Bloomsbury, 2016. ISBN 9781406370843
(Age: 8+) Information, Non fiction. 'From cloud classification to
Roman numerals, an essential miscellany of fascinating facts for
curious minds', reads the sub title on the front cover of this over
sized hard cover volume, reflecting a style of books from the past.
Opening the covers reinforces that supposition, but an inquisitive
child will linger over the miscellany of facts displayed here. The
table of contents includes a wide variety of topics, The periodic
table, Human skeleton, Phases of the moon, Music notation, Rivers
and Knots. Each topic has a monochromatic double page devoted to it
with one page of information and one page containing a diagram. The
text is clear and the stylish diagrams well presented, both sure to
attract the attention of inquisitive eyes. Even though children have
access to the internet, some will also be attracted to this book
full of wonder and interest as it presents such a diverse range of
information, and could be used as a reference tool as well as a book
of curiousities to satisfy eager minds. The stylised illustrations
reflect much detail as the eye is drawn into the myriad of
intricacies shown on each page. I enjoyed dipping into the pages.
One that caught my eye was Impossible shapes, which shows the sorts
of shapes that look as if they should be right as the mind tries to
justify them but on closer inspection he reader can see why they
trick the eye. Another page celebrates all the different types of
pencils and brushes, while another shows the phases of the moon.
Lots of interesting facts for those kids who love delving into
things with an alert mind.
Fran Knight
Elegy by Jane Abbott
Random House, 2016. ISBN 9780143781592
(Age: 14+) Set in Kincasey, a small, outback Victorian town, the
reincarnations of Prometheus and Persephone meet once again, but
this time as Michael and Cait. Step-siblings, they are constantly at
each other's throats, much to the exasperation of Cait's brother
Gabe. But everything changes when Jenny, a city girl, catches
Michael's eye at a party. Michael has always been unusually gifted.
Some think he's a magician. Others would just call him a weirdo.
He's always been harmless - until Todd Casey tries to lay a claim on
Jenny. Michael is galvanised into an action he barely understands
and, without laying a hand on Casey, Casey's arm is broken. Michael
falls into a coma, unlocking a strange new power and only Cait knows
what to do - because she's done so countless times before. As
history starts to repeat itself - the eternal punishment of the pair
- Gabe and Jenny are both too close and too far away driving them
closer together.
Although Abbot has a great concept, I found the book was difficult
to read and didn't really enjoy it. Being familiar with a variety of
mythology allowed me as a reader to catch onto the story quite
quickly, but it also had the added disadvantage of leaving me
completely bewildered by the confounding array of stories claimed by
the reincarnated main characters.
Aimed at a young adult audience of fourteen and up, this novel deals
with issues of fitting in, bullying, sex, and alcohol.
Kayla Gaskell, 20.
The four legendary kingdoms by Matthew Reilly
Jack West Jr. bk 4. Macmillan, 2016. ISBN 9781743534953
(Age: Secondary) Recommended. Fantasy. Jack West is called into Pine
Gap, the secret US base in outback Australia where he is told about
a runaway galaxy hurtling through space coming straight for Earth
and the Milky Way Galaxy. Jack West's adopted daughter Lily, Alby
and Sky Monster and his two dogs are kidnapped and taken to a remote
and secret location where Jack must fight to the death in a
restaging of the Tasks of Hercules. Under the auspices of Hades, King
of the Underworld, Jack and fifteen others are pitted against one
another and only one will survive. Jack is at a disadvantage because
he is one of the few who doesn't actually realise why he is there.
Others have been training and have been well prepared for the
contest.
Each contestant has a group of hostages to ensure that they give
their all. Each contest becomes more difficult and dangerous as each
stage proceeds.
The winner of each contest gains a golden orb which when placed in
its correct position within the arena, transmits signals to the
rogue galaxy, which proves there is still intelligent life on earth.
The odds are stacked against Jack with Hades' own son being one of
the contestants, and who is able to gain unfair advantages in his
father's realm.
Jack's knowledge of the ancient world and its myths and legends
proves invaluable, giving him the leverage he needs to overcome his
opponents despite all odds.
The readers of Reilly's books involving the heroic Jack West will be
familiar with the engaging cast of characters and the lengths they
go to survive and be more than satisfied that the ending sets up
another book to follow.
Mark Knight
What do they do with all the poo from all the animals at the zoo? by Anh Do and Simon Mellor
Ill by Laura Wood. Scholastic, 2016. ISBN 9781760276324
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Verse. Singing. Poo. Zoos. A rollicking verse
tale questions what is done with all the poo at the zoo. As the
pages are turned, different scenarios for all that muck are given.
One is that it is taken away and made into chocolate ice cream or
children's breakfast cereal. I can imagine lots of children calling
out with a disgusted response to each suggestion. Turning the page
reveals other results, pizza topping or children's lollies. Each
page is designed for younger readers to predict what may follow then
shriek with horror at the suggestion given. Anh Do has certainly
touched a cord which younger readers will delight in, being at once
disgusted and appalled, but laughing uproariously and joining in
with the joke.
A CD in the front cover has Simon's rendition of the song, enabling
the audience to sing along in loud laughing guffaws. The response
will be infectious and even the older members of the class will join
in. The simple block colour illustrations will entreat the readers
further as they watch the hapless keeper with shovel and
wheelbarrow, brush and dustpan or front end loader and truck, try her
hardest to keep abreast of the task. A laugh out loud story, as
befitting anything from the pen of Ahn Do, this book will be one of
those that needs tying down in the library.
Fran Knight
Captain's knock by David Warner with J. S. Black
Ill. by Jules Faber. The Kaboom Kid bk 8. Simon &
Schuster, 2016. ISBN 9781925368208
(Age: 8+) Recommended. Cricket. Sportsmanship. Friendship.
Leadership. Davey Warner has done it again... made a big mistake
that may change everything. His parents are cross - very cross! As a
devotee of cricket, everything in his life is focused on cricket,
and when his big mistake and his carelessness threatens his chance
to attend a cricket camp he is devastated. And then there is also
the possibility that he might miss out on selection as Vice-Captain
on his cricket team. Will everything come together like a perfectly
timed hit over the boundary, or will he have to suffer the
consequences?
This is a story that reveals that excellence in sport is more than
just playing well, it is also about focused practice, being a good
team member and taking opportunities to listen to and support
leaders and team members. From the perspective of an 11-year-old
cricket obsessive, with a tendency to make mistakes, we also learn
about the drive and qualities needed to succeed. There are moments
of humour scattered through this book, along with quirky
cartoon-style illustrations.
Recommended for 8+ (particularly for sports lovers/cricket fans)
Caroline Hull
The mix and match lunchbox by Cherie Schetselaar and Britney Rule
Exisle, 2016. ISBN 9781942934660
Imagine opening your lunchbox and finding almond joy popcorn, cream
cheese pinwheels and a melon and grape fruit salad. Or quinoa cookie
bites, chopped Thai chicken salad and a homemade ranch dip. Or any
one of the 27,000 three-course combinations embracing whole grains,
proteins and fruit and veggies that can be made from this glossy mix
and match flip book.
With Term 4 here and another 10 weeks of school lunches looming,
this is a timely release that lit up Miss 10's eyes as soon as she
saw it because there was nothing too difficult for her to make here.
Beginning with an explanation of why a healthy lunch is important
and then the role that the four food groups play in achieving it, it
continues with a section on the perfect lunchbox so that everything
stays fresh and cool and then helps with time and menu management by
helping to plan ahead and food preparation.
Each suggestion comes complete with coloured photo and the recipe at
the side using simple, easily available fresh ingredients so that
the lunchbox looks appealing, is healthy and satisfying. No more
dumping soggy sangers in the nearest bin!!
Having looked at it thoroughly, Miss 10 and Miss 5 (who could easily
help because of the simplicity of the suggestions) were heard to say
that they wished school was back already! Definitely one to promote
to parents not only looking for new ideas but also ways that will
encourage the children to join in the preparation and perhaps start
them on their cooking journey.
Barbara Braxton
Butterfly and Oscar by Tricia Oktober
Ford Street, 2014. ISBN 9781925000511
Old Dog, Mousie, Polly, Isa Blue and Oscar are five dachshunds who
live in a beautiful garden owned by a lady who collects plants and
dogs. Theirs is a peaceful, placid life with each having its own
personality and spending their days literally living a dog's life.
Even the magpies are not afraid to come and look for worms as the
dogs snooze in the sun. But one day, the owner brings another dog
home - one called Butterfly, one who is not like the long, low,
smooth dachshunds. Rather this one has longer legs, short ears and a
squashed in face. And she isn't even the same gingery colour - she
is white with black bits here and there. But this doesn't bother
Oscar who is very affectionate - to him this newcomer is just
another puppy who needs to be kept warm and safe at night; who needs
her face washed after dinner because she is such a messy eater; and
who needs to learn that shredding teddies and pulling plants out of
the garden are not the right things to do.
Everything is fine in the household until one night Butterfly sees
another dog outside, one that barks when she does and growls right
back at her. The other dogs come to her rescue and make enough noise
to scare anything away but the new dog just stands there barking
right back at them. Night after night the new dog comes to the
window and nothing Butterfly can do scares it away. She gets more
and more scared until something has to be done - so the owner puts a
mirror where Butterfly can see her reflection, but suddenly it seems
that outside dog had come inside and Butterfly is even more
terrified. When she finally realises that she is seeing herself for
the first time, she calms down a little - until she realises that
she isn't long and sleek like Old Dog, Mousie, Polly, Isa Blue and
Oscar. She is very different so instead of being scared, she is now
unhappy and feels very alone and isolated. Nothing cheers her up
until...
Tricia Oktober always writes the most charming stories that are
illustrated with her exquisite, lifelike drawings and Butterfly
and Oscar is no exception. Given that it is dedicated to her
dogs, all eight of them, suggests that this story might be based on
real life and it is the mark of a true storyteller that they can
take an ordinary event like a dog seeing its reflection for the
first time and turn it into a book that enchants and teaches through
its gentle message that each of us is different but it's not what we
look like that counts but what we do. However, while we are loved
for who we are, sometimes being the newcomer can make us feel like
an outsider and that no one will accept us.
There are excellent
teaching notes which will help students not only
empathise with these feelings if they haven't experienced them but
also help them understand that difference is not always negative and
how they can reach out to someone and bring them into the circle.
Miss 5 is going through a 'dog phase' - she is going to love having
this in her collection if I overcome my love of Tricia Oktober's
work and actually let her have it!
Barbara Braxton
The Creeping Shadow by Jonathan Stroud
Lockwood & Co. bk 4. Corgi Books, 2016. ISBN
9780552573153
(Age: 11+) Highly recommended. Fantasy. Ghosts. Horror. The fourth
in this fabulous series about a group of intrepid ghost-hunters,
sees Lucy hiring herself out as a freelance operative, after leaving
Lockwood & Co. She had seen in a vision that she would be
responsible for Lockwood's death and was determined to keep away
from him. However a surprise visit from Lockwood convinces her that
she can do one tough assignment with them finding the Source of the
legendary Brixton Cannibal. When the talking skull is stolen and
Lucy's life is threatened, she goes to Lockwood and Co for sanctuary
and from there the team becomes involved in the sinister activities
of the Rotwell and Fittes Agencies.
The creeping shadow does not disappoint. Lucy is an audacious girl,
who goes about the business of listening to and securing ghosts in a
very courageous way. The loss of the talking skull leads to
complications and she and the dashing Lockwood as well as the rest
of the team follow clue after clue trying to retrieve it.
There are some dark moments as they retrieve the Source of the
Brixton Cannibal, as Stroud describes what the Cannibal did to his
victim, but this is alleviated by the usual humour that pervades
Stroud's writing. The feelings between Lockwood and Lucy are only
slightly touched upon, but are an important thread throughout the
book as Lucy tries her best to ensure that she doesn't harm
Lockwood.
Some exciting moments in the final chapters of the book will have
the reader on the edge of the seat, and a cliff-hanger ending will
ensure that the next book is read as soon as it is published.
This is a series that is scary, funny and highly addictive.
Pat Pledger
Literature to support the Science curriculum Foundation - 7 by Fran Knight and Pat Pledger
Pledger
Consulting, 2016. ISBN 9781876678470
Teacher Reference.This publication is an outstanding tool for the
study of science for these year levels.
Fran Knight and Pat Pledger are committed to providing insightful
and intelligent reference material for use in the classroom. This
title is part of the LinksPlus support program and highlights the
excellent role that fiction can play in supporting the study of
Science in the classroom. Too often fiction is overlooked as
providing an invaluable addition to the understanding of concepts in
many subject areas. For some individuals, reading a picture book
related to a scientific topic, may be the means of acquiring more
insight to that topic. A good example is the value of including
Katrina Germein's Big Rain Coming, and John Heffernan's Two
Summers in teaching and 'experiencing' the fickle nature of
Australia's climate. Fiction and some non-fiction titles are listed
for developing Science Inquiry skills, supporting each of the four
Foundation Sciences and addressing the topics for each of the
primary school years. An excellent index is included too.
Julie Wells
A miscellany of magical beasts by Simon Holland
Ill. by David Wyatt and Kate Walker et al. Bloomsbury, 2016. ISBN
9781408881958
(Age: 7+) Highly recommended. Magic, Mythology, Legends, Monsters. A
coffee table book with the most glorious of illustrations will not
be out of children's hands for long. An enticing table of contents
tells the reader that inside they will find information about a
range of mythical beasts, including Harpies, Basilisks, the Chimera,
Pegasus as well as Giants, Werewolves and Elves. Many are not well
known so a double page spent on each is very welcome and most
informative. Opening to the section on Merpeople, the information
gives readers an idea of this mythological being from the
perspective of several countries. In Japan they are called Ningyo
and are said to be the bringer of bad luck, some European stories
tell about Melasine, and in Canada the First People have a story
about a half fish half person who creates storms, while many people
have stories about the Selkie. The double page gives a fascinating
overview of this being with rather touching illustrations by Helen
Ward. Another page which I was most interested in is the one about
the Basilisk. I have always associated this term with a hissing
sound, but I found out that the Basilisk is a serpent with the head
of a cockerel, whose stare can kill.
The slavering mouth of the Cerberus greeted me as I turned a page,
and so I had to stop to read about this ferocious animal, noticing
that the frightening illustration by David Demaret shows the animal
with two heads. I read on, finding that this animal has three heads
(I needed to flatten the book more) and is the keeper of the
Underworld in Greek mythology. Over the page more information is
given about other Gatekeepers, Ammut in Egypt, Yama's hounds in
India and Garmir in Norse mythology.
At the end of the book is a glossary of terms, ending off an
engrossing read about all sorts of beings accompanied by luminous
illustrations which will capture the interest of all who read the
book.
Fran Knight
I don't want to go to bed by David Cornish
Angus & Robertson, 2016. ISBN 9781460750582
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Bed time, Family, Problem solving. The
age old problem of getting a child to go to bed is given a new lease
of life in David Cornish's very funny picture book.
Who could do anything but laugh out loud at Cornish's drawings of
the cross looking boy on the front cover, with sleepy eyes telling
the reader what he wants. Not to go to bed! Opening the book the
reader will instantly recognise all the delaying tactics used by all
kids at bed time. Rollo knows that bed time means all those things
he does not want to do: having a bath, getting into his pyjamas,
cleaning his teeth then finally getting into bed. But once there,
more delaying tactics appear as he demands a story then food, and a
drink then he needs to go to the toilet. At each demand Cornish
paints a wonderful scene full of interest to delight the younger
reader which shows what Rollo has in mind. Finally f course, there
is a monster beneath his bed which must be dealt with, until finally
he falls asleep.
Younger readers and adults alike will sympathise with Rollo and his
long suffering parents at this recreation of the nightly routine. It
is at once familiar, but Cornish' illustrations give it all a
magical twist.
The four fantastic images of the storyteller, the feast, the
enthrone toilet, the fountain and finally the monster are wonderful
images sure to delight the readers as they search out the many
intricacies shown. A rib tickling sequel to the equally funny, I
don't want to eat my dinner (2014).
Fran Knight
Places women make - Unearthing the contribution of women to our cities by Jane Jose
Wakefield Press, 2015. ISBN 9781743053942
(Age: 12 years +) As part of the busy city lives most Australians
lead, there seems to be reference made each day by the media to a
new urban development, or the Government of the day announces an
innovative urban project. Jane Jose considers the role that women
may have played in the design of these cities and suggests that they
need to be playing a more significant role in the dynamics of the
future urban environment. Jose focuses on the familiar and not so
familiar faces of the past and present: woman such as Elizabeth
Macquarie, who greatly influenced architectural standards in her
day; Jane Griffin, the wife of Hobart's Governor, who gave to the
city Australia's first botanic garden; and Clover Moore, the dynamic
reformer of current inner city Sydney.
Informed and readable chapters highlight the women who created
places with a womanly flair, who brought about new ideas through the
influence they had with husbands in positions of power, and women
who fought for heritage and cultural understanding. These are women
with passion and imagination but also common sense and compassion.
This is a very interesting and enlightening book, sure to provide
inspiration to others and promote a better understanding of the
importance of good city design.
Julie Wells
Return by Aaron Becker
Walker Books, 2016. ISBN 9781406368437
(Age: 6-60) Highly recommended. Return concludes Aaron
Becker's picture book trilogy that began with the 2014 Caldecott
Honor Book Journey. His rich visual narrative once more
explores a child's escape from their everyday life. The fantasy
world in Return blends artistic and architectural styles,
turreted palaces, fantastic flying creatures and extraordinary
underwater scenes drawn from diverse cultures and imaginative
worlds. Becker's dramatic pen, ink and watercolour paintings are
intricate and multilayered; there is something to observe for all
ages.
This story begins with a young girl escaping her dark, boring life
by drawing a red magic door on her bedroom wall and entering a magic
world. Her busy father finally notices her red kite by his desk and
follows her into the colourful kingdom beyond. He soon discovers his
daughter with a neighbourhood boy and all three are soon drawn into
a dangerous quest. Using their magic markers to fashion a dragon for
escape, they become immersed in exciting and perilous adventures,
requiring their imaginations to survive. The dad becomes as invested
as the kids in vanquishing the bad guys. After an amazing journey, they return to the magic door, where the girl expresses her love for her father with a big hug. The red kite flies high above the bright city in contrast to the darkened empty house and presents a poignant ending.
Aaron Becker's wordless picture books are wonderful tools for educators. They encourage learners to create their own narratives, write literary texts, and explore the fantasy genre - the narrative arc, characterisation and experiment with their own artworks. Return is a wonderful book for families to share as well.
Rhyllis Bignell
Black water lilies by Michel Bussi
Translated by Shaun Whiteside. Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2016.
ISBN 9781474601757
(Age: 15+) Highly recommended. Mystery. Art. The beautiful setting
of Giverny, the home of Claude Monet was what first caught my
attention, and once I started reading, the complexity of the story
was totally engrossing. Jerome Morval has been found dead in the
stream that runs through the gardens. He has a postcard of Monet's
painting of Water Lilies with the words 'Eleven years old. Happy
Birthday' in his pocket. Entwined in the mystery are three women: an
old widow who watches everything, a beautiful school teacher and a
young girl who is an exceptionally talented artist.
The setting of Monet's garden is beautifully depicted, and the
reader has a wonderful time imagining not just its wonders, but also
the havoc that constant tourists can have on the small French
village. The reader also gets to learn much about art, art awards
and art collections which is a boon for anyone who enjoys learning
about famous paintings and artists. The theme of the painting of
black water lilies winds its way through the whole book, making its
presence a second mystery in addition to the murders.
The mystery itself is very complex but the lives of the interesting
characters seem so real that it is easy to become totally immersed
in the story. And the final revelations were certainly a surprise to
me, making the story even more engrossing as I had to go back
through all the clues and think about all the implications of the
murder.
This is an outstanding detective story, with a wonderful location
and exceptional prose. It is one not to be missed by lovers of the
mystery genre.
Pat Pledger
Du iz tak? by Carson Ellis
Ill. by Carson Ellis. Walker Books, 2016. ISBN 9781406368413
(Age: 3+) Recommended. Language. Insects. Seasons. Read aloud.
Insects will never look the same again after readers have wandered
through this inviting book, eagerly sharing the language that the
insects are given to speak. From the title, to every word on every
page, children are encouraged to work out what is being said, and it
is not that difficult for eager minds to do this, imagining what is
being said and developing their own responses.
The amazing changes in a garden are explored with insects speaking
to each other, many asking questions of the other about the garden
they are in and what is happening in it.
Over the whole year, many things happen in the garden: a caterpillar
strolls to the end of a stick where it becomes a chrysalis,
eventually becoming a moth which has one bright night to find a
mate, a small shoot appears above the ground and then grows into a
plant which flowers and then dies when the snow falls, only for the
seedlings to appear again the following year, ladybirds fly into the
garden along with small insects, ants, spiders, birds and beetles,
mushrooms rise up and then fall away, flowers appear then die, and
all the while the insects make use of the plant in the centre of the
garden, using their unusual language.
The arresting and highly detailed illustrations make full use of the
white of the page, with the same plant and stick placed on every
page, showing how they change over the year. Readers will have fun
following images as they change, replicating the changes made
through the seasons while reading the book aloud will add another
level of humour to the classroom. A wonderful introduction to a
class garden encouraging children to look more closely at what
surrounds them and how things change over a year.
Carson Ellis' first novel, Home
appeared on the New York Times bestseller list and her work can be
viewed on her website.
Fran Knight
