Ill. by Giacinto Gaudenzi and Lee Montgomery, designed by Stephen
Moncrieff. Usborne, 2014. ISBN 9781409566915.
(Age: 8+) Highly recommended. Knights, British History, Middle Ages.
Well, I for one read this book from cover to cover, enthralled with
the informative text and equally instructive illustrations. From the
first two pages outlining how the book is set out, and acquainting
readers with the internet links, and the next six pages telling the
reader of life at the time, what life was like before, and a brief
look at knights, the book is jam packed with information which will
enthrall its readers.
The next four sections headed, Battle gear, Knights at war, Knights
at peace, Knights and chivalry are rounded off with a section
entitled Knights fact file. Each section warrants close inspection
as the illustrations draw the eye in.
Battle gear for example, has a double page spread about the horse
and its use in war, then four pages of the weaponry carried into
war, a double page follows showing the use of the bows, including
the Longbow, the famed English bow, four pages of the knight's
armour, helmets, shields, and the horse's armour. The story of the
longbow was fascinating, telling how it is used and showing how its
use carried the day in the Battle of Crecy, while giving the
information that men were to practise the longbow on Sundays rather
then play sport. The Battle of Crecy again is mentioned in the next
section, Battle tactics, where the reason the British won this
important battle of the Hundred Years War is shown.
Internet links dot the pages allowing students to find more
information, and the last section, Knight fact file, gives further
facts about famous battles and famous knights. The whole has a dense
glossary and most useful index, making the book a useful addition to
anyone's library.
Fran Knight
Chooky-doodle-doo by Jan Whiten
Ill. by Sinead Hanley. Walker Books Australia, 2014. ISBN
9781921977879.
Recommended for Pre-school students. Picture Book. This fresh and
colourful picture book is an introduction to simple counting and
rhyming which will delight children and parents. The short verse
structures are repeated with the only changes in the third line and
of course the numbers.
One little chooky chick
Pulling at a worm.
Clucky cluck, worm's stuck.
What should chooky do?
As more chickens are added to the line and the worm proves to be
long and strong, five chickens are recruited before the rhyme
changes to the concept of lots, being six, and a rooster are
introduced along with cock-a-doodle-doo.
With a bit of team work and an extra effort the worm comes loose to
reveal a surprise for all, a farmer's buried shoe with the lace being
the expected worm.
By using the question, 'What should chooky do?' children are
asked to respond and make suggestions establishing connections
between their own experiences and the story. The final question, 'Who
knew?', invites a conclusion before the answer is revealed over the
page again encouraging participation in the story.
The large easy to read font, plenty of white space and stylised
chickens created using both digital and hand crafted collage
techniques using a limited range of colours keeps the focus on the
chicks.
Sue Keane
First Book of Emergency Vehicles by Isabel Thomas
A&C Black, 2014. ISBN 9781408194577.
(Age: 4+) What little boy doesn't enjoy playing with cars, trains
and trucks? First Book of Emergency Vehicles is full of
bright, labelled images and easy to read descriptions. Each page is
dedicated to a different emergency vehicle and will engage any boy
aged 4+.
Independent readers aged 7+ will enjoy reading the technical
language and discussing the different features of each machine.
Kylie Kempster
Billy Slater presents . . .series by Patrick Loughlin
Random House Australia Children's, 2014.
Billy Slater 1: Try Time. ISBN: 9780857982469.
Billy Slater 2: Banana Kick. ISBN: 9780857982667.
This series from Random House is going to be a knock out
success with younger readers, particularly boys, especially as rugby
league season ramps up into full swing.
Simply but well written, with lots of turn-the-page action and
realistic characters and settings, these will see reluctant readers
particularly fully engaged.
In Try time, Josh is ten years old and is finally allowed to join
his local footy team, the West Hill Ravens - urged on by his
league-obsessed grandfather. After all his anticipation, Josh' first
game is pretty much a disaster with embarrassing sideline barracking
from grandad, and fluffing the potentially winning try.
As he wonders if he has what it takes to make a good team member,
his all-time favourite player and NRL legend, Billy Slater, turns up
at training and gives the boys a few pointers. He also agrees to be
their special mentor. What more could a team of ten year olds want? In Banana Kick, Billy Slater continues to support the West Hill
Ravens as their mentor which is great news for Junior - the team's
youngest but biggest player. While it's great for the team
that Junior is their top score maker, it's hard on him to feel that
he is only recognised because of his size. Billy's new team
challenge seems to only make things worse - or does it? It seems
Billy has a lot of good advice to offer these young aspiring
players.
Billy Slater is arguably one of Australia's best ever league players
(and yes, I have often wished he played for MY team!). He is also a
well-regarded player especially in these times when our professional
athletes can often be disappointing role models.
I think it's a tremendous combination to have Billy promoting
reading alongside this fabulous sport, so popular with our primary
aged students. With two more titles scheduled for release in a
few months, this will be one series that will very likely be in high
demand in your libraries.
Read what Billy has to say about reading here.
Sue Warren
The adventures of Stunt Boy and his amazing wonder dog Blindfold by Lollie Barr
Pan Macmillan, 2014. ISBN 9781742613673.
Recommended 7-12. Combining the appeal of a circus with the world of
stunt motorcycles is sure to attract young readers who dream of an
exciting life. From the opening sentence 'Someone was out to get my
dad.' , the reader is aware that the main character, William Stoked,
aka Stunt Boy is determined to find out the truth behind the
accident that has left his father and owner of Stoked Stunt Circus
in a coma. The fact is that everyone else including his sister Jem
believes it was an unfortunate accident.
With only the help of his best friend Benny, an aspiring Olympic
wrestler who is not a circus member, and Blindfold the dog, Stunt's
suspicions centre on rival Circus owner Barry Chesterly of
Chesterley's Family Circus from across town. In his ambition to find
the truth and save the circus, he accuses many of his circus family
of complicity, attracts the attention of the local police and
alienates Benny.
The arrival of Caleb Calloway a famous stunt motorcyclist who
promises to perform in the Stunt Circus raises more issues for
Stunt, attracts unwanted attention from the media and his father's
twin brothers, but assists in revealing the surprise saboteur. A
Monster truck, some amazing stunt riding and an angry rampant
elephant bring the story to an exciting conclusion.
Written in an easy to read style the voice of Stunt is believable as
he agonises over his father's situation and argues with his sister.
There is almost a feel of a movie script with the visuals of stunts
and circus setting. The experience of the author with the Spaghetti
Circus brings realism which is reflected in the description of
circus life and the odd hint given by Stunt, for example how to
climb a rope.
Sue Keane
Love letters to the dead by Ava Dellaira
Hot Key Books, 2014. ISBN 9781471402883. Love Letters to the dead has definite appeal to the female teenage audience. It combines tragedy, romance, friendship, family dysfunction and search for one's identity.
The story is told in the first person by young Laurel, who at the beginning of the year is set the task of writing a letter to a dead person. Laurel doesn't hand up her first assignment but continues to write to a wide range of deceased people throughout the year. It is through these letters that the reader discovers Laurel's own story both past and present.
An interesting aspect is the range of people she writes to. While the first letter is to Kurt Cobain she also includes Amelia Earhart, Jim Morrison, Judy Garland and many others in her correspondence. With each letter she relates aspects of her own life and emotions to those of the recipient and provides the reader with some biographical detail of these famous characters. Some start with 'hero' appeal but as Laurel's own life story evolves she explores more deeply the life/death choices they made.
The focus of the plot is the death of Laurel's sister, May, which resulted in the breakup of her parent's marriage and her choice to attend a different school where she can 'start anew'. It is here that she develops new friendships and has her first boyfriend. Although, naturally these relationships, too, have their ups and downs.
The circumstances surrounding May's death are shrouded in a mystery which is very slowly revealed and it is largely the desire to discover the detail that keeps the reader turning the pages.
Love Letters to the Dead explores the angst of adolescence compassionately but not baulking at some of the weightier issues of modern society.
Barb Rye
The Floods: The Royal Family by Colin Thompson
Random House, Australia, 2014. ISBN 9781742755328.
Is this the final book in The Floods series? As the 13th in the
series The Royal Family seems to round off the story of Nerlin and
Mordonna but as the Colin Thompson website suggests '..IT MAY WELL
BE, THOUGH I WOULDN'T BET MONEY ON IT.'
In the usual chaos and amazingly outrageous and imaginative style of
the previous books we are again drawn into the Royal house of
Transylvania Waters where we find Nerlin, King of Wizards, wishing
to retire from the stresses of Kingship and live out his days in the
Enchanted Valley of the Impossible Waterfall raising chickens, ducks
and quail. Though Mordonna is not keen to relinquish power, the
vexed question of succession must be considered.
Unfortunately not one of their seven children are volunteering for
the job, though Satanella decides to change back into a human having
been a dog most of her life, and Betty, the youngest and most human
like child has a secret desire to become Queen however Mordonna is
adamant that she will not succeed.
In a convoluted story Gertrude, Nerlin's twin sister appears from
the sewers much his horror when he finds out as he is forced to
reveal a family secret that even Mordonna wasn't aware of and
doesn't appear on the published family tree.
With Gertrude's help and the support of her siblings, Betty
manipulates the situation and uses a bit of magic to achieve her aim
while Nerlin enjoys a family reunion.
With the usual extensive referencing, explanations and author
comments at the bottom of many pages, author generated illustrations
and random additions at the end including Winchflat's Hats and an
explanation of Ultimate Super Wizard Powers, the madness loved by
all Floods Fans continues.
Sue Keane
This Star Won't Go Out: The Life and Words of Esther Grace Earl by Esther Earl with Wayne and Lori Earl
Penguin Australia, 2014. ISBN: 9780141354033
'Just be happy, and if you can't be happy, do things that make you happy. Or do nothing with the people that make you happy.' Esther Earl
Sometimes reading an autobiography or memoir is so intensely personal that one develops an emotional connection to the hitherto unknown writer that is quite profound. Esther Earl's short life has been encapsulated in this collection of her sketches, letters, journals, photographs and fiction in a way that presents this remarkable teenage girl in the true essence of her sparky and bright personality. It is little wonder that her online presence in the last few years of her life generated such a following and influenced so many others.
At age twelve, Esther was diagnosed with thyroid cancer which threw her own life and that of her family into complete disarray but inspiringly, never despair. In 2010, shortly after turning 16, Esther died leaving a legacy of grace, hope and love that continues to provide inspiration to thousands.
Celebrated author John Green, a personal friend and fellow nerdfighter, dedicated the best selling The Fault in Our Stars to Esther, naming her as his inspiration for the novel. He also writes a moving introduction to this memoir.
Through Esther's creative journaling we are privy to not only her thoughts, aspirations and dreams but her warm and loving family, friends and support network. This is a remarkable book and destined to become one of those that will serve to feed the souls of many who are in similar circumstances as well as inspire others to strive for the stars.
Sue Warren
Indonesia: the story of a nation by Adrian Osterley
Trocadero Publishing, 2013. ISBN 9780864271433. Indonesia: the story of a nation is part of the Asia-Pacific
Relations series and its focus is the story of Indonesia as a
nation from its earliest history through to its relationship with
Australia today.
Each book has a modern layout with the text presented in manageable
chunks accompanied by a range of photos, maps and tables that offer
extra insight. A contents page and full index allow for easy
location of information.
Even though there seems to be a demand by some to replace
non-fiction titles with online resources only, such demands are
ill-considered because they are ignoring the evidence that students,
even those who are independent readers, prefer and need print
resources when they wish to read deeply for meaning rather than just
skimming a text as they do with online-based materials, and
therefore we have an obligation to meet those needs. These series by
this publisher are fulfilling this need with modern Australian
Curriculum-related resources very well.
Barbara Braxton
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Macmillan, 2014. ISBN 9781447263227.
Moving away from home to University is exciting, but for twins Wren
and Cath, whose mother left when they were small and whose manic,
highly creative father has relied on them for support there are more
challenges. Wren decides she wants to live in separate student
accommodation upsetting Cath who immerses herself in writing fan
fiction as a coping strategy. Cath's 'canon' is the Simon Snow
series of books by Gemma Leslie (Harry Potter analogy). Cath has a
huge and growing 'fandom' following online for her stories that push
the characters from the Simon Snow books into doing things the
original author would never do. When she submits one of her stories
for a university assignment she is devastated by accusations of
plagiarism. There is of course the inevitable love story, which is
very engaging and the resolution of the personal growth of the
characters is well done but the most interesting for me was the
exploration of the issues of intellectual property, creativity,
collaboration, and ethics. Fan
fiction is a modern phenomenon where stories are shared
freely, remixing favourite fictional worlds.
Cath uses it as a stepping stone to finding her own identity and the
writing of truly original fiction but for many it is just a way of
extending their enjoyment of a book, and that has to be good. Senior
secondary readers would enjoy Fangirl; though it is very
American in its setting the themes of love and identity are
universal. The cover cartoon illustrations of the characters are
great and the book club link
on the back has some good content.
Sue Speck
Choose Your Own Ever After: How to get to Rio by Julie Fison
Hardie Grant Egmont Australia, 2014. ISBN 9781742977744.
It is refreshing to find a new spin on the Choose Your Own Adventure
which was so popular years ago. Whilst from memory many of the old
titles were aimed at boys and generally resulted in some paths
leading to a fatal end, this book features teenage girls and all
endings lead to an 'ever after' full of promise.
Kitty and her friends are about to start school holidays. After a
longish introduction to the characters, covering the last few weeks
of term and establishing the relationships between the girls and
boys, the first choice is made. Does Kitty go camping with her
'besties', or with Persephone to the luxury resort of Paradise Point
where, coincidently, Rio, the object of her affections, is also
staying?
With camping, bonfires on the beach, pool parties, mobile phone
problems and an encounter with members of a boys' band 'The Lads',
the story lines become entwined especially when Kitty discovers the
camping ground is only a walk away from Paradise Point.
The feel of the story is modern and the dialogue realistic and
engaging as the holiday romance blossoms or faces challenges and
that not all endings turned out as Kitty might have wished at the
beginning. The choices offered are reflective of realistic
situations and the dilemmas facing many teenager girls, especially
if they are a bit shy as Kitty is portrayed. The beauty of the easy
to read writing is that it is not difficult to go back and make a
different choice just to see how it turns out.
I look forward to the next Choose Your Own Ever After title just to
see what choices will be offered and how they affect the outcome.
Sue Keane
Clementine Rose and the seaside escape by Jacqueline Harvey
Random House, 2014. ISBN 9781742757513.
(Age: 8+) Clementine Rose and the Seaside Escape sees 5 year
old Clementine and her family heading for the English seaside while
their home is getting a new roof. Clementine meets Della and Freddy.
She enjoys spending time with Freddy but tries to avoid Della -
she's annoying. Freddy and Clementine love spending time at the
beach and are surprised when they find a baby seal. When Della
decides to go and investigate at night time, both children go after
her, worried she will get into trouble. Watch out Freddy and
Clementine, it looks like you might need rescuing! Clementine Rose and the Seaside Escape is a descriptive novel
aimed at girls, who read independently, aged 8+. It is a sweet story
with easy to read text and is great for readers moving on to novels.
The story is easy to follow, has a definite narrative structure and
is accompanied by black and white illustrations.
Kylie Kempster
Wimpy Shrimpy by Matt Buckingham
Scholastic, 2014. ISBN 97817426761022.
(Age: 4+) Shrimpy is a worry wart so when his friends ask him to
play he always says no - what if he got hurt or lost? One day,
Shrimpy realises no one has asked him to play and he feels lonely.
There is only one way to not feel lonely but is Shrimpy brave enough
to play with his friends no matter the consequence? Wimpy Shrimpy is a cute story about how important it is to
try new things and be brave. It has gorgeous illustrations to engage
the readers and will be enjoyed by children aged 4+; the text is
suitable for independent readers aged 7+ and it would work well with
the Child Protection curriculum in schools, encouraging children to
discuss ways to be safe and the mixed feelings we can have.
Kylie Kempster
Cycling to Grandma's House by Jac Torres-Gomez
Ill. by Erin-Claire Barlow. Lulu Publishing. 2014. ISBN
9781483406374.
Luna has a challenge from her teacher . . . 'Find out the most
incredible characteristic of being a girl or boy. Then present it to
the class on Monday.' But she is flummoxed - what was so special
about her that would connect her to every other girl in her town?
Knowing she could rely on her to solve the problem, Luna asks hers
mother who tells her she does have an idea but 'only the most
courageous girl in our town could do a whole project about it.' Luna
is intrigued, particularly when her mother says she will have to
cycle around town to speak to a lot of women and that it connects
not only them but also girls all around the world. And it is then
the Luna learns about menarche, a girl's first period, and how
different cultures celebrate this critical coming-of-age event.
Luna is excited by the idea and decides to head for her Mexican
grandmother's house to find out more. On her way she meets her
friends from a host of countries and cultures, and when she explains
why she is cycling to Grandma's house, they share their stories of
how menarche is treated and greeted. She learns much in such a short
trip! When Luna presents her project at school on Monday, she is
bombarded with questions, each of which every girl is likely to ask
and Luna realises that cycling to Grandma's has been the discovery
of a lifetime.
With a granddaughter who is likely to reach this milestone in the
next couple of years, I was eager to review a book that addressed an
issue not normally featured in a fictional setting. Yes, there are
many non-fiction resources available that present the physical facts
about menstruation but to find something that addresses the
emotional side and could such a great be a conversation starter
between mother and daughter is rare. Well-written in a format that
straddles the picture book-novel bridge, and beautifully illustrated
with bright, engaging pictures, this is a book that needs to be in
every library. We need to de-mystify this important event and help
our girls to take it as another stride in their journey to
independent adulthood, as well as ensuring our boys are informed so
they are compassionate rather than embarrassed.
The mission of the team behind this book is to 'empower communities
everywhere to understand and address the barriers women face around
menstruation'. This book is certainly a step in that direction.
Barbara Braxton
To the wild sky by Ivan Southall
Text Classic reprint. Text Publishing, 2014. ISBN 9781922147868.
(Age: 12+) Recommended. Thirteen years of age is too young to have
to deal with a life threatening emergency but when an aircraft pilot
dies from heart failure, a group of children on board are forced to
respond.
Gerald, the son of a wealthy pastoralist invites a group of friends
to a birthday party at the family sheep station and the group
travels in a light aircraft from the town. The lad is much
admired by two boys, Bruce and Colin, and a girl, Carol, who is
smitten by him. Bruce's twin sister Janet dislikes both Gerald and
Colin yet has been invited along with Colin's immature younger
brother Mark, from politeness.
Having flown beside his father in the past, Gerald has had the
chance to 'take the wheel' and has some rudimentary knowledge of
flying which enables him to recover the aircraft when the pilot
dies. Maintaining altitude, direction and adjusting engine speed are
completely new to him however and his epic struggle to master these
over five hours in the face of an enormous dust storm is brilliantly
portrayed. The author was a wartime pilot and his knowledge of light
aircraft operation enables him to describe the myriad interconnected
factors and implications in a way which allows the reader to
appreciate the enormity of the situation. The tension is
excruciating as Gerald grapples with both the aeroplane and the
almost intolerable responsibility to try to save those on board
whilst the passengers impotently wrestle their personal terrors.
A crash landing with only minor injuries to those on board is an
amazing outcome but the group's trials are only just beginning when
they realise that they have no idea where they are and that the
chance of rescue is minimal given that they have flown off course
for many hours.
Different aspects of leadership, heroism, fortitude and initiative
are explored in the events which follow and it is delightful to
revisit a story from the sixties which remains solid and captivating
for modern readers. Southall writes honestly and does not hold back
from revealing gritty and confronting aspects to survival, including
the description of what we now call Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
The author was also way ahead of his time in promoting Indigenous
pride and respecting the knowledge and skills which enabled survival
in extreme environments. Some of the language and social
propriety in the narrative is perfectly ridiculous under the
circumstances and it is a shame that the convention of the time
prevented him from using realistic dialogue. However this is an
absolute must-read for those 12 years onwards who relish exciting
survival stories.
Rob Welsh
