Penguin, 2014. ISBN 9780670077434.
Max and Bob are great mates. They live by the sea and during the
day, Max keeps Bob company in his fish and chip shop (Max loves both
fish and chips so it's a perfect partnership) and in the evening
they go fishing together.
How can that scenario make for a most enchanting story that kept 9
and 10 year-olds engaged for over an hour and wanting more?
Well, Max is a seagull, who's a little bit cheeky and a little bit
mischievous, and this is the story of a friendship that endures even
after Bob has to close his shop because of a lack of business. When
Max comes to the shop one morning, Bob has gone, and even though he
waits and waits and waits, his friend does not return. Without Bob
there is no attraction for Max and so he decides to leave - but as
he flies high over the city looking for another home he smells a
familiar smell . . .
Marc Martin won the 2013 Crichton Award for Australia's best new
illustrator and the illustrations for 'Max' add so much to its
message and its charm. Using a variety of techniques, vignettes and
full-page spreads, (the class laughed out loud at Max sitting on top
of the No Seagulls sign) they are rich and exquisite, providing so
many more layers to the story than just the text alone. For example,
while there is no written explanation for the downturn in business,
the picture of cranes soaring high above the funfair, the main
drawcard of the area, tells its own story and opened up a discussion
about the impact of tourism on local economies (particularly
pertinent where I live). Later, the reason for the dismantling for
the funfair is also evident and sparked a debate about 'you can't
stop progress'. What seems like a simple tale for a preschooler to
enjoy is so much more.
As well as an enthusiastic discussion that ranged from personal
stories of feeding seagulls hot chips, recalling other seagull
stories we've read such as The Lighthouse Keeper's Lunch and
Samantha Seagull's Sandals to the importance of the snow-oriented
industry on our region, to country versus city living, the students
also embraced the task of imagining what Max would have seen as he
flew over our town and then drawing a birds-eye view map of it.
Suddenly that concept made sense to them! What started as a story to
share because I loved it became a rich and rewarding experience for
all of us that went far beyond the focus and timeframe I'd
allocated. But when you're on a good thing . . .
Barbara Braxton
Prisoner of night and fog by Anne Blankman
Headline, 2014. ISBN 9781472207821.
In just a few hundred pages, Anne Blankman has truly unravelled a
unique story which is both compelling and sympathetic. With fresh
and original characters, she manages to revive a piece of history
with an engrossing original storyline intertwined with true events.
From the very beginning, Anne delivers a beautifully crafted
masterpiece and seduces readers to fall in love with every
character, good or bad. It's a coming of age story that's prominent
for its historic settings and disarming plotline which stimulates
the main character's growth.
The book takes place in Munich 1931, a few years prior to Hitler's
utmost height of power. The National Socialist Party holds Munich in
their tight hands and Hitler is hypnotizing his audiences with
patriotism. After the chilling event of her father's death,
seventeen year old Gretchen Muller dwells in the shadow of her Uncle
Dolf. Fallen victim to Hitler's patriotic deceit, she disarms the
lies of her father's death bit by bit and hunts for the truth. With
ploys and ferocity brandished at the ready, Gretchen joins forces
with quick-witted Jew reporter, Daniel Cohen much to the utter
dislike of her family.
As each chapter begins, Anne Blankman grants the reader lyrical
storylines entangled with disbelieving plot twists and world
building backgrounds. She presents us with a tale like no other and
charmingly bestows us with characters we love to hate or we just
simply adore.
An additional few pages of the Author's Note provides keen readers
with an insight to Anne Blankman's fictional and non-fictional
characters with bonus content on Gretchen's Munich. Teaching this
novel to a class will bestow them an alternative view on Munich in
1931 and those who allied themselves with Adolf Hitler. The book can
be well compared with The Book Thief written by Markus Zusak
as they both offer a young and unpredictable girl's view on this
exclusive part of history.
Samantha May (Student)
Mary's Australia: How Mary McKillop changed Australia by Pamela Freeman
Black Dog Books, 2014. ISBN 9781922077905.
(Age: 9+) The lifespan of Mary McKillop coincided with a period of
transformation in the Australian colonies. Pamela Freeman has asked
how Australia changed during that time and to what extent the
subject of her book contributed to that change.
The result is two narratives in one - the story of colonies that
united to form one nation, and the story of a woman with a passion
for teaching, who was determined to ensure that children from poor
families had access to education. Readers can follow Mary's life
story alongside the events of her era. The inclusive and
wide-ranging depiction of colonial society provides details of daily
life, as well as accounts of the social, political and economic
upheavals that helped to shape Mary's experiences. The author's
balanced and thoughtful approach to the writing of history ensures
that readers will learn much from her brief overviews of the issues
that emerged during Australia's development. Her focus on the lives
of children and the limited opportunities available to
underprivileged people, explains not only the social issues that
motivated a young governess to found a teaching order, but also the
significance of Mary McKillop's educational reforms.
Photographs, cartoons and illustrations on every page provide
further insights into colonial life. They are generously sized and
clearly captioned. The use of double columns and a small font are
common in history books but younger readers may find this format
challenging. Population statistics, an index and a limited glossary
are useful.
Mary's Australia will meet the needs of readers who want to know
only about Mary McKillop's life and achievements. However, Pamela
Freeman has succeeded in presenting her biography as part of a
larger canvas - the growth, discoveries, setbacks and social reforms
of an extraordinary era in Australian history.
Elizabeth Bor
I am Cow, Hear me Moo! by Jill Esbaum and Gus Gordon
Viking, 2014. ISBN: 9780670077106.
For early readers 4 years and up. I can practically guarantee that
every teacher has had, at some point, a Nadine in their class.
Nadine is very talented, very brave and very special cow - well, in
her own opinion which is, after all, the only one that really
counts.With some rollicking rhyming Nadine impresses her friends
with her daring tour through the scary woods. Friends being suitably
awed, they depart - night falls and Nadine is left on her own in a
spooky gloomy cave. Suddenly her bravado evaporates and she must
conquer her sudden lapse of over-confidence.
As always, Gus Gordon's illustrations are absolutely delightful and
make this picture book a must have. Young children will enjoy the
story and rhythm and no doubt will recognise the Nadine in their
midst.
Read Kids' Book Review's interview with Gus here.
This parable would be a very useful discussion starter for smaller
people - what is bravery? Is it important how others perceive us? Is
it important how we see ourselves? Having confidence is a wonderful
thing and there would be some small people who would truly benefit
from recognising that they have that confidence in themselves.
Sue Warren
Gigantosaurus by Jonny Duddle
Scholastic, 2014. ISBN 9781742761015.
(Age: 5+) Fantasy, Picture book, Humour. The intricate illustrations
will enthrall those readers who love books about dinosaurs and
fantastical inventions as the dinosaur parents warn their offspring
about the Gigantosurus.
They must be wary of this gigantic creature with sharp teeth and
sharp eyes, on the lookout for small creatures as a snack.
Bonehead tells his friends, Tiny, Bill and Fin to stay where they
are while he climbs an anthill to see if the huge dinosaur is
coming. Three times he calls out that it is coming, and his three
friends run and hide, and each time he tells them he is just testing
them. When the Gigantosuaurs does come he is caught unawares and is
almost eaten.
This is a retelling of The Boy who cried wolf in a different
guise and will entreat all those who read it. The information about
the various dinosaurs is given in the back of the book, along with
information about Gigantosaurus, which will intrigue dinosaur
followers. The luscious illustrations burst with life and mayhem and
humour, as many will stop to seek out the range of things in the
undergrowth.
Fran Knight
Diary of a Track and Field Titan by Shamini Flint
Allen & Unwin, 2014. ISBN: 9781743317297.
(Ages: 7 to 11) Highly recommended. Marcus Atkinson returns in
another instalment of the Diary of a . . . series. Marcus
knows the only things he is good at are maths and computer games,
but his dad is convinced that there is a sport out there for Marcus,
they just haven't found the right one yet. After trying soccer,
cricket, rugby and taekwondo, his dad wants him to try track and
field. Thinking this through, Marcus decides he has had a lot of
practice running away from bullies, and he is good at throwing
things (like rubbish and tantrums!), so maybe track and field won't
be so bad after all. The usual hilarity ensues, with familiar themes
and in-jokes sure to please fans of the series.
Shamini Flint uses the diary technique and numerous cartoon
illustrations to encourage reluctant readers to continue. The sports
theme always resonates with children, and whether they love sports
or are more like Marcus himself, they will find it easy to identify
with the characters and situations in this book. Not only will kids
love reading about Marcus' misadventures, they will also learn a lot
about sport! As with all the titles in the series, Diary of a
Track and Field Titan is a light and entertaining read.
Donella Reed
Every word by Ellie Marney
Every series, bk. 2. Allen & Unwin, 2014. ISBN 9781743316511.
(Age: 15+) Highly recommended. Mystery. James Mycroft has gone to
London without saying a word to Rachel Watts, who worked with him to
solve the mystery of the murder in Every breath, the first
in the Every series. Rachel is not happy especially when she
finds out that James will be investigating a car accident, very
similar to the one in which his parents had died many years before.
She knows that he will need her support, so using her reward money,
she hops on a plane and flies to London, where the couple
immediately find themselves surrounded by danger as they investigate
the accident and the theft of a priceless copy of Shakespeare's
first folio.
Readers will enjoy the vivid descriptions of the trip to London, the
crime scenes and the grisly police procedures and will be holding
their breath during the intrepid Rachel's adventure with a gang
determined to find out where the folio has been stashed.
Told from the point of view of Rachel, the reader gets a really good
feeling for the type of person that she is, starting from the
opening scenes where she is starring as an intrepid roller skater,
to the caring girlfriend who knows that Mycroft will need her
support in London, facing the memories of the death of his parents.
She is brave and intelligent and together the pair use their
considerable brain power to work out the mystery. Their romance has
some steamy moments as well, but never overwhelms the mystery and
action.
Every word is certainly not a 'cosy' mystery but rather a chilling
thriller. There is violence and gore and the book is not for the
faint hearted. The plot in this book is brought to a satisfying
conclusion, and once the pair are back in Australia, the seeds for
the next book are planted so that the reader is eager to read the
final outcome.
Pat Pledger
The way to the zoo by John Burningham
Walker Books, 2014 ISBN 9781406348408.
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Picture book, Imagination, Animals,
Zoos, Sleeping. Born in 1936, Burningham has thrilled his young
audiences with imaginative stories and illustrations for over fifty
years. The way to the zoo brings a fresh approach to going to bed as
the young girl Sylvie, spies a door in her bedroom wall that she has
not seen before. Going through it leads to another door, and beyond
that the zoo. Here all the animals are intrigued and she takes a
little bear back to her bedroom with her. He sleeps the night in her
bed and in the morning she takes him back to the zoo, remembering to
close the door to her bedroom. The following night she brings
another bear back to her bedroom, the following night, three
penguins, and then a tiger and her cub. After than a flock of birds
come in, but when a larger animal, an elephant wants to come in, it
cannot fit. But baby rhino can and the next morning she sleeps in
and rushes to get the rhino back to the zoo, forgetting to close the
door before leaving for school. Catastrophe happens, and Mum's words
when she comes home make a laugh out loud comment on the whole
story.
This imaginative tale will be a delight to read to children before
bedtime, or in a class where animals and bedtime is under
discussion, or simply to enjoy a lovely story well told, with
illustrations that cause mirth and recognition. The pictures of the
animals in bed with Sylvie are charming, and I loved the image of
the rhino sleeping on the floor with its legs crossed, and the
flurry of mischievious animals in mum's lounge room.
Burningham's mix of subtle humour, imagination and the everyday make
this book most endearing to all who read it.
Fran Knight
Meet Douglas Mawson by Mike Dumbleton
Ill. by Snip Green. Random House, 2014. ISBN 9780857981950.
(Age: 5+) Recommended. Picture book, Explorers, Mawson. A hardcover
picture book in the series, Meet ... will fill a niche in
primary schools where explorers and great Australians are an
accepted part of the curriculum. Others in this series include books
about Ned Kelly and Mary McKillop. Each is of necessity, brief,
giving an account of the person's life and achievements in sparse
prose, highlighting only a few events.
With Mawson, the focus is on the first Australian Expedition to
Antarctica, in 1911. With Mawson as its leader, the expedition
sorely tested those who went, and Dumbleton's pared down words
combined with the breathtaking illustrations, give an amazing
account of the privations these men underwent.
His determination to see the continent, mapping it, taking
measurements and geological observations in an attempt to understand
the place and how it evolved was paramount, but when Ninnis and his
sled plunged down a ravine taking most of their food with him,
Mawson and the other remaining team member, Mertz were five hundred
kilometres from their base.
The story of how Mawson survived is one of the great feats of
history and will amaze younger readers.
The wallpaper like images across the pages, underscore the freezing
nature of the environment, giving the reader the feeling of cold and
ice, building the feeling of dread as Mawson attempts to get back to
the base.
So fascinating is this brief taste, that students will feel impelled
to look further to find out more about this man, one of Australia's
heroes.
Fran Knight
Fizzlebert Stump - The boy who cried Fish by A.F. Harrold
Bloomsbury, 2014. ISBN 9781408842461.
(Ages: 7 to 12) Recommended. Fizzlebert Stump lives in a circus
where he has an act involving sticking his head in the mouth of a
very old lion. His best friend Wystan the Bearded Boy does an act
with a sealion called Fish. One day Fish goes missing, and the boys
believe he has been stolen to perform in the aquarium near the
beach. When they break into the aquarium though, they encounter
another mystery - all the fish keep disappearing. Through their
adventures we meet a range of interesting characters, from the
piratical owner of the aquarium Admiral Spratt-Haddock, to an
overly-friendly crocodile. The boys need to explore the aquarium and
their own circus family to discover that all is not what it seems,
and that sometimes people will to to extreme lengths to appear
something they are not.
This is the third title in the Fizzlebert Stump series, and again
A.F. Harrold has created a world of eccentricity, fantastical
characters, mystery, and all the nonsensical ramblings which middle
primary school children love. The way he plays with words and
incorporates himself as the self-deprecating author will have
children in fits of laughter and wanting to re-read this over and
over. Even the entertaining little doodles and illustrations by
Sarah Horne keep you turning the pages to see what the characters
will get up to next. A very enjoyable and light-hearted book.
Donella Reed
Athlete vs. Mathlete - Double dribble by W.C. Mack
Bloomsbury, 2013. ISBN 9781599909387.
(Ages: 9-12) Seventh-grade twins Russ and Owen are very different
from each other, in looks and personalities. While Owen is a natural
at sports, Russ feels more at home with numbers. They don't even
look alike. Finally they discover something in common, and Russ
joins the basketball team. A new set of problems arise though in the
form of identical twins Mitch and Marcus. These new boys are
all-rounders, with a flair for sports and academia, leaving both
Russ and Owen feeling jealous and insecure. After and unfortunate
accident however, they realise that Mitch and Marcus only succeed
when working as a team. Russ and Owen must decide whether to use
this to their advantage to reclaim their place in the team.
As with the original Athlete vs. Mathlete book, this has
alternating chapters in the voices of the two boys. Much of the
content of Owen's chapters centres around the action on the
basketball court, which may become a bit tedious for readers not
interested in the sport. Kids who do enjoy sports however will be
able to relate to Owen's passion, disappointment and insecurities as
he faces the possibility of being 'benched.' The boys face a moral
dilemma which is resolved a bit too quickly, but without becoming
preachy and off-putting. Conflicts are also resolved a little too
easily to ring true to many readers. In general, this title will be
a welcome refuge for students wanting to focus on sport fiction.
Donella Reed
Figaro and Rumba and the Crocodile Cafe by Anna Fienberg
Allen and Unwin, 2014. ISBN 9781743314883.
(Ages: 6 to 9) Recommended. The Crocodile Cafe is the first title in
a new series by Anna Fienberg (of the Tashi books), based around two
very likeable characters Figaro and Rumba. Figaro is a energetic,
happy-go-lucky dog who lives with his best friend Rumba, a very
conscientious and somewhat melancholy Cuban cat. Rumba misses his
home in Cuba, and channels his energy into a rigorous cleaning
routine. Figaro on the other hand would rather play and explore, and
catch the Very Fast Train. Rumba agrees they can go on the train
after they have mopped the floor and cleaned the windows. After a
few interruptions they finally catch the train, and meet a Cuban
conga0playing crocodile. They learn some important lessons about
friendship and trust, and we get to meet some other interesting
characters who will appear in future titles.
Stephen Michael King's illustrations enhance the story beautifully
capturing the quirky, bohemian, and suaveness of the various
characters. Every page has a small colour illustration, with a few
full-page pictures along the way, making it a perfect book for
readers moving from picture books to novels. A lovely introduction
to what is sure to become a favourite new series among primary
students.
Donella Reed
Crooked Leg Road by Jennifer Walsh
Allen & Unwin, 2014. ISBN: 9781743316931
(Age: 10-12) Highly recommended. Both boys and girls who enjoy
mystery/adventure stories will love this new book from Jennifer
Walsh. Somewhat like a contemporary, fast-paced Famous Five but much
edgier - a group of friends from Balmain become embroiled in a
dangerous game of political intrigue and financial
misappropriations. David, Martin, Kitty and Andrea are both friends
and schoolmates, each with their own interests and strengths, who
combine well as a group hanging together in the regular sense. When
David mysteriously disappears, feared kidnapped, his friends pool
their combined observations and knowledge with some startling
results.
Parallel to this plot are timely ideas such as multiculturalism,
ethics in positions of power, judgemental behaviour, tolerance and
acceptance and friendships. New girl, Samantha, who is despised in
general, because of her 'posh' background and ineffectual attempts
to impress, and mysterious new boy, Skender, technically a 'boat
person' and whose family comes under suspicion by the sleuthing
teens, add a depth to the plot that leads the reader to examine
initial perceptions of 'outsiders'.
Thoroughly engaging and completely compulsive reading (I read it in
one sitting) - this is a real page turner with very plausible plot,
characterisations and complications/resolutions.
Highly recommended for readers 10 and up, put this one on the
shopping list for any of those readers who are looking for an
exciting read.
Watch the trailer.
Visit the author's website .
Jennifer Walsh writes children's books under this name and adult
books under Jennifer Spence (she is married to Bruce Spence, the
actor) and lives in Balmain, Sydney. Her previous book The
tunnels of Tarcoola featured the abandoned coal mines under
that suburb and her new book Crooked Leg Road is also set in
this lively and historic area.
Sue Warren
The Caller by Juliet Marillier
Shadowfell series, bk 3. Pan Macmillan, 2014. ISBN
9781742612454.
(Age 13+) Highly recommended. Fantasy. Only when Neryn has been
trained by all four of the Guardians will she be ready to play her
part as a Caller and help the rebels to topple the evil King Keldec.
She seeks out the mysterious White Lady but she is not what Neryn
expected and is fast facing extinction. Neryn pushes on, knowing
that Flint is in mortal danger of being exposed as a traitor to the
King, who has found a Caller of his own, one who is grabbing hold of
the minds of the Good Folk of the Kingdom. Marillier is one of my
favourite fantasy authors, whose books I always look forward to
reading. It has been a pleasure to read this beautifully written
fantasy series, and to follow the growth of Neryn as she progresses
from a shy girl to a leader who is prepared to take risks for what
she believes in. Not only do her skills develop as she learns from
the Guardians, but her self-confidence and ethic certainly also
grow.
Marillier's ability to write wonderful fantasy romances is on
display in this series. The romance between Flint and Neryn is
bittersweet, each knowing that the fate of the Kingdom is more
important than being together, and even though they don't spend much
time together, their feelings for each other are beautifully
described. Flint is such a courageous young man, and as a reader I
had to hold my breath as he faced possible betrayal by his team and
the King's Caller.
There is plenty of action as Neryn travels across the country to
find the White Lady and then finally faces the King and his Caller.
Readers who enjoy the quest in fantasy will be satisfied by the
conclusion of this series as Marillier wraps up the story in a
satisfying way.
The Shadowfell series was written for young adults who are
sure to enjoy the well written prose, wonderful setting, and
memorable characters. They could then move onto Marillier's Sevenwaters
series or The Bridei chronicles written for adults, equally
as powerful and memorable.
Pat Pledger
Hard nuts of history series by Tracey Turner
Ill. Jamie Lenman. A&C Black, 2014. Warriors: Who's who in hard nut history. ISBN 9781472905642. Ancient Egypt: Who's who in hard nut history. ISBN
9781472905635.
(Age: 7+) Recommended. Humour, Easy reads, History. Two more in this
series of books which showcase some of the memorable people in
history who many young people may have heard mentioned, but known
anything about, are offered here to delight, inform and entertain.
In short, snappy and funny pages, an outline of their lives is given
which will intrigue younger readers.
People covered in Warriors, for example, include the Duke of
Wellington, Julius Caesar, Geronimo, the Trung sisters, Joan of Arc,
Tomyris and Napoleon. Each is given a double page spread about their
life and its impact and why they are remembered. Some are well know,
others not so well known, there is a range of women and men and a
world view is taken by the author.
At the back is a most useful index and glossary, while the quiz will
ensure some students will have a great time asking questions of
others. A time line completes the information given to this most
interesting little book. I longed for a world map, so make sure you
have one handy.
Similarly in Ancient Egypt, double pages are devoted to
famous people, Cleopatra, Ptolemy, Tutmose, Nefertiti and so on, as
well as sites, the River Nile, the Pyramids and the Valley of the
Kings, while double pages are also devoted to the Gods and the
embalming process. All is designed to be informative and fun, with
an emphasis on gaining information quickly and easily. A good index
and glossary are at the back with a quiz and timeline, ensuring
students will have fun with these two new books in this series.
Fran Knight
