Hot Key Books, 2015. ISBN 9781471402654
(Age: 9+) Highly recommended. Wrestling Trolls has two short
narratives involving our main characters Milo, Big Rock the troll
and Jack the half troll half human. They are accompanied by their
talking animal friends - a horse and a phoenix. The group of friends
travel the countryside and enter wrestling tournaments. The stories
are quick-moving and full of action and involve wrestling scenes.
This will help engage those reluctant readers and is highly
recommended for boys aged 9+. While this is book 4 in the series,
readers will not have to read previous books to understand what is
going on.
Due to their short nature, these stories would be great for reading
in the class. Students could deconstruct the narrative structure and
investigate characters. Excerpts of these stories would also be good
for helping create discussions around bullying.
Kylie Kempster
Use your imagination by Nicola O'Byrne
Nosy Crow, 2015. ISBN 9780857633927
(Age: Preschool - Yr 2) This book is subtitled 'But be careful what
you wish for' and it is aptly so. When Rabbit says she is bored,
Wolf suggests that she writes a story.
'I am a librarian, you know, and librarians know a lot about
stories.'
Rabbit is somewhat suspicious.
'What big ears you've got!'
'All the better for listening to stories with, my dear,' said
Wolf.
'And what big eyes you've got!' said Rabbit.
'All the better for reading with my dear,' said Wolf.
Immediately both Rabbit and reader are alerted to Wolf probably NOT
being the sort of friendly, helpful librarian you find in your
school, but Rabbit ploughs on and asks how a story is started.
'You need to use your imagination! It's making up words and pictures
to tell a story,' explained Wolf. So Rabbit suggests something with
space rockets, big explosions and lots of bananas, but Wolf, with a
greedy grin on his face, suggests a fairy tale with a baddie (bigger
than a mouse) and so together they build a story, Rabbit innocent
and Wolf guilty, continually urging Rabbit to use her imagination.
But just as Wolf thinks he has got gullible Rabbit right where he
wants her, she uses her imagination and...
This is a unique story that carries the young reader right through
to the huge four-page spread that provides the spectacular twist in
the tale at the end. The suspense is built through the pictures
starting with the front cover where a shadowy wolf with sharp teeth
looms over a recumbent rabbit and continues through the expressions
on Wolf's face as he thinks he has got the better of Rabbit. So as
well as being an entertaining story for our youngest readers, it
provides an opportunity to explore the power of pictures and how
they work with text to give it greater meaning. With older students,
it also offers an opportunity to explore body language and how it
adds so much to what we are saying or listening to, and the need for
and the use of emoticons in our digital communications. This could
then be extended into an examination of adverbs and how we can
express thoughts, feelings and actions in written stories that are
not illustrated. As a teaching tool, all you have to do is use your
imagination!
Barbara Braxton
We're all Australians now by A.B. (Banjo) Paterson
Mark Wilson. Angus & Robertson, 2015. ISBN 9780732296476
(Age: Yr 3+) Highly recommended. It is said that the events at
Gallipoli throughout 1915 and later on the Western Front are what
forged the bonds that forged our nation. Even though the six states
had united under Federation in 1901 there was still a lingering
colonist attitude with a greater allegiance to the Mother Country
than to the fledgling nation of Australia. At the outbreak of World
War I, A. B. 'Banjo' Paterson travelled to London to try to get a
post as a war correspondent building on his reputation and following
as a poet and writer that he had established in Australia. When he
was unsuccessful in that, he worked as a volunteer ambulance driver
on the Western Front and eventually he became an officer in the AIF
in the Middle East. And from there he witnessed the coming together
of young men from each state and disparate backgrounds into a unique
and united force that took the enemy on under
'Our six-starred flag that used to fly, Half shyly in the breeze,
Unknown where older nations ply Their trade on foreign seas.'
So in 1915 he wrote an open letter to the soldiers that acknowledges
their differences and diversity and their willingness to put that
aside to answer the call to arms. 'The old state jealousies of yore Are dead as Pharaoh's sow,
We're not State children any more We're all Australians now!'
He recognises their bravery across all the theatres of the war from
Gaba Tepe to the Battle of Cocos where HMAS Sydney defeated the
Emden, and emphasises the pride those at home had in the boys
overseas. 'And now we know what nations know And feel what nations
feel.'
Even though this may have been one of Paterson's less well-known
poems, bringing it to life again in 2015 is a masterstroke as we
focus on our identity, who we are as a nation and what we stand for.
But, powerful as Paterson's poetry is, the illustrations of Mark
Wilson add so many more layers to the words that it's like an onion
- each reveals something more underneath. There's the little girl
diligently knitting a sock yet thinking about the letter from her
daddy juxtaposed with her daddy burrowed into a trench writing it;
the vignettes of the soldiers from all over answering that call; the
battle fields and mate helping mate - every single picture, every
colour choice, every carefully considered layout adds another thread
to the tapestry that is woven between author and illustrator. Even
the cover where the picture of the soldier picking poppies is more
important than the title, the author and the illustrator underscore
the focus of this book.
There is a saying that every cloud has a silver lining and the
lining of the centenary of this time in our history is that the very
best of our authors and our illustrators are creating exquisite
picture books that are so much more than the story of our heritage.
We're all Australians now is in that top echelon of the best
of the best and I would not want to be one of the CBCA judges having
to decide this year's picture book winner!
Barbara Braxton
Mum goes to work by Libby Gleeson and Leila Rudge
Walker Books, 2015. ISBN 9781921529826
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Humour, Childcare, Working parents, Families.
First published in 1992, this book has a new illustrator and cover
to adapt to the changing times. The cover is no longer one
reassuring a child that this is what some mums do, but the focus is
on the day of the child at Childcare, with the range of activities a
child will be engaged with during the day explored. Beginning with
being dropped at the childcare centre, the day moves on through art
work, building, playing in the sandpit, dressing up, lunch, sleeping
time, until tired, they are picked up to go home. On the opposite
side of the page, the text tells us what some of the mothers do with
their days. Some Mums are nurses, some work in a cafe or clothes
shop, some are students, some gardeners, while some stay at home. A
brief outline of what their work entails completes each page, and
Rudge's illustrations make it easy for children to envisage these
occupations.
Each double page presents what the child does and what a Mum does
with their days. The text and illustrations invite the reader to
look closely at what their Mums do, and compare their days. For
younger readers this will engage them in conversations about their
families, and they will be able to see that other children live
similar lives and that everyone's life is just as busy. They will
get some idea of what their mothers do during their days and be more
able to see why everyone is tired at the end of their days' work.
Rudge's mixed media illustrations are inviting. She uses humour to
reiterate the words shown on each page, and readers will love
finding some of the things shown on each page. And I loved the last
page with the kids going home with their parents holding the
wonderful things made during the day.
Fran Knight
Lest We Forget by Kerry Brown
HarperCollins Children's Books, 2015. ISBN 9780733332333
(Age: All readers) Highly recommended. Lest We Forget
supports readers in remembering the 100th anniversary World War 1
and the ANZAC spirit that evolved. A young boy remembers his
grandfather's comments about memories and days we need to remember
and those we need to forget. As the story unfolds, the young boy
remembers memories he wants to remember and forget. At the same
time, images flashback to his grandfather's experiences in World War
1. This is highly recommended for all readers - whether reading with
an adult or independently. Children aged 9+ will enjoy the images
and the text and will learn about a war that still has a huge affect
on the world today. It will give them an idea of the sacrifices made
and would be a great way to introduce a unit on Gallipoli or World
War 1 in the classroom.
Kylie Kempster
Worry Magic by Dawn McNiff
Hot Key Books, 2015. ISBN 9781471403712
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. Worry magic tackles the ups
and downs of family life in a heart warming and magical way, showing
how family issues affect children. Young Courtney worries a lot and
it is usually her Gran that helps her through them. Gran is in
hospital, money is tight and Courtney's parents are fighting. The
stress of it all causes Courtney to faint each time there is arguing
but she thinks she is magical. All the problems seem to disappear
after she faints and she is sure she can worry her Gran better,
worry her friend back to being her friend and worry her parents back
to not fighting. Worry Magic is a lovely story that explores the feelings of
children as they get caught up in everyday situations. This is
highly recommended for girls aged 10+. They will relate to the worry
of losing friends and will empathise with Courtney as she worries
about losing her safe family environment. Excerpts of this story
would be great for using in the Child Protection Curriculum as
children can investigate different feelings and see how she ends up
using positive thoughts to make her day better.
Kylie Kempster
The liar by Nora Roberts
Piatkus, 2015. ISBN 9780349403762
(Age: Adult) Romantic suspense. Shelby Foxworth's husband is dead.
Left with a crippling debt she tracks down his safe deposit box
which contained cash and multiple passports, proving that he was not
the man he had shown to the world. Disenchanted, her memories of him
tarnished, she decides to move with her small daughter back to the
small Southern town where she was raised. Here she finds solace in
tight and loving family relations and meets local contractor, Griff
Lott. However danger threatens and murders are committed.
I am a fan of Nora Roberts and always pick up her books for a good
escapist read. I enjoyed the character of Shelby, and the way that
Roberts portrayed a wife who had been dominated by her husband but
finally comes through with the help of her family and friends. The
character of Griff, the new romantic interest was also a very
likeable and supportive man. I did find the centre part of the novel
which concentrated on how wonderful her family were and how they
rallied around her rather repetitive. I would have liked more
emphasis on the suspense and the romance and less accent on the
family relations, but that is a personal preference.
Fans of Roberts will enjoy this one as a quick escapist read, but
devotees of the romantic suspense genre may find that the plot and
conclusion were ones that they had met before.
Pat Pledger
Archie Greene and the Magician's Secret by D. D. Everest
Faber & Faber, 2014. ISBN 9780571309054
(Age: Yr 4+) In a secret world deep beneath the hallowed halls of
the Bodleian Library in
Oxford lies the Museum of Magical Miscellany, a repository of all
the world's
magical books and artefacts saved from the fire that destroyed the
Library of
Alexandria and then again from the Great Fire of London in 1666. It
is into
this world that Archie Greene finds himself when he receives a
mysterious gift
on his 12th birthday, a gift that has been waiting 400 years to be
delivered and
which turns Archie's life upside-down so that within 24 hours he has
been
uprooted from the comfort of his grandmother's house (and she has
gone on a
mysterious mission) to the quirky Oxford residence of his previously
unknown
cousins Bramble and Thistle Foxe. He discovers that not only does he
bear the
mark of the Flame Keepers of Alexandria - those who find, mind and
bind the
magic books that are not yet within the safe confines of the Museum
- but he is
also a book whisperer. He can hear the words of the books as they
rustle their
pages to tell their secrets.
Immediately, Archie is thrown into a tricky situation as he
discovers that his
birthday book is one of the Terrible Tomes, one of the seven most
dangerous
books of dark-magic ever written and one which the Greaders (those
who seek the
magic for their own wicked purposes) would dearly love to have. As
he learns
more and discovers the secrets of the books, Archie realises the
important role
he has to play in protecting and preserving the ancient lores so the
magic arts
remain safe. He also starts to learn a little of his own life,
something his
grandmother has tried to keep a secret since his parents and sister
died as she
protects him from the past.
Archie is a likeable lad who is, predictably, bewildered at this new
life and
all that is happening to him, which makes it easy for Everest to
build the
fantasy world so the reader learns about it along with Archie. Did
you know
there are three types of magic? The first is natural magic which
comes from the
creatures and plants and forces of nature; the second is mortal
magic, that
created by magicians using instruments and other devices; and the
third - the
most dangerous - is supernatural magic which draws on the power of
the spirits
and other supernatural beings. There are also five lores to be
adhered to so
there is not another disaster like that of 1666. As all this is as
new to
Archie as it is to the reader, there is both empathy and
understanding as he
makes choices that he believes are for the best and we learn about
being brave
and courageous and he is well supported by the other well-drawn
characters in
the story. And there is just enough real history in the storyline to
make it
all tantalisingly true.
This is a story of magic and mystery that has more twists and turns
than the
underground passages of the Museum of Magical Miscellany. It is a
well-written
page turner that has a host of characters, both good and evil, and
right from
the start the reader is never really sure just who can be trusted
and who is not
quite who they seem. While, on the surface, it seems an easy read
for the young
independent reader, it may be more suited to those who are able to
follow
various plot strands and multiple characters simultaneously. It
would make an
excellent read-aloud, encouraging listeners to be not only waiting
for the next
chapter but also the next addition to the series.
Parallels will be drawn with another series involving an orphaned
boy who
discovers he "has the magic" and has to fight against the evil
mortals but
that's pretty much where the similarities end. This is a fresh and
new story
where "bookshelves are enchanted, librarians are sorcerers and
spells come to
life" that is not quite as dark as You-Know-Whom. Archie Greene will
become a
favourite and I will be waiting for Archie Greene and the
Alchemist's Curse,
coming later this year.
Barbara Braxton
The Cracks in the Kingdom by Jaclyn Moriarty
Colours of Madeleine, bk 2. Pan Macmillan, 2014. ISBN
9781742612874
(Age: 12+) Highly recommended. Aurealis Award winner, best young
adult novel 2014. Queensland Premier's Literary Awards 2014.
Following A corner of white (2012) this is the second in the
Colours of Madeleine series. Elliot Baranski of the Farms
continues to write secret letters to Madeleine Tully in the world
delivering them through a crack and is determined to find his
father. Meanwhile Princess Ko's family has been taken into the World
through cracks and she enlists the aid of Elliot and others to
locate them. She has kept the country running by pretending that her
father is still reigning the kingdom and she is desperate for help
in solving who has taken the Royal Family to the World.
This is an utterly unique and challenging series that I really love.
Moriarty has created an intriguing world in Cello and Elliot is a
determined and thoroughly engaging hero. Through the notes, letters
and late nights by the Crack, Moriarty brings to life the dramas
that Madeleine and Elliot are going through in their own worlds. I
was kept on the edge of my seat worrying about Elliot and hoping
that his illicit dealings with the World would not be uncovered.
Princess Ko was a fascinating character and her actions and dialogue
was very amusing, while at the same time the running commentary that
Elliot makes provides a diversion from the very serious problem of
the two missing fathers.
Moriarty is able to bring some resolution at the end of The
cracks in the Kingdom but leaves readers on another cliff
hanger which is sure to bring them back readers for more of this
outstanding series.
Pat Pledger
Dreamer's Pool by Juliet Marillier
Blackthorn & Grim bk 1, Macmillan, 2014. ISBN 9781743517024
(Age: 15+) Recommended. Winner 2014 Aurealis Award Best Fantasy
novel. Blackthorn and Grim are two convicts who have been locked up
in a medieval dungeon. In exchange for help in escaping the prison,
she has to assist anyone who asks her for her help for seven years.
Living as a wise woman she settles on the fringe of a forest near
Dreamer's Pool with Grim, a silent huge man, who has followed her
from prison. Oran, the crown prince of Dalriada needs help when his
future bride proves to be nothing like the woman that has been
portrayed in her letters. He ask Blackthorn for help in working out
the mystery that clings to Lady Flidais.
Marillier's high fantasy books are always engaging and interesting.
Her two main characters are a departures for her as she often has
young protagonists as the main people in her novels. Blackthorn and
Grim are older and Blackthorn in particular, is bitter and
disillusioned. The naivety of Oran and the youthfulness of Lady
Flidais make a perfect foil to show off the dark experiences of
Blackthorn and Grim. The introduction of the mystery surrounding
Oran and Lady Flidais is also interesting and provides a great
background to the way the reader gradually learns about Blackthorn's
background and skills and the clever ways that she utilises her
intelligence and ingenuity.
Set in medieval Ireland where magic abounds, the setting is
atmospheric and the descriptions of the Prince's life in comparison
to that of Blackthorn and Grim is engrossing.
Readers who enjoy high fantasy will love this books and those who
enjoy a mystery will also find that it is very engaging. I look
forward to the next in the series by one of my favourite authors.
Pat Pledger
My Pop is a pirate by Damon Young
Ill. by Peter Carnavas. University of Queensland Press, 2014. ISBN 9780702253614
(Age: 4-6) Highly recommended. This funny picture book showcases the
loving relationship of a granddaughter and her pirate pop as well as
presenting pops enjoying their lives, hobbies, vehicles, activities
and food choices. There's the grandpa in a singlet and thongs who
nibbles noodles with grated cheddar cheese, whilst the hippy pop
complete with a snake entwined in his Afro, scoffs big salads with
rocket and chickpeas. The refrain 'But my pop is a pirate' tells
about the wild and wacky activities the little girl's pop enjoys -
shooting his pirate parrot out of a cannon and crunching catfish on
his claw.
Damon Young's alliterative rhymes need to be read aloud to the young
audience, his rhythmic style and funny scenarios celebrate the
exciting lives of grandpas and pops. Peter Carnavas' colourful and
funny illustrations add to the excitement of this rollicking picture
book. Pirate Pop with his golden peg leg, fierce hook, patch and
toothy grin is a comical character who loves to share his
adventures.
Rhyllis Bignell.
An eye to the future: Tony Davis, an interview by Fran Knight
Preparing himself for a writing future has meant combining his
writing columns for Sydney Morning Herald and The Age (Drive) and
The Financial Review (Motoring) with recently completing a PhD which
will further establish his writing credentials. But why does a
successful children's author need to 'futureproof' himself?
Having always written stories and novels, and wanting to be an
author, Davis worked for the Sydney Morning Herald as a journalist
working as the paper's feature editor, back page columnist and chief
of staff. He hedged about taking a redundancy when they were offered
some years ago, eventually accepting one in 2015, but promising
himself that he would use this money to support himself while he
writes.
Fairfax published several of his non fiction books, but after Random
House published Total lemons (2004), Step on it! A wild
ride through the motor age (2006), Are you for wheel , the
most amazing cars ever (2007) and You must be skidding:
The greatest losers of the motoring world (2007), they
published his books about Roland Wright.
This was his first series of novels, aimed at younger readers, (Brand
new page, Future knight and At the
joust). Davis spent a great deal of time researching
medieval times, even going so far as joining a Medieval reenactment
group donning armour to act out some routines. It was worth it as
the Roland Wright books are impressive in dealing with the medieval
era and were popular, although the sales of the third book didn't
quite encourage the publishers to back a fourth in the series. I was
most impressed with this series and its accurate presentation of the
times. The detail of Medieval life was engrossing and the series
also had a strong moral theme, one which Davis felt was self evident
for the younger age range being aimed at.
Columns for SMH, FIIN and The Age still proceed, but with the
publication of The
big dry, Davis has established a niche for himself with
those upper primary people looking for something a little meatier.
This book concerns itself with the impact we have made upon our
environment, using the American Dust Bowl as a clear example. Aimed
at those kids no longer reading Roland Wright, but wanting
something with more depth before moving to the Young Adult genre,
this book hits the mark.
The sympathetic trio of protagonists, combined with a recognisable
background, and a seven year drought makes for a book which impels
its readers to keep reading. And as the first in a trilogy, he is
assured of a continuing audience.
Davis was in Adelaide as a Fellow of the May Gibbs Children's
Literature Trust, staying in their flat in Norwood when I met him
over coffee. The May Gibbs Children's Literature Trust Fellowship
allows an author or illustrator to have a month's residency in
Adelaide where they can work without interruption. The down side is
that Davis had to write some twenty articles for his newspaper
columns before leaving Sydney.
With an ever watchful eye to the future, Davis has a PhD in writing,
something that will ensure his writing career continues. The future
of print media is in a state of flux, with digital and online news
taking over the ground traditionally concentrating on newspapers, so
with The big dry receiving such acclaim, a new novel written
while in Adelaide, and a play based on The big dry being
produced in Sydney next year, his future looks very safe, combining
the world of children's literature with journalism.
Quick bibliography for reading other books by Tony Davis: Total lemons: 60 heroic failures of motoring (Random House,
2004) Step on it! A wild ride through the motor age (Random House,
2006) Splat: The madness and magnificence of the world's most dangerous
sport (Allen & Unwin, 2007) F Scott, Ernest and me (Random House, 2007) You must be skidding: The greatest losers of the motoring world
(Random House, 2007) Roland Wright: future knight (Random House, 2007) Roland
Wright: Brand new page (Random house, 2008) Roland
Wright: At the joust (Random House, 2008) Are you for wheel, the most amazing cars ever (Random House,
2008) The big
dry (Harper Collins, 2013)
Rise and fall by Eliot Schrefer
Spirit animals. Scholastic, 2015. ISBN 9781743620038
(Age: 8-12) At book six this series is heading towards the final
confrontation between our Greencloak heroes and the evil Devourer,
leader of the Conquerors. Having suffered much, one wonders what
could possibly happen next to the four youngsters before the series
ends and how inventive the writers will be to keep them going until
the final book.
With Meilin and Abeke captured and delivered to General Gar head of
the Conquerors by Shane, Conor, Rollan and Tarik have arrived on
Nilo in search for Cabaro the Lion in an attempt to rescue his
talisman. The journey across Nilo which is mostly desert, is made
more dangerous by the presence of the Conquerors who have already
taken control of much of the island.
A local youngster Irtike whose spirit animal, a naked mole rat, gives
her an ability to sense beneath the earth, joins their quest and
guides them towards the oasis which is the kingdom Cabaro rules
over, and where humans are definitely not welcomed. There are many
dangers they need to overcome with Gerathon accompanying the
Conquerors and an army of ostriches guarding the only entrance to
the oasis only allowing animals entrance through the cliff pass.
Meanwhile Abeke and Meilin plot their escape made possible by a
confrontation between Gar and Drina, Shane's sister. Abeke and Shane
escape on his ship whilst Meilin, who is ashamed that it was through
her that the Greencloaks had been betrayed, opts to remain hidden on
the docks to maximise their chances of reaching the safety of
Greenhaven.
The final confrontation to capture Calabro's talisman is as usual
full of twists and turns, violence and unexpected solutions. This
time unfortunately resulting in the death of Tarik the leader of the
expedition, as well as the elimination of Gerathon and General Gar.
Tarik's memorial service at Greenhaven seems to be the end of the
story but there is another twist, answering some questions, and
leaving the reader ready for the next episode and hopefully the
final chapter in the story.
Sue Keane
Where is galah? by Sally Morgan
Little Hare Press, 2015. ISBN 9781921894466
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Aboriginal themes. Aboriginal stories. Quest.
Australian animals.
In her distinctive style, Morgan shows Dingo searching the bush for
Galah. He can see Emu and hear Kookaburra, he can see Eagle and hear
Frog, but cannot find Galah. Each page repeats the last seeing one
animal and hearing another, but not being able to find Galah. Kids
will love to predict and read along with the pages as they are
turned. It will not take them long to work out the rhythm of the
lines on each page, and as each few sentences talks about hearing an
animal, the noise made by the readers and listeners will be
infectious. Kookaburra, Crocodile, Frog, Mouse as well as Numbat
all have their own noises which the kids will love to replicate,
loudly.
On each colourful page readers will be excited to find a range of
animals almost hidden in the swirls and patterns. They will easily
recognise features of the Australian bush and learn the names of
animals they do not know and laugh knowingly when Dingo is tired of
his search and does what all tired children do.
This is a charming book. I can easily imagine small children
reveling in the features of the animals shown, learning to make the
noise that animal makes and learning something new about the
environments in which they live. Morgan's enchanting imagery begs to
be copied by younger readers with paint, crayon and paper. Their
colourful efforts will make a splash in any classroom or on the
fridge at home.
Fran Knight
Reckless by Danielle Weiler
Ranga Books, 2013. ISBN: 9780987546708
(Age: 16+) Highly recommended. Sexual scenes. Milly Benton wants it
all to go away. Wants all the nightmares and fears to go. She wants
an end to her parent's grief and all of the questions about how she
is going to spend the rest of her life to go away as well. Her
parents try one last hope of sending Milly away to her annoyingly
helpful aunt and three cousins' home in the country. Milly, bitter
about the way life has been to her, has stopped dreaming of a
beautiful future. Someone from her childhood comes back into her
life, just as broken as she is. Can they help each other overcome
their pasts?
This genre is becoming wildly popular as of late, and they just keep
getting better. It was wonderful to read and really intriguing. It
took me a bit to really get into Reckless as the beginning
really was not something I was interested in but I powered
through and really enjoyed how Danielle Weiler told Milly's life. I
felt sympathetic with the main characters and really loved reading
about how they evolved within the story.
Cecilia Richards
