A & C Black, 2013. ISBN 9781408181720.
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. Fancy a job as a spit boy or an odour
judge? No I hear you say! Well, these jobs might not be around
anymore but we can still read about them and screw up our noses at
the 'yuckiness'! World's worst jobs is packed with details
about a variety of jobs from the past. Readers will see how hard it
was to make leather and what you had to do if your job was to clean
up after the King went to the toilet!
Author Tracey Turner has created a humorous information text with
funny illustrations that will engage reluctant readers. It is
highly recommended for boys aged 10+. After all, who doesn't like
reading about gross stuff!
Kylie Kempster
Koalas, kites and kangaroos: An Australian alphabet book by David Ridyard
Ill. by Doreen Gristwood. Scholastic Australia, 2013. ISBN: 9781742838724.
(Age: 4+) Picture book. Australian animals. Alphabet book. Koalas,
Kites and Kangaroos was originally published in 1985 and this
reprinting introduces a new generation to this loved picture book.
The verse that starts the reader on their 'look and find' journey
invites us to:
Turn over the pages and take a close look
At this wonderful, colourful ALPHABET BOOK!
The search is on for animals and objects from A to Z within each
double page spread. Doreen Gristwood's pastel watercolours and
simple backgrounds are still engaging with the new audience after
twenty-eight years. We search for ants at Ayers Rock, enjoy
kangaroos having fun roller-skating and end with the obvious but
non-Aussie zebras at the zoo. There is also a list of words at the
back of additional objects and animals to look for.
This is a direct reprinting that does bring up a few issues. Ayers
Rock could have been changed to Uluru and the discerning reader may
question why some of the animals are on the wrong page. Why are the
penguins partying on the I-J pages?
This is a classic Australian picture book suited to share with a
young audience from 2 years of age and beginning readers from 4-6
years.
Rhyllis Bignell
Chasing the valley by Skye Melki-Wegner
Random House Australia, 2013. ISBN 9781742759548
Recommended. Chasing the valley by Skye Melki-Wegnner is a
novel that exceeds already heightened expectations. Main character
Danika Glynn, is living off the street in a town called Rourton -
which is surrounded by a huge wall that prohibits escape - that lies
in the north of the land of Taladia. The King of Taladia is someone
who likes to expand his own and conquer neighbouring countries, but
their military and weaponry have developed from modern times and
from what we know, they have magic.
Each person in Taladia has a proclivity, an individual
specialisation of magic. By the time you are of age (18), you are
able to expose your proclivity tattoo which is naturally formed on
your neck, and also, you are conscripted into the king's army. In
Rourton, Danika escapes the horrifying but also bedazzling effects
of an alchemy bomb, deployed by order of the king and finds herself
down the sewers and crashing a meeting of a soon-to-be refugee
group. Refugee crews are well known for dying in the attempts to
reach a place called The Magnetic Valley. Here alchemy doesn't work
and the king and his army cannot move pass successfully, it's a safe
haven but it's a long and dangerous trek. Will this bunch of
refugees let Danika join? And, even if they do, what are their
chances of survival?
The characters in this novel are bright and individual, all having
their own story which really makes them easy to relate to. The
plotline itself is unpredictable and exciting, keeping the reader
enchanted and wanting to hear more of this struggle for freedom and
justice.
Sarah Filkin (Student)
Gloss by Marilyn Kaye
Macmillan Children's Books, 2013. ISBN 9781447223979.
(Age: Teenagers) Recommended. Gloss written by bestselling
American author Marilyn Kaye brings forth a deep and meaningful
story set in 1963 about four American girls who have won a
competition to become interns at a famous national fashion magazine
called Gloss. Sherry, Donna, Allison and Pamela all step out
into an amazing big city called New York where the head of Gloss
magazine is situated. Sherry is a southern belle who has her future
planned out and ready to go. But, in the city of dreams, not all of
their dreams come true or turn out as expected; the big adventure
begins with the dream job of thousands of teen girls and four girls
with totally different personalities and ideas about their future.
The way author Marilyn Kaye alternates between the four girls
throughout chapters is ingenious and insightful; it helps the reader
familiarise themselves with the back story, personal information and
personality of each character while having an overview of the
storyline. The language used, even though some terms and words may
be slightly out dated - the novel being set in the 60's - is all
still understandable and relatable to current language. The novel
itself is a fantastic read and a definite recommendation for
teenagers.
(Sarah Filkin, Student)
There was an old lady who swallowed a mozzie by P. Crumble and Louis Shea
Scholastic, 2013. ISBN 9781742838526.
(Age: 2-6) Recommended. The front cover of There was an
old lady who swallowed a mozzie presents a 3D surprise for the
reader; as the book is tilted the old lady opens her mouth and
swallows the mozzie. This re-release of a favourite Aussie rhyme
follows the much-loved format of There was an old lady who
swallowed a fly.
The old lady's adventures take her racing through the quintessential
outback chasing a rosella, a dingo and a kangaroo until she swallows
the crocodile, with unfortunate but predictable consequences. Each
page ends with the cry of 'She's gotta be Aussie'. Louis Shea's
vibrant cartoon illustrations add a great comic element that
enhances the simple text. The audience or class will love seeing the
inside of her stomach with the juices splashing, the echidna
sandwich dripping with sauce and the old lady chasing the kangaroo
on a pogo stick. This is a great read-aloud that encourages young
readers from 2-6 years of age to participate with the accumulative
text.
Rhyllis Bignell
The finding of Freddy Perkins by Liz Baddaley
Bloomsbury, 2013. ISBN 9781408186084.
(Age 10+) Highly recommended. Author Liz Baddaley tackles the loss
of a mother with humility and care, opening up the emotions of a
young boy and his dad as they face a new life.
Freddy Perkins' mum has died and their London home isn't the same
without her. His dad packs them up and moves them to his childhood
home in Scotland. Freddy isn't happy and doesn't see the magic that
his dad experienced living in an old, creaky house. Furthermore, his
Granny isn't happy and chatty like his mum was. Fortunately, Granny
is wise and eventually the two form a lovely bond as they clean out
the attic. When all the lost things in the house start to turn up,
Granny and Freddy have a mystery to solve and the magic this brings
gives Freddy a purpose, a desire to draw again and a new place to
belong.
Highly recommended to independent readers aged 10+. It is an easy to
read, quick paced story exploring the feelings of loss but with a
touch of mythical magic. Freddy realises he has found everything he
needs to be happy again.
Kylie Kempster
Nerdy ninjas vs the really, really unreal guys by Shogun Whamhower
Scholastic, 2013. ISBN 9781742838823.
(Age: 7+) This is the third book in this series about 4 nerdy boys
who get themselves into weird and wonderful situations. Jake,
Veejay, Ben and Pongo are a group of self-professed ninjas who are
also smart, using rocket powered wheelchairs, Galaxy-grade
lubricated pogo sticks and other out-there experiments. When
the boys discover Farmer Fetlock's cows are being wrapped in toilet
paper, aliens are deemed the culprit, and the boys start a mission
to catch the bandits in the act. Will the nerdy ninjas catch
the cow-wrappers? Who is really to blame? And who is this mysterious
new student?
Shogun Whamhower's series is aimed at boys from 7 years old.
The humour and content is aimed at this age group, and while not
appealing to me, the target audience clearly love this style of
writing. The short chapters make it appealing for readers
developing their confidence, and the pictures and highlighted text
easily point out emphasis and important plot points. An easy
read that young boys will love.
Jemma Lorenz
The wishbird by Gabrielle Wang
Puffin, 2013. ISBN 9780143307525.
Gabrielle Wang has written and illustrated a beautiful book which I
highly recommend for older primary readers and anyone of any age who
enjoys fairy tales.
Oriole the young girl with the beautiful singing voice must travel
from deep in the forest to save the King of the soulless city where
joy has long ago been abandoned. If she does not succeed all
will be lost including her beautiful forest and bird friends.
In the city of lost souls lives a young hero, who lives by
pick-pocketing for the Fagin like Panther. He is forced by Panther to climb a high fence and spend the night in a haunted
mansion, and frightened he wonders who his parents were and where they
have been taken to.
Hero glimpses Oriole who has been captured by the evil advisers to
the sick King and vows to rescue her. He must use all his
courage and strength of character, while Oriole must learn her power
and how to use it to save the King and the City.
Gabrielle Wang has created a beautiful fable, wonderfully
illustrated by beautiful line drawings which enhance the authentic
feel of the story. Populated by magical and heroic characters
this is an epic story of Kingdoms won and lost. Wang's language and
imagination create a wondrous world of magic and adventure.
The story of how Gabrielle Wang was inspired to write The wishbird
will be of interest to the reader, and helps place this as a story
from 21st century Australia.
Michael Jongen
Between the pages by Joan van Loon and Chantal Stewart
New Frontier, 2013. ISBN9781921928444.
(Age: 3-6) Picture book. Books and reading. Read aloud. Billy and
Jack are two very brave boys who creep into the rainforest, where
they encounter lots of amazing adventures. A blind bat swoops down
on them and drops them into a python's nest. They slide down the
tree and come face to face with a tree dragon, meet an angry emu,
pass crocodiles in the river and are flung over a waterfall. Each
danger is overcome by Billy screaming 'Turn the page. Turn the
page!' and off the two go on another adventure.
The illustrations complement the words and readers and children
listening to the story will be left with hearts beating wildly as
they are swept taken along on the amazing adventures. The two little
boys with their blond hair and striped pyjamas are heroes that are
sure to appeal to young children and the story begs to be read aloud
in a very dramatic voice.
Astute teachers will have fun reminding children that they too can
discover wonderful adventures through the pages of a book.
Pat Pledger
Harriet Tubman by Deborah Chancellor
Real Lives series. Bloomsbury, 2013. ISBN 9781408178393.
(Age 9+) Harriet Tubman was born into slavery and experienced the
harsh fate of her fellow African Americans on plantations in the
southern states, before taking the famed Underground Railroad to
freedom in the north. After settling first in Philadelphia then in
Canada, she travelled south many times, to lead first her family
then others to liberty. Throughout her long life, Harriet worked for
the abolitionist cause and was an outspoken advocate for women's
suffrage. Eventually, she was honoured not only by her own country
but also by Queen Victoria.
Deborah Chancellor has told the story of Harriet Tubman's life and
work with skill, interrupting an engaging narrative on occasions to
provide brief but necessary explanations of the attitudes and
conditions of the times. The depiction of the principal character is
heroic rather than well-rounded but this approach suits a brief
account of courage in the face of adversity. The large print and
simple sentence construction would usually be employed for a
readership of 7 to 8 years old, but some maturity is required
because Harriet's mother was among the slaves fathered by plantation
owners. Rather than gloss over the issue, the author has addressed
it with tact and sensitivity.
While the subject has been well served by the text, maps showing the
principal locations could have helped readers outside the United
States to gain a better understanding of the journeys undertaken by
slaves - across the Atlantic, between plantations when they were
bought and sold, and on the perilous journey north. A portrait is
not provided but readers will find photographs of Harriet Tubman on
the Internet. The cover illustration follows the standard format
chosen by the publisher for all the titles in the Real Lives
series.
The campaign by Harriet Tubman and other abolitionists in the
nineteenth century was only partially successful. Human trafficking
and slavery continue. Deborah Chancellor's biography of a remarkable
activist will introduce younger readers to a troubling subject and
illustrate how one person can make a difference.
Elizabeth Bor
Editor's note: Another in the Real Lives series is John
Snow by Jack Challoner (Bloomsbury, 2013. ISBN 9781408178409),
a biography of the man who discovered the cause of cholera.
Juliet Nearly a Vet: The Great Pet Plan by Rebecca Johnson
Ill. by Kyla May. Penguin 2013. ISBN 9780143307044.
Juliet and her best friend Chelsea love animals, and Juliet KNOWs
she will be a vet. Problem is, she's only ten years old so she has a
bit of time before she can go to university and start the study. But
she's getting a head start by helping her mum in her veterinary
practice, keeping her vet diary meticulously and making sure her
emergency kit is always on hand. Chelsea is also an animal fanatic
but her dream is to be a world famous trainer and groomer. However,
their opportunities to practise become somewhat limited when their
parents say, 'No more pets'. That is, until they see the local pet
motel has closed down and people will have nowhere to leave their
animals, and Juliet has a brainwave . . .
This is the first in a new series of books that will be loved by
young girls who love animals. The combination of strong, independent
girls who are 'clever, almost grownups' and animals mixed with a
touch of humour is unbeatable. It's written by Rebecca Johnson who
is the author of so many of those delightful junior non-fiction
titles photographed and published by Steve Parish, and illustrated
with cute pictures by Kyla May. Interspersed throughout are excerpts
from Juliet's vet diary which actually include some interesting
facts such as roosters only crow when they see light. There's also a
quiz at the end of the book that enhances the learning.
There are four books in the series so far (At the Show, Bush
Baby Rescue and Farm friends are the others) and they
are available in ebook format as well. Winter was invented so that
we could all experience the pleasure of snuggling up with a book,
and this is a perfect starter for the newly independent reader.
Barbara Braxton
Healer series by Maria V. Snyder
Touch of power bk 1. Harlequin Teen, 2012 Scent of magic bk 2. Harlequin Mira, 2013.
(Age: 14+) Fantasy. Romance. Recommended as a quick light read.
Avery of Kazan is a healer, the last one left in the Kingdom. In the
first in the series, she is hunted down by Kerrick and his band of
renegades because they believe she can heal their Prince who has
been struck down by the plague. She is also wanted by King Tohon
whose desire to conquer everyone sees him misusing his powers in
evil ways. The second book revolves around Avry's struggles against
Tohon and his army of the dead.
This series, like the Study series that I have also read (Poison
Study, Magic Study and Fire Study), is easy to
read with short sentences, lots of dialogue and a very strong, well
developed female main character. Avery has moral dilemmas to
overcome when using her healing powers and has to decide whether she
will use her ability to heal the Prince or whether she will go back
into hiding.
The setting of the fifteen realms with magic wielding leaders will
be familiar to readers of fantasy, but it is Snyder's use of lilies
that can kill or heal, that make her world quite different to
others. I was fascinated by her use of this plant and look forward
to reading the next in the series where more will be revealed about
how the lilies may help to save the Realms.
The romance between Avry and Kerrick will satisfy romance lovers,
but it never overshadows the struggles to save the kingdom that both
Avry and Kerrick focus on. For Avry overcoming the evil of Tohon and
his undead army are more important than travelling with Kerrick, who
knows that his mission to the north is also vital. Both are brave
and self-sacrificing and the suspense that builds around their quest
makes for compelling reading.
A series that contains political intrigues, power games, sarcastic
humour, strange plants and heroic people is sure to please readers
who like fantasy.
Pat Pledger
Zac & Mia by A. J. Betts
Text Publishing, 2013. ISBN 978 1922147257.
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. Cancer. Hospital. With an assurance
emanating from extensive research and interviews, Amanda Betts'
latest novel takes the reader into a cancer ward, intertwining the
intricacies of treatment with the personalities of the patients and
staff, overlaid by the passing of time, time some do not have, time
that moves slowly for others, waiting for treatments to take hold,
waiting while marrow transplants kick in, isolated from the outside
world lest an infection is picked up.
This powerful novel has two protagonists, in rooms next to each
other, tapping on the wall between them, finally having Facebook and
email contact, with which to carefully gather information about each
other, studiously avoiding talk of their reason for being in the
ward. It is rivetting stuff.
Mia is strongly opposed to her treatment and refuses to accept her
cancer, horrified at the unfairness of it all. She rails against her
mother and the staff when talking of the operation she must have and
kicks them out of her room.
Her operation is the same day that Zac leaves, his treatment
completed. He returns home to his parents' alpaca and olive tree
farm in the south west of Western Australia, and Zac gets on with
his life, that is, until Mia turns up alone, on crutches, ill and
asking for money.
The relationships between parents and offspring is masterfully done,
none is perfect, each is trying to salve the mood of the other, one
being overly protective, one rejected for allowing an operation that
removes her lower limb. Zac's mother stays with him in his room for
extended periods of time while Mia actively discourages her mother
from visiting.
Each page breathes with incredible detail, as Betts lays open the
reality of living with cancer. Each of the main characters has their
highs and lows, Mia's lows more frequent as she feels betrayed, but
both having to cope with something beyond their experience. I love
the way Zac has statistics at his fingertips, quoting numbers giving
survival rates, and percentages of people who would get cancer, the
number who will be diagnosed that day, the number who would hear the
chilling news. This adds a level of information that is not obvious,
but part of Zac's way of coping.
In the background Zac's aunt has had breast cancer, Zac and Mia's
friend in the ward, Cam, dies, initiating their going to his
funeral, the catalyst for Mia's return to hospital.
Tightly plotted, unerringly real, informative and above all,
engrossing, this book will be picked up by secondary readers and
adults alike, wanting to read of older teens caught up in the
mechanics of a disease which affects all of us. It is told with
humour and compassion, a story of enduring friendship born out of a
dual fight against their cancer.
Fran Knight
Editor's note: Background to writing the novel can be found at Kids'
Book Review.
A. J. Betts on writing
With novels, I usually have a production line happening. As one is
being printed and released, I'm already well into the next. Zac
and Mia, for example, was begun between edits of Wavelength,
my second novel. I like to keep writing, spurred on by the next
alluring idea.
But this time my slick production line has ground to a halt. The
writing of Zac and Mia was so consuming and the editing so
intense that now, at its release, I'm still in stun mode. There's no
room in my head or heart for anything else.
I do know what the next novel will be though. It's something that's
been brewing for eight years, ever since I drove through a tunnel
and noticed a drop of water falling from its ceiling. Over the past
eight years, the idea has grown tentacles (as good ideas do) and
it's ready for me to grab and see what it does. I've already done a
lot of research, but I'm yet to put pen to paper. I do have the
first line though: 'We had no word for ocean'.
Fortuitously, it's a novel far removed from my reality and the story
of Zac and Mia. The next novel (I'll call it Vault
for now) is set three hundred years in the future, off the coast of
Tasmania. The creative freedom this offers is very appealing. I want
each novel to be a whole new creation, with unseen challenges for me
as an author. I rebel against boredom and complacency! Once the Zac
and Mia whirlwind settles, I'll find a quiet space and get
back into the rhythm of writing. I hope to have Vault under
control (a first draft, perhaps) by the end of 2014.
I plan to continue teaching and lecturing, though on a part-time
basis. I'm trying to get right balance of author-life and
teacher-life, but it's not easy. Teaching is great, but it takes a
lot of energy to do a good job. Being a full-time writer isn't a
possibility . . . yet. After all, I need to fund my obsessions with
coffee, pastries, travel and bicycles (I have five). Winning the
Text Prize has enabled me to reduce my teaching load this year to
focus on editing, and now publicising, Zac and Mia. It's
also given me that precious boost of confidence which all writers -
no matter how experienced - need every now and then.
Amanda Betts
The great ice-cream heist by Elen Caldecott
Bloomsbury, 2013. ISBN: 9781408820506.
Family, friendship and stereotyping, are all touched on in
this adventure which also features an exciting chase complete with
an ice-cream van, a dog and a kidnapped social worker.
Eva and her Dad live a quiet life especially since Eva's mum died
and Dad has become super over protective. Her Gran
decides Eva needs to mix more with children her own age and
volunteers her to help the local youth group create a new drop in
Centre. Here she meets a variety of helpers especially Jaimie
McIntyre from next door.
Jamie's family is large, loud and live a seemingly chaotic life,
certainly different from Eva's. 'The McIntyres are nothing but
trouble' according to her father, and Jamie is at the youth centre
against his wishes but at the behest of his social worker Mel. Eva
had often seen Jamie on the garage roof and enjoys his company
despite the attitude of the other volunteers.
When the youth centre is vandalised Jamie is the first accused. Eva
is sure he didn't do it and whilst she sticks up for him he
disappears. Eva seems to be the only one who believes in him. She
goes to great lengths to find him, prove his innocence and rescue
him from Child Protection, even though it means enlisting help of
the other youth centre volunteers, disobeying her father and taking
risks resulting in the great chase.
The problems Eva has with her schooling due to dyslexia will
resonate with students struggling with the same problem. The
conflict between Gran and Dad over allowing Eva to take risks is
also an area explored in the book and gives an insight as to how
some parents perceive the world.
Sue Keane
