Reviews

1, 2 pirate stew by Kylie Howarth

Five Mile 2017. ISBN 9781760403201
(Age: 3-5) Recommended. 'Take one large cardboard box, two imaginative kids, a splash of pirate pets and you have a recipe for adventure!'
Written by award-winning graphic designer and artist, Kylie Howarth's exciting text 1, 2 Pirate Stew allows readers to count along from 1 to 22 to discover the secret of the missing treasure and some very special pirate stew.
With a raised text cover, and cheerful imagery, 1, 2 Pirate Stew will have children delighted to learn to count along with clever rhyming additions. With its sturdy pages, it is perfect for encouraging imagination, is playful, and easy to read or sing with the same metre as One, Two Buckle my Shoe.
Keely Coard

Do not lick this book by Idan Ben-Barak and Julian Frost

Allen and Unwin, 2017. ISBN 9781760293055
(Age: 3+) Highly recommended. Microbes. STEM. An infectiously funny look at microbes and their place in the world is given in this delightful tale of Min as she navigates some of the more recognisable things in a child's environment to see how it is made up.
Min is introduced as something very very small, so small in fact, that millions would fit upon the dot placed in the middle of the page. Over the next few pages, Min is shown as part of all the things around, and then when our eyes zoom in more closely to the page, we see Min as part of the fabric of the page. The microscopic image of the page will stop the readers in their tracks as they take in the detail from a completely different perspective, with Min sitting there inviting them to go with her by picking her up and putting her on their finger. Readers will delight in this activity, placing their finger on the circle on the page to have Min on their fingers. That little circle will be the brownest thing in the book!
With Min firmly in place, the reader visits their teeth, their belly button and their shirt to look into the microscopic image. Each time, Min is joined by another microbe.
When the story is finished, Min and her friends are placed back onto the page. Readers will have gained a little understanding of what microbes are and certainly seen some microscopic images which will thrill and entertain them.
Humour abounds in the dialogue between the microbes, and the page at the end of the book which outlines just what sort of microbes the four friends are, adds another level of interest to the reader.
This is a hugely involving tale of microbes for the early reader, sure to be part of any STEM activity in the classroom.
Fran Knight

Alex Rider: Never say die by Anthony Horowitz

Walker Books, 2017. ISBN 9781406377040
(Age: 13+) Highly recommended. Spies. Adventure. Alex Rider is a young super-spy who has been utilised in the past by MI6 - but he should really be still at school. In this action-packed thriller, he is driven by the loss of his companion Jack Starbright, to unravel a mystery that eventually leads him into life and death scenarios. His amazing skill and quick thinking gets him out of many awful situations. But this is a spy and action novel and the 'bad guys' will stop at nothing including death and torture to attempt to thwart anyone who is opposed to them. Alex is at great risk, and many others will need him too. Bullets fly, violence is directed at those who get in the way of the nefarious few and technology is used in James Bond-esque ways to solve problems; and the hero is 15 years old!
Anthony Horowitz writes well for the visual generation. His experience as a script writer for television enables him to write plot twists that stimulate the imagination and draw in those who love action and adventure. This is a real page-turner, and unusually for this genre there is no swearing (lots of violent and life-threatening acts, though). Scenarios in the plot are very like a 'James Bond' movie - without the romance. This will fly off a library shelf into the hands of the young teenage readers - enjoyed by male readers first, but realistically it is exciting for any reader that enjoys the action-adventure genre. Note: readers could easily transition from the Alex Rider series into adult spy novels.
Carolyn Hull

The three legged kangaroo from Uluru by Michelle Worthington

Ill. by Dave Atze. Big Sky Publishing, 2017. ISBN 9781925520415
(Age: 5-8) Recommended. Written by internationally published and award winning children's author Michelle Worthington, The three legged kangaroo from Uluru is a unique story told with lovable Aussie characters that kids will adore. Follow the three legged kangaroo from Uluru as he leaves behind everything he has ever known about friendship and he tests his bravery whilst discovering and celebrating what makes us unique.
Dave Atze's illustrations are captivating and will take children on an adventure from the red centre to Western Australia's beautiful coast line.
Overall, The three legged kangaroo from Uluru will delight children in this adventure story told through rhyme and enchanting illustrations whilst addressing the many facets of our wonderful country.
Keely Coard

You're! series by Shelly Unwin

Ill. by Katherine Battersby. Allen & Unwin, 2017.
You're one. ISBN 9781760291273
You're two. ISBN 9781760291280,
You're three. ISBN 9781760291297
You're four. ISBN: 9781760291303
You're five. ISBN: 9781760291310
(Age 1-5) Recommended. Board books. Shelly Unwin and Katherine Battersby's You're! series features five board books focusing on growing up from the ages of 1 to 5 years.
Each book has a specific focus on an age along with different animal families such as ducks, crocodiles and bears.
Illustrations are beautifully bright with a textural look, ideal for children in the younger years.
Overall, it is a wonderful series that would be perfect for children as they age over the years.
Keely Coard

Wild animals of the South by Dieter Braun

Flying Eye Books, 2017. ISBN 9781909263970
(Age: All) Highly recommended. How beautiful is this book! Wild Animals of the South looks at many of the animals that live in the southern hemisphere. Africa, South America, Asia, Australia and Antarctica each receives a chapter that highlights many of their indigenous creatures. A map of the world clearly shows the areas covered in the book and a simple drawing indicates where each animal lives.
Dieter Braun has created stunning stylised pictures using muted colours on naturally coloured paper. Each animal is given both the common and scientific name. The focus of the book is on the illustrations, as only a few animals receive a paragraph of information. Even the index is one of the most beautiful I have seen with an illustration for each entry.
Dieter is a freelance illustrator and children's book author from Germany. He strongly believes in the importance of the role of the human race in ensuring that the wonderful creatures illustrated in this book do not become extinct.
'Humankind could exist without tigers, tapirs or ocelots, but it would be wrong to assume that we are the most important creature on Earth. We are intruders in the animal kingdom and with every animal that dies out, our life on this planet loses a part of its power and colour and beauty.'
Dieter has shown how remarkable our world is and the animals are so stunningly created that the reader is in awe of their 'power, colour and beauty'. I would readily buy another copy of this book to turn into framed prints. It is an art exhibition in a book.
Dieter has also created the companion book Wild Animals of the North.
I would highly recommend this book for purchase. For whom? Everyone!
Jane Moore

The upside of unrequited by Becky Albertalli

Penguin Books, 2017. ISBN 9780141356112
(Age: 14+) Recommended. Non-identical twins who couldn't be more unalike will ultimately grow apart - as all siblings must when their adult worlds expand. That's basically the gist of this readable romance in a nutshell. However arriving at this painful realization is not without some angst and laughter. Albertalli describes a variety of modern relationships and teaches us that friendship is the foundation of love, not physical attraction.
Molly is a late bloomer by comparison to her outgoing twin. Cassie is blonde, green-eyed, willowy . . . and gay. Whereas our narrator is a brown-eyed, chubby brunette who has never kissed a boy despite having an inordinate number of unrequited crushes on the opposite sex. Living with an anxiety disorder is no fun and Molly's stream of consciousness supplies heaps of insights.
When Cassie meets Mina, Molly is positioned to 'hook up' with one of Mina's friends, Will. He's attractive and it makes sense to get closer to him in order not to lose Cassie completely, given he is Mina's best friend. But Molly's summer job means she is spending a lot of time with Reid, who, actually seems to be attracted to her - for a change. Who will she choose?
Cousins and friends extend the teenage worlds of both sisters but their own nuclear family consists of a baby brother, Xavier and two Jewish mothers - Patty and Nadine. When the same-sex marriage law is passed, Patty and Nadine announce their intention to marry as soon as possible. Crafty Molly is asked to take charge of the decorations. The upcoming nuptials heighten tensions between the sisters, who are both grappling with their first serious relationship. Will there be happy endings for everyone?
Readers will delight in Albertalli's clever dialogue and text messages to track the complexities of both love and friendship in this cosmopolitan family.
Deborah Robins

The boy and the spy by Felice Arena

Puffin Books, 2017. ISBN 9780143309284
(Age: 9+) Highly recommended. The Boy and the Spy, tells the story of Antonio who lives in Italy during World War 2. Antonio lives with his adopted mother and they do not have much. By chance, Antonio discovers an injured American spy called Chris. Antonio is invisible in his community due to being an orphan from birth. This gives him the chance to help Chris as well as to spy for him. Another chance moment sees Antonio meeting a family who are members of the resistance. What follows is more adventure, tragedy and escape. Can Antonio continue spying and not get caught? Will Chris make it home? What will happen to Antonio after the death of his beloved adopted mother?
The Boy and the Spy is an emotional adventure set against the backdrop of Italy and war. Author, Felice Arena, shows the tragedy of this war in a caring and descriptive way while keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. It is an easy text to read and follow, opening up a war that a young reader will have no knowledge of. Readers will be cheering for courageous Antonio.
Kylie Kempster

The cat wants cuddles by P. Crumble

Mosquitos can't bite ninjas by Jordan P. Novak

Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2017. ISBN 9781681192154
(Age: 4-8) Recommended. 'Mosquitos can bite all kinds of people - you me, old ladies with blue hair, and even babies. But they can't bite Ninjas!'
With bold and clear colours, Mosquitos Can't Bite Ninjas will have children engaged from the beginning to the end.
With a not very stealthy appeal, Jordan P. Novak's debut text delivers a buzzy, wacky and hilarious story that will have children rolling on the floor laughing.
Keely Coard

Nanna's button tin by Dianne Wolfer

Ill. by Heather Potter. Walker Books Australia, 2017. ISBN 9781922077677
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Nanna's button tin is a delightful story that highlights the special relationship between a nanna and her granddaughter. This little girl is on a mission, determined to find the perfect button to replace her teddy's lost eye. As they open the tin and spread the colourful buttons across the carpet, Nanna shares some special stories. Together they search and sort, there's the button from the newborn matinee jacket, the three bears' buttons added to a birthday jumper, even the angel buttons sewn on the corners of a hospital blanket. Buttons of all shapes, sizes and colours are separated and set aside, until the perfect little brown button is discovered.
Heather Potter's gorgeous pastel pencil-and-wash drawings add a richness and warmth to the story. Her detailed scenes are fun to explore; she shows Nanna and Pop's comfy house that is perfect for the grandchildren to visit; there is a busy birthday party with cheerful costumed children and a poignant hospital visit where teddy first appears. In the close-up scenes, she beautifully portrays the range of emotions on the young girl's and her Nanna's face. From the hand sewn letters of the title, to the button necklaces shown on the endpapers, this is a celebration of buttons and stitching.
Told from the young girl's point of view in uncomplicated expressive language, this story celebrates the simple things a family can do to build togetherness. Dianne Wolfer's narrative is a delight to read aloud to a kindergarten class or to share as a family.
Rhyllis Bignell

Mimi stories by Fatima Sharafeddine

Ill. by by Rasha Mouib Al Hakim. Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2017,
Mimi and the Piano. ISBN 9781408887448
Mimi in Paris. ISBN 9781408887400
(Age: 6-8) Recommended. These are two culturally diverse stories following a girl called Mimi as she goes on a number of exciting adventures and will promote intercultural understandings. They are quite simply written with bold illustrations and perfectly capture small adventures in a little girl's life. The important thing to my mind is that this little girl is Muslim and with all the negativity about Islam in the media it's even more necessary for our readers to understand that diversity is not something to reject.
In Mimi and the piano, like many kids Mimi decides on a new hobby - in this case the piano. She really does love it but oh my goodness, the practice as her lessons grow harder. Her teacher wants her to perform in the end of year concert but Mimi puts on her seriously grumpy face and wants to pack it in. Will her mum and teacher be able to persuade her to keep going? Sounds like quite a few children I've known!
In Mimi in Paris Mimi and her family are off to Paris for a vacation. How very exciting! So much to see, so many new things to explore and people to meet - not to mention the glorious food! Even though her mum warns her not to wander off, Mimi can't resist chasing some very amusing pigeons and oh oh! She's lost. Luckily she has a card from the hotel in her pocket and so even though she can't speak French, a kind female police officer helps her find her way back. Lesson learned!
Sue Warren

This side of home by Renee Watson

Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781619639300
(Age: Teens) African Americans. Identity. Love. Friendship. Student activism. Identical twins Nikki and Maya are in their final year at Richmond junior high school in a predominantly African American part of Portland. Their best friend, Essence, lives across the road and they hang out with three boys, Malachi, Ronnie and Devin. The friends notice a change in their neighbourhood as more white people move into the area. Shops are changing hands and being reopened as cafes and fashion outlets that seem to favour the more affluent white population. Essence's family have to move out as the landlord renovates their house and puts it on the market. It is bought by a white family with two kids of similar age; Nikki befriends Kate while Maya reluctantly gets to know Tony who is in their year at school. Kate and Nikki spend their time fashion shopping and visiting the new cafes much to Maya's annoyance. She feels her sister is abandoning their old friends and their heritage and the sisters grow apart. Richmond school is actively trying to project a more multicultural image which Maya, the student body president, feels is abandoning the school's African American heritage and she starts a campaign to celebrate African American high achievers. She feels there is no point lamenting the negatives without emphasising the many positives in their community. During the campaign she grows close to Tony and has to face her own prejudice and admit to having a white boyfriend.
This is a coming of age story of change, friendship and love underpinned by a thoughtful examination of African American identity which is relevant for all cultures trying to make their way in a changing world without losing what it means to part of their own community. The first person narrative makes the story very accessible as do the short, sometimes very short, chapters. A light touch which will appeal to teens discovering their own identity and seeking love.
Sue Speck

The butterfly dance by Suzanne Barton

Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781408864845
(Age: Pre-school - Year 1) Recommended. Caterpillars Dotty and Stripe are good friends and do everything together. One day, as caterpillars must, they spin cocoons and begin their journey as butterflies. How wonderful to rediscover the world as a blue dotty and a red stripy butterfly. Sadly, they are separated when they join different butterfly groups that match their own colours. Can they ever be together as friends again?
This is a delightful story about friendship and following your own beliefs. Dotty and Stripe learn that their colour and patterns do not make a difference to their relationship. Although they enjoy the company of others, they share a bond that makes their companionship special. Children will understand the importance of 'the special friend', which is a theme in many pre-school books.
Illustrations show the ideal beautiful world Dotty and Stripe live in. Collage is used throughout the book and I particularly love the use of lace for each caterpillar's cocoon. The double page meadow scene has lots for the child to enjoy and they will delight in trying to find both butterflies. Suzanne admits to a love of Japanese prints and papers and this is evident on each page.
Dotty and Stripe are very appealing characters and it is easy to identify with their problems and emotions. Children will be keen to see how their difficulties are resolved and will be sad when they are not together.
I would recommend this picture book to both pre-school children and reception, year 1 students.
Jane Moore

Yvain - The Knight of the Lion by M.T. Anderson

Ill. by Andrea Offermann. Candlewick Press, 2017 ISBN 9780763659394
(Age: 11+) Recommended. Themes: Chivalry, Knights, honour, medieval. This graphic novel version of Chretien de Troyes twelfth century epic poem vividly retells the Arthurian legend of Sir Yvain, who travels to the magic fountain in the forest of Brocceliande to avenge the honour of his cousin Sir Calogreante. The knights at the court of King Arthur love adventure especially if it involves bravery and chivalry and Yvain wants the glory all to himself. He succeeds in defeating the owner of the fountain, Sir Esclados, chasing him into his castle where Escaldos dies but Yvain's horse is killed and he finds himself on the wrong side of the portcullis. He is helped to escape detection by a servant, Lunette who remembers him treating her kindly at King Arthur's court and magically renders him temporarily invisible. While in hiding he falls in love with the bereaved Lady Laudine who Lunette contrives to persuade to make a political decision to marry Yvain on the understanding he will defend the magic fountain and her lands against all men. When King Arthur and his men arrive at the fountain Yvain defeats one of his knights in a joust and then reveals his identity and invites them to be entertained in the castle. Laudine grants Yvain leave to go on a year's adventuring with Arthur's court. When he fails to return after a year Laudine sends a message telling him never to return. Yvain goes a little mad at his failure, hating himself for his disloyal behaviour and he wanders aimlessly in the wilderness until he rescues a lion from a dragon regaining some self-esteem and finding a loyal companion in the lion. The rest of the story involves brave deeds, chivalry, magic and monsters as Yvain fights to regain his honour and his lady as an anonymous knight fighting for the good of others.
It is a ripping tale of the age of chivalry where men are warlike and women clever and politically astute. The images graphically convey the action and we are immersed in the medieval world. The rhythms of storytelling and poetry are conveyed in the pictures, some reminiscent of illuminated texts and the Bayeux tapestry. The edition I reviewed was let down by the cover, a swirl with a red blob which conveyed no clue to the story and its setting. The author and the illustrator notes at the end of the book are insightful and I got a lot more out of the book on a second reading. Recommended for middle school fans of King Arthur and a rewarding read for senior students from non English speaking backgrounds.
Sue Speck