Reviews

A time of torment by John Connolly

A Charlie Parker Thriller. Hodder and Stoughton, 2016. ISBN 9781444751581
(Age: Adult) Themes: Horror/Thriller; Supernatural; Crime; Cults; Evil. With a focus on a West Virginian Community-Cult called 'The Cut', this intensely written Crime and Horror story reintroduces the Private Investigator, Charlie Parker to another collection of evil characters. In this case he is commissioned by a former prisoner to uncover the truth that led this man to being incarcerated despite his claims of innocence, and in the process uncovers horror that is naked and malignant and driven by the force of the 'Dead King'. Individual Cut characters with no redeeming qualities are driven to perform macabre and violent actions that can only be described as malevolent. With a shadowy and spectral influence over both the good and extremely evil, this is a very different crime story, permeated with the marks of supernatural power.
With apologies to those who have followed Charlie Parker before, I initially did not warm to his dry, but driven focus and his 'rise-from-the-dead' history. He investigated, employing some unscrupulous and disreputable sidekicks and equally questionable methods to pursue the 'bad eggs' at the heart of the dreadful action. Ultimately though, it becomes obvious that only Charlie Parker can withstand the incredible influence of the evil tendrils that have wormed their way through the community. The threats by Cut members and the graphic violence that they perpetrate is awful and not for the faint-hearted reader. This story, revealing the worst of human behaviour, will genuinely turn your stomach and make every noise at night a cause for concern as you wonder whether the power of evil will win over truth and justice.
Recommended only for mature readers who can cope with Horror and extreme violence.
Carolyn Hull

One, Two, Three, ROAR! Judy Moody and friends by Megan McDonald

Candlewick Press, 2017. ISBN 9780763695767
(Age: 6-8) A bind up of three short stories, this book would appeal to younger readers between the ages of 6-8. Each of these simple tales focus on Judy Moody and her friends, Rocky, Amy and Jessica.
The first of the three stories, Jessica Finch in Pig Trouble is about a young lady who loves pigs and is desperate to be given one for her birthday. Children could easily relate to the concept of birthday wishes. Secrets are kept, and friendships are tested but the resolution is positive.
Rocky Zang in the Amazing Mr Magic begins with Rocky being keen to perform his magic tricks for an audience. Unfortunately, things don't go quite according to plan and Rocky is disappointed until, eventually, he manages to complete a trick which impresses Judy and makes him feel happy.
Amy Namey in Ace Reporter tells of a keen would be reporter endeavouring to find a great scoop which would merit being a front-page story. She shares her ideas with her friends and together they try to uncover a newsworthy story. Not only does she come up with a piece she deems fit for 'publication', she learns of a similarity between she and her mother and this creates a good bonding experience.
They are gentle and not at all challenging or threatening, providing positive messages about friendship and tolerance and the fact that different interests can unite people instead of dividing them.
Jo Schenkel

Aussies vs England: Game on by Mitchell Starc

Ill. by Philip Bunting. Mighty Mitchell series. Scholastic, 2017. ISBN 9781742763194
(Age: 7+) Recommended. Cricket. Humour. Sport. School. Mitchell stares down the pitch at the incoming fast bowler. He has been told by the captain that everything depends upon him and he gives it his best shot. But the chanting of his name, Mitchell, is not from the huge crowd he imagines in the stadium, but his next door neighbour, Mr Nguyen who has again had a ball hit over his fence. Brought back to reality, Mitchell retrieves his ball and faces his mum.
Full of humour, the story evolves with Mitchell at the centre of this story, winning the readers with an easily read and absorbed story while educating them about cricket.
Cricketer, Mitchell Starc has turned his hand at a new field, that of writing for children with a series of children's books about something he knows intimately, cricket.
The team, Wander Hill Wombats, is inclusive and each child is given a page of information, just like the team members during television coverage of cricket matches. Each practice reveals new words associated with the game, within the work the children and their coach do, ensuring the readers will learn these words and what they mean with ease. Readers will learn of the importance of the coach and his role, the importance of practice and team involvement, and learn how to score.
When the Wombats must play another team, the Barkley Blues from the Barkleyshire College, then tactics must be discussed and of course, Mitchell saves the day.
This is a well written and presented story set within the rules and customs of cricket, ensuring a younger generation will learn to love the sport and be involved with a sound basis of cricket knowledge. Fran Knight

Bloomsbury activity books

Bloomsbury, 2017.
My first French words. ISBN 9781408876794
My first Spanish words. ISBN 9781408873700
(Age: 4-6) Sticker activity book. With bright bold illustrations, thematic pages looking at the young child's world, these sticker books are interesting educational tools for introducing a second language or supporting the foundations of developing a mother tongue. Initial introductions, sounding out the noun then finding the corresponding sticker allows for interaction and vocalisation of the new words. These learning opportunities make it fun to learn new words.
My first French words introduces transport, things in a mother's handbag, clothes, things in the garden and animals everywhere. After matching more than 200 stickers, to familiar environments including the bathroom, school and bedroom there's time to check their memory on the 'I knew my French words' pages.
My first Spanish words is set out in a similar format, with lively illustrations and large easy to peel colourful stickers. Familiar topics include things that go, animals, animals everywhere and numbers and counting.
These Bloomsbury Sticker Activity Books give the young reader a chance to experience new vocabulary in a fun way.
Rhyllis Bignell

Greta Zargo and the death robots from outer space by A.F. Harrold

Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781408869475
(Age: Middle primary) Greta Zargo is an eleven year old orphan who hopes to become famous in her chosen career as an investigative journalist. As an unpaid employee of the local paper, Greta believes that she needs a great scoop to ensure that she will finally have one of her articles on the front page. Instead, she is sent out to investigate what she deems to be the least exciting events ever, including the disappearances of several cakes. Independent, resilient and determined, Greta lives alone, receiving only the odd visit from her Aunt Tabitha to ensure that she is safe and happy.
Meanwhile, as Greta is focused on uncovering the truth behind the cake thefts, a silver death robot is plummeting towards earth, determined to wreak havoc. Who will be able to stop the destruction of earth? Will Greta be able to write her prize-winning article about the amazing creature? You need to read this book to discover the answer.
Initially, I found myself disliking this book intensely, but the more I read the more humorous I found the story. I quite liked the interjections on the sides of many of the pages and was quickly reminded of The Hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy. Double spaced type and lots of illustrations will undoubtedly make this an easily accessible title for middle primary students with a sense of humour. I look forward to seeing the finished product.
Jo Schenkel

Surrogate, a novel by Tracy Crisp

Wakefield Press, 2017. ISBN 9781743055083
(Age: Adult) Surrogate is the story of two mothers, not as you might at first expect, the surrogate and the adoptive mother, but of two women from different eras, a surrogate mother of the 1990s, and a relinquishing mother, a single woman in the 1960's, forced to give up her baby when her fiance is called up to the Vietnam War.
Rachael is a young nurse whose romantic relationships have not turned out well, and when she is befriended by an attractive doctor and her husband, the friendship starts to go much further than she expected; first she is asked by them to housesit while they go to Vietnam to pick up their to-be-adopted child, and then when that falls through, she is led into an ever more intimate relationship whereby she will become a surrogate mother and bear a child for them.
Interwoven with Rachael's story is the story of Mary, who as a single woman in the 1960's, was forced to give up her first child before she even saw it. Gradually the connection between the two stories is revealed. It is an interesting juxtaposition, and provokes questions of the difference between decisions made under coercion and those made freely in full understanding of the consequences.
Finally Rachael has to make her own decision and face what it means for all involved.
Helen Eddy

How to feel awesome every day by Elly Awesome

Random House, 2017. ISBN 9780143786085
(Age: 9-14) Despite my initial 'cringe' when this book arrived for review, I was quickly converted to see it as a positive title for young girls from the age of 9 to 14 to read. A combined activity book and journal, it was written by an author previously unknown to me. I soon did a little research and realised that Elly Awesome is prolific on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and 'Toasted TV' and discovered that the book is filled with positive suggestions as to how girls could spend their time. The book could easily have become preachy and sanctimonious but, instead, it is a rather delightful little 'how-to' for young girls wishing to keep active.
From mental health and wellbeing quizzes to goal setting, recipes, exercise suggestions, colouring and creative DIY ideas, this book ticks off a multitude of topics which would give any reader a boost. Even as an adult, I went away from reading feeling somewhat uplifted, merely thinking about some of the topics and how I would have answered the questions the author posed. Initially, I was confused as to the age of the target audience but I believe the book would hold a relatively broad appeal.
With well-being coordinators and growth mindset a big part of the curriculum, this book ticks a lot of boxes and I can see some tasks possibly being included in the classroom programme too. This is a great title for young girls to assist them with boosting their self-esteem and general well-being.
Jo Schenkel

Peter Pan and Wendy by James Barrie

Ill. by Robert Ingpen. Walker Books, 2017. ISBN 9781760650254
Over a century ago James Barrie wrote a story about a boy who could fly and who never grew up; who had adventures on an island called Neverland and introduced us to characters like Wendy, Tinkerbell, Captain Hook and the croc with the clock!
Since then it has become a classic, republished many times, made into a stage play and movies and now it has been reworked into an abridged version superbly illustrated by Robert Ingpen so that another generation can delight in it.
With its modern language and stunning pictures, new life is breathed into Barrie's words making it the perfect bedtime read-aloud story to introduce young children to the original tale, or the be read alone by the newly independent reader, and is a must for both the library's collection and the Santa Sack. Given her grandfather is named Barrie after this author because of the impact of the story on his parents, I know just whose tree this will be under.
Barbara Braxton

Dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures by Matt Sewell

Pavilion, 2017. ISBN 9781843653509
If there is one section of the library that can never have too many items, it is 567.9 - the home of the dinosaurs. There seems to be an eternal fascination with these long-ago creatures that has been the door into reading for so many children, particularly young boys who like to get the biggest and thickest books and pore over them with their mates. So this new addition by Matt Sewell that introduces favourites and familiars and also some first-read-abouts will be welcome as it is targeted at those who want to know something but not so much that it is overwhelming. Who knew there were so many - but then they were on the planet for 170 million years! Each creature has a one or two page spread dominated by the illustration, an illustration that is somewhat different from the norm as they have been inspired by new ideas from palaeontologists that the creatures were not only colourful but some may have had feathers rather than the traditional scales and hide.
Each entry includes the length and weight which can always lead to some interesting maths activities and well as the time period (delve into history and create a chart) and their diet with 'proper' descriptors like 'carnivorous' to extend the vocabulary. There are other basic facts written in a conversational tone that makes the language accessible to those early readers. Given that not every dinosaur is included, perhaps they could produce an extra page exploring and explaining their favourite dinosaur as an initial information literacy exercise.
Produced in conjunction with the Natural History Museum in the UK, this is a worthwhile addition to that critical section of the collection.
Barbara Braxton

Healthy Kids Cookbook

Dorling Kindersley, 2017. ISBN 9781740331289
So many cooking shows get huge ratings on television and so much has been written about the 'obesity crisis' amongst our students that it is clear that food is a dominating force in our lives and the interest in it has never been higher. Gradually the tide is swinging towards the healthy end of the scale as we try to nourish our bodies but still cope with the hectic lifestyle we impose on ourselves and our kids. Even the famous 'Golden Arches" is now producing healthier fast foods that are getting a nod, if not the tick of approval, from nutritionists.
But if we are going to make and have sustainable change in our diets, we need to start from the beginning and get children knowing and appreciating what they are putting into their mouths. If they are actively involved in the growing and preparation of their food (A patch from scratch by Megan Forward) they are more likely to build habits of good nutrition that will last them a lifetime. Experience has shown me that those children who are subjected to a healthy food regime imposed on them by well-meaning parents are usually the first to grab the "naughties" at parties as they seek to taste the 'forbidden fruit'.
So to have a cookbook that is directed specifically at children cooking for themselves is very appealing and as usual with DK publications, both the content and the presentation are directed squarely at the child. Beginning with a brief explanation of why a balanced diet is critical and other things that all budding cooks need to know, it is set out with lots of photos, simple captions and just the right amount of information to inform but not bore. The recipes follow a similar sort of presentation with stunning full colour photos to help understanding but also to make the most ordinary food look good - we know we eat with our eyes first. Who knew a rainbow salad could be so tempting? Or how many good things could be packed into a pita pocket? Or even that so many vegetables could be included in yummy cakes? Parents will love this book!!!
With plans for the new school year already on the horizon, this could be the centrepiece of a display encouraging our students to nourish themselves throughout the year, and perhaps even encourage the establishment of a cooking group so they can learn and hone their skills and tastes in a community atmosphere.
Definitely one for the two budding chefs in my life . . .
Barbara Braxton

The Slime Book

Finn and Puss by Robert Vescio and Melissa Mackie

EK Books, 2017. ISBN 9781925335507
When Finn, a lonely little boy, finds a lost cat it would seem their problems are solved. Finn has a friend and the cat has a home. But then Finn spots a poster advertising the cat as lost . . . Will he return it or is their friendship more important to him?
Told in a few words but with exquisite illustrations that are as gentle as the story but rich in emotion and detail, this is a story which explores the connections between a child and a pet and how hard it can be to do the right thing. But sometimes that right thing can have its own reward.
Charming.
Barbara Braxton

Witchfairy by Brigitte Minne

Ill. by Carll Cneut. Book Island, 2017. ISBN 9781911496076
(Age: 6+) Highly recommended. Fairy stories. Fairies. Witches. Growing up. Born a fairy Rosemary must put up with the expectations of her family: she must remain neat and clean, tell stories with her honeyed voice, never spill crumbs upon her clothes, and wave her magic wand about. For her birthday that is precisely what she has been given, but she would have much preferred a pair of roller skates or a boat. In fact she would much prefer to be a witch, so she packs her bags and flies off to the witches' wood. Here she is accepted without hesitation and learns to fly a broom. In her treehouse, a little lonely she looks at the moon wondering what her mother is doing. Back at the castle, mum is also lonely without Rosemary and looks at the moon. She flies off to the witch's wood with her handbag and there the two affect a compromise and all is happy once again.
This delightful tale of growing up, of expectations, of finding out what you really want to be, is an absolute treat. Written with the ambience of a fairy tale by Flemish author, Brigitte Minne, and beautifully illustrate by Belgian illustrator, Carll Cneut, the book will be read and reread by teachers, parents, carers and kids drawing the listeners into talking about what they expect of the world in which they live, and of course, looking closely at the good and bad points of being a fairy or a witch.
The illustrations are simply stunning, with the fairies in their wonderful nineteenth century smocks and delightful tall hats reminding me of the Scandinavian Santa (nisse)and his wife found in people's homes at Christmas.
Each page demands closer inspection as Cneut uses an array of media to create his images: crayon, watercolour and pencil can be seen. Faces of the fairies and the witches dot the pages and the images of the castle and the woods demand closer inspection.
Fran Knight

Maybe by Morris Gleitzman

Viking, 2017. ISBN 9780670079377
(Age: Upper primary - Lower secondary) Maybe, the sixth book in the series, is an excellent continuation of the saga of Felix, an orphan who has survived the war yet still has not found ultimate peace and freedom. This title focuses on Felix, Gabriek and the pregnant Anya as they endeavour to find a safe place for the baby to be born, away from their old enemy, Zliv. Uncertainty seems to follow the little band of travellers as they endeavour to find a new home. The reader is automatically on the side of the protagonist who continues to live in the hope that just maybe life in Australia will bring them the security they all desire.
As in the previous books, the introduction of new characters adds a new perspective and both a sense of possibility and menace to their lives and situations in which they find themselves. Throughout the story is a sense of tension as one barracks eagerly on the sidelines for Felix to find the 'maybe' of which he dreams.
With the author's non-linear progression throughout the series, each novel easily stands alone and can be read out of sequence without destroying the other books for the reader. This heart wrenching tale is most appropriate for children in upper primary to secondary students. Certainly, in my previous schools, the titles in this series have rarely been on the shelf and have been used to great effect as class novels or in literature circles as they are engaging, if somewhat confronting, reads, simultaneously depressing and uplifting.
Jo Schenkel

Gemma gets the jitters by Katrina Roe

Wombat Books, 2017. ISBN 9781925563139
"Gemma has a new camera! When she visits the mountains, she wants to get the perfect photo. But at the top of the lookout, Gemma gets the jitters. Will she let her fear of heights stop her from achieving her dream? Join Jemma, Marty and their friends as they help Gemma overcome her jitters."
From the mountains to the city tower, Gemma struggles to overcome her fear of heights. Her friends support her and provide her with a new mantra, "Just take one small step at a time." By slowly encouraging her in her efforts to climb their treehouse, escalator, jungle gym and elevator, her friends gradually help Gemma to overcome her fears and prepare for her special present, the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb. By admitting her fears and accepting the assistance of her friends, Gemma manages to complete the climb and share her excitement with them all.
Containing a simple storyline and some strong cartoon illustrations, the book sends a message to the reader that anxiety is not abnormal or something of which to be ashamed. Practice and team work are required to overcome certain fears as is depicted in this little moral tale. Although I am not a major fan of the illustrations, I appreciated the fact that the book is accessible to Australian children due to the familiar landmarks depicted throughout, particularly the bridge and Sydney Opera House in the distance.
The final pages of the book offer notes for parents and carers on how to address the issue of anxiety. These are written by Collett Smart, billed as a consultant psychologist, teacher, lecturer, writer and parent. Growth mindset is highlighted in these pages and could prove useful to parents who are uncertain as to how to best support their children.
Jo Schenkel