Mouse, although small, is a game-changer who asks big questions. With each of her thought-provoking questions, Mouse is taking small but powerful steps to make the world a better place. Fun and entertaining illustrations from Dave Atze provide additional depth and cheeky humour to this simple story with a big message." (Publisher)
This is a lovely story about a stuck-up cat and a humble mouse. It has easy to read text. The book challenges norms; just because that is the way thing have always been it does not mean that is the way they should be or that is the way they are meant to be. Mouse is not afraid to question the norms and ask why. Mouse is able to change dog and cat's thinking about what is normal through asking questions. This book fosters discussions about tolerance, acceptance and respect. It also encourages children to ask question about the world around them and how it works.
I highly recommend this book for 4+
Karen Colliver

The relic of the blue dragon by Rebecca Lim

Children of the Dragon bk1, Allen & Unwin, 2018, ISBN 9781760297367
(Ages: 9-12) Themes: Dragons. Magic. Thirteen-year-old Harley Spark's decision to take an old Chinese vase left outside the neighbouring auction house is life-changing, the catalyst for magic, mystery and fast-paced adventure. His ordinary safe life with mum Delia, a Chinese Australian whose ancestors came over for the Gold Rush is about to change. Harley's father Ray Spark left the family when he was five because of his international business interests linked to criminal activities.
When Delia smashes the vase to release it from Harley's frozen grasp, Qing, a Chinese girl, is awakened and a feud that crosses continents and centuries is reignited. Delia's smattering of Chinese helps them communicate with Qing and they begin to understand her desperate need to find her lost sisters. A midnight foray to the State Library and a stolen nineteenth century Chinese-English phrasebook further assists in their communication with their visitor who can shape-shift into a beautiful dragon. Harley soon realises that they need his father's special skills, contacts and global transportation to assist Qing.
Harley and Qing are quickly drawn into kung fu fights with evil villains who desperately want the pieces of the rare Chinese vase. Qing's quick-thinking powers, her own martial arts' skills and her ability to summon lightning aid in their escape. Their travels take them to Singapore in search of the second vase secured in a stately mansion. Ingenuity, cunning and stealth are needed to find this treasure. An epic fight ensues, more mystery creatures unleashed as Ray begins to learn more about his father. Qing directs the next phase of their journey, they need to travel on to the Wudang Mountains to rescue her sisters and stop the evil Second Son of the Second Dragon before he destroys their vases.
The relic of the blue dragon is a fantastic, fast-paced action venture, filled with Chinese myths, humour and family dramas. Rebecca Lim's exciting infusion of her Chinese heritage and her understanding of Ancient Chinese history, culture and mythology adds to the excitement. Harley and Qing are given a large amount of freedom, ably supported by Ray Spark and his associates. What an incredible junior novel, perfect for readers who enjoy modern fantasy adventures! What's next for Harley and Qing?
Rhyllis Bignell