HarperCollins, 2017. ISBN 9781460753040
(Age: 10+) Recommended. For fans of Withering-By-Sea comes a story
from talented debut author Rebecca McRitchie about two curiously
named children.
After being abandoned by their thespian parents one afternoon while
playing their weekly family game of hide-and-seek, Whimsy and Woe
Mordaunt are left in the care of their austere Aunt Apoline.
Forced to work in her boarding house, looking after the guests,
sharpening the thorns of every plant in the poisonous plant garden
and listening to off-key renditions of 'Fish Are Friends Too' - an
aria made famous by the legendary Magnus Montgomery - Whimsy and Woe
lose all hope that their parents will someday return. Until one day,
quite by accident, the siblings stumble upon a half-charred letter
that sets them on a course to freedom and finding their parents.
Dark, funny, darkly funny and funnily dark, Whimsy and Woe
takes readers on an adventure with two intrepid siblings in a tale
of mischief, monocles, mice and mist.
I found this book to be intriguing and I think it will be a huge hit
with children who love A Series of Unfortunate Events. It is
not for the faint hearted as it is a long read but extremely
engaging. Both Whimsy and Woe are strong lead characters who meet a
variety of characters, both good and bad. They must escape from ever
presenting perils which results in only strengthening their
relationship. Themes such as perseverance, family and adventure are
developed. This is a must have in the library collection and would
make a fantastic read aloud but only by teachers who read on a daily
basis as it is rather lengthy. I can imagine the class hanging on
every word and wanting more at the end of a reading session.
Kathryn Schumacher
Dog Man: a tale of two kitties by Dav Pilkey
Dog Man book 3. Scholastic, 2017. ISBN 9780545935210
(Age: 7+) Recommended. Humour, Graphic novel, Crime. The third
in this series of graphic novels about Dog Man solving crimes is
sure to be scooped up by those who love Pilkey and his work (Captain
Underpants), those who look out for graphic novels and those
who just love to laugh out loud.
The first in the series, simply called Dog Man shows the
beginnings of this hybrid creature, when Greg the police dog and his
human companion are injured and must undergo surgery. But coming out
of the anesthetic reveals Dog Man, the body of a human and the head
of Greg the dog. With the smelling ability of the dog, Dog Man is
able to sniff out crimes and solve them.
In this tale, Dog Man is on the trail of the lost kitten, Li'l
Petey, and this is told in graphic format over ten easy chapters
alluding to some of Charles Dickens work. At the end of the story
several different ending are given for those who want to keep
reading, and Pilkey follows this with instructions on how to draw
cartoon animals.
Dog Man is still learning a few tricks of the trade and causes the
Chief of Police no end of grief as he chews up the furniture. So Dog
Man is on slippery ground and must prove his worth. Littered with
outrageous puns on anything doggie and catty, and drawing on
Dickens' A Tale to Two Cities, the story will case hilarity
amongst the target audience, and have older readers who know A
Tale of Two Cities, marvelling at the parallels.
Fran Knight
Here I stand : stories that speak for freedom by Amnesty International
Walker Books, 2017. ISBN 9781406373646
(Age: 15+) In an eclectic collection of themes, forms and style,
Amnesty presents short stories which invite us to walk in the shoes
of those who suffer various injustices.
Whilst confronting, not all of the stories deal with the grimmest of
subjects yet those which consider molestation, sex trafficking and
suicide as a consequence of relentless bullying make this suitable
for a 15+ readership.
Other situations are equally moving. An overworked public defender
seeks the best legal outcome for a black youth entangled in gang
culture. A young girl is tormented by the fact that her former best
friend, with whom she shared a mutual devotion, now shows contempt
and disgust for her sexual orientation. In a tale with a similar
theme, a black youth is incredulous that his former best friend
shows vile hatred towards him because of his skin colour. The very
real situation of a child being embarrassed by having to interpret
for her mother in delicate conversations with doctors and school
teachers is the subject in another story.
A sliding doors moment is considered in the life a young migrant who
is groomed to become a suicide bomber but also has the option to
pursue the path of education and enlightenment towards a fulfilling
life.
The brutality and futility of state sanctioned execution in a U.S.
prison prompts a lawyer to ruminate on meaningful ways to manage
'redemption'. He imagines a remote island with a futuristic penal
facility which protects wider society but enables prisoners to
engage in environmentally productive work which generates income as
compensation to victims of crime.
Industrial pollution destroys a river system in a developing country
and completely devastates the communities which live upon its banks.
No longer able to fish, these people starve in an unequal battle
against a powerful international corporation with no concern for
those who suffer from their negligence.
A recurring element in these stories is bullying which appears in
various ways and on a range of levels. The trauma and pain caused is
clearly evident but what I liked about this book is that the
intention is to provoke thought and introspection. Despite the dark
and harsh realities of many situations, these stories largely focus
on the possibility for change and the creation of a safer, more just
world.
Rob Welsh
I can't sleep by Stephanie Blake
Gecko Press, 2017. ISBN 9781776571642
(Ages: 3-7) Courage. This is a new book featuring Simon, the cheeky
rabbit from Poo Bum, Super Rabbit and others.
Stephanie Blake's unique bold illustrations and block primary colour
pages are instantly recognisable. In this instalment, Simon, who is
now much older and less cheeky than in Poo Bum, builds a
MEGA GIGA-NORMOUS, STUPENDOUS hut with his little brother Casper. It
isn't until they are snuggled up in bed that Casper realises he has
left his special blanket hanging on a tree in the hut.
'Wheresmyblanky? Intahut! I want BLANKY!' Casper tries reasoning
with him but it is no use. 'NO BLANKY? NO BED!' So Simon, super
brother that he is, determines to get Casper his blanky and sets off
into the dark, dark night. When he finds it he feels like Super Mega
Rabbit, so proud and so unafraid. Then he hears a noise and sees
something moving close by in the dark. He turns around to see a MEGA
GIGA-NORMOUS MONSTER! When Simon reaches home and tells Casper about
his adventure Casper is so proud of his brave big brother.
This is perhaps one of the best stories about Simon, aided by the
special relationship between him and his little brother. It is a
brilliant example of sibling solidarity (playing together, Simon
wanting to help his little brother, Casper feeling proud of his big
brother). Most children will identify with losing something that is
special to them or having to be brave for a younger sibling. Those
with younger siblings will also relate to having to be good
interpreters ('Hangit ober dere' shouts Casper). The language used
is fantastic and reads very well, both in the narration and in Simon
and Casper's speech. The dialogue especially feels incredibly
natural.
This is a great book to share with children with siblings as it
models positive behaviours and will encourage them to feel proud of
how they show empathy and care in their own relationships.
Nicole Nelson
Tell it to the moon by Siobhan Curham
Walker Books, 2017. ISBN 9781406366150
(Age: 14+) Friendships. Identity. This book focuses on one year in
the lives of Sky, Rose, Maali and Amber - the Moonlight Dreamers.
The Dreamers are a group of teenage friends whose friendship (and
dreams) propel this book through a series of dramas that reveal
their growing identity explorations. Sky is a poet who is also
learning how to cope with the life and schooling change that has
been forced upon her; Rose is coming to grips with her sexuality and
her dysfunctional family; Maali is coming to grips with losing her
love interest and seeks guidance from her Hindu goddess statue, but
something more serious is on the horizon; Amber is the
unusually-dressed daughter of two gay dads and would really like to
know the identity of her surrogate mother in order to know herself,
but instead needs to rely on Oscar Wilde's influence through his
scattered quotes and writing. They are all struggling to work out
who they are, and what lies ahead in their lives.
Everything about this book seems a touch too dramatic and perhaps
tries too hard to address many issues, and the power of the
friendship group is perhaps too strong to be realistic when read
from an adult perspective. The consequence is that there is a naive
superficiality about the treatment of quite serious issues that
could be handled with more gravitas. Peer friendship is esteemed
above all other authority. There are some redeeming aspects, but
this almost reads like a Baby-sitters Club or Pony Club
book for older teenagers, with a dose of romance and some serious
family concerns thrown in for good measure. Life does not always
turn out as they expect or dream, but their friendship remains a
source of strength in a sentimental way.
Carolyn Hull
The Quest of the Sunfish series by Mardi McConnochie
The Castle in the Sea book 2. ISBN 9781760290924 The Skeleton Coast book 3. ISBN 9781760290931
(Age: 9-13) Highly recommended. Themes: Adventure, Climate Change,
Dystopian World, Friendship, Sailing.
Mardi McConnochie's futuristic The Quest of the Sunfish trilogy
is set after the earth has experienced catastrophic flooding from a
failed scientific experiment. While the Admiralty enforce strict
rules and regulations, pirates roam the seas looting ships and
boats. Environmental and social issues including climate change,
poverty, slavery, bullying and the exploitation of technology and
power underpin this fast-paced action adventure perfect for the
preteen reading audience. The Castle in the Sea begins several weeks after twins Will
and Annalie, and their friends Essie and Pod escape from Lang Lang
Island. Here, Annalie decoded the names and locations of four
important scientists who worked with the twin's father Spinner on
the secret Collodius Project. This novel focuses on their intrepid
quest to trace and talk to each one, hoping they can find Spinner.
From the start, they face one of the fiercest storms with high seas,
huge waves, a broken mast and Will and Essie swept overboard.
Annalie and Pod desperately attempt to mend the sailboat and
fruitlessly search for their friends. Meanwhile, Will and Essie are
cast ashore on a deserted island with an abandoned temple. Facing
devious pirates, outwitting the Admiralty, sailing a raft across the
dangerous sea, helped by talking dolphins, this fast-paced action
adventure is a page-turner. With freedom from parental guidance,
they learn to rely on each other, their individual strengths help
them as they face each difficult situation. Resourcefulness,
reliance on each other and trust are key to their survival. The Skeleton Coast continues to deliver heightened drama.
Pod's sister is rescued from slavery aboard a cruise ship and they
face the desolate emptiness of the Outer Ocean.
McConnochie settings are richly detailed, challenging desert lands,
deadly whirlpools and dangerous waters. Her detailed technology,
modes of transportation, fierce and friendly her attention to the
details of survival, the elemental fight between good and evil, all
combine to make this series an exhilarating read. A detailed map of
this kingdom would make an ideal addition, so we can follow their
journey.
Rhyllis Bignell
Siren by Rachel Matthews
Transit Lounge, 2017. ISBN 9780995359567
(Age: Adult - Senior secondary) This is a story told for a specific
reason, and a valuable and valid reason it is indeed. Rachel
Matthews constructs a narrative that is engendered in the opening
story of a 16 year old girl, Jordi, who is seduced by a footballer.
Taken back to his apartment, with others, she takes part in a sexual
act that seems to be acceptable at first but, because she is not in
a state to agree, and she does not acquiesce, it is rape. The
consequences are almost catastrophic for the young woman. In the
embarrassment of being a victim, and in her inability to put into
words what happened, Jordi is not able to reveal what happened and
sinks into a deeply disturbed state.
Jordi's family is presented as struggling and dysfunctional, the
father rarely there, her mother living from the money he sometimes
brings when he finds work and manages to take the money back home.
Her mother is depicted as loving and concerned about her children
but is caught in a cycle of poverty that engenders dependence and so
often generates despair.
Matthews challenges a society where people can slide into a state
where they are unable to find work and are caught in a cycle of
poverty. She challenges the idolization of famous sportsmen, the
world of the 'party', where the use of drugs, alcohol and casual
sex, particularly between older men and young, impressionable,
innocent women, is seen as the norm. The footballer is not depicted
as either nasty or bad, but he is clearly a victim of a culture that
promises particular pleasures as a reward for celebrity status.
This novel would be appropriate for both adults and older
adolescents, in its powerful and deliberately disturbing narrative.
Rachel Matthews brings us back to the basic notion of the need for
the truths that are so often hidden, both personally and socially,
and for families, in whatever form they may take today, to be open
and supportive of each other. In the development of the characters,
and in the outcome, there are strong signs of hope.
Elizabeth Bondar
The teenage guide to friends by Nicola Morgan
Walker Books, 2017. ISBN 9781406369779
(Age: 12-15) Recommended. Subjects: Friendship, Teenage life,
Cyber-bullying, Family relationships. Nicola Morgan is an
internationally recognised author of teenage health and wellbeing
books including Blame My Brain: The Amazing Teenage Brain
Revealed and The Teenage Guide to Stress. In The
Teenage Guide to Friends, she explores the topic of
friendships, looking at making friends, establishing healthy
relationships and online experiences. Sections on personality types,
family position and being empathetic are written in a practical,
relatable format. Morgan emphasizes the value of having a trusted
adult to share with, to provide support and guidance.
This book is divided into four sections: What are Friends; Making
and Managing Friendships; Empathy and Behaviour and Personality. She
explores the thousands of years of human evolution, the development
of the human brain and 'the ability to think rationally and use self
control.' Each section includes an introduction, questions and
responses, signs to look out for and things to think about. Online
friendships, cyber-bullying, the influences of social media are
discussed with guidelines for handling online cruelty, looking ahead
to choices made as a teenager and the consequences for adulthood.
Negative and positive behaviours, personality traits, keeping
friendships strong, dealing with 'frenemies' are important topics
for teenagers to understand.
Teenagers and preteens can use the comprehensive index and explore
just the section that interests them, their area of concern or
issues that they are dealing with. This reference book is a useful
tool for classroom and home teachers, as well as health
professionals. Quizzes and a resource section are included as well.
Rhyllis Bignell
Words collide by Chris Colfer
The Land of Stories, book 6. Little Brown, 2017. ISBN
9780316355896
(Age: Year 3+) 'The statues are alive! How is this possible?'
The policewoman clicked the radio on her shoulder.
'Officer Sanchez to Dispatch,' she said, 'The library is under
attack. I repeat, the library is under attack! We need all available
units to join us immediately!'
'Copy, Officer Sanchez,' a voice responded over the radio. 'All
available units have been notified. Are you able to identify who or
what is behind the attack?'
Still in disbelief, the policewoman hesitated to respond.
'It's magic,' she said breathlessly. 'The library is being attacked
by magic!'
Will it or won't it? This is the question on the lips of fans of The
Land of Stories. Throughout this final book, Colfer drops some
not so discreet hints that will leave one wondering is this really
the last of the worlds. Readers will not be disappointed with the
strange situations, difficult life lessons and cosmic dramas. Throw
in evil and good characters becoming involved from various worlds
battling through many of New York City's landmarks to top it off. It
is pleasing to see Colfer bring all his fairy tale worlds from
throughout the series to a satisfying close, with all plot lines
from previous books converging in the finale. Book 6 sees many
characters return for one last hooray - the flip side being they are
reduced to cameo appearances albeit memorable.
The book needs to be read after the five others have been completed
for sense to be made. There is the odd bit of violence and the
occasional 'swear word' (crap, bastards, butt). Has a door or two
been left open for another story?
We have students in Year 3 and up reading this series.
Kathryn Schumacher
Back to Scare School by Zack Zombie
Diary of a Minecraft Zombie book 8. Scholastic, 2017. ISBN
9781743818343
(Age: 7-9) The popular fan fiction series is presented as Zombie's
diary and in this junior novel, he has finished 7th grade and is
uncertain about being an eighth grader. The week before school
starts is challenging and of course, he is nervous and super
anxious. With Dad's Zombie Credit Card he shops up a storm choosing
a large number of fashionable items, unfortunately his father forgot
to mention the $30 limit. When the School Schedule arrives, Zombie
is in the Advanced Scare Class 201, now he can scare Minecraft
miners instead of villagers.
Each step of the way in preparation of the new school year proves
daunting, which elective to pick, Zombie Pig Farming or Modding
class. Even choosing school supplies is problematic, Mum says no to
the 100-pocket backpack, perfect for storing dried booger snacks, no
Voice Changing megaphone, just the basics for Zombie. Steve his
human friend gives him some great advice and his parents promise him
a ScareStation 465 if he receives all B grades.
School life proves to be challenging as Zombie recounts his daily
experiences in his journal with missed buses, shrinking uniforms,
and volunteer orientation and modding lessons. Humour, grossness,
body humour and plenty of Minecraft activities are just right for
the fans of this popular series.
Rhyllis Bignell
Storm whale by Sarah Brennan
Ill. by Jane Tanner. Allen and Unwin, 2017. ISBN 9781760293642
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Whales, Environment, Storms,
Responsibility, Verse story. When three girls begin their walk into
town from their holiday shack, they come across a whale, stranded on
the beach. All day long the girls bucket water over the animal,
defying the storm and the rain pelting down over their heads. But
the whale is still there when they are forced back to the house, and
all night long the storm persist, tossing them into their dreams of
being out there with the lonely whale. Next morning a different day
appears, warm and sunlit, calm and soft. They run onto the beach in
their pyjamas, only to see piles of sea weed and debris from the
ocean floor, but no whale. Looking out to see they realise that he
has been freed by the storm and is now back where he belongs.
This charming story of a whale caught on the beach at high tide and
the girls' attempts to free it, will resonate with children as they
sympathise with the children's efforts to keep the whale alive. The
verse form adds another level of interest as readers will be
encouraged to predict the rhyming words, read it in poetic form, and
see how the illustrations match the words.
Tanner has created a breathtaking companion to the words, as we can
feel the wet and cold driving rain, sympathise with the whale as it
seems to watch what the girls are doing, be saddened when the girls
are forced back home, and feel with them through the night worrying
about the whale left on the beach. The images are full of meaning,
drawing the readers to put themselves in the girls' shoes, asking
themselves what they would have done. And the words about the whale
draw the reader to contemplate the life of a whale, far away in the
deep, where it is no longer a fugitive, harried and hunted.
Some readers will want to know more about the whale and why the
author has chosen some of the words she has used. A wonderful book
to read aloud and share, extolling the majesty of our environment
and the part we have to play in keeping it so.
Fran Knight
The great rabbit chase by Freya Blackwood
Scholastic, 2017. ISBN 9781743811641
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Rabbits, Animals, Neighbours. When mum
goes shopping for gumboots and comes home with a large furry rabbit,
there can be only one name for him. The rabbit is clever at chewing
and scratching, but what he does best is escape. One day when he
escapes, mum is in the shower, and Norman is at the front door ready
to play, but Gumboot's owner has only one thing on her mind: to find
her rabbit.
There follows a very funny tale of a journey to seek and find the
rabbit and take him back home. We follow the trail as the trio
crosses the road, seeing John daydreaming with his stop sign and car
owners beeping their horns. As they follow the rabbit, others join
their escapade, a man in his business suit, a neighbour on her
walking frame, the stop sign man, a woman and her screaming baby in
its pram. Down the streets they go, until they come to a park, where
they all lie down for a rest, mum still in her towel from the
shower.
Children will have great fun looking at the array of people on their
road trip, wandering the streets and then the park looking for
Gumboot. Freya Blackwood cleverly includes small touches revealing
the personalities of the people involved. I love the business man
taking his shoes and socks off, and the two older people sitting
down for a chat under the tree.
Blackwood's pen, pencil and watercolour illustrations are just
wonderful, the cut out perspective of the rabbit's tunnel, and that
of the house and the maps on the endpapers, will encourage students
to look at the neighbourhood from a different angle. Their journey
is circular, with people who have joined the hunt going back to
their own places on the way home. This delightful story will be a
tremendous read aloud as the children follow the path taken by all
participants. A wonderful journey that all readers will enjoy.
Fran Knight
Ivy and the lonely raincloud by Katie Harnett
Flying Eye Books, 2017. ISBN 9781911171157
(Age: 5+) Highly recommended. Friendship, Rain, Flowers, Emotions. A
story of sharing, of coming together and appreciating each other's
skills, of complementary talents is shown through this charming tale
of a raincloud finding its place in the world. Initially saddened
because the sun has come out and dried up all the rain, forcing the
other rainclouds to disappear, the cloud goes searching for
companionship, someone who appreciates his rain. He looks in a
number of places, places he hopes to be appreciated, but they do not
want him. Meanwhile Ivy is cross that the sun has come out. The
sunshine has had a detrimental affect on her flowers so she is very
grumpy. The raincloud decides to rain on her plants and the two
become friends, one appreciating what the other has to offer. All is
well again for both parties.
A story about friendship, of finding someone compatible, and of
sharing skills will intrigue younger readers already following the
story through its vibrant illustrations. The girl's dark moods are
portrayed through her expressive eyes and stance and readers will
immediately respond to her feelings. This is a charming book from
Katie Harnett, and astute readers will recognise her distinctive
style from other books such as, Archie Snufflekins (2016)
and look forward to others from this new illustrator and now,
author.
Fran Knight
Pig the star by Aaron Blabey
Scholastic, 2017. ISBN 9781743812754
(Age: 5+) Highly recommended. Dogs, Stardom, Selfishness. Again, Pig
the Pug is showing his true colours in wanting stardom. He and his
long suffering friend, Trevor, the sausage dog, go to a studio for a
photo shoot. They dress up in a variety of costumes, until Pig
becomes convinced that he is the star, and pushes Trevor out of the
way. But the photographer zooms in on the cute little dog, causing
Pig the Pug to have a fit of despair, pushing things around until
the rocket falls on him, damaging more than his ego.
Once again, Blabey has a great deal of fun depicting the two dogs,
this time in various costumes that some children and more adults
will recognise. From Elvis to Marilyn, Tarzan to Mona Lisa, the
finery that covers the grand expanse of Pig the Pug and the long
cylindrical Trevor, will create lots of laughter from the readers.
The acrylic used with pen and pencil creates a bright and
uncluttered page, each one different from the other, the eye drawn
across the illustration to the rhyming lines. Readers will love
predicting the last word of each line, and working out what film
stars the two dogs are representing as they change their costumes. A
wholly fascinating and laugh out loud story, Pig the Pug is just as
selfish as ever. And readers everywhere will just adore him.
Fran Knight
Madeline Finn and the Library Dog by Lisa Papp
Old Barn Books, 2017. ISBN 9781910646328
(Age: 5+) Highly recommended. Dogs, Therapy dogs, Reading,
Libraries. Madeline Finn does not like to read. She refuses to read
magazines, books and menus. And she especially hates reading out
loud. When she tries the others in her class snigger. They get stars
from the teacher for their reading, she gets a sticker which tells
her to keep trying. She is despondent. She really wants a star. One
day at the library, Mrs Dimple, the librarian takes her to meet
Bonnie, a dog who loves to hear people read. In a room with many
dogs listening to children read, Madeline finds that the dog does
not giggle when she makes a mistake, and puts its paws onto her lap
when she tries to read a word she does not understand. They learn to
get there together and with Bonnie's help she keeps going.
After a few weeks the teacher asks Madeline to read again and this
time she imagines that she is reading to Bonnie and after a hesitant
start, reads to the end of the page, receiving her star. She takes
it to the library to give to Bonnie and finds out why Bonnie was
missing last week at the library.
This charming story of finding your feet, of developing the strength
to do something that is difficult will thrill all readers. Bonnie
the library dog gives Madeline the confidence to carry on, her
simply being there overcomes Madeline's fears about reading.
The soft illustrations depict the dog and child beautifully,
supporting those children in the same predicament.
Part of the proceeds of the sale of this book goes to Pets as
Therapy, an organisation in the United Kingdom that supports
read2dogs. Go to http://www.petsastherapy.org
for more information.
Fran Knight
