Reviews

How the queen found the perfect cup of tea by Kate Hosford

Ill. by Gabi Swiatkowska. Carolrhoda books, 2017. ISBN 9781467739047
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Humour, Tea, Adventure, Quest. When the queen sips her morning cup of tea, she finds something is amiss. It simply does not have the taste she is looking for. Her servant James is puzzled: is there too much milk or not enough sugar. She takes to the skies in a hot air balloon to seek out the perfect cup of tea. She calls in at several places and a child makes her a cup of tea each time. The three are from different cultures and sharp eyed readers will notice the very different ways that their tea is made. Each time it is prepared, the queen becomes more involved, and children will see that her participation in the ritual of making tea is making her happier.
Repetition in the story makes it even funnier, as the same thing happens but with a different outcome each time, until she finally realises that she can make it for herself, and if she can make a cup of tea, then many other things she can do flow on.
This is a funny tale, sure to raise a laugh from the audience, whether read aloud or by themselves. Children will be sure to join in once they see the repetition, and watch out for the many animals that join in the fun along the way. The illustrations too compliment the tale well, adding another level of humour to the story. Readers will be looking to make a cup of tea at the end of their reading.
Fran Knight

The grand genius summer of Henry Hoobler by Lisa Shanahan

Allen and Unwin, 2017. ISBN 9781760293017
(Age: Yrs 2-4) Recommended. Henry Hoobler is a boy with worries. He is travelling with his family on a camping holiday but would rather stay at home with Nonna and not have to think about all the things that could go wrong or have to face the challenge of learning to ride the ominous new bike that is coming along on the holiday too.
His older brother Patch is more concerned with his music and his younger sister Lulu is obsessed with her toy ponies.
But holidays can bring new experiences and change and one of the first people he meets is Cassie who whizzes past him on her dragster, confident, self assured and friendly.
Supported by a caring, loving family, Henry gradually learns to face his concerns. He becomes good friends with Cassie, who has her own family issues and together they have a 'grand genius summer'.
I enjoyed the characters in this novel and was often laughing at the antics and comments of Lulu, Henry's preschool sister. Henry's internal thoughts highlight the importance of trying new things even if they are scary and he observes that confident people have their own fears and issues to deal with too.
Lisa Shanahan is able to write about the everyday happenings of families, friends and fears that children think about about and identify with.
The cover is bright and cheery and shows Henry and Cassie the main two characters, riding their bikes together, a major highlight and achievement for Henry.
Henry is in the summer holiday break before he starts year 3 so this novel would be a great story to read to years 2-4.
This is a good book and I would recommend this novel for purchase for your library.
Jane Moore

The secret place by M.L. Simmons

Little Steps Publishing, 2016. ISBN 9781925117998
(Age: 9+) Recommended. Themes: Mystery Adventure; Farm life; Bushfire. This charming story of the life of a young lad in rural Australia begins with the reporting of an unusual event after a bushfire, with a mystery involving a discovered skeleton that was inexplicably connected to saving Andrew's life. Later we read of the events that led to this unusual event. Andrew has lived on an isolated rural property all his life - beyond Bourke - which means School of the Air via Radio and a life of farm-related skills and activities. A shift to another property means life is about to change in many ways, including the chance to attend a 'real' school. However the majority of this book is about the celebration of the rural life, the Aussie bush, and family; with the warmth of a genuine insight into this young lad's life on a farming property. The mystery of an unusual neighbour, a quirky Aunt and a wild and remote 'secret' picnic spot all intertwine to lead to an explanation of the opening mystery.
This story is worthy of recommending to a young reader who is also on the verge of change and ready to demonstrate their independence. The Australian countryside and farm and family life is the star in this simple and innocent tale. City dwelling children will perhaps be amazed at the chores and tasks that Andrew and his siblings are required to do as part of their rural life.
Carolyn Hull

Millie loves ants by Jackie French

Came back to show you I could fly by Robin Klein

Introduced by Simmone Howell. Text Classics. Text Publishing, 2017. ISBN 9781925498318. First published Penguin Viking 1989
(Age: Middle school students) Recommended. Drug addiction. Friendship. Family breakdown. Eleven year old Seymour is spending his summer holidays with his mother's friend, hidden from his father while his parents get a divorce. Thelma says he must stay safely in the house during the day while she is at work and not make a mess. Seymour tries to comply but heat and boredom get the better of him and he climbs into the alley behind the house. Chased by bullies he panics and mistakenly runs into a neighbouring backyard where he encounters 20 year old beautiful, vivacious Angie who is nice to him and lets him choose earrings to go with her flamboyant clothes. The two strike up a friendship, much to Seymour's amazement that someone like Angie would want to spend time with someone as timid as him. She takes him on outings and she shares her fantasy world with him where everything is lovely, they live in a big house and everyone is happy. As they spend more time together reality starts to seep through Angie's facade. As Seymour becomes more confident Angie's world starts to collapse and their roles reverse.
When it was first published in 1989 Came back to show you I could fly trod a daring line between depicting the destructive nature of drug addiction, the breakdown of trust and the fracturing of relationships while avoiding any actual drug-taking scenes which parents and educators would have found unacceptable. It has been studied in the English curriculum of Australian schools for many years and its coming of age story of finding yourself, helping others and the power of friendship is timeless. Recommended for middle school students.
Sue Speck

Buchanan Bandits by Marcus Emerson

Ill. by David Lee. Diary of a 6th grade ninja bk 6. Allen & Unwin, 2017. ISBN 9781760295608
(Age: 9-11) Buchanan Bandits is the sixth humorous novel focussing on Chase Cooper and his secret band of school ninjas. Each novel explores a week in his wild school life with his helpful cousin Zoe, crazy friends, underground societies, secret plots and bullies to stop. There is always something happening, drama, mayhem, ninja problems and embarrassing situations follow Chase everywhere. Student President Sebastian and Wyatt, Chase's enemy, are involved in another nefarious plot. With all the 6th grade students involved in Careers' Week activities each afternoon in the cafeteria, what could go wrong?
The Buchanan Bandit is secretly stealing all the chewing gum at school and Wyatt wants Chase to help him uncover the thief. Of course, by Tuesday, all the gum appears in Chase's locker and he is caught in a difficult situation. This junior novel is layered with subplots, twists and turns, and Chase needs to gather clues, uncover the thief's identity and work out why Sebastian's is selling colourful sweet-smelling erasers as a moneymaking venture. There is a creepy clown mentor and a showdown in the library, where Chase just avoids the wolf pack's clutches and uncovers another bully.
Rhyllis Bignell

Just like Molly by Pippa Dowling

Ill. by Sunshine. Empowering Resources, 2016. ISBN 9780994501073
At some stage in their young lives, children have an imaginary friend - one who likes to do the things that you like, eat the things you eat, be scared of the things you are scared of and share good times with you.  And so it is with the little girl in this story.  Her friend Molly loves playing games, going to the park and going on the slides, eating fish and chips and gelati.  She doesn't mind the other kids who are noisy but the barking dogs are a bit frightening.
But one day Molly disappears and no amount of searching finds her.  Things are bleak and lonely especially as school has just started and everyone seems to have a friend already.  And then one day a little girl called Zoe offers to share her crayons . . .
This is not an uncommon theme in children's storybooks but the remarkable thing about this one is that the author wrote it when she was just 10.  She is now just 13. Whimsical characters in colours that echo the mood of the story bring the little girl and her friend to life and reassures those who are about to begin a new phase of their life that there will be someone ready to support them. It opens up opportunities to talk about what friends are and how to initiate friendships through kindness and that through our lives we will have many different friends.
You can read more about this young author on the publisher's site and perhaps her story will inspire the writers in your class to keep at it.
Barbara Braxton

The magic word by Mac Barnett

Ill. by Elise Parsley. Balzer and Bray, 2016. ISBN 9780062354846
Paxton C. Heymeyer seems to have forgotten his manners, so when he asks his babysitter for a cookie she asks him for the magic word. But instead of saying, "Can I have a cookie, please", Paxton C. Heymeyer shouts "Can I have a cookie, alakazoomba?" Suddenly, in a puff of blue smoke he not only discovers a cookie in his hand but the power to summon up anything he wants with that one magic word. A walrus to chase the babysitter to the North Pole; a waterslide in the living room; a jungle bedroom; anything his imagination lets him dream. Even an elephant and a robot-servant!
But when Rosie comes to play he finds that things aren't quite what he wishes for because elephants can't play cards or any of the other things friends do together...
There would be few of our littlies who have not been asked for "the magic word" so they will relate well to this engaging story of being able to have whatever you want - it brings life to the saying "Be careful what you wish for." Asking them what they would wish for or dream of having will elicit a lot of discussion and drawing, but there is also much to think about when Rosie refuses to play and goes home. Friendship and happiness are not all about material things and instant gratification, and this book may provide food for thought for those who want to have the latest thing NOW, and those who wish they could.
Barbara Braxton

Cric Croc series by Anthony W. Buirchell

Ill. by Nikki Ball. Vivid Publishing, 2016.
Cric Croc. ISBN 9781925442595
Cric Croc and the bedraggled pony. ISBN 9780995424302
In the first of what is proposed to be a series that spans the Australian continent, young readers meet Cric Croc who is a baby crocodile born on the Daintree and learning to lead a healthy life with exercise, good food, plenty of sleep, lots of fun, friends and love. Intended to be a "role model for good behaviour", the lovable Cric Croc does lots of things that preschoolers will identify with and perhaps emulate. The things he does support the health syllabus for early years and young children can discuss the things that they do that Cric Croc also does.
In the second book, Cric Croc wants to learn to ride and befriends a bedraggled, bullied pony he meets in a stable and between the two of them they triumph. Its focus is looking beyond the physical appearance to the inner person beneath and how mutual respect and teamwork can be win-win.
Written in rhyming text by retired teacher Anthony Buirchell and illustrated by Nikki Ball, this is a new team to the Australian publishing scene with plans to take Cric Croc, his friend Roo and their cameras across the country sharing the sights it has to offer, introducing children to places beyond their neighbourhood. Those in WA can have free visits to schools while those further afield have access to other support materials.
Something new that will entertain and educate and perhaps become a favourite character in young children's lives.
Barbara Braxton

You choose... Flip me by George Ivanoff

Random House, 2017
Alien invaders from beyond the stars/Night of the creepy carnival ISBN 9780143784029
Super sports spectacular/Trapped in the games grid. ISBN 9780143784036
Remember the frustration of finishing a book in a series that you have really enjoyed but you need to go to the library or the bookstore to track down the next one? Or worse, still, wait for it to be written and published? The solution seems to be having two books in one as with the new packaging of George Ivanoff's very popular You choose series. Now our students can have all the fun of following pathways through one book and when they are done with that, flip them over to read through another immediately. No waiting, no cooling of enthusiasm, just more reading.
For a couple of decades at least, the choose-your-own-adventure stories have been popular, particularly with boys, as they like the interactivity and the gaming nature of them. So to be able to serve them up two at a time to aficionados not only encourages them to keep reading but also shows them that the library DOES have stuff that meets their interests and needs. That has to be good.
Barbara Braxton

Worm loves Worm by J.J. Austrian

Ill. by Mike Curato. Balzer & Bray, 2016. ISBN 9780062386335
Worm loves Worm. So they decide to get married. It shouldn't be a problem but suddenly all their minibeast friends chip in. "You'll need someone to marry you. That's how it's always been done." You'll need a best man, bridesmaids, rings, a band... and so on and so on, because "that's how it's always been done."
Worm and Worm agree to each suggestion hoping that after they acquiesce they can get married but no... there is always something else. So when they are told that they need to have a bride and groom, worms being hermaphrodites, they have no trouble with being either or both - but that isn't how it's always been done. Will they ever just celebrate their love by getting married???
This is a charming book that, on the surface, is just a story about two worms wanting to get married because they love each other, and that, to a four-year-old is a natural thing to do. It is just a celebration of love. For those in different circumstances or a little bit older there is a sub-text of marriage equality and things can change - things don't always have to be because they have always been. It's enough to love each other without all the other trappings; it's about inclusion and equality and showing affection regardless of any traditional views and values that have been imposed on a natural state of mind. That's what little ones understand and accept - intolerance is something they learn.
Choosing worms as the main characters is a masterstroke because there are no physical differences between worms - there is nothing to say which is female and therefore the bride or male and therefore the groom. So the central message of love being the key ingredient and the rest of the elements of a wedding just being seasoning remains the central theme. Perhaps some of our politicians and those who influence them should read this and get to the core of what really matters.
A great addition to a school library collection that allows children to see their own family structure in a story, to show others that there are all sorts of family structures, and to explain marriage equality to those unfamiliar with the concept.
Barbara Braxton

Big picture book of long ago by Sam Baer

Ill. by Wesley Robins. Usborne, 2016. ISBN 9781409598725
Take a city, an English city, and then take a journey back through time and discover how people have lived and worked there over the centuries right back to its Stone Age camp beginnings.
Interspersed with double-page spreads of how people travelled, what they wore and the structures they built, this is a Richard Scarry-esque picture book loaded with pictures and captions that will fascinate the young reader fascinated with history. Or it might be the one that sparks an interest as the reader looks for the changes across the centuries and thinks about why they have occurred.
More to this than meets the eye.
Barbara Braxton

Three little monkeys by Quentin Blake

Ill. by Emma Chichester Clark. HarperCollins, 2016. ISBN 9780008164478
Hilda Snibbs is not like other people. She doesn't have a dog or a cat or even a goldfish - she has three little monkeys. Their names are Tim and Sam and Lulu and they are very lively. Every time she leaves the house and leaves them on their own, they trash it. Nothing is safe - not her hat, her knitting, her favourite shampoo, the toilet paper...
She tells them she is disappointed in them, she asks what she has done to deserve such wretched little monkeys; she wonders how long she can put up with them - and each time Tim and Sam and Lulu look at her with their big round eyes and say nothing. One day after they had been into everything in her bathroom, she cries, "Oh, for a peaceful life without these wicked little monkeys!" But when she comes home the next day and they are gone, she realises how much she misses them until...
This is a funny, lovable story that will become a favourite of little ones as they recognise some of the mischief they themselves might have created over time. Quentin Blake's words marry so well with Emma Chichester Clark's illustrations - little vignettes that are full of action and fun as they show the monkeys at work - that this is a masterful collaboration. Even though the monkeys are so naughty they remain lovable and it's Hilda Snibbs who becomes the "villain". As Miss 5 said, "Why did she keep leaving them on their own? She's stupid!"
Three little monkeys is the perfect bedtime read-aloud as the children delight in the antics and naughtiness of the monkeys and see that they are loved regardless of what they do, while Hilda Snibbs will resonate with exasperated parents who sometimes long for the quiet life they had before their own little monkeys were born, even though they know they wouldn't have it any other way.
Joyful.
Barbara Braxton

Flying through clouds by Michelle Morgan

Michelle Morgan, 2017. ISBN 9780995386501
(Age: 10+) Recommended. Depression (1930). Australian history. Aviation. Reprising the familiar territory of her first novel, Racing the moon, Morgan weaves a tale about Joe, a thirteen year old boy in a religiously mixed family in the slum area of Glebe, working as a runner for his father, an illegal bookie. Seeing the arrival of Charles Kingsford Smith after flying across the Pacific in the Southern Cross in 1928, Joe's sights are set on becoming an aviator. All of his thoughts are dictated by how much money he can earn to take flying lessons, apart from a few thoughts devoted to the head master's daughter, Amy.
The background of the novel is wonderfully realised, with readers able to sink into the surrounds of Sydney in the 1930's with crime and unemployment, casual abuse, poor housing and illness ever present. Morgan's sense of the times is well depicted, and she includes some events which are well known, Kingsford Smith's flight across the pacific, the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Bodyline Series, for example, positioning the story in its time slot.
Joe's efforts to save money see him getting into trouble with his father as well as the school for wagging while he does his friend's running for another bookie. But saving is all he focusses on, amassing enough money for one lesson, until his money is stolen. But he is able to go and stay with a friend near Canberra whose family has a Tiger Moth and the two fly off to Queensland, where another adventure befalls them. A neat resolution occurs with Joe meeting his hero, and his family accepting their son's dream.
This book will appeal to all those dreamers in upper primary looking for an adventure story set in an historical time frame that is in part recognisable.
Fran Knight

The CSIRO low-carb diet by Grant Brinkworth and Pennie Taylor

Macmillan Australia, 2017. ISBN 9781925481488
(Age 14 - Adult) Recommended. Following other successful books from the CSIRO, The CSIRO low-carb diet is sure to be popular with people who are seeking advice about a more healthy lifestyle and diet. Based on research from around the world as well as research that the CSIRO has done in Australia, it is particularly relevant for people living here.
The book is divided into well illustrated easy to read sections. I found the Our Health Challenges section particularly useful as it looked at the rise of obesity and related diseases, in particular cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. Part 2, Why the CSIRO low-carb diet works, gives the scientific background and facts about carbs and glucose. The Weekly meal plans will prove a boon for people who are determined to improve their diet. A shopping list for the week is also a useful aid and the pictures of vegetables and salad ingredients that contain low amounts and moderate amounts of carbs make an immediate impact and are really useful to the reader.
The exercise section is also well illustrated with clear instructions on why exercise is important and hints for staying motivated. It gives information for both a weekly aerobic exercise program and a resistance training program.
The recipe section is divided into Breakfast, Lunch, Seafood, Poultry and Pork, Beef and Lamb, Vegetarian and Snacks and Desserts. All the recipes have excellent photographs, providing the reader with a tantalising idea of what the food will look like. The recipes are well organised into ingredients and easy to follow instructions.
At the back of the book in Appendix A, How doctors manage Type 2 diabetes, is well organised information that will be very beneficial to people with diabetes as well as those diagnosed with pre-diabetes.
People using this book will find lots of useful information about health issues, a diet to follow that will improve the health of those who have diabetes and many recipes that can be incorporated into daily eating habits.
Pat Pledger