Ill. by Lucia Masciullo. JoJo Publishing, 2015. ISBN
9780987358684 My Happy Sad Mummy is a first in my experience; a picture
book specifically written to explain bipolar disorder for a
pre-school audience. Written to fill a need the author herself
discovered, whilst searching for an aid to explain her own mental
illness to her young children, this book will be an invaluable
resource for families living the same experience.
Written from the point of view of a young child whose mother has
days when she is so happy, talkative and active that she doesn't
want to stop, and other days when she cries all day, sleeps and does
not interact with the enthusiastic child. Dad explains that Mum is
ill and sometimes needs medication and other times, needs to go to
hospital to be looked after. When that happens, Grandpa and Grandma
come to help look after her.
The text is easy to read, factual and to the point;
'Sometimes Mummy's very happy. Sometimes she is very sad.
Sometimes Mummy's in hospital. Sometimes she's at home.'
The muted full page illustrations add more layers of meaning to the
story as we see the child worried and anxious, but also witness the
mother's highs and lows. The joy shown by both in the final
illustration gives hope for a positive future.
In the forward by Professor Phillip Mitchell, director of the Black
Dog Institute, we are reminded that as bipolar disorder ' . . .
usually begins in late adolescence, or during the twenties, many
with this condition will be young parents.' To have a resource
available which so simply and sympathetically, portrays the illness
can only be an advantage to both families and the wider community in
de-mystifying this particular mental illness.
Sue Keane
The Book of Storms by Ruth Hatfield
Hot Key Books, 2014. ISBN: 9781471402982
(Age: 9+) Recommended. The night around him begins to burn with
lightning; he closes his eyes and buries his face in the crook of
his arm. Everything will be all right in the morning. His parents
come back, and he eats breakfast with them and laughs about how
silly it is to be scared by a thunderstorm. However long the night
and thick and the darkness, however loud the roaring storm, the
morning always comes.
Danny O'Neill's parents are storm chasers, and one morning they
don't come back.
The only thing that the storm left behind is a charred branch from
an old sycamore tree. A taro. With this stick Danny has the power to
communicate with all of nature.
But an ancient and powerful man of darkness will stop at nothing to
prevent Danny from finding his parents and will do everything in his
power to silence him.
Danny must uncover the secrets of the Book of Storms and set off
alone to save his parents - and the whole human race.
Ruth Hatfield's, The Book of Storms, really made me wonder
if that is how we really do see things.
I would recommend this novel to children 9 and above as the
storyline may be confusing to children any younger than that. This
novel would also be a good read for families as it talks about the
importance of family.
Jazmin Humphries, Year 7
Diary of A Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul by Jeff Kinney
Puffin Books, 2014. ISBN 9780143308591
(Age: 9+) Highly recommended. This amazing series of book is still
going strong and number 9, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul,
- still gets readers engaged and eager to read. The children in my
Year 4/5 class saw this in the group of books I had to review and I
had to quickly put it away. They were busy deciding who would read
it first! The Heffleys are on a family road trip. Road trips are
meant to be fun, aren't they? The first problem is packing the van
and fitting in everything needed. Next, Mum pulls out the Spanish
CDs, the car games and the 'Mommy Meal'. No fast food stops on this
trip? What about the runaway pigs? What about car crashes? This
story has it all and more. The Long Haul is full of funny, descriptive events as seen
through the eyes of our main character Greg. His view of events
turns out to be hilarious and engaging and the accompanying cartoons
only add to the hilarity of it all. This book (and all of the others
in this series) is highly recommended to independent readers aged
9+.
Kylie Kempster
The Royal Babysitters by Clementine Beauvais
Bloomsbury Publishing, 2014. ISBN 9781408850770
(Age: 9+) Highly recommended. The Royal Babysitters is a fun
story which is also quick moving and full of hilarious antics. Anna
and Holly need money for the holiday of a lifetime and so they
accept the job as the Royal Babysitter. How hard can it be to look
after a baby prince? Well, six princes and an invasion by the King
of Danland really means a very tricky day for the girls.
Highly recommended for readers aged 9+. They will laugh at all the
effort the two girls and their new friend, Prince Pepino, get up to
as they lose babies, find babies, fight robot mermaids and defeat
kooky kings. The events are descriptive and the addition of black
and white cartoons only adds to the readers' understanding and the
comedy included by the author.
Kylie Kempster
Wrath of the Lizard Lord by Jon Mayhew
Bloomsbury, 2014. ISBN 9781408826324
(Age: 7-12 years) Recommended. This is the second offering by Mayhew
in the Monster Odyssey series and continues the story of the
Indian Prince Dakkar, his mentor Oginski and a cast of characters
including giants and monstrous man-eating reptiles with a strong
resemblance to dinosaurs. With more than a passing nod to Jules
Verne's Journey to the Centre of the Earth and 20,000
Leagues Under the Sea, readers of this offering could be
encouraged to try these classics in an attempt to compare.
Beginning on the Isle of Elba in 1815 with a meeting with Napoleon
and a glimpse of a reptilian monster, Dakkar and Oginski escape in
their submarine, the Nautilus, having to evade giant shark like
creatures and make their way to England. Unfortunately Oginski is
severely injured and is cared for in Lyme Regis leaving Dakkar to
his own resources.
Dakkar meets Mary Anning, fossil hunter, to ask about the claw he
found in Elba. Mary tries to evade him after a rockfall and he
pursues her, only to find himself deep within the earth with no
visible way out. Pursued by giant reptiles, rescued by friendly,
giant humans and discovering the stronghold of the evil Stefan
Oginski, Count Cryptos, one of the brothers who are bent on
conquering the world, Dakkar is determined to return to the surface
and defeat Stefan.
Dakkar and Mary go from one life threatening situation to the next
in this fast paced improbable adventure where being eaten is a
continuous threat and ingenuity and a sound knowledge of explosives
a must. Another submarine, a giant squid, not to mention another
Napoleon and participating in the Battle of Waterloo, all add to the
chaos.
By searching for aspects of Verne, a spot the dinosaur game and
researching the historical references, readers can gain more from
this book than a fantastic adventure story.
Sue Keane
A duck is watching me: strange and unusual phobias. Commentary by Bernie Hobbs
NLA Publishing, 2014. ISBN 9780642278647
(Age: 12+) Most people are aware of arachnophobia, the fear of
spiders, and claustrophobia, the fear of enclosed spaces. But what
about pupophobia, the fear of puppets, or lutraphobia, the fear of
otters? In A duck is watching me, photographs from the
collection of the National Library of Australia have been used to
raise awareness of a psychological condition that can be
debilitating to those affected.
The two page introduction by science writer and broadcaster Bernie
Hobbs is a textbook example of how scientific and medical knowledge
can be communicated to lay readers. After outlining the biology and
psychology of the fight-or-flight response, the author considers the
various origins of phobias including evidence that they can be
learned, inherited or develop after adverse experiences. She also
recommends programs organised by zoos to help those with phobias
about animals, and wisely advises anyone in the thrall of a phobia
to speak to a health professional. Bernie Hobbs has the ability to
convey information about a medical condition in a light-hearted
style that is enjoyable to read but maintains scientific credibility
and empathy for sufferers.
The book is neither a medical text book nor an in-depth study of the
causes and effects of phobias. Instead, readers can browse an
intriguing collection of nineteenth and twentieth-century
photographs, and dwell on the brief definition of the phobia with
which each picture is associated. For example, an 1890 portrait of a
child on a fur rug is matched with 'Doraphobia, the fear of fur' and
a photograph of spectators at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 1980
accompanies 'Demophobia, the fear of crowds'.
If the first step to overcoming a fear is to name it, then A duck is
watching me has certainly succeeded. Its playful approach to a
subject that is grounded in fear can help to promote an
understanding of the anxiety disorders that affect one in ten people
but are rarely discussed.
Elizabeth Bor
My First Elmer Collection by David McKee
Random House, 2014. ISBN 9781783441792
(Age: Pre-School) If the preschool children in your life haven't
been introduced to Elmer yet then you need to read the first story
in the series. He is a perennial favourite, even with children much
older than the target market of preschoolers.
In this collection of board books just the right size for small
fingers, there are four titles - Elmer's Day, Elmer's
Colours, Elmer's Friends and Elmer's Weather.
Each is perfectly pitched at the youngest of readers, introducing
them to basic concepts about their world while bringing delight and
laughter. McKee's bright pictures appeal enormously and he is a most
recognisable character.
It is 25 years since we were first introduced to Elmer, and given
the delight a group of Year 2 students took in exploring stories
about him just a week ago, it is clear that that appeal is not going
to fade. This would be an ideal set to begin your child's reading
journey. Recommend it to your parents for their Christmas list
because they can build on it for several years! Perhaps one family
member can become the 'Elmer giver'.
Barbara Braxton
The Imaginary by A. F. Harrold
Bloomsbury, 2014. ISBN: 9781408852460
(Age: 8+) Recommended. The Imaginary is a fiction story
about loss, friendship, determination and imagination. Amanda
Shuffleup is an extremely imaginative young girl; she can turn her
ordinary back yard into a whole new world. All of her friends think
she is a bit weird especially when she introduces them to Rudger,
her imaginary friend. No-one can see Rudger apart from Amanda . . .
and Mr. Bunting. Mr. Bunting is an imaginaries hunter, and when he
finds them he eats them. Soon Mr. Bunting has found Rudger and he's
hunting him down. Unfortunately Amanda is in an accident and she
forgets all about Rudger. What happens to imaginaries when they
don't have any one to dream them up? Now Rudger is fading and he
needs to find Amanda again, before Mr. Bunting finds him. A
mysterious talking cat shows Rudger to a safe place full of other
imaginaries, but Rudger is not happy without Amanda. He has to find
her before its too late. Rudger finds someone that might help lead
him to Amanda. But will his plan go as he wants or will he fade
completely?
When I read The Imaginary I was with the story the whole
time. It is a great book to read. It is quite different to other
stories because the main character is not even real, he's imaginary.
It made me think if I ever had an imaginary friend. I would
recommend this book to kids aged 8+. I definitely enjoyed reading The
Imaginary.
Jasmin Grist (Student)
Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas
Throne of glass, bk 3. Bloomsbury, 2014. ISBN 9781408839126
(Age: 13+) Highly recommended. Celaena cannot do the King of
Adarlan's wishes, she is sent off by Prince Dorian and Captain Chaol
to keep her hidden. She is approached by dark and mysterious
Rowan, sworn fae warrior to Celaena's Aunt Maeve, and is taken back
to Maeve's realm. Celaena needs to obtain the secrets of the
Wyrdmarks and to do so she needs to train with Rowen and prove her
worth. Celaena must come to accept her troubled past and her
heritage. Chaol must accept that the King he serves is an unjust
ruler, while Dorian must accept the forbidden magic within him.
This is the third instalment of the Throne of Glass series,
which is a must read. I love how the relationships in the Heir
of Fire have developed. The characters are strong and are
never as you first read them. After reading the first two books I
thought I understood Celaena but everything changes in Heir of
Fire. I could not put this book down; I just had to see the
ending. I had to know who Celaena really is and whether she will
accept her heritage or not. An amazing and captivating read that
many would enjoy.
Cecilia Richards
A New Pet by Gabriel Evans
Woodlands Whiskers series. Five Mile Press, 2014. ISBN
9781760061005
Recommended. 'Please clean your bedroom,' said Mum. But the little
mice didn't want to tidy today.
Just like the first book in the Woodlands Whiskers Lift a Flap
series, A New Pet is a beautifully drawn short story that
evokes memories of the Peter Rabbit books I was read as a
child. It has a delicate way of presenting the story and characters
in both text and pictures. Questions can immediately be asked by a
child reader as to which mouse is which and the flowing text slowly
answers the inquisitive mind.
Along the way a young reader is also drawn to each page by the
little lift the flap pop out windows that they must open to find out
what is hidden behind. Most depict what is happening in the text but
a pretty little lady bug also draws the imagination. A New Pet is a book that is perfect to read with a child just
before they go to sleep. It offers a story and interaction that
provokes conversation while delivering a sweet little story about a
quiet mouse family and a situation that imitates a real life
situation that many children and their families go through. In a
time where books are getting increasingly louder and brighter it is
lovely to see a book series that is simple and quiet in delivery.
Steve Whitehead
Conjured by Sarah Beth Durst
Bloomsbury, 2014. ISBN: 9780802737496
Eve doesn't know much. She knows her name, Eve; she knows Malcolm
and Aunt Nicki but no one from her past. She knows only what the
agency tells her, she is on the run from a notorious serial killer
and her lost memories can help Malcolm find the killer. She is
placed into real life circumstances that jog her memory, she has a
home, she has a job and she has friends that she doesn't trust. Eve
loses more memories and can't remember time between each memory
flash; she loses days or even weeks. And she has to place everything
together so that she knows who she is before its too late for her. Conjured is an amazing and captivating read. I did find that
I was confused a fair amount but only to the extremes that Eve was.
An intriguing view on magic and mystery that kept me wanting to know
whether Eve will remember who she is at the end or not. I was
shocked at some of the betrayals that Eve had to go through but I
thoroughly enjoyed reading about Eve and watching her evolve into a
stronger character.
Cecilia Richards
Wombat went a'surfing ill. by Lachlan Creagh
Lothian, 2014. ISBN 9780734415578
(Age: 3-10) Picture book. Recommended. Wombat and his mates are
heading to the beach. Croc can surf, Goanna is a natural, Koala
thinks it's fun, Emu can't stand up but the question is, can wombat
hang ten? Wombat Went Surfing is a wonderful and simple story for the
average Australian child from 3 - 10. The book is a great story for
all parents to read to their children and a great book for an
emerging reader to take on a non-levelled picture book. The pages
are beautifully illustrated, the fonts are large and simple to read.
The language is very easy and will not stress a child with limited
vocabulary other than several Australian colloquialisms.
Lothian Children's Books have branched off from their well-known Captain
Kangaroo series and released a great book revolving around the
rollie pollie lovable character Wombat. They have kept the
Australian animal characters and beautiful coastal backdrops are
very well presented. Wombat Went Surfing is a beautiful book that shares its
mantle with other great Australian picture books such as Possum
Magic, Edward the Emu, Captain Kangaroo, Bilby
and the Bushfire and Mulga Bill's Bicycle with its
wonderful Australian colloquialisms.
Steve Whitehead
The Talkative Tombstone by Ursula Dubosarsky
The Cryptic Casebook of Coco Carlomagno bk. 6. Ill. by Terry
Denton. Allen & Unwin, 2014. ISBN 9781743319529
(Age: 7-9) Recommended. Buenos Aires Chief of Police Coco Carlomagno
is in a terrible state, he needs the assistance of his cousin
Alberta to solve another Argentine mystery. She travels to the city
with her celery sticks, a torch, crossword puzzles and a fake
moustache in a brown paper bag; this case calls for the two guinea
pigs to be disguised. They travel on the Subte, the underground
railway to the grand cemetery of Chacarita, without stopping at the
famous churro factory nearby. The graves are small houses set
alongside little streets and Coco is extremely worried about the
strange noises coming from one of them. Alberta courageously
ventures inside and solves the mystery behind the talking tombstone.
Terry Denton's humorous sketches of the detectives in action are
combined with puzzles, mazes, codes and cryptic clues to make this
another great addition to the series. Fans will enjoy reading about
the crime fighting cousins, who solve two more mysteries in this
junior novel. A glossary of Spanish words is included at the end.
Recommended for readers from 7-9 years.
Rhyllis Bignell
The Icicle Illuminarium by N. J. Gemmell
Random House, 2014. ISBN 9780857985675
(Age: 9-13) Highly recommended. The Icicle Illuminarium is
entertaining and original. It had me holding my breath before I was
halfway through!
It was so good I couldn't stop reading: a real page turner!!
I loved it.
It tells the story of four little Australians whose father went
missing (from the Kensington Reptilarium), but has now been found.
Now they keep on hearing stories of their 'supposed to be dead'
Mother being alive; so the Caddy kids go on a mission to find her.
What lies ahead no-one knows - they could fall into deadly trap!!
You really need to read it!!
I highly recommend this book for ages 9 - 13.
Amelie Meinel (Student, Year 6)
Terry Denton's bumper book of the universe by Terry Denton
Penguin, 2014. ISBN 9780143308003
(Age: 10+) Recommended. This bumper book by Terry Denton is full of
mazes, puzzles, codes and so much more. This fun book teaches about
everything from how the world was made to families, how things work
and even about me. The book is divided into 12 different
sections that have information as well as activities to help you
learn lots of things. There are 304 pages of fun. I liked being able
to draw my own diagrams and pictures in it.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it for ages 10 and up.
Leah Meinel (Student, age 10)
