Reviews

Ori's Christmas by Anne Helen Donnelly

Anne Helen Donnelly, 2017. ISBN 9780646969329
"Ori the Octopus is so happy to be celebrating Christmas with all his friends. But what happens when Ori's friends all want to do different things on this special day? " (Author)
A festive book where children can join in with the story, using simple and fun actions.
Ori's Christmas is the second book in the series, Ori the Octopus. It will resonate with children, especially at Christmas time with the ideals of sharing and compromise. On each page, there is a piece of text written in purple indicating the actions the children can perform to join in while the story is being read. With bright, eye catching illustrations, this book is very different to the traditional Christmas stories using a variety of creatures found in the sea. In the middle of the book, there are a number of Christmas decorations that can be coloured in. These can easily be removed without harming the book. The bonus addition of notes for parents and teachers is always popular. I could see this book being used as a short Christmas play within a classroom. Although not everyone's cup of tea, I think this will be a big seller at Christmas and would make a welcome addition to the school library collection or a great stocking filler.
Kathryn Schumacher

Big Bash League: Academy smash by Michael Panckridge

Random House Australia, 2017. ISBN: 9780143782278
(Age: 7+) "Billy loves to bowl - fast! He's also a massive Melbourne Stars fan and when his friend Wen-Lee lets him know about a cricket academy camp, run by none other than the Stars, Billy is desperate to go! So is Wen-Lee, even if she does barrack for the Brisbane Heat.
Trouble is, the applications are about to close and Billy needs to find a way to raise money for the entry fee. Perhaps a speed-bowling competition is in order!" (Publisher)
This is the fifth book in the series and to be honest I can not see it being any less popular with both the boys and girls. These books are rarely on the shelf in our library, with students aged from 7 upwards borrowing them. It is fantastic to see that there are both male and female strong lead characters in the book. It is a story of determination, friendship and quick thinking. The storyline follows a traditional narrative and will be sure to maintain the interest of the reader. For the sport enthusiast, this series fills a gap for students who are ready for the next challenge of a chapter book, moving on from 'quick read' chapter books. Even though there are 137 pages, the text is relatively large, meaning it will not actually take long to read. I am sure many children will have this on their Christmas wish list. Another 'must have' for the library collection.
Kathryn Schumacher

Roald Dahl's George's Marvellous Experiments by Barry Hutchinson

Ill. by Quentin Blake. Penguin Random House, 2017. ISBN 9780141375946
Once upon a time George Kranky decided it was time to get his gruesome, grouchy grandma who had a mouth pinched in like a do's bottom into a better mood by making her some special medicine. But being neither doctor nor scientist, George just combines and cooks things he has on hand - and the results are not as he expects.
Building on from this favourite Dahl tale of George's Marvellous Medicine is this collection of science experiments that might not have the results that George's concoctions had but which will be equally spectacular, just as much fun and importantly, they are all tested and safe (although some adult supervision might be needed.) With chapter titles such as Marvellously Messy, Excellent Eruptions and Vivacious Vehicles and full-colour illustrations by Quentin Blake, this is a science book like no other that is going to appeal to all those who like to explore what-happens-if and spark an interest in things scientific in those who are yet to discover the magic and fun. Experience has shown me that kids are entranced by the 'magic" of chemistry and having seen a result are keen to find out the how and the why so it's a superb one to add to the teacher toolbox too.
And if you're not sure yourself and are not confident following the easy-to-read instructions (which in themselves could serve as a model), start with these:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgRksqzQtLY
Too cool for school. And put George's Marvellous Medicine at the top of you class read-aloud list for 2018!
Barbara Braxton

Where's Wally? The totally terrific tin by Martin Handford

Walker Books, 2017. ISBN 9781406374926
A wonderful collection for children from 6 years and up. This Where's Wally? set contains the first 3 books and is beautifully presented in a colourful tin, making it a fantastic present for any young Where's Wally? fan. The three books are Where's Wally?, Where's Wally now? and Where's Wally? The fantastic journey.
Each book invites the reader to not only search the pages for Wally, but also for many of his friends including Wanda, Odlaw and the Wizard Whitebeard. This feature keeps Wally hunters amused for longer and as it's recurrent in the 3 books enables them to build character knowledge and maybe even create their own stories about what they are doing. The back of the book also provides 'The Great Where's Wally?' checklist giving extra objects and people to find.
I really like that each book has a theme, which carries throughout the pages. Each theme can also lead to extra investigation, such as letter writing from book 1 (Where's Wally?), going back in time in book 2 (Where's Wally now?) and fictional/mythical times from book 3 (Where's Wally? The fantastic journey). Each of these keeps Wally hunters interested and searching for more.
The illustrations are wonderful and it is amazing what you can find when delving deep into Martin Handford's drawings! I love the scenes he creates within the pictures - be it two people arguing or small children playing a game. Because you are scouring every inch of the page you come across them often, and they do bring a smile to my face.
Lauren Fountain

Affluence without abundance: The disappearing world of the Bushmen by James Suzman

Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781632865724
(Age: Senior secondary - Adult) Non-fiction. Anthropologist James Suzman has spent many years living and working with the Bushman groups of Namibia and Botswana, southern Africa, providing us with a unique insight into the culture of these hunting and gathering people. He describes them as a group of people who had already discovered the Keynesian economic ideal of a life of satisfied needs without long working hours. He estimates that they may have spent about 15 hours a week securing their nutritional needs. The idea of working to cultivate extra food, or of storing for later, was completely unknown and unnecessary to the Ju/'hoansi. The land always provided for them in some way. The thought that the so-called 'primitive man' could actually have affluence without the endless toil for further wealth is unimaginable to Western society caught in the perpetual cycle of work and accumulation of things.
Suzman's book is fascinating. So many unusual concepts are revealed to us: the idea of equality moderated by jealousy; of empathy with animals but not humanised affection or compassion; a respectful and sharing relationship with predator lions; the environment as a set of relationships that includes everything even litter; satisfied instincts without greed or obesity. Whilst reading, it seemed to me that there may be some overlaps with the values of Australian Aboriginal peoples. There are also some shared problems brought on by loss of land to colonising powers.
There are many interesting characters, some of them revealed in a wonderful collection of colour photographs. The book also includes several maps of the region, an index, and a list of suggested further reading.
Helen Eddy

Safari Pug by Laura James

The adventures of Pug. Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781408866405
(Age: 7-10) Safari Pug is the third short novel in the series by Laura James, and follows the adventures of Pug who is the (somewhat) adventurous pet of Lady Miranda.
Pug doesn't want to meet a LION. But LADY MIRANDA insists. They've packed a picnic and now they're off on a SAFARI ADVENTURE - but what if wild animals like PUGS for lunch?
This book features a trip to the wildlife park and some encounters with wild animals and a TV celebrity named Arleen Von Bling! While on this adventure we learnt about Sedan chairs (who wouldn't want to arrive at the open range zoo in one of those!), running footman and the ferocity of lion parents when met with a threat to their cub. Pug tries to be a hero (whilst not ending up as Lion's lunch or sold by Arleen Von Bling) and attempts to help out his new cub friend - luckily a happy ending ensues.
I thought this was a great short story as did my 7 year old son. It was long enough to read over a few nights (2-3 chapters per night), and short enough to hold his attention. The main character Pug is very well written in this book, and I felt like he was possibly put in adventurous situations by Lady Miranda when he would probably rather just hang around his mansion snoozing! The illustrations by Eglantine Ceulemans added great insight into Pug's life and we enjoyed the expressions of the characters. They really add to the narrative and bring it all to life.
This book would be great for a beginner independent reader (approximately 7 years old); as the chapters are relatively short and the character names are repeated throughout the story often. We are keen to seek out the previous two books Captain Pug and Cowboy Pug to find out more about the luxurious life of Pug and Lady Miranda.
Lauren Fountain

Nothing by Annie Barrows

Greenwillow Books, 2017. ISBN 9780062796516
(Age: Senior secondary) Strong language. Drug and alcohol references. "Really, this book is about me, Charlotte, and my friend, Frankie, and some stuff that happened to us last Christmas. It wasn't anything amazing. Trust me on this one. But I, personally, am tired of reading about abused/drug-addicted/depressed/alien-infested teens. And-also personally-I think Frankie and I are pretty funny. Actually, I think we're hilarious, but that could be a me-thing. So if you want to read about some not-incredible-but-not-entirely-basic fifteen-year-old girls, then this book is for you!" Publisher.
Written by the bestselling co-author of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and the author of the award-winning and bestselling Ivy + Bean books the reader would expect some hilarious moments and interesting writing and they won't be disappointed. In an article on Goodreads, the author states that the theme of all her books is the message that: 'You don't need to get better. You're already fine the way you are' and the reader will find that is true as they read about the life of 15 year old Charlotte and Frankie in Nothing.
The theme of friendship is a very strong one and the reader will become engrossed in how Frankie and Charlotte support each other, and how their families support them as well. There is a refreshing realism to the story that teens are sure to appreciate and much to smile about.
Pat Pledger

The wolf, the duck and the mouse by Mac Barnett

Ill. by Jon Klassen. Walker Books, 2017. ISBN 9781406377798
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Themes: Animals, Survival, Interdependence. When the wolf eats the mouse he finds in the forest, he is at a loss as to understand what is going on in his stomach. The mouse finds a duck in its bed inside the stomach and on enquiring finds that the duck lives there quite peacefully, safe from any nasty things which may want to eat him outside. After all, he may have been swallowed but he has no intention of being eaten. Together the two have breakfast and mouse asks if he can stay. Life looks quite good. When their rousing keeps the wolf awake, they ask for more things, some wine and candles to celebrate their companionship. Wolf obliges but when he falls down through the pain in his stomach he is seen by a hunter who fires at him.
The mouse and the duck realise that they must do something to keep the wolf safe, after all their lives depend upon his safety.
With all the hallmarks of a fable, the wolf learns that the three are dependent upon each other for their survival. The duck and the mouse cleverly work out how to live without fear and the wolf must put up with the occasional rumble in his stomach to have them help him in return.
The illustrations are glorious, a mix of media presents the sepia colours of the forest and the animals. An occasional bright spot of colour appears in the dark of the stomach with a tablecloth contrasting with the gloom, and the check of the hunter's shirt standing out against the muted shades of the forest. I loved looking at the small details contained within the stomach, laughing out loud at the situation of a wolf swallowing a variety of things to keep his guests happy.
Their interdependence will intrigue younger readers and they will laugh at the situation where the wolf must go to great lengths to survive.
Fran Knight

Ballad for a mad girl by Vikki Wakefield

Text Publishing, 2017. ISBN 9781925355291
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. Themes: Death, Mystery, Thriller, Country towns, Friendship, Reality, Perception, Ghosts. Grace Foley has a reputation for being a little bit mad. She is a risk taker and plays pranks on her friends. When she accepts the challenge to walk the pipe which stretches across a deep ravine, she experiences a moment of dread when she hears a voice, and she freezes, needing to be rescued by one of the local boys. She is dragged into the mystery of Hannah Holt who disappeared twenty years before and of the boy who was accused of murdering her. Struggling with working out what is real and what could be in her imagination, Grace becomes immersed in following clues while trying to hold onto her sanity.
This is a stunning and totally engrossing thriller that has all the elements that any reader could want. There is action: the first chapter of the book pulls the reader in as Grace's journey across the dangerous pipe is described; the possibility of a ghost appears as Grace hears voices; the mystery of Hannah's disappearance must be explained and there is the empathy that the reader feels for Grace and for the young man who was accused of Hannah's murder. The stunning conclusion will also remain with the reader making
Vicki Wakefield is a master of the YA genre and she has outdone herself in Ballad for a mad girl. It would make an excellent class novel or literature circle book. Teacher's notes are available at the publisher's website.
I can see this book winning awards, not just for its fabulous story line but for its vivid, memorable and clever writing.
Pat Pledger

Wombat and Fox : the whole story by Terry Denton

Wombat and Fox series. Allen and Unwin, 2017. ISBN 9781760294359
(Age 6-9) Recommended. Theme: Humour. This large book contains the three tales of Wombat and Fox published separately over the past several years, Tales of the city, Summer in the city and Thrillseekers. The stories are about two friends, Wombat and Fox who get into all sorts of mischief, especially when teamed with their friends, Croc, Bandicoot, the Hippo sisters and the Five Monkeys, the latter always good for a special mix of adventure.
After the contents page, the group of friends is introduced, and then the mayhem starts with Monkey and Fox having adventures. I enjoyed A hot night in the city, one of the three stories in the book, Tales of the city. In this the pair decides to go to the seaside during a particularly hot spell in the city. They must takes a bus and being novices, let many buses go by before they realise that any one of them would take them to the beach. But when they get on the bus they find that another of their friends, Crocodile is headed in the same direction, but one thing is there to ruin their holiday, the Five Monkeys,their frenemies.
The running battle between the friends and the monkeys ends harmoniously when all at sea, the penguins come to their aid. All of the stories in this tome are similarly funny and based in things that lower primary people know, all punctuated with Denton's recognisable drawings, giving a background of the familiar and homely. Kids will enjoy the stories which includes the banter between the group, their shifting relationships and friendships, taking risks and their exploration of their surroundings. There is a lot to like and the accompanying illustrations add another level of humour to an already very funny set of stories.
Fran Knight

Gary by Leila Rudge

Walker Books Australia, 2017. ISBN 9781921977008
(Age: 3-10) Highly recommended. Gary (both written and illustrated) by Leila Rudge is a charming story about a pigeon that is different to all of his friends. He cannot fly like everyone else, and instead collects souvenirs that they bring back for him. Gary doesn't seem too worried about this as he enjoys his scrap-booking and listening to their adventures. The book continues on to follow Gary on his own adventure, where he must overcome his uncertainty of the city and get back home.
This book is such a great story to use for teaching children about difference and thinking outside the standards of the 'social norm'. I really like the ending which talks of Gary being like all the other racing pigeons most of the time, but then that sometimes the racing pigeons are just like him. It shows that there is not just one way of doing things and challenges the reader/listener to think about physical expectations placed on us every day. The illustrations are pencil drawings mixed with paper cut outs/mixed media and are interesting and engaging, bringing life and adding value to the story.
This story is a well-deserved Honour Book for the 2017 Children's Book of the Year Awards (Early Childhood). I feel is appropriate for children up to the age of 10 as it is a wonderful starting point for discussions of physical difference, social interactions and even storytelling through scrapbooking!
Thoroughly enjoyed and recommended.
Lauren Fountain

Dotty Detective: The paw print puzzle by Clara Vulliamy

HarperCollins, 2016. ISBN 9780008132453
(Age: Beginning independent readers) Inspired by their favourite television character Fred Fantastic, Ace Detective, Dotty and her best friend Beans have formed the Join The Dots Detective Agency. They have special badges that they wear underneath their coat collars so they don't blow their cover and are ably assisted by Dotty's dog McClusky to solve mysteries that seem to occur. They are guided by Fred Fantastic's tenets of :
1. Stay Frosty. Always be on the lookout.
2. Follow That Hunch. If you've got a funny feeling you may be onto something important.
3. Use Your Noodle. Think.
4. A Light Bulb Moment. A sudden genius idea.
5. Get Proof. You must have the evidence before you can solve your case.
6. Jeepers Creepers. Use your Peepers.
In this episode they set out to solve the strange noises that Dotty hears in her hallway at night. When she opens her door and can't see anything she is almost convinced to believe in ghosts and that her house is haunted. But by using the clues, conveyed through secret notes written in invisible writing, they are able to identify what is really going on . . .
This is a series that is perfect for the newly independent reader with its layout, illustrations, larger font, shorter chapters and humour. The pace is rapid and the use of a variety of fonts highlights key ideas and actions without the need for a host of words. Girls will relate to her feisty nature but boys will also find the situations familiar and appealing. Others in the series are The Midnight Mystery, and The Lost Puppy.
A worthwhile new series to get for those who are beginning their independent reading journey.
Barbara Braxton

Tilly's reef adventure by Rhonda Garward

National Library of Australia, 2017. ISBN 9780642279088
(Age: 7+) Recommended. Themes: Reef, Sea animals, Fish, Turtles, Great Barrier Reef, Pollution, Lift the flap book. Tilly a small green turtle has against the odds made it to the sea on the east coast of Australia where she learns to survive amongst the other animals. Through her eyes we see the array of coral which makes up the reef and the plethora of animals which make it their home. Dodging the lizards and seabirds ready to make a feast of the new hatchlings, she must make it past the whales waiting for a feast. Diving down into the clear water on the reef, she finds smaller animals that bear no danger but there are larger ones which do pose a danger to someone her size. She must learn to recognise these and avoid them. But one day she is trapped by a plastic bag which catches around her and she is washed up onto the beach amongst a lot of other litter.
It is here that the point of the book is made crystal clear. The little green turtle is helpless, the plastic around her makes her a rudderless piece of flotsam drifting with the waves, and once on the beach she is stranded, ready to be picked up by any predator. In this story, the humans come to her rescue, putting her back in the sea. But unknown numbers of sea creatures are killed in this way every day, and the book offers the opportunity for class to discuss this world wide problem and what can be done about it.
At the end of the book are several pages giving information that classes will find useful: one double page outlines Tilly and her friends in the sea in more detail, while the next double page illustrates all the fish seen on the reef, and the following several pages show readers what is being done on the reef by scientists bent on saving the heritage site for future generations.
A most informative and lively book, the illustrations will add to the interest shown by young readers with their bright colours and detailed drawings. Lifting the flap always adds interest to an information book and this is no different, but an index would have helped younger readers look things up and practice their research skills.
The animals all have anthropomorphic qualities which detracted from the flow of information for me, but I am sure young readers will not be as picky: they will enjoy every page, the information and illustrations alike, learning much about the reef and its inhabitants the more they read and look at the intricate and detailed pictures.
Fran Knight

The last Namsara by Kristen Ciccarelli

Orion, 2017. ISBN 9781473218130
(Age: 14+)Fantasy. In a well-written and well-constructed narrative, Ciccarelli draws us into the interconnected lives of the royal family, the slaves, the cousins and the dragons. This world resembles our world in its jealousies, love, family feuds, its enmity towards those outside 'our' world.
We are plunged into the intimate world of Asha, the Iskari, whose recent action, slaying a dragon, must be concealed, as should the burn she bears as a result of her killing this dragon. Controlled yet passionate, beautiful and unattainable, she is in a state of fear, of tension and of anxiety about what she has done, in her transgression, and what she must do to both cover this up and be ready for the next stage in her life.
These characters are drawn so finely, their world so rich in detail, the presence of the dragons as willful, strong aggressors that must be tamed or silenced, that we conceive of this world as possible. Not unlike our world, this world is full of envy, of family disruption and jealousy, of the normal human frailties and love, of honour and betrayal. It is a good read for those who love a story that rings so true and that lifts us out of our world for a brief time, to both puzzle and entertain us.
Liz Bondar

Build the Dragon by Dugald Steer