HarperCollins, 2014. ISBN 9780007514274
(Age: Pre-school - Yr 6) 'If words make up stories and letters make
up words, then stories are made up of letters. In this menagerie we
have stories, made of words, made for all the letters.' And that's
just what this fabulous book by Oliver Jeffers is all about. He has
taken the concept of a picture book and viewed it through a new
lens. Instead of the traditional 26 letters accompanied by pictures
of words starting with the letter, there are 26 stories, one for
each letter of the alphabet - each short, succinct, imaginative and
complete. Here's an example. 'Bernard and Bob lived on either side
of a bridge and for years had been battling each other for reasons
neither could remember. One day Bob decided to fix things so Bernard
couldn't bother him anymore, by burning the bridge between them. But
Bob learned an important lesson that day. He needed the bridge to
get back.' Characters like Owl and Octopus appear and reappear
throughout the stories adding continuity especially as Z returns us
to Edward the astronaut's problem of the first page! The
cartoon-like illustrations that are Jeffers' trademark are more
about illustrating the story than emphasising the sound of the
letter, another departure from the more traditional format of an
alphabet book and the whole has a wonderful mix of humour and
quirkiness that it will appeal to all ages. This is so much more
than an alphabet book to entertain littlies, although it does that
very well. There is the opportunity to introduce the concept of
alliteration - Danger Delilah is a daredevil who laughs in the face
of Death and dances at the door of Disaster - and explore how it can
be used to add meaning and depth to a story. Students could also be
challenged to create similar short stories - telling a tale in two
or three sentences that still contain a traditional story structure.
(There's a website
devoted to this concept - but select what's appropriate for your
students; and for those who subscribe to the NSW School Magazine
Touchdown, the March 2013 issue contained a how-to.) Every time I
dip into this book I find more to delight me - adults and children
alike will love this one.
Barbara Braxton
Save Rafe by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts
Laura Park. Young Arrow, 2014. ISBN 9780099596424
(Age: Yr 4+) It is literally the stuff of nightmares. Rafe
Katchadorian thought he would be going to Airbrook Arts School when
the new school year starts but over the summer vacation it has
closed down and he has to return to Hills Village Middle School -
from where he has already been expelled. Even worse, Vice Principal
Stricker has been promoted to principal and her sister is now the
deputy, and neither of them like Rafe. They have determined that
before he will be readmitted to HVMS he will have to succeed on The
Program, which turns out to be a week-long rugged outdoors camp in
the Colorado Rocky Mountains.
So 4.00am the next morning sees the whole family on the road to Base
Camp, arriving with just two minutes to spare and attracting the
wrath of Sergeant Fish (who is the epitome of the stereotypical
bellowing, tough sergeant-major.) Not an auspicious start. Rafe, as
well as the other seven students who have been assigned to The
Program, discover that this is no ordinary camp and they will have
to work as individuals as well as a team to overcome obstacles
designed to test their resilience, persistence and determination so
they can earn sufficient tags to maintain their place in the
program. The first obstacle is climbing a tower to get the food for
that night's supper.
This is a fast-paced book that has the reader willing Rafe on,
telling him not to quit and hoping that he can see the reasons
behind The Program as clearly. In it Rafe learns a lot about himself
although even when he is required to write a letter to himself about
what he sees his life as being a year from now he has difficulty in
articulating it in words. Drawing is his talent. But you know that
he has internalised much and when he does return to HVMS and
discovers Stricker and Stonecase have yet another hurdle for him, he
will be able to take it on with greater confidence and self-belief.
Whether writing for adults or children, James Patterson crafts a
great story drawing characters that come off the page and compel the
reader to continue reading to find out what happens to them. Like
many troubled kids, Rafe has a backstory of insecurity and
self-doubt that he masks with his troublemaker persona, a kind of
get-them-before-they-get-me attitude that comes to the fore through
his Loozer and Leo comics that he draws because he can't articulate
his feelings. He has little belief in his expectations to succeed
but this is turned around in this book as he is driven by his desire
not to disappoint his mother.
Lavishly illustrated with graphics that are an integral part of the
events and Rafe's story, this could almost be considered a graphic
novel so it will appeal to those boys who are reluctant readers.
This is the 6th in this series that has captured the imaginations of
boys in that Yr 4+ audience who are starting to be more independent,
see girls as a likeable species, and are starting to feel the
awkwardness of adolescence. It is the series to be seen reading!
Barbara Braxton
A Little Treehouse Story series by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton
Pan Macmillan Australia, 2015. Barky the Barking Dog. ISBN 9781743532980 Ten Unlucky Pirates. ISBN 9781743532973
Recommended for readers from 6-8 years. Barky the Barking Dog
originally appeared as a chapter in the Andy Griffiths and Terry
Denton's popular The 13-Storey Treehouse. In a simple to
read rhyming format for beginning readers, we follow Barky as he
barks at everything from a rose to a gorilla's big hairy toes. He
even barks at Terry and Andy and of course you! Ten Unlucky Pirates was a chapter from Andy and Terry's
bestselling The 26-Storey Treehouse. This rollicking rhyme
is loosely based on the song Five Little Monkeys. Terry Denton's
illustrations showcase his wicked sense of humour; there's a
quirkiness to each colourful pirate predicament. Each meets a
different fate - electrified by the sound equipment, attacked by the
pirate tattooing machine or bucked off Kevin the mechanical bull. Seven unlucky pirates making a rockin' pirate mix
One got a great big shock and then there were six.
This new series from the Treehouse collection are just right for the
beginning reader, a great introduction to the winning combination of
Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton.
Rhyllis Bignell
The adventures of Beekle the unimaginary friend by Dan Santat
Little, Brown, 2014. ISBN 9780316199988
Highly recommended for readers from 4-7 years. Caldecott Picture
Book Winner 2015. Dan Santat's award winning picture book told in
the third person, explores the world from the imaginary friends
point of view. He introduces a small creature sadly waiting on the
island of unimaginary friends, wanting 'to be picked by a
child and given a special name.' He watches as other creatures are
beamed away into the starry night sky, off to enjoy a world of
friendship and adventure.
With courage and determination, Beekle sets sail to find his real
friend. He crosses the deep green ocean in a tiny boat, encountering
a huge, colourful sea serpent and a giant whale on his journey. When
he lands in the real world, he is unhappy. His little, chubby white
body and golden crown, stand out in the gray and sepia-toned adult
spaces, the restaurant and subway train where everything is both
distant and daunting. 'No kids were eating cake. No one stopped to
hear the music.'
When all seems lost, Alice a small girl with large spectacles
appears, she's waving a hand-drawn picture of him perched high up in
a tree filled with star-shaped leaves. He truly is her imaginary
friend.
Santat's emotive use of colour stands out in this picture book . The
grey tones for the world without friends, brown and orange for the
first meeting of his real friend and rainbow hues for the island and
sea serpent. Glowing yellow circles light up the cartoon style
scenes when Alice names him Beekle. The bright hues of the
children's playground lift the narrative as Beekle searches
everywhere for his friend.
To win a Caldecott Medal a picture book needs to provide the young
reader with a uniquely visual and emotional experience that respects
their understandings and abilities. The Adventures of Beekle The
Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat is distinctive and engaging, share
this with a young child or a junior primary class.
Rhyllis Bignell
A Scarlet Novel: Lady Thief by A. C. Gaughen
Walker Books, 2014. ISBN 9780802736147
(Age: 12+) Imagine if everything Robin Hood did had been done by a
woman . . . Well this book isn't quite THAT controversial, however
it does morph both the legendary Maid Marian and Will Scarlet into
the same figure.
Set in Nottingham after Robin Hood's escape and the sheriff's
subsequent demise, the novel follows Scarlet as she returns to her
loveless marriage under the lure of an annulment, which can only be
achieved if both she and her husband petition the church.
Unfortunately, her return pairs with Prince John's arrival and not
only is she back at the mercy of Lord Gisbourne, but of Prince John
as well. The Prince was summoned to choose a replacement sheriff,
however it soon becomes apparent that that isn't his only agenda.
Will he get his way when he has Scarlet to contend with?
Although written in a dialect, the writing style appears to be
confusing. Not only is the dialect employed, but the writing is
fairly modern which clashes both with the vernacular and the setting
used.
One of the most outstanding things about his novel is it's
characterisation of Scarlet (A.K.A Marian) being a strong, yet
wilful, woman who is more than capable of making decisions for
herself and for the good of others. Presented as a nobleman's
daughter, Scarlet escaped to join Robin's merry band where she then
fell in love with the legendary Robin Hood. A good hand at knives,
Scarlet places herself in danger by loving Robin, both with the
hopeful sheriffs, with the prince himself and even with Robin. She
is a great role model for girls and for this reason I would
recommend to girls aged twelve and up.
Kayla Gaskell (Age nineteen)
You wouldn't want to be in the trenches in World War One by Alex Woolf
David Antram. Book House, 2014. ISBN 9781909645226
(Age: Yr 5+) Subtitled A hole you'd rather not be in this is
an ideal introduction for younger students to World War I. The
reader is given the persona of one Tommy Atkins, an underage but
enthusiastic English lad determined to do his bit for King and
Country and then in a chatty commentary which is filled with facts
and accompanied by appealing cartoon-esque illustrations is led
through the process from joining up to training to being in the
trenches on the Western Front. Life in the trenches is exposed for
what it was - rats and lice, bully beef, bread and biscuits, cold
and wet and being under fire.
While remaining factually true the presentation is one that tells
what happened but without the gory bits, the parts that we as adults
know but kids don't have to yet. For example, Tommy is wounded at
Messines but the next part is about being back in England with
family. Scattered throughout are handy hints such as "To detect
enemy tunnelling, drive a stick into the ground and hold the other
end between teeth to feel any vibrations."
This is an ideal addition to your WWI/ANZAC collection, just right
for the reader who wants to know what happened but for whom fiction
doesn't appeal. While the guide suggests this as suitable for Yrs
5-8, a mature Yr3+ reader with an interest in the topic would handle
it well.
For an extensive list of texts to help primary students understand
ANZAC, Gallipoli and World War I you might like to check out my Pinterest
board Remembering Gallipoli I've gathered over 200 resources.
Barbara Braxton
13 words by Lemony Snicket
Maira Kalman. HarperCollins, 2014. ISBN 9780061664670
(Age: K-3) Word Number 1: bird. The bird sits on the table Word
Number 2: despondent. The bird is despondent. In fact, she is so sad
that she hops off the table to look for something to cheer her up.
And so begins this new story from Lemony Snicket (A Series of
Unfortunate Events) that continues his penchant for quirky but
thoroughly engaging stories. Bird hops off the table to explore the
cake (Word Number 3) that is in the box under it and is joined by
dog (word Number 4). Together they eat the cake and then while Bird
gets busy (Word Number 5) Dog goes off in his convertible (#6) and
meets Goat (#7) and together they look for things that might cheer
Bird up. They decide on a hat (#8) and so continues a wonderful tale
that compels the reader to make connections between words like
'haberdashery', 'panache' and 'mezzo-soprano'.
Giving life to the words are the amazing illustrations of Maira
Kalman which have been described in the Kirkus review as 'gorgeous,
Matisse-like, gelato-colored'. They force the reader to engage with
them, drawing you in to discover a range of unexpected delights that
are just as original as Snicket's storyline. It's as though Snicket
and Kalman have decided to take the iconic format of a children's
basic word book and turn it upside-down. Not only have they used
words that kids know and are common in traditional word books, but
they've also chosen some of those that they love to learn and let
roll of their tongue in delight. What kindergarten word list
contains 'panache' and 'despondent'? Add to that, instead of the
words being isolated and disconnected, they've turned them into a
story that puts them in a context that demonstrates their meaning
and makes a most appealing story.
This book works on so many levels apart from just being plain fun.
Students could make a list of the most delicious words that they
love to say; they could make their own list of thirteen words and
try to weave them into a story; they could make a chart of all the
different types of hats and classify them as sunsmart or not; and
given that Bird is still despondent at the end of the story they
could speculate on what might make her happier. It's a book that
keeps on giving and has something for each age group you share it
with.
For a sneak peek, there's a trailer at http://youtu.be/VI1HZFrijeU
Barbara Braxton
Fearless: sons and daughter by Colin Thompson
Ill. by Sarah Davis. ABC Books, 2015. ISBN 9780733330872
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Dogs. Animal behaviour. Babies.
Fearless is a dad. Coming indoors one evening he finds Primrose with
five writhing little pups beside her. They ponder together about
where they came from, and Primrose settles into grooming them.
Fearless tries to remember what life was like when he was a pup, and
wonders what sort of dad he will be. At first the pups ignore him,
but when he explains that he is their dad they all get along well,
doing the things that dads do with their offspring. He plays with
them, models behaviour, tells them of the dangers that lurk in the
garden. The pond is a target of further explanation as sharks lurk
in there so it is a place to stay away from.
Over the weeks four of the puppies go to other homes and the
remaining puppy and Primrose thinks that they may have fallen into
the pond and so investigate. Fearless saves the day, showing the
protective nature of fathers within the family as Fearless overcomes
his fear of the water to save Primrose and Eric.
This is a delight as Sarah Davis has produced a set of pictures
which reflect the behaviour of parents towards their children,
modeling the sorts of behaviour expected, showing the sorts of
things fathers do with their babies, and they are varied, funny and
cute.
Throughout the book, the text subtly shows the family interacting,
and how the father is part of the family unit, guiding, modelling,
telling and protecting. His role is tantamount to the pup's safety
as it grows up. This is a lovely book about nurturing to share in
the classroom and at home.
Fran Knight
Shimmer by Paula Weston
The Rephaim bk 3. Text Publishing, 2014. ISBN 9781922147974
(Age: 15+) Recommended. Gaby has started to become accustomed to the
thought that she is one of the Rephaim, a half angel and that her
brother Jude is still alive. But her world is torn apart with the
capture of Rafa and Taya, who are being kept in a horrible prison,
an iron-lined room, by Gatekeeper demons. She must get all the
Rephaim to work together to try and rescue them and that is not an
easy job.
The third in the series, Shimmer, concentrates on the
relationships within the Rephaim, and the machinations that occur
between gaby and her close confederates, those loyal to the
Sanctuary and the Outcasts. There is a handy Who's who at the front
of the book as a reminder of the characters and Gaby recounts what
has happened in earlier books at the beginning of Shimmer, all of
which is helpful when books only come out once a year. The reader
begins to get to know all the characters in depth and Weston keeps
the tension taut as Gaby does her best to get the Rephaim to unite
and go to Rafa's rescue. There are some surprise moments that shock
and leave the reader wondering just who is loyal and who is
betraying the half angels.
Gaby's leadership skills are beginning to develop and it is
interesting to see her operate through the anxiety about Rafa, with
determination and strength. She seems to be combining both her
skills as a half angel and the skills that she learnt when she
thought she was just human and this makes for a fascinating read.
Weston's tight prose and great character building, as well as her
creation of a fascinating world, make this a very readable book and
the cliff-hanger at the end means that the last in the series will
have to be read. This series is a worthwhile read for fantasy
lovers, especially those who like some half angels involved.
Pat Pledger
Ever After High: Once Upon a Time: A Story Collection by Shannon Hale
Little Brown, 2014. ISBN 9780349132020
(Age: 10+) Recommended. This is a collection of 12 short stories
that turn traditional fairy tale characters on their heads. At Ever
After High, the students are beginning their Legacy Year, the time
when they will sign the Storybook of Legends and pledge that they
will repeat the stories that their parents have become famous for.
People who love fairy stories will be charmed with this collection
that is both quirky and very funny. My favourites were the stories
of Dexter and Darling Charming, Dexter Charming and the yellow-eyed
changeling and Darling Charming and the razor eel. Their adventures
and antics in the home of their father Prince Charming were very
amusing, but also poignant as Darling wished she didn't have to
pretend to be just a beautiful maiden, while Dexter often stands out
in his family as he is not as brave or as daring as his brothers.
Maddie Hatter, the daughter of the Madhatter, works in a tea shop
with her father and her story is fascinating as well. There are also
fun stories about Apple White, Lizzie Hearts, Raven Queen, Briar
Beauty, Ashlynn Ella and Hunter Huntsman.
Underlying them all are themes of accepting yourself and your
strengths and weaknesses, even if like Cedar Wood, you are made of
wood; of standing up to bullies and of cherishing friendships.
These stories made me smile and feel good and could prove to be an
interesting and challenging read for young girls especially.
Pat Pledger
Obsession in Death by J.D. Robb
In Death bk40. Piatkus, 2015. ISBN 9780349403656
(Age: Adult) Mystery. Romance. Eve and Roarke are back in the 40th
book of the series. In Death showcases what it would be like
to be a celebrity and to have a killer focus all their attention on
you. Eve is used to the media attention especially after a video had
been made of her exploits but it is very upsetting to find a message
'FOR LIEUTENANT EVE DALLAS, WITH GREAT ADMIRATION AND UNDERSTANDING'
painted behind a murdered barrister. Her admirer is convinced that
they have a special bond and that Eve would approve of this and
subsequent murders that take place.
I found the expose of a stalker/vigilante murderer to be quite
interesting. This was not so much a mystery where the reader had to
uncover clues and try and work out who the killer was, rather the
emphasis was on the psychology of the murderer. Of course, Eve, with
the help of Peabody, the cop team and Roarke, using smart team work
and intelligence, do discover just who is killing off people who may
have annoyed Eve, or indeed trying to kill people close to her.
I didn't find this as fast paced or as clever with the dialogue as
some of the others in the series, but it is still a good solid read
that fans will enjoy. It fleshes out the characters and background
well enough for a stand-alone read as well, which is good when there
are so many in the series!
Pat Pledger
The Last Thirteen series by James Phelan
Scholastic, 2014
Book 1: ISBN 9781742831848
Book 2: ISBN 9781742831855
Book 3: ISBN 9781742831862
(Age: 10+) Recommended. Adventure, Thriller. Adventure and thrills
aplenty in this serving of a series for boys about Sam saving the
world. Sam has been seeing a psychiatrist since the death of his
best friend, Bill in a fire destined to consume the two boys. And
yet he still has shocking nightmares, ones that disturb his sleep
and make him drowsy. But at school one day, the impossible happens.
Just like a movie, helicopters appear, dropping men from the sky,
lasering those who get in their way. Their target is Sam, who they
take with them, and as they do he hears his science teacher, call
out, 'we'll find you'. What an opening. The twists and turns in this
breathless adventure will keep readers turning the pages to see if
Sam, one of the Thirteen Dreamers, can save the world. The thirteen
books in the series show the gathering of the thirteen together in a
place in Switzerland, and with 13 written boldly across the front
cover, the books can be easily spotted on the library shelves or in
the bookshop. The next in the series, 12, follows Sam and his new
friends as they must find Solaris, something from one of Sam's
dreams. And 11 sees their enemies growing stronger as Sam must
unlock the puzzle in the ancient journal.
Scholastic has a terrific trailer for this series, and a website that supports the
stories with games along with more information about the books and
their characters.
Fran Knight
Egg and Spoon by Gregory Maguire
Candlewick Press, 2014. ISBN 9780763672201
(Age: 12+) The author is best known for his story Wicked,
which inspired the musical of the same name. Along with a special
interest in the Brothers Grimm and Maurice Sendak, Maguire harbours
a fascination for Russian folklore, reimagining and retelling
stories which are familiar to many of us. Egg and Spoon
brings a vast cast of characters and stories together on a sprawling
Russian canvas. To begin, the reader is introduced to the
storyteller who is locked in a tower on the outskirts of the Tsarist
Russian empire. He has an amazing tale to tell, beginning with the
chance meeting of two girls in their early teens. Elena is from a
poverty-stricken family in a rural area ravaged by bad harvests,
cold and tragedy. Ekaterina is wealthy and noble of birth, destined
for betrothal within the Tsar's family. Entirely by accident the two
girls end up swapping places and the adventure begins. How
reminiscent is this of numerous folktales we know! Even though the
setting is Russia around 1900, Maguire combines the historical with
the fantastical. We meet the Firebird, Baba Yaga and the Ice Dragon.
We meet a prince travelling incognito and we share in the beauty of
the Faberge egg. He invites us to follow him on this magical
journey, holding our attention with wonderful asides and an
overlying sense of humour. There are important lessons to be learned
along the way about wealth and inequality, the fragile nature of the
environment and the importance of individuals seeing beyond
themselves.
Overall the book is too long and often quite complex, but the story
is engrossing and beautifully and cleverly told. There is something
for everyone in this book, strange and fanciful as it is, and it
would work well as a book to share and read aloud.
Julie Wells
Editor's note: It was on ALA
best fiction for young adults 2015 and on Kirkus
best books 2014 list.
Hunger Town by Wendy Scarfe
Wakefield Press, 2014. ISBN 9781743053362
(Age: Young Adult) Wendy Scarfe has been writing for over four
decades, with many of her published works highlighting her special
interests in history, and social and political issues.
The desperate days of the Great Depression form the backdrop to
Scarfe's novel Hunger Town. It is the story of a city caught
in a cycle of 'unemployment, hunger, protests and police reprisals',
and a country poised on the cusp of political and social change,
driven by a generation with new ideas.
Set on the Port River in Adelaide during this turbulent era, Hunger
Town is primarily an historical narrative. Scarfe inveigles
the personal dilemmas of Judith and Harry Larsen and their
compatriate working class people into this narrative of Australia's
political history. Her vignettes tell of Judith's unusual upbringing
on a coaling hulk moored on the Port River, of widespread unrest, a
burgeoning communist party and its attempt to establish a presence
in Mildura. Finally, a misguided foray into the fascist politics of
Europe and Spain, and Judith's race against time to rescue Harry
from both himself and the spreading disease of fascism, hint at the
unrest of those times. Hunger Town spotlights an Australia many of us are too young
to have experienced. Although Scarfe uses her historical knowledge
to evoke those dark, desperate days, her sweep of characters
sometimes does not allow them to grow within the context of the
story.
Colleen Tuovinen
Cinderella: stories around the world, retold by Cari Meister
Picture Window books, 2015. ISBN 9781479554492
(Age: 5+) Cinderella. Fairy tales. Four of the world's store of
stories about Cinderella will be a good read aloud for younger
readers. The stories include a French version of Cinderella, a
Canadian story called Little Burnt Face from the Micmac
tribe, Yeh-Shen a Chinese Cinderella tale and Rhodopis,
an Egyptian Cinderella story.
Each of the girls is poor, the lowest ranked child in the house,
cleaning and sweeping for her board and lodging. There is always a
prince looking for his true love, a ball or test, a slipper and
finally a wedding. All four are astonishingly similar from such
disparate parts of the world.
Read aloud and discussed with a class looking at fairy tales, these
four will provide a basic understanding of the Cinderella motif, and
give a wider view of the story.
I love the Grimm Brothers version and this would be a great contrast
to the sweeter offerings here.
The French version is very similar to the well known version,
paralleling the Disney film from 1950. The Canadian version of the
girl whose face is burnt by her stepsisters surprised me, as it
brings in the degree of cruelty offered in the version by the
Brothers Grimm. Rhodopis certainly adds another flavour to
the tale, as it is set in Egypt and Yu-Shen will intrigue those
readers with its different setting and names.
The illustrations presented by four different artists reflect a
Disney style common amongst books for this age group, although the
illustrator for Little Burnt Face, Carolina Farias has
attempted to emulate the stylised drawing techniques of North
American groups and her illustrations present a different view.
This is one of a series of books comparing different fairy stories
around the world.
Fran Knight
