Ill. Katharine McEwen. Walker Books, 2013. ISBN: 9781406327090.
(Ages: 3-5) This is actually a comic within a picture book. Dad is
reading a comic to Emily and Elmer, trying to get them to go to
sleep. While they read about monsters called Filth and Vacuum who
are trying to take over the world, Emily and Elmer interject with
comments and some sibling sniping.
The comic itself is quite entertaining, with an array of
stereo-typical superheroes finding themselves unable to save the
day, so Extremely Boring Man has to be the hero. He comes to
the rescue in a most unusual way. The story of the father and the
children seems a little forced at times, however it does ring true
with the types of comments children come up with during story time.
Unfortunately I felt it lacked the charm of many of the author's
other books.
Donella Reed
Rules of summer by Shaun Tan
Hachette, 2013. ISBN 9780734410672.
(Age: 7 to adult) Highly recommended. Picture book, Summer, Art
perspectives, Childhood. The rules of engagement between friends and
siblings are often arbitrary, changing on a whim, but sometimes
having a strong reason at their base. In this book, Tan presents
those rules between two boys over one summer. Many pages are very
dark, reflecting the cautionary tales of the past, where rules are
given to warn of the possible repercussions of an action while some
are light hearted, some simply reflect the relationship between the
two.
Tan shows the two boys, one older and bigger, fencing the behaviour
of the other with his short, pithy rules. 'Never', begins each page,
telling of a rule which must be followed. Never forget a password,
never give your keys to someone else, never leave the door open at
night, and on they go, the pages darkening as more gloomy
backgrounds fill the boys' days.
And it seems that some of the actions by the older boy are
questionable, scrapping with the younger boy on the ground, leaving
him shut in a furnace, only to return with bolt cutters, one of the
'always' rules that begins to grace the lightening pages.
With nods to the work of Jeffrey Smart, Dali, and Van Gogh, Tan
brings his own imaginative powers to hie illustrations, adding
futuristic themes with space vehicles and robotic dinosaurs, fantasy
in the form of pages of all seeing birds, humour with the tennis
match against a mechanical toy and wonder at the scope of summer's
produce. Each double page with the words on the left and an
illustration on the right, will draw gasps of recognition, fear,
pleasure and, humour as he plays with our emotional responses to
such imagery.
The older boy is at worst a bully, but could simply be teaching a
younger brother the way around the neighbourhood, at the end sitting
with him on the couch, sharing popcorn while watching television,
redeeming himself for his actions of the past.
On Tan's website
is a most informative series of video clips outlining his thoughts
and sketches, his ideas and paintings for this work.
As with much of his work, children and adults alike will spend time
looking and thinking, while in the classroom, lessons could be
developed around the themes, friendship, rivalry, neighbourhoods,
using the set of comprehensive teacher notes to be found on the
website above.
Fran Knight
The Pirate who had to Pee by Tim Miller and Matt Stanton
ABC Books, 2013. ISBN: 9780733332944 .
(Ages: 2 to 5) Highly recommended. The authors of The Fart
Monster have again brought humour to bodily needs in this very
funny picture book.
'Out of Order' is the last thing Pirate Pete wants to see on the
door of the ships only toilet! Young children will love this funny,
rhyming journey across the ocean to find a working toilet. The
imagery of rolling seas and waterfalls is enough to make anyone need
to pee, and the look on a particular mermaid's face is quite
hilarious.
With gorgeous illustrations full of humorous things to spot (the
words written in the sea can even lead to a discussion about
onomatopoeia), this is a perfect book for all little pirates.
Donella Reed
Truly Tan Spooked! by Jen Storer
Harper Collins, 2013. ISBN 9780733331237.
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended for girls. Truly Tan Spooked!
is a fun story of friendship and solving mysteries. Tan and Gloria
are best friends and are on the case of the missing stone statues
(or stonies as they call them). Together, they keep track of the
different statues in town but when Tan's gargoyle goes missing, the
girls get worried. Luckily, Tan's friend Molly is visiting and
together the three girls are on the case. Will they find the
gargoyle? What about the other statues, where have they gone? Truly Tan Spooked! is highly recommended for girls aged
10+. It has easy to read but descriptive text and great
characters. The author has captured the idiosyncrasies of young
girls and their obsessions - in this case novelty pens, a love of
animals and the importance of having friends.
Kylie Kempster
Captain Underpants Sticker Studio by Dav Pilkey
Klutz for Scholastic Australia, 2013. ISBN: 9780545615228.
(Ages 6-10) This kit, described as 'an epic colour and stick
activity book', is a sticker collection, colouring book and joke
book all rolled into one. It comes with its own textas, and contains
a wealth of activities for fans of the Captain Underpants
books.
Featuring George, Harold and all your favourite characters, there
are sticker scenes to create; glow-in-the-dark stickers with special
effects and rude messages; stickers to leave sticky-side up on other
people's chairs; and stickers to show off your new silly names.
While not suitable for a library collection, this book would make an
'epic' gift for children who have already discovered the joys of
Captain Underpants.
Donella Reed
My Christmas Crackers by Bronwen Davies
Scholastic Australia, 2013. ISBN: 9781742839585.
This cleverly illustrated book contains over twenty jokes, all on a
Christmas theme. They are very much the sort of jokes you would
expect to find in your Christmas cracker or bon-bon. Some oldies,
some newies, and some which required explanations to the children I
tested them on.
While the target audience is stated as pre-schoolers, I would say
that many of these jokes would go over their heads. For example,
there is a joke about 'Elfvis' but I wouldn't expect many
pre-schoolers to have heard of Elvis Presley these days. My 8 and 5
year old boys did enjoy most of the jokes however.
Donella Reed
The twisted window by Lois Duncan
Open Road Young Readers, 2012. ISBN 9781453263372.
(Age: 12+) Recommended. Thriller. When Brad Johnson, the new boy at
school, takes an interest in her, Tracy Lloyd is unsure of him but
promises to help him find his sister. Brad is convinced that his
stepfather has kidnapped her and when they finally locate her, Tracy
gets a job babysitting. The plan is to turn the child over to Brad,
but things do not turn out the way she expects.
This is a thriller that was very hard to put down. Duncan is an
expert at building and maintaining suspense and she keeps the
tension very high as Tracy gradually gets to know Brad and together
they plot how to rescue Mindy. She cleverly draws the reader into
the plot, showing the obsession that Brad has with getting his
sister back, the loyalty of his friend Jamie and the way that Tracy
is vulnerable, not believing that her aunt and uncle love her. This
vulnerability makes her wide open to Brad's machinations and she
doesn't think through the consequences of her actions.
This taut, well-written thriller is gripping right to the end, with
lots of twists and turns that ensured that it was difficult to guess
the finale. Although it is a reprint it has not dated and will
appeal to anyone who loves a good psychological thriller. It would
be ideal to introduce readers to the thriller genre.
Pat Pledger
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck by Jeff Kinney
Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Puffin, 2013. ISBN
9780143308089.
Recommended for 8-12 year old readers. Themes: School life, Friends.
Hard Luck is the eighth book in the popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid
graphic novel series. These books have encouraged many reluctant
readers and have a huge fan base.
In this novel, once again Greg Hefley feels his luck is all bad. His
best friend Rowley has found a girlfriend Abigail and to Greg's
dismay has no time for him anymore. Without Rowley's support
everything changes for the worse, from the seating arrangements at
the lunch table, the consequences of the five-second rule to facing
up to the fearsome Mingo kids on the way home from school. Greg is a
kid with negative outlook on life. Losing his friend impacts on his
life, how does he find a new one and how can he cope with life?
When Greg finds a Magic Eight Ball he uses it to find answers for a
test and then he alters school yearbook photos in unappealing ways.
His grades begin to slip and it's a downward spiral, nothing seems
to be going his way. There are many comic elements throughout the
story provided both by the easy to read text and by Jeff Kinney's
cartoons. Fans are used to the toilet humour, difficult situations
and cringe-worthy moments. In the end when faced with the
opportunity to buy a second-hand science project Greg decides to
change his behaviour. He knuckles down to catch up with all his
missed school work and even gets his project in on time with a
little help from his Mum.
Jeff Kinney's books are relatable, slightly crazy and entertaining
for the pre-teen reader.
Rhyllis Bignell
Takedown twenty by Janet Evanovich
Stephanie Plum Bounty Hunter novel, 20. Hodder Headline,
2013. ISBN 9781472201577.
(Age 16+) Crime. Humour. When Stephanie Plum is given the assignment
to bring in Uncle Sunny she knows that it will be a tough deal.
Uncle Sunny is not only Joe Morelli's actual godfather, he is a
powerful mobster in the local area and Morelli's grandmother, Bella,
is determined that Stephanie won't touch him. Meanwhile Ranger needs
help to find a murderer, who leaves the bodies of elderly women in
dumpsters with a signature sunflower. In addition to all this
excitement, there has been a sighting of a giraffe in the
neighbourhood.
The 20th book in the Stephanie Plum Bounty Hunter novel
series maintains the fast pace and racy humour of her earlier books.
It is laugh out loud in places as Stephanie tries to get the bond
for Sunny, who is surrounded by evil henchmen. Aided by Lulu who is
on the campaign for a designer Brahmin handbag and Grandma Mazur who
is on the lookout for hot dates at bingo, she faces all sorts of
terrors as she investigates.
Her romance with Morelli is still on, but she finds that Ranger, who
often rescues her and lends her cars, is a temptation that is
difficult to resist.
I hadn't read any of this series for quite some time, so I was quite
happy to read along with familiar characters and situations, the
addition of Kevin the Giraffe making for some light hearted moments.
Pat Pledger
Rebel Spring by Morgan Rhodes
Falling Kingdoms, bk 2. Razorbill, 2013. ISBN 9780141346175.
(Age: 15+) High fantasy. One country Mytica has been formed from the
three kingdoms, Auranos, Limeros and Paelsia, and is ruled by the
evil King Gaius. He is determined to build a road into the Forbidden
Mountains, joining all three together and perhaps securing the power
that he so desperately craves. Princess Cleo has been dethroned, her
family killed and she is forced to stand beside Magnus, King Gaius'
son. Jonas is desperate to kill the king and save his countrymen and
brings together a band of rebels, with Lysandra, a skilful archer,
joining the ranks. Lucia, the sorceress, is yet to wake from a coma
and use her powers that are craved by the King and The Kindred.
This is a quick easy read, with Rhodes filling in the backstory of
book one, Falling kingdoms, in such a fashion that it is
easy to get into the continuation of the story. Told in alternative
viewpoints, the power struggles between all the protagonists lead
them down difficult paths. They all have to make decisions that will
reverberate throughout the land. All characters grew and developed
in this second book. Cleo has to come to terms with being dethroned
and in the power of King Gaius. Magnus is enigmatic and keeps his
feelings to himself, although his love for his sister Lucia, adds
spice to the story. Jonas falls in and out of dangerous situations
and Lucia has to learn about her powers. The romances were low key
and it is possible that there will be some interesting developments
there in the future.
Lovers of high fantasy will enjoy the magic, alternative kingdoms,
the Watchers, the cruelty, arranged marriages and deaths and will
look forward to the next in the series. It has been described as the
Game of Thrones for teens and there are certainly some similarities
but this is much less complex to read.
Pat Pledger
Possum Magic by Mem Fox
Ill. by Julie Vivas. Scholastic, 2013. 30th anniversary edition.
ISBN 9781742990002.
Highly recommended. Winner of many awards since it was first
published in 1983, this classic Australian picture book tells the
story of little Hush. Because of the predators in the bush, Grandma
Poss has used her best bush magic to make Hush invisible. When Hush
decides that she wants to be able to see herself again, the pair
have to make a trip around Australia to find the magic food that
will stop the invisibility spell. After tasting some of Australia's
iconic food like Vegemite and Pavlova, gradually Hush begins to
reappear.
Mem Fox's story is compelling and memorable and it is not difficult
to see why this book is reprinted on a regular basis. The story is a
perfect read aloud, and extols the love between a grandparent and
child as well as the virtues of persistence.
Julie Vivas' illustrations are a delight. Wrought in beautiful
watercolours they are a perfect complement to the story. The picture
of Grandma Poss on the front cover, in her pinny and glasses,
surrounded by an array of floating stars, draws the reader in and
each new illustration of Australian animals and food is beautiful.
This handsome anniversary edition of the wonderful Possum Magic will
be a welcome book, especially those who are looking for a perfect
gift for a new child or for friends overseas.
Pat Pledger
The Smallest Carbon Footprint in the Land & other eco-tales by Anne Morgan and Gay McKinnon
IP Kidz, 2013. ISBN 9781922120236. Ebook ISBN 9781922120243.
A prince wants to marry the girl with the smallest carbon footprint
in the land, and he has her diamond slipper to ensure he finds the
right girl; Chicken Licken warns everyone that the sea is rising
while Foxy Loxy tries to trick them; Cool Girl learns how to grow
organic vegetables from the Sensational Seven . . . this is a collection
of some traditional fairy tales each with a very modern twist
designed to spread the sustainability, eco-friendly message.
This is an engaging way to introduce students to the sustainability
cross-curriculum priority as embedded in the stories are new
vocabulary and explanations for terms that even young students are
encountering. They can build on their familiarity with Goldilocks,
Jack and the Beanstalk, Aladdin, Little Red Riding Hood and so on
and enjoy a 21st century story that will make them think. Teachers
will appreciate having a resource that helps them introduce complex
concepts in a way that is enjoyable, makes sense and sets a great
platform for discussion, as well as comparing the new with the old.
Not only does the collection make a good read-aloud inspiring
discussion, but with short stories and intriguing monochrome
illustrations it is a great stepping stone between picture book and
novel for the newly-independent reader to read alone.
An unusual but worthwhile book to add to your collection.
Barbara Braxton
The Disappearance of Ember Crow by Ambelin Kwaymullina
The Tribe, bk 2. Walker Books, 2013. ISBN 9781921720093.
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. Science fiction. Dystopian fiction.
Ashala Wolf is running with the wolf pack, afraid of what her powers
could do to the Tribe living in the Firstwood. When she is told that
her friend Ember Crow is missing, she has to control herself and her
powers in order to find her. However Ember is covering up dark
secrets in her past that could threaten the Tribe and all the
Illegals.
Once again Kwaymullina has written an outstanding story with plenty
of surprises in it to make the reader think. Too much of the plot
cannot be revealed because of spoilers, but there is plenty of
action as Ashala leaves the Firstwood and encounters many adventures
on the way to finding her friend, who is really worried that she
won't be forgiven for her secrets. The confusing advice that her
grandfather, the Serpent who lives under the lake, adds even more
suspense to the story as Ashala tries to work out what the 'angels'
are that she had been warned about.
There is much character growth as Ashala begins to learn what it
means to be a leader and the romance between her and Connor is
evident but not intrusive. The introduction of some new characters
make for an interesting addition.
This is written in smooth, flowing prose that is easy to read.
However the themes are complex and fascinating, making it a
challenging and thought provoking novel. It is science fiction with
a dystopian theme at its best.
Pat Pledger
Patience by Kirrily Lowe
Ill. by Henry Smith. The Invisible
Tree Series, Wombat Books, 2013. ISBN 9781921632587.
(Age: 4-6) Highly recommended. Themes: Australian Poetry, Values,
Christian Ethics, Personal Development. Kirrily Lowe's The Invisible
Tree series encourages young children to develop positive
character traits. Each book begins with 'There is a little tree,
that lives inside of me, it wants to grow big and tall, even though
I am very small'.
Sammy is a young boy patiently waiting for a special present to
arrive but as the days pass his patience is tested. His parents
encourage him to not give up hope. Finally when the special gift
arrives Sammy discovers that he has developed the gift of patience
as well.
Kirrily Lowe's simple rhyme has a gentle cadence. The message of
developing a patient attitude is carefully presented, being based on
the Christian message of the fruits of the Spirit. Each book in The
Invisible Tree series conveys a message about Love, Joy and
Peace.
Henry Smith's creative collages mix recycled and hand-made papers in
a layered style. These add depth and excitement to the story. The
visually appealing text is placed on torn and cut paper utilising
different colourful font styles and sizes.
This would be a great book for teaching Values Education and
Personal Development in the Early Years classroom.
Rhyllis Bignell
My first day at school by Meredith Costain and Michelle Mackintosh
Windy Hollow Books, 2013. ISBN 9781922081254.
(Age: 4-6) Recommended. My First Day at School follows what
four very different children experience as they go to school for the first
time. The reader becomes very familiar with the emotions and
encounters of Zach, Amira, Ari and Zoe as they become used to what
it is like becoming big school children.
This is an excellent introduction to a first day at school and would
be ideal to read to young children before they go to school. There
is a depth to the information that would be very helpful in
familiarising children with what school is like. In a verse story,
Costain describes the feelings of each child; Zach who is eager to
leave his parents, Amira whose friends help her join the class, Ari
who finds all the rules disconcerting and livewire Zoe who has
trouble being quiet. Some of the things that may worry children,
like going to the toilet and time for snacks, are explained clearly
and children would be left with a sense that school can be a very
happy place for all types of children.
The illustrations by Michelle Mackintosh complement the text and
show the diversity of the class. They are often humorous and as such
will be enjoyed by the young child.
This is an ideal book for parents, grandparents and carers to read
to children just about to venture out on the new experience of going
to school or even for those who are returning to the classroom.
Pat Pledger
