Ill. by Lee Wildish. Hodder Children's Books, 2014. ISBN
9781444906790.
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Bears, Greed. Loving bears as she does, Ruby
puts up a sign inviting bears to come and play with her. One bear
appears from the Bear Wood, and together the two have bear hugs and
play chasey. But Ruby is not satisfied, she asks for more bears. Two
more appear, and they have a great time together, until, Ruby, again
asks for more bears. This goes on until the whole house is full of
bears, and she cannot sleep in her own bed. Undeterred, she takes
her blanket to the bathroom, but finds that room filled with bears
as well.
She turns to her original bear and tells him there are too many
bears. He calls 'Bears out', and they all find their way out of the
house and back to the Bear Wood. Ruby and her one bear are alone at
last.
The illustrations are just wonderful, the expressions on the bears'
faces will draw the young readers to look at each individually. Each
bear is different, and the pages with many bears crowded together
invites the reader's close attention. Look closely at the bears in
the bathroom, they are using all the facilities!
I love this take on being satisfied with what you have, of not being
greedy, of too much of a good thing being overwhelming, and can
imagine teachers and parents being able to use the lovely tale to
point out a few home truths to a group of children. After they have
read it for its huge sense of fun, of course.
Fran Knight
The one and only Jack Chant by Rosie Borella
Allen & Unwin, 2014. ISBN 9781743311387.
(Ages: 13-16) Highly recommended for Upper Primary/Lower Secondary
with particular appeal to girls. Amber has finished school and her
friends have all left town - scattered to universities and other
places but somehow Amber is just not sure what she wants to do or
where she wants to go. Biding time and wanting to earn some money
while she decides, Amber does a three month training as a carer for
the elderly and is able to secure a job in the local nursing home.
Tranquil Banks (or Tranquil Blanks to locals) has only been open for
a year and so the facility has been a welcome addition to the
community and people are happy knowing their elderly residents are
being cared for by professionals.
However, Amber shortly realises that the philosophy of the
facility's owner/manager Mrs Ingersoll is not always aligned to the
best interests of her senior citizen residents - nor is she
supportive or even appreciative of her hard-working staff.
Amber enjoys the work and is very capable and compassionate with her
charges but is baffled by both their references to a mysterious
'Jack' and then her own meeting with this strange boy who looks like
he's from another place and time. As is revealed, Jack is indeed
from another time, having suffered at a tragic accident at the very
same location of the new Tranquil Banks over eighty years
previously.
When Amber's much-loved elderly neighbour Vera is unwillingly forced
into the nursing home by her family, it is Amber and Jack who join
forces to support her in her final requests. Jack's mysterious
calling to this place and connection with the residents is revealed
in the process.
Curiously, this is another recently received review book which has
resonated on a personal level for me given my mother's situation in
a very similar nursing home and at times, this made me feel like
slapping Mrs Ingersoll, the owner, sharply :-)
I was heartily pleased to see her outcome, and the initiative shown
by Amber to take the nursing home to a new and improved future.
As Rosie Borella's first novel this is both competently and
engagingly written with deft touches of humour as well as pathos.
Described as a coming-of-age story, it is that and more as Amber
discovers more about herself, the elderly and others as well as her
path in life. It is certainly insightful into a sadly too common
treatment of our elderly by some, and the saving compassion of
others to provided our older people with a dignified, comfortable
and happy twilight. The sweet romance between Amber and the
enigmatic Jack is delightful and readers will relish the interaction
between the two. Readers will also no doubt empathise with Amber's
somewhat turbulent relationship with her parents - a common theme
for sixteen-year-olds everywhere.
Sue Warren
Bridie's boots by Phil Cummings
Ill. by Sara Acton. Working Title Press, 2014. ISBN 9781921504723.
(Age: 4-8) Highly recommended. Weather. Age. Compassion. Bridie
adores her red boots and during the winter she turns five they do
all sorts of things together, having many adventures, sloshing
through puddles, braving storms and crossing wild rivers.
Putting them away when winter finishes, she goes on with her life
but when winter comes around again, she takes them out ready to
renew their friendship, but they are too small.
Bridie and Mum decide to let someone else share her adventures with
her boots.
This is a deceptively straightforward story but full of wonderful
things which young children will notice and want to talk about:
changing shape and size, growing older, weather and the change of
seasons, charity shops and helping those who are less advantaged and
of course, having adventures.
Bridie is a fun loving, adventurous child who tries many different
things with her new boots, and all is reflected in the stunning
illustrations, full of verve and energy.
The illustrations readily capture Bridie prancing around with her
boots, or in a small tissue paper boat, sailing on top of high
waves, or the home of the new owner across the other side of the
world. The ebullient illustrations suit the child admirably. Sara
Acton has recently illustrated The unexpected crocodile, and Daisy
and the puppy, both of which are among my favourites, and Phil
Cumming's work includes the beautiful, Anzac biscuits. I
like the end papers with their small illustrations, and the binding
reflecting an older style of book, which along with the design of
the book, makes it a pleasure to hold and read.
Fran Knight
To this day: For the bullied and beautiful by Shane Koyczan
Walker Books, 2014. ISBN 9781925081510.
(Age: All ) Recommended. Bullying. The author of this poem about
bullying is described as a spoken word artist who claims to have
been bullied as a child. This print version features thirty
different illustrators' responses to the text which has become a
global phenomenon via the internet; garnering millions of views for
the animated version, spawning phone apps, and anti-bullying
movements. Here the thoughtful, funny and heartbreaking words from
the point of view of the bullied are augmented by some wonderful
images. The illustrations deepen the meaning and enhance the message
that the bullies are wrong when they make you feel worthless and
that while the damage might be permanent victims are not alone and
survival is possible. There are links to the animated version of the
poem and a resources page for support organisations. As a discussion
starter for anti-bullying programmes or just as a life raft for the
bullied the book will fit in any school library. It might also be
useful for senior graphic design students.
Sue Speck
The Rapunzel dilemma by Jennifer Kloester
Penguin, 2014. ISBN 9780143571087
Recommended for ages 12+ (middle school). Lily de Tourney lives a
charmed and affluent life despite the death of her mother. So when
she's offered a place in the London Drama Academy, Lily's dream
school, she becomes surprised when nothing goes her way. Lily has
her own skeletons in her closet and when her so-called friends make
life difficult for her, she discovers a secret refuge in one of the
Academy's towers. But not everything can keep her safe and when her
place in the Academy is threatened, Lily must do whatever it takes
to pursue her dream and maybe, get the guy in the end.
Jennifer Kloester's The Rapunzel dilemma is a classic tale
of mystery and romance packaged into one enjoyable book. The plot
thickens as the story continues on, which makes the novel such a fun
read. The writing is not too complex and easy to read which really
defines it as a fresh weekend read. But what really took me by
surprise was the plot twist! No one could have expected it to take
place which just makes this book better!
As each page was turned, Kloester keeps us wanting more of the
hush-hush romance as she masterfully weaves an intricate
relationship that defies all odds. The novel surprised me. I am not
one to read books based on drama academies but I am glad that I have
read this novel and generally liked it. Books of the likes of this
story embrace the Anna and the French kiss series by
Stephanie Perkins and A little something different written
by Sandy Hall.
Samantha May (Student)
The land of stories: A Grimm warning by Chris Colfer
Hachette, 2014. Bk 3. ISBN 9780349124377.
(Age 10+) Highly recommended. Smoke filled the sky above the
treetops in the distance. A horrible screeching noise erupted
through the air. Everyone standing at the palace covered their ears
from the dreadful sound.
Alex and Conner Bailey are special. Their grandmother is the Fairy
Godmother! After their first two adventures in the Land of Stories,
Alex stays behind to train to become Fairy Godmother and Conner
returns to the Otherworld. But when another disaster rises in the
Land of Stories, Conner and Alex have to band together to defeat
whatever it is threatening their kingdom.
The twins are put to the test as they struggle to save the Land of
Stories from destruction once again. Will Alex become Fairy
Godmother? Will Conner ever be able to return to the Land of
Stories? And what secret will Alex uncover that will make the twins
doubt their whole life?
I would recommend this book to children 10 and over as some scenes'
details are described thoroughly and anyone younger might find it
too gruesome. I would also recommend reading this book after you
have read the first two: The land of stories: The wishing spell,
and The land of stories: The enchantress returns.
Chris Colfer is a very well-known actor and author and this book is
proof of that. The Brothers Grimm are most probably two of the
world's most profound authors and this novel is a great classic with
a twist.
Jazmin Humphries (Student Year 7)
The monster who ate Australia by Michael Salmon
Ford St, 2014. ISBN 9781925000542
(Age: 5-10) Recommended. Picture book. Australia. Humour. Journeys.
The thirtieth anniversary edition of this book will find a place in
Australian schools where it will be used as an adjunct to the
emphasis now given to Geography in the curriculum.
Burra the Boggabri, a monster which lives in a small cave behind
Uluru is being kicked out of house and home by the many tourists now
visiting the centre of Australia. He decides it is time to find
another home and spends some time wandering around Australia looking
for just such a place.
He visits every capital city, looking at some of their famous places
deciding that each place is not for him. Some are too cold or wet,
others do not taste very nice, eating Blue Poles in Canberra meant
that an alarm goes off, the noise sending him to the next city. In
Sydney, horror of horrors he is captured and placed in a cage at
Taronga Park Zoo, where he is besieged by hundreds of tourists
coming to look at him, point at him and take photos. This is the
final straw, he nibbles his way out of the bars and returns to
central Australia, but not before many readers have had fun following
his ventures around the country as shown on the map on the title
page.
Salmon's funny illustrations add to the laugh out loud humour of the
book which is suitable for early to middle primary students.
Fran Knight
Funny bunnies (series) by David Melling
Hachette, 2014. Rain or shine. ISBN 9781444919127. Up and down. ISBN 9781444917840.
(Age: Preschool) Board book. Preschool. Weather. Two books in this
series Funny bunnies, Rain or shine, and Up and
down, are designed to be held by young hands and used without
a care for the niceties of reading a book. In hard board ready to
take any treatment dolled out by children still unable to appreciate
how to handle a book, these will be used within early childhood
centres and in the home.
Each shows the funny bunnies on their pogo sticks in situations
which reflect the terms, up and down, or aspects of the weather in
rain and shine. Each is told in rhyming phrases, encouraging the
child to develop a sense of the rhythm of words, and help them to
predict what the next word might be.
In Up and down, the bunnies demonstrate two words which
mean the opposite. So we have the bunnies pulling a cow, and then
pushing a cow, or a bunny going fast while the next bunny goes slow,
or some bunnies play while some fight. Each double page shows the
opposites and so lends itself to discussing words and their
meanings.
In Rain or shine, each double page illustrates a different
aspects of weather, including hail and snow, fog and storm.
Both books will provide a strong book for younger readers which will
teach them new aspects of their language and environment.
Fran Knight
Panic by Sharon M. Draper
Simon & Schuster, 2013. ISBN 9781442408975.
(Age 14+) Sexual exploitation and abuse. Family issues.
Teenage issues. Dancing. Relationships. The cover of this book
displays a beautiful tropical butterfly pinned sadly by one wing.
This is a metaphor for what is to follow in this sad tale of the
abduction of a young dancer named Diamond, who is exploited by a
predator who makes films for the prurient interests of internet
viewers. The ease with which the character allows herself to be led
into the abductors 'net' by the promise of fame is sadly
frightening. Intertwined with this distasteful plot line are the
stories of the dancers from her troupe that are left behind grieving
and dealing with their own teenage, school, friendship and
relationship issues. The abuse of one of the characters by her
aggressive, but attractive boyfriend, and ultimately the sexting of
images that creates great pain also added another agonising plot
line. Set in an undisclosed US locale, the dialogue is peppered with
uniquely American teenage slang and some bizarrely chosen character
names. The incongruity of the horror of the
central plot line with the fragility and innocence of the male and
female dancers as they practise for an approaching performance is
almost painful.
This book reminded me of the unpleasantness of the adult novel by
John Fowles, The collector, or of Emma Donoghue's, The
room, but without the quality of writing. Attempting to make
this into a teenage text perhaps creates the discomfort, although
the author has obviously endeavoured to make this more about
teenagers and the way they deal with contemporary personal
difficulties. Because this book has a younger target audience (in
the 14+ bracket), I am not sure I would actively promote this book.
Older readers (17+) who can cope emotionally with the horrors of
sexual exploitation in an abduction scenario would be better to read
the previously mentioned adult books.
Carolyn Hull
Emus under the bed by Leann J Edwards
Allen & Unwin, 2014. ISBN 978743313459.
(Age: Preschool) Recommended. Picture book. Indigenous themes. When
the narrator visits her Aunt Dollo on Saturdays, she not only
connects with family, but her Aboriginal culture. Aunt Dollo is an
artist. She collects feathers from all sorts of birds and makes
flowers with them. Aunt Dollo tells her niece where she gets the
feathers, and together they make a headband for the girl. At lunch
they sit outside with Uncle Rex who makes them damper to eat under
the gum trees. But Aunt Dollo has a surprise and asks her into the
room to lift the quilt. Under the bed are six emu chicks. What a
marvellous day.
During the day the reader assimilates much about Aboriginal culture,
and can relate the birds that live close by, the sorts of trees to
be found in their community and what the family eats. The passing on
of culture is shown as the aunt teaches the girl about using their
environment to make an art piece.
The illustrations reflect the story, with swathes of colour crossing
each page, and the stylised images recognisably from an Aboriginal
pen. This book is one of a number produced under the auspices of the
Emerging Indigenous Picture Book Mentoring Project, with the support
of the Little Big Book club, Allen & Unwin and the Australia
Council.
Fran Knight
Hana's suitcase: a true story by Karen Levine
Anniversary edition, Allen & Unwin, 2014. ISBN 9781743317679.
(Ages: 10-14) Highly recommended. There would be few people who
remain unaware of the poignant story of Hana's suitcase and
the diligent unravelling that brought a young Holocaust victim back
to the living. After the successful radio documentary, numerous
awards, film documentary, years of touring and travelling and
speaking, by the author Karen Levine, the determined Fumiko Ishioka,
Hana's brother Georg as well as his daughter Lara, this tenth
anniversary of the book republishes the original text and adds a
wealth of updated information and images.
The main participants in sharing Hana's ill-fated story with modern
children, in their stalwart endeavour to spread the message of
peace, each add their reflections on the past ten years. There is
also much additional material in the messages, images and poetry
from children all around the world.
'From little things, big things grow' is very apt in this instance.
When Fumiko, curator of the Japanese Holocaust Education Centre,
requested a child's artefact from the Auschwitz Museum, to be the
focal point of an educational program and exhibit 'The Holocaust
through the Eyes of a Child', she little thought that her group of
dedicated students would spur her on to uncover the truth about Hana
Brady's fate in the darkest days of human history. When Hana's
suitcase arrived from Auschwitz, bearing only her name and the
information that she was an orphan, there was scant evidence to
piece together the rest of the puzzle. How fortunate that this
remarkable young woman refused to be daunted and kept on digging
until she was not only able to piece together Hana's history but
become connected with Hana's brother and in a small way help him
heal after sixty long years.
I can only say if you have not yet read this - you must - and share
it with all young people who are able to appreciate the enormity of
both the atrocity and the challenge to restore Hana to her living
family.
Visit the Brady Family
museum online.
And view the trailer of 'Inside
Hana's suitcase'.
Sue Warren
Our village in the sky by Janeen Brian
Ill. by Anne Spudvilas. Allen & Unwin, 2014. ISBN 9781743318140.
(Age: 7+) Recommended. Poetry. Himalayas. Village life. With short
poems reflecting the lifestyle of those who live in the village and
its setting in the Himalayas, this book is a treat. Each poem shows
another aspect of the children's lives, all contrasting with the
lives of our students, while some show unexpected
similarities. The watercolour illustrations of these children are
absorbing as Spudvilas manages to get so much detail into a wash
drawing, entreating the eye to look at the pots and pans, clothing,
footwear and housing of these villagers, all the while surrounded by
the mountains.
Each poem and illustration shows a different aspect of life in this
remote village. The opening double page shows a young girl sitting
with her village and the mountains in the background, just losing
their wintry white cover of snow. The opening pages introduces the
reader to a place not well known, and through the book, it becomes
more tangible. Then we see the child using the water tub as a drum
on the way to the pipe, then struggling to bring the full tub home.
And over the pages small children are helping their parents build
their house. They must dig mud out of the ground and take it to
their father who moulds it with clay and straw and dung before
putting it into moulds to make bricks. On another page the young
girl is cleaning her brother's clothes, and on another, they mind
the goats or wash the dishes, or use a ladder as a seesaw, all with
smiling faces, all using the experience to draw some fun out of the
work.
Janeen's poems are delightful, adding nuances to the children's play
which is poignant and affecting. Her imagery is controlled, and
reflects a deep understanding of village life. As a read-aloud or a
class story, as a model for their own writing, this book will have a
multitude of uses in the classroom, where looking at other
countries, particularly in the Asia Pacific region is part of the
increased emphasis on geography in the curriculum.
Fran Knight
How to babysit a grandma by Jean Reagan
Ill. by Lee Wildish. Hachette Children's Books, 2014. ISBN
9781444918120.
(Age: 4-6) Picture book. Grandmothers. Babysitting. Family. If a
child has any concerns going to stay overnight with Grandma, then
this book will ensure they are all dissolved as the task is turned
on its head with the child babysitting Grandma, showcasing a close
and companionable relationship between the girl and her grandmother,
as well as the parents as they leave the girl to look after the
older woman.
The pair engages in a range of different activities including going
to the park, feeding the ducks, cooking together, watching for the
first evening star, using charades to tell the woman how much she is
loved, then going to bed after making sure the front light is on.
Each activity is one which grandparents do with their grandchildren,
but done the other way allows for some very funny lines as well as
humorous illustrations in which the child is the leader.
A companion for the New York Times bestseller How to babysit a
granddad, this one will also win hearts as the young girl allays all
her fears of being away from her parents by helping her grandmother
fill in her time with a basket of activities.
Children will easily recognise situations where they have a
babysitter and involve themselves in the things the two do together,
comparing them with what they do when staying with someone else, and
look forward to doing them themselves. The close ties of the family
are stressed all through with the child saying I love you to her
grandmother several times, with the illustrations reflecting all the
good things that make up a happy and close relationship.
Fran Knight
The astrologer's daughter by Rebecca Lim
Text Publishing, 2014. ISBN 9781922182005.
(Age: 14+) Recommended. Avicenna never wanted to become an astrologer
as her mother, Joanne, was. Avicenna knew the trade, understood it,
but never wanted to be one herself. However, when her mother
disappears she is forced to follow in her mother's footsteps to
uncover the truth. When one of her mother's clients seeks out
Avicenna's help to find the truth behind a cold-case murder, she
discovers a connection to Joanne's disappearance. With the help of
Simon, her rival for the R. M. Tichborne Prize, she pieces together
the facts. The astrologer's daughter was not what I was expecting in any
way. A compelling read, one that hooked me from the beginning, I was
taken straight into the story and felt compelled to complete
Avicenna's story with her. Mesmerized by the way Rebecca Lim wrote
the novel, I could not put the book down. The chapters flowed on in
a way that keeps the reader captivated, wanting to help Avicenna
with her mystery. I love that Avicenna is strong-willed throughout
the novel, even after her mother's disappearance. While the ending
was vague, it left thoughts of how Avicenna will now continue on and
allows the reader to create their own thoughts of what will come
next in her life. A wonderful 'coming of age' novel set in
Melbourne, Australia.
Cecilia Richards
Sonoma meets Miss Mouse by Di Morrissey
Ill. by Julie Sydenham. Harbour Publishing, 2014. ISBN 9781922134400.
This is the first children's book written by popular Australian
author Di Morrissey. With experience spanning over two decades in
publishing, Morrissey is known for her adult fiction that covers
themes including personal relationships, the environment, Aboriginal
reconciliation, identity and Australia's relationship with its South
East Asian and Pacific neighbours. Dedicated to her granddaughter,
Morrissey's first foray into children's literature tells a tale of
friendship and compassion. The main character, Sonoma, is a brave
young girl who is not fearful of darkness or being alone at night.
As she awakens one night, she hears the sound of a soft and sad
whimper. Sonoma hears the whimper turn to crying, and she is
concerned because she does not like anyone to be sad. When she
discovers that the source of the crying is a little mouse, Sonoma is
surprised but she is quick to befriend young Miss Mouse. The story
continues as Sonoma goes out of her way to help small Miss Mouse
find food.
The way that Sonoma shows empathy towards Miss Mouse and is able to
consider the world from Miss Mouse's viewpoint would prove to be a
good discussion point for young readers. The theme of friendship is
strong throughout as Sonoma offers her friendship unconditionally
but is greatly rewarded in return by Miss Mouse.
The illustrator, Julie Sydenham, displays her strength in working
with colour and texture through the beautiful illustrations that
accompany the text. The dark colour palette features rich purples
and blues with pops of orange and pastel highlights.
Children will enjoy this book being read aloud to them and will fall
in love with kind Sonoma and whimsical Miss Mouse. It is a good
prompt for discussions about being caring to others as well as
giving and receiving help. I can imagine this becoming a favourite
at bed time.
Stephanie Bell
