Pig Dude - He can do anything by Michael Wagner and Adam Nickel
Billy Goat Books, 2015. ISBN 9780994251718
(Age: 4-8) Recommended. Humour. Mama really believes in Pig Dude and
tells him that he can do anything. Pig Dude is determined to find
out if he can do the impossible - fly! He tries all kinds of things
to get him into the air; he attaches a rocket to himself, pastes on
feathers but it is not until he gets a bunch of balloons and some
help from friendly birds that he is successful.
This is a very amusing book which will really appeal to its young
audience, who will be able to predict what Pig Dude might do to get
into the air. Of course he has lots of adventure, often with very
funny results which will also appeal to young children. Of course
there are some body function problems which will have children
giggling and make it a sure fire winner for the young child who
loves toilet humour.
The vibrant illustrations by Adam Nickel show a very appealing Pig
Dude, with a striped shirt and a cap with a propeller on it. These
are sure to grab the attention of the reader, and greatly add to the
appeal of the book. Pig Dude will appeal to children if it is read aloud to them,
who will appreciate the fact that Mama really believes in Pig Dude
and that he is determined to succeed. It will also be a boon for the
newly independent reader with its 64 pages, big type and easy
vocabulary.
Pat Pledger
The silly book of weird and wacky words by Andy Seed
Ill. by Scott Garrett. Bloomsbury, 2015. ISBN 9781408853382
(Age: 8-12) Recommended. This is an amusing book that investigates
words, gibberish, jokes, riddles and more. Children are fascinated
by jokes and puns and The Silly Book of Weird and Wacky Words
has many examples.
The book starts with 'Juicy Jokes and Riddles' with wordplays such
as 'I didn't use to finish a sentence, but now I . . . '
'Bumper stickers' include 'Follow that car, Godzilla - and step on
it!' and 'Gravity gets me down'.
There are tongue twisters, spoonerisms, slang and wacky word games,
everything that you need to have fun with words.
The cover is bright and appealing and Scott Garrett's illustrations
complement the text. He uses a variety of fonts, drawings,
decorative backgrounds and borders to make the text look even more
appealing.
Andy Seed has written a collection of facts and jokes in The
Silly Book of Side-Splitting Stuff which won the 2015 Blue Peter Book
Award in England.
I recommend this book for primary school libraries and it will
appeal to 8 to 12 year olds and adults who are young at heart!
Jane Moore
Spider Iggy by Aleesah Darlison
Wombat Books, 2015. ISBN 9781925139334
Spider Iggy is a sociable little spider, but he is finding it very
difficult to attract anyone to share his friendship. No-one even
notices his magnificent, cleverly spun web designs. He dreams of
being with spiders just like himself, but how can he make it happen?
Setting off alone, he is confronted by UNfriendly insects and birds
and even threatening people, who only try to harm him.
Poor Iggy! He will just have to stick up for himself if he is ever
to find a home where he can be truly happy.
'Hi-ho! What's the go?' Iggy eventually finds himself amongst lots
of spiders, just as likeable as himself.
Superbly illustrated, this brightly coloured, delightful book should
become a special favourite for younger readers, and those who relish
a happy ending.
J. Kerr-Smith
Selby Celebrates by Duncan Ball
Ill. by Allan Stoman. HarperCollins - Angus & Robertson, 2015.
ISBN 9781460751268
(Age: 8-12) Highly recommended. This contains Selby's secret,
Selby speaks, and Selby screams. Selby the only
talking dog in Australia is celebrating his 30th birthday in print,
although he's still only a ten year old dog with an amazing talent.
It's time for another generation to delight in this lovable dog's
antics, to watch as he fearlessly deals with some very strange
characters, all the while pretending to be an ordinary pet for his
owners' the Trifle family.
Duncan Ball's Selby celebrates combines the first three
novels in one superb volume. Selby's secret was the very
first novel published in 1985. Selby discovers his special ability
one evening while watching television. He can understand what the
actors are saying and then begins to practice speaking, watching
himself in the mirror. He soon discovers that he must keep his
talent to himself, otherwise he would become the Trifles' servant.
Selby's life is full of adventures and near mishaps. Cousin
Wilhemina's prize winning poodle Freddington is ready for the
Bogusville Canine Show, when Selby sneakily decides to resign his
lavender fur-style by adding multi-coloured dyes and a creative cut.
The result a winning punk dog. When Selby wins holiday tickets in a
phone-in competition the Trifles and Selby are off on a disastrous
adventure with Captain Slick Slipway and his ship The Golden
Doldrum. Luckily Selby is there to save his owners from
drowning.
In Selby speaks and Selby screams, the laughs and
adventures continue. There's the issue with the lawn GOTE -
herbaceous emulsifier, the fireworks fiasco of Cracker Night and an
incident where he hides himself in The Screaming Mimi's Computerised
High-Pitched Sound Blaster.
Duncan Ball's humorous text are filled with silly puns, quirky
character names and crazy scenes, each chapter a new adventure which
makes this a perfect class read-aloud or novel to be shared with a
family. Allan Stoman's sketches bring Selby's accident prone dramas
to life.
Rhyllis Bignell
The Serpent Papers by Jessica Cornwell
Quercus, 2015. ISBN 9781848666733
(Age: 16+) In 2003, three women are brutally murdered in Barcelona.
And then, a famous Catalan actress is found dead, sparking the
interest of the nation. But before the police can piece together the
baffling clues, the killer vanishes without a trace. Ten years
later, Anna Verco, book hunter extraordinaire, discovers ancient
letters that could help solve the case. However, she is focused on
something else: a mysterious, centuries-old text known only as the
Serpent Papers. But as the plot thickens and danger begins lurking
around every corner, will she able to solve the mystery in time?
The Serpent Papers is the first in the Nightingale trilogy,
and the debut novel by author Jessica Cornwell. As the granddaughter
of legendary crime writer John Le Carre, one might expect that this
novel treads in the same footsteps, but there is little in common
with Carre's literary classics to be found here - whether that is
good or bad can be left up to the reader.
There are many good things about The Serpent Papers - it has
an intriguing setting and some excellent world building through the
use of (presumably) fabricated poetry and old texts, which adds a
sense of realism that helps ground the more fantastical aspects of
the novel.
However, the main issue is that this book is often simply too
complicated for its own good. There are too many characters to keep
track of and occasionally it's hard to figure out exactly what's
happening, simply because the writing style can be quite vague. It
jumps around to different settings and time periods, and in the end
there are a few too many plot twists and subplots introduced, to the
point where it can be downright confusing. This is unfortunate as
the novel is frequently excellent, but gradually becomes a struggle
to get through.
Ultimately, The Serpent Papers is an impressive, yet
inconsistent debut from a promising new author. Readers beware,
however - it's not for the light-hearted (or the light reader).
Rebecca Adams (university student)
The royal wedding crashers by Clementine Beauvais
Ill. by Becka Moor. Bloomsbury, 2015. ISBN 9781408855447
(Age: 10-12) This novel follows the book The royal babysitters
and includes the characters Anna, Holly and Prince Pepino. In this
crazy, zany book the three children travel to Francia to help
prepare for a very unusual wedding, the wedding of the beautiful
Princess Violette.
They are sent on several secret errands by the wedding planner,
Mademoiselle Malypense to gather a wedding dress, cake and bouquet.
But all is not as it seems.
Why are they gathering wedding items from the strangest of places
and what are Mademoiselle Malypense's real intentions?
This book is crammed with cleverly made up names that are easily
deciphered such as Francia (France) or Britland (British, England).
My favourite is 'King Alaspooryorick of Daneland'. Throw in police
who ride around on rhinos and roosters pulling royal carriages and
you have an understanding of the bizarre aspects of this book.
Becka Moor's illustrations add to the fun and frivolity of the
story.
This a funny tale for 10 to 12 year old students, especially those
who enjoy books such as the Mr. Gum stories by Andy Stanton.
Jane Moore
Same by Katrina Roe
Wombat Books, 2015. ISBN 9781925139266
(Age: All) Highly recommended. Same is a gorgeous picture book that
introduces the theme that everyone has something the same despite
their outward appearances. Ivy's Uncle Charlie comes for a visit but
she isn't too sure about this new visitor. Ivy is scared as Uncle
Charlie steers his wheelchair into the house. He is different to
other adults but when Uncle Charlie does something exactly the same
as her, Ivy sees how they are the same after all.
This is great story to read with all age groups, reminding them to
see others (who might seem different to them) as the same. Highly
recommended for readers aged 5+, this would also be a good story to
use for the Child Protection Curriculum and the identifying of
feelings.
Kylie Kempster
Space Jackers: The lost sword by Huw Powell
Space Jackers bk 2. Bloomsbury, 2015. ISBN 9781408847589
(Age: 9-12) Recommended. Science Fiction. Space Adventure.
Pirates, Aliens. Huw Powell's second Space Jackers novel
sets young Jake Cutler and the crew of the Dark Horse, a
rusty old space freighter hurtling into deep space, battling space
pirates, asteroid showers whilst avoiding the Interstellar Navy.
Jake is the secret ruler of Altus and the navy is in desperate need
of the planet's fortune in crystals. His quest is to find the
missing sword and crown of Altus to prove he is the rightful ruler
and to prevent the crystals being stolen.
With Granny Leatherhead as captain and a ship in need of urgent
repair, they stop at the Shan-Ti monastery in the fourth solar
system. Callidus and Capio leave to find assistance from a retired
navy officer and Jake, Manik and Scargus hurriedly work on the
repairs. A galactic war is imminent as the navy gathers force and
seeks an alliance with the Gorks.
Papa Don leader of the space mafia is an indomitable enemy and
current owner of the Soerd of Altus. After a deadly game of Reus
Roulette, Granny, Jake and the crew are captured and held in prison.
Daring Kay, the Dark Wind's young space pirate captain
assists in their daring escape. As the Dark Horse leaves the
illegal spaceport, they are attacked by a Gork ship, and Jake's
laser cannon overheats and the rest of the crew save the day.
Huw Powell's fast-paced space novel is packed full of determined
pirates, greedy enemies and supportive friends. The lost sword
provides all the action, battle scenes, technology and sci-fi
settings that Huw Powell's fans love. Where will the final novel The
Pirate King take us, and how will Jake Culter save the day?
Rhyllis Bignell
Honor Girl a Graphic Memoir by Maggie Thrash
Candlewick Press, 2015. ISBN 9780763673826
(Age: Yr 8-Yr 10) Themes: Same-sex relationships, love, friendship,
loyalty, self-confidence, resilience, teenage girls. On the surface
this beautifully produced graphic account of the author at 15
experiencing first love at an all-girl Kentucky Christian summer
camp seems very American and irrelevant, including the Honor Girl
award of the title, not to mention the National Rifle Association's
sponsoring of the award for the best shooter. However the immediacy
of the graphics soon draws the reader in and the dialogue
perceptively immerses us in the universally recognisable lives of
these teens. The camp environment throws into stark relief themes of
petty jealousies, loyal friends, personal challenges, teasing,
keeping and losing reputations and of course obsessions with boys.
The camp is a hot bed of rumour and gossip so when Maggie finds
herself attracted to Erin, one of the older counsellors, who also
seems attracted, her life becomes fraught with anxiety. She finds it
difficult to confide in best friend Shannon but discovers unexpected
support from Bethany who guesses her secret. When the head
counsellor finds out Maggie is told not to speak to Erin and to go
back to doing what she was doing before.
'What was I doing before? . . . floating along? Maybe I was better
off that way because what's ironic is that being in love doesn't
actually make you happy. It makes it impossible to be happy. You're
carrying this desire now. Maybe if you knew where it came from you
could put it back. But you don't. ' p174.
Maggie Thrash is a staff writer for Rookie online magazine for
teens and this is her first book. She seems to reach her target
audience effortlessly and the watercolour drawings have a freshness
that epitomises the innocence and freedom of these girls at summer
camp. The text is clear and very legible, I sometimes found it hard
to distinguish between some minor characters but I am sure that the
year 8 to 10 girls it is written for won't have a problem.
Sue Speck
The truth according to us by Annie Barrows
Bantam, 2015. ISBN 9780857987945
(Age: Adult - Senior secondary) Highly recommended. Layla Beck, the
daughter of a US senator, is sent to the small town of Macedonia,
West Virginia as part of the Federal Writers' Project to author a
history of the town. It is 1938 and Layla is convinced that she will
be bored by small town life. Used to an idle life of luxury, Layla
stays in a house with the Romeyn family, and she is the spark that
brings to light many of the secrets that the Romeyn's harbour.
Meanwhile the curiosity of 12 year old Willa Romeyn about her
charismatic father, Felix and what his business entails, and her
thoughts about why her aunt Jottie remains unmarried, will also
transform the Romeyn's world.
Co-author of the very popular, The Guernsey Literary and Potato
Peel Pie Society, Annie Barrows does not disappoint in this
almost 500 page story that is very difficult to put down. Right from
the first chapter, the reader is drawn into the complex life of the
Romeyns and the life of Layla Beck who gradually discovers that she
does like researching and writing. The occasional use of letters
from Layla to her friends gives an intimate and often funny look
into the life of the townspeople and allows the reader to get to
know Layla as well.
Each of the central characters is deftly drawn with skilled detail
and even the minor townspeople come alive in this sweeping tale of
southern life. There are eccentrics and wonderful people all
portrayed with a deft hand. The reader is swept along by the lives
of the people in Macedonia, especially hoping that Layla will not be
taken in by the charm of Felix, all the time wondering just what he
does for a living, as Willa carefully follows him to try and find
out more about him. There is a mystery surrounding the burning of
the family mill and the death of Vause, whom Jottie had loved, and
this thread keeps the reader in suspense until the final chapters.
This is a funny, quirky book with endearing characters that would
allow for much discussion about the Depression, the real Federal
Writers' Project, the secrets that are kept in families and the
power of familial love.
Pat Pledger
My big fat zombie goldfish: Jurassic carp by Mo O'Hara
Macmillan Children's Books, 2015. ISBN 9781447263838
(Age: 9+) Highly recommended. I love that there are so many books to
encourage reluctant boys to read. My big fat zombie goldfish is
one of them. In this novel, readers will find two short stories
about Tom and his pet zombie fish, Frankie.
The first story sees Tom on an excursion to a medieval fair. The fun
part is they get to dress up. The not so fun part is Tom's older
brother - who is a bit evil - gets to dress up as royalty and boss
Tom around. Tom takes Frankie everywhere and he is at the fair too.
It seems this zombie fish has the ability to feel when evil is
around. Who is this knight called Night? And why do Frankie's eyes
glow in his presence?
In the second story, a fossilised fish is found under the school. Of
course, Frankie comes to school with Tom and his eyes start to glow.
Why are they glowing in the presence of the scientist studying the
fish discovery? My big fat zombie goldfish is a fun read and uses quick
moving, descriptive text and cartoon style images to engage readers.
Readers will wish for their own pet zombie fish as they follow Tom,
his best mate, Pradeep, and Frankie the zombie gold fish.
Kylie Kempster
Bonny grows her feathers and learns to fly by Angela Robertson-Buchanan
Wild Dog Books, 2015. ISBN 9781742033693
(Ages 4+) Highly recommended. This is the story of Bonny, a rainbow
lorikeet who fell out of her nest, was rescued and cared for and
then released back into the wild. Award-winning photographer Angela
Robertson-Buchanan has put together this superb book filled with
stunning photographs of Bonny's growth. Written in diary form, the
text gives information about Bonny's progress at different points
from Day 1 to Day 90; these are in simple, plain language and the
typeface is large and clear. Interspersed throughout the book are
small chunks of further, general information about rainbow
lorikeets; these pages have a different coloured background to help
distinguish them from Bonnie's journey.
A great addition to any non-fiction collection, young children will
love learning about rainbow lorikeets and life cycles with this
title. A nice one to use alongside Jeremy by Chris Faille as
it follows a very similar format.
Nicole Smith-Forrest
Lulu Bell series by Belinda Murrell
Ill. by Serena Geddes. Random House, 2015 Lulu Bell and the Pirate Fun. ISBN 9780857985545 Lulu Bell and the Magical Garden. ISBN 9780857985644
There was great excitement in my house, excitement I'd been
anticipating and waiting for. Because at last Miss Just-9 came to
stay and I knew she would be thrilled to find the latest two
additions to the Lulu Bell series waiting for her to read. Neither
of us was disappointed. Immediately she buried her nose in Lulu
Bell and the Magical Garden, ignoring the bitter winds that
promised snow but didn't deliver and she enjoyed it as much as I
knew she would. Then her bedtime read was Lulu Bell and the
Pirate Fun with special permission to keep her light on until
it was finished. I also know another young lady who is obsessed with
creatures of all kinds who is entranced by the series. You can read about her response at this blog.
Belinda Murrell has hit a winner for this age group with this series
as titles are read and re-read and new ones welcomed warmly. I just
bought the entire series for a school library and it is so popular
already! Based on her own experience of growing up as the daughter
of a vet, Murrell has created a lovable practical character who
often puts her sensible head on to solve problems that the audience
can relate to and put themselves into Lulu's shoes.
In Lulu Bell and the Magical Garden the school garden is
ruined by a summer storm and she comes up with an idea to restore
it. In Lulu Bell and the Pirate Fun it's her young brother's
birthday and Gus has been wanting a pirate party forever. But it
won't stop raining and everywhere underfoot is muddy and sloshy, so
where to build the pirate ship? There is always a dramatic twist in
the story that of curse revolves around an animal and its well-being
and these are no different, adding yet another layer to a well-told
tale.
If your newly independent readers haven't met Lulu Bell and her
family yet, then there is a treat in store. You can find all the
titles on the publisher's website.
A must-have on the library shelves, in my opinion.
Barbara Braxton
Rafe's Aussie Adventure by James Patterson and Martin Chatterton
Random House, 2015. ISBN 9780857986016
(Age: Yr 4+) Rafe Katchadorian is back in another hilarious adventure
as he negotiates his way through middle school, those tricky years
when boys are more than children but not yet men. As well as dealing
with emerging independence, puberty, and the weird world of girls
there is still the trials and tribulations of school to get through.
And if you have been tagged a troublemaker, shipped off to the Rocky
Mountains for a total attitude realignment and threatened with a
host of dire consequences if you don't conform when you're accepted
back into your school, then you're Rafe Katchadorian or his twin!
This latest adventure has Rafe recounting his Australian saga, a
journey that begins when local Mayor Coogan returns from a trip to
Shark Bay, north of Sydney, to announce that Hills Valley Middle
School has twinned with Shark Bay and there is to be a three-week,
all-expenses-paid trip to Shark Bay for the winner of his art
contest. Having a talent for drawing and dreaming, Rafe wins the
contest and is on his way. But it's not a dream-driven holiday
soaking up sun, sand and surf Rafe encounters many obstacles that
he has to overcome, not the least of which is his own fear. Bullied
by the Coogan twins with whom he and his mum stay because they are
the mayor's nephews, Rafe seeks solace with Ellie and The Outsiders
who are a group of misfits with whom he feels he has more in common.
But being Rafe there are soon plans afoot that will either make him
a hero or forever living the label the adults have tagged him with.
As much as Rafe learns about Australia, he learns much more about
himself with a heart-warming finale that just might set him on his
life path.
Once again Patterson has nailed the characters, bringing out their
inner core that is hidden behind the tough facade and speaking
directly to his intended audience. They relate to Rafe, see
themselves in him, gain confidence that their insecurities are not
unique and keep coming back for more. Lavishly illustrated with a
mixture of quirky, funny and serious graphics there is not an
overwhelming amount of text so that 272 pages seems daunting. If
your Year 4+ boys haven't been introduced to Rafe yet, then it's
time they were.
Barbara Braxton
Remarkably Rexy by Craig Smith
Allen & Unwin, 2015. ISBN 9781760113940
(Age: 5+) Highly recommended, Cats, Community, Personality. From the
cover kids will identify the personality traits of this seriously
self absorbed cat, Rex. He is posturing, proud and very aware of his
audience, as he waits for the children in the street to arrive home
from school. Although he sees it at his domain, there are other
things in the street to disturb his single mindedness. A magpie
family warbles in the tree above, the dog next door continues its
barking, and then just when the children are about to come home,
Pamela the pert Siamese cat appears. She has the sleek arrogant look
of these animals, carefully grooming herself and walking as if a
ballerina, in stark contrast to the antics of Rex a few pages
before. Children will chuckle out loud at the differences between
the two, and thrill recognising the behavior of such singular cats.
Craig Smith gives the reader a beautifully detailed suburb, with its
gardens and array of fences, trees overhanging the footpaths,
glimpses of different styles of houses in the background. Against
this wonderfully lush backdrop he gives us Rex, the larger than life
cat known by all the neighbourhood as he roams around his territory.
His illustrations show us the cat in all his glory, confident, a
master of all he surveys, then brought down to earth by Pamela as he
feels somewhat jealous. Later scared by the dog he escapes to the
tree only to disturb the magpies, and when he falls to the ground
landing in a puddle, the children arrive seeing him not quite at his
best.
Craig Smith has captured the looks and antics of the cats in this
story superbly: both are instantly recognisable, their personalities
well delineated in his signature pencil and watercolour drawings.
Rex is a delight, reflecting the traits of so many cats familiar to
the readers: he struts and poses, grooms himself, watching all the
while for the children to return from school, only to have his stage
purloined by someone else.
Fran Knight
