Reviews

10 little circus mice by Caroline Stills

Ill. by Judith Rossell. Little Hare, 2013. ISBN 9781921894176. hbk., RRP $A24.95.
This is a delightful counting book with a difference because each page focuses on the antics of all ten mice, but they are grouped differently on each page. So while nine mice tidy their beds, one somersaults; while eight cook, two juggle; while seven wash the cups, three spin the saucers. Little readers will delight in looking at the pictures and concocting the story to go with them as well as finding and following the antics of their favourites as they turn daily chores into fun and games.
While it could be used as a book to support early addition, it is also very useful for helping early mathematicians develop the concept of the conservation of number - that 10 is 10 is 10 no matter how it is grouped - in an engaging and intriguing way.
There is a lot of research which suggests that stories have more impact when they are supported by targeted, explicit activities and this book lends itself very well to these. Having the children make and decorate their own mice and then working with their peers to create number stories, record these and then add text to describe what they are doing is just one. Even though this might appear on the surface to be just another in a long line of counting books, it is, in fact, much more than that and is rich in possibilities to help both literacy and numeracy development. Share it with your kindergarten teachers - they will thank you for it.
Barbara Braxton

Bewitched by Colin Thompson

The Floods (12). Random House Australia Children's, 2013. ISBN: 9781742755304. 240 pages. RRP $14.95
(Age: 9-12)Welcome back to the madness and mayhem that are the family Flood. Colin Thompson takes the reader on another rollicking excursion with the Addams like royal family of Transylvania Waters as King Nerlin displays some rather bizarre symptoms. In fact, he is behaving even more bizarrely than his normal state - clearly bordering on Doolallyness. His family, afraid for his mental health, seek the best treatment available to them - and visit the Old Crones. With Queen Mordonna ably in charge and the rest of the family to lend their expert assistance - as well as assorted talking donkeys and imaginary friends - nothing could go wrong with this plan.
After the revelation that Nerlin is definitely not suffering from 'celeriac or any other green vegetable' it appears that he is actually infected by his imaginary friend Geoffrey-Geoffrey - perhaps not so imaginary as Nerlin and his family believed. Cures via fruit pulp immersion, kidnapping by crone, satellite tracking of vengeful adversaries are just all part of the road to Nerlin's restored good health.
Legions of young readers attest to the success of the Floods formula and Colin Thompson's delightful word play and surprising insertions, not to mention hilarious footnotes add to the crazy mix. Readers delight in the twisted mirroring of real life - 'The Three Fake Cooks', who actually had a printout off Gargle Maps... which is like Google Maps PLUS it cures bad breath.
This volume is sure to be as popular as the rest of the series and readers from 9-12 will particularly relish it.
Sue Warren

Black Mountain by Greig Beck

Macmillan, 2012. ISBN 978 1 7426 1086 3.
(Age: Middle-upper secondary) Alex Hunter is an enhanced human through a secret program using a bacteria to create better soldiers with increased abilities. Here he wakes up not knowing who or where he is, but he is helped by a beautiful Israeli agent, who knows who and what he is. This leads to a series of high action adventures in which Alex's memory slowly begins to return. This is juxtaposed with a series of brutal deaths in the Appalachians' Black Mountain area. As Alex's memory returns so does a desire to return to his home in the Black Mountain, which leads to the ultimate confrontation with the creature responsible for the deaths. There is plenty of action and blood, so it is not for the squeamish. The chapters shift backwards and forwards between the various elements of the stories, but the author keeps control of the threads as the story moves along at a fast pace.
I think it would appeal to middle/upper secondary boys who enjoy Matthew Reilly or any other fast paced action adventures and are looking for something similar. The graphic descriptions of death would preclude younger readers.
David Rayner

What the Raven Saw by Samantha-Ellen Bound

Woolshed Press, 2013. ISBN 9781742757353.
Recommended - I love the Raven! I love his vanity as a 'bird of great distinction' and 'inborn ability', his grumpiness and his good heart. I love his conversations with, and obvious love for, the weatherhen who sits on top of the church spinning in the wind. His ongoing relationship with 'the pigeon' is a source of amusement and at times provides a bit of light relief. I also love the thought that next time I see a Raven it may talk to me as this, it appears, is a little known fact about Ravens.
The Raven resides in the crumbling bell tower of the church run by Father Cadman. From there he patrols the local area and guards his treasure from all who would steal it including, he suspects, the weatherhen. His joy in life is listening to the hymns at mass and singing with Father Cadman at the church organ.
He becomes entangled with a variety of other characters most notably the ghost of a young boy Todd buried in his cemetery in the opening chapter, and his grieving sister Mackenzie.
When the Raven tells Father Cadman that Barnabas Brittle has been stealing from the collection plate, his life is changed. Father Cadman no longer believes in him or sings with him. Then a storm destroys his belltower, scattering his treasure.
Returning to the good graces of Father Cadman and proving Barnabas Brittle guilty means the Raven also needs to extend his help to the distraught Mackenzie, her friend Lucie and the persistent, caring and ghostly Todd.
A story of loving and giving or as the scarecrow says 'There must be showings of devotions before you get devotions back.'
Sue Keane

Rapture by J.R. Ward

Fallen Angels series. Piatkus Books, 2013. ISBN 9780749957155.
(Age 18+) (sex scenes, language) This is the first J.R. Ward book that I've read, and I'm already wondering what I'm missing out on due to the creativity and dark world building in Rapture, the 4th book of the Fallen Angels series.
The paranormal romance series is about a war between Heaven and Hell as Jim Heron, a fallen angel must save the souls of 7 people from the seven deadly sins. His opposition is Devina, a gorgeous, evil demon that has a hold over him. Each book focuses on a different person, and Rapture is about Mels Carmichael, a reporter who one day runs into Matthias, an amnesiac with supreme fighting skills.
As a typical alpha male, Matthias wants to protect Mels from the assassins that seem to be after him, but she's also a strong heroine who carries a hidden handgun and is trained in black belt skills. Mels is inextricably drawn to Matthias due to his broken soul, and they begin investigating a string of murders caused by the evil demon Devina. Unbeknownst to them, the murders are part of the power play between Jim Heron and Devina, who are battling it out to see whether Heaven or Hell will prevail. Each book will record a win or a loss against each side.
While I haven't read any of the previous books in the series, Rapture is relatively easy to follow (aside from the start) as we're slowly putting the pieces together for who Matthias he is and what he's done in the past. I do feel like some references are lost on me, for example the revelation between Dog and the significance of Sissy, but still enjoyed the title as a standalone.
J.R. Ward breathes new life in the angels and demons theme, with the angel struggling to resist the pull of the seven sins and the demon as an evil, gorgeous demon who is seeing a therapist for her OCD. I enjoyed the theme of salvation within Rapture, and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Jeann Wong

I made lattes for a love god by Wendy Harmer

Allen and Unwin, 2012. ISBN: 9781742379913.
Recommended for ages 12 and above. Elly Pickering is an ordinary teenager whose family includes her eighteen year old sister, Tilly, her mum, Libby, who runs a PR company named Regal Events and Dad, always there supporting the family, without ever seeming to rock the boat. Things change when Regal Events wins the contract to do the public relations for a film which is to be made in their town, starring Elly's major heart throb, Jake Blake. When she invites her best friend Carmelita to stay, the two excitedly audition as extras in the movie. Although Carmelita wins a part, Elly fails to do so. Thanks to Dad's persuasive powers, Libby gives her daughter the opportunity to act as her assistant. Sadly, things again go wrong; Elly quickly loses her job and is demoted to work with a class mate, Rosie Di Masi, in the catering van owned by Rosie's family. Despite Carmelita appearing to have dumped her best friend in favour of another of their old class mates, Rosie shows her 'Pollyanna' nature and vows that everyone will end up wishing they could have as much fun as the girls could have in the van. Suddenly, things begin to improve!
Harmer has created a winning formula with her two teenage books about Elly and her friends. Although the protagonist comes across as being somewhat self-absorbed, there is nothing about her that is not typical of most teenagers today. From her desire to meet her favourite celebrity, about whom she knows so much, to her mixed reactions toward her best friend's acting career and the changes in her attitude toward Rosie and her catering job, most readers will be able to understand her motivations exactly. This is another thoroughly enjoyable read.
Jo Schenkel

Pirate Gold by Michael Salmon

Ford Street Publishing, 2013. pbk., 32pp., ISBN 9781921665691. RRP $A12.95
hbk., 32pp. ISBN 9781921665684. RRP. $A19.91.
The pirate ship Hogwash is home to the Piganeers, led by Captain Porker. After several successful raids on Spanish galleons, Captain Porker orders his crew to weigh anchor off a little tropical island, a regular stop on the voyage home because his treasure is buried there - but his treasure map is missing. How will he find his loot without it? Luckily for his crew, who were at risk of being turned into bacon burgers, he finds it ... but not where he usually hides it. Could someone have found it and worked out its secret? Midnight sees him setting out alone, rowing to the island, but after a night of digging, daylight dawns and his fears are confirmed. His treasure is not there. But who is responsible for stealing it? Younger children will enjoy joining Captain Porker on his hunt to find the culprits with its quirky twists and turns.
Pirates are a perennial favourite with young students and this rollicking adventure adds to the plethora of stories with this theme that have lasting appeal. Michael Salmon's style is eye-catching, engaging and easily recognisable as this is the latest in a long string of books and other child-centred ventures which began in 1967. His cartoon style with his bright colours captures the eye and the imagination, and this book, a re-release of one published in the USA in 1998, is sure to attract a new generation of fans.
My experience has been that whenever I lead young boys, particularly, to the Michael Salmon section, that they are hooked and the word spreads very quickly. Perfect for reading aloud or reading alone by those on the cusp of independence, and coupled with his interactive website Salmon has a formula that is a winner. So much so, that the ACT Government commissioned a statue of Alexander Bunyip (of The Bunyip that ate Canberra fame) to stand outside their new Gungahlin Library in 2011. This title deserves its place in your Salmon collection.
Barbara Braxton

The promise by Derek Guille

Ill. by Kaff-Eine. One Tree Hill, 2013. ISBN 978 0 9873139 6 6.
(Age: 8+) Picture book. World War One. Remembrance. When Derek Guille accompanied the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra on a recent tour to France, as journalist, I cannot imagine that he would have dreamt of the emotional pull that trip would have on him and the others who made up the small band, the Melbourne Villers Bretonneux Brass Ensemble. Formed with the aim of playing several pieces of music at the town where the leader's grandfather had fought against the Germans, the band spent a day away from Paris at the town, meeting local residents and children. Here they were struck with the town that bears the names Melbourne and Victoria streets and the school, Victoria School, proudly flies the Australian and French flags.
A little know story of WW1, Villers Bretoonneux always remembers the heroism of the Australian troops in defending their town, to such a degree that when bushfires ravaged Victoria, they fundraised money to send back to Victoria, just as the Victorians did after WW1, in helping rebuild the town where many of their sons had died.
This is a fascinating tale of the day spent at the town by the brass ensemble, and beautifully dovetails the picture book published last year, Do No Forget Australia, (Sally Murphy, Walker)
Fran Knight

Dance of Shadows by Yelena Black

Bloomsbury Publishing, 2013. ISBN: 978-1-4088-2997-4.
Vanessa Alder is living every girl's dream: she is a dancer, but not just any dancer she is a ballerina.
When Vanessa made the choice to attend the New York Ballet Academy she had only one thing in mind. Finding her missing sister Margaret. But things aren't always as simple as they seem. After being cast in the lead role of the school ballet production The Firebird Vanessa and her friends discover a pattern of disappearances, each missing girl had been cast in the lead role in The Firebird. In between learning the impossible La Danse du Feu (the dance of fire) and worrying over her tenuous relationship with Zep (the male lead) Vanessa finds herself putting her mission to find Margaret second. But when a crazy ex ballerina finds Vanessa and warns her to get away from the school Vanessa and her friends investigate further into the notorious school's past in order to discover what happened to her sister.
The novel is aimed at young adult readers with an interest in the paranormal and gives the reader just a taste of what it is like to be studying to become a dancer without skipping over the realities of the blood, sweat and tears which come with it. I absolutely loved the tone of the first half of the book but it raised my expectations too high as the last half was a bit of a let down. The introduction of the paranormal to this novel seems to be unnecessary; if it had been more obvious all of the way through it could have been a fantastic novel. If I could I would recommend only the first half of this novel as it begins as an excellent story however I don't think that the ending fits the beginning as well as it should.
Kayla (age seventeen)

Big Red Tractor saves the day by Melissa Firth

Ill. by Cheryl Orsini. Scholastic, 2013. ISBN 9781742831251. Paperback.
Recommended. There's much about this book which recommends itself, from its cheerful and vibrant colour scheme, to the very meta last page of the book.
Big Red Tractor is working hard on the farm, ploughing the earth and planting the seeds. The weeks go by, the plants get big, and big red tractor needs a different rig. While watering the plants, the tractor driver hears a peep peep. A baby bird, tucked in a nest, has fallen from the tree, and the tractor is heading straight for it!
This is a book with sturdy pages, which will be hard for grabby young hands to rip, and easy for caregivers to wipe down - it's a book which can safely be read around yoghurt AND dirt - a big plus with the under 5's.
The text is rhythmic and the rhymes are smooth, the problems small and the solutions quick - a big plus when reading aloud, making it easy for the reader to engage their audience.
This book would be a valuable addition to any early years library - be it home or school - and comes recommended.
Freya Lucas

The lost tail by Patricia Bernard

Ill. by Tricia Oktober. Ford Street Publishing, 2013.hbk., RRP $A22.95.
Today is the day! It has arrived! The day the Bundi Boys go to the Goroka Show where they will perform their snake dance, along with thousands of other participants wearing their traditional costumes and sharing their dances and rituals at this annual gathering. But there is no hopping in a car for them - it's a long and arduous five day trek through jungles and rivers and over mountains, while watching out for angry cassowaries and wild pigs, and a host of other hazards, particularly the red-skinned poroi hana spirits, because Goroka is in the remote Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea.
Nura's job is to carry the snake's tail in this traditional warriors' dance, but when they finally arrive at Goroka, he is so exhausted he falls asleep, waking much later than he wanted and finding his friends gone. How will he find them amongst this large, colourful festival which attracts tribespeople from all over the region, all decked in their most garish feathered finery? Nobody he asks has seen them ... where is that elusive snake's tail? Will the Bundi Boys be able to dance for the judges if he is not there?
This is the most beautiful book which works on so many levels. Patricia Bernard always writes an engaging tale (if you're not familiar with Duffy, Everyone's Dog, seek it out), against an authentic backdrop of a country which is Australia's nearest neighbour yet so little is known. You feel Nura's concern as he goes from group to group, reminding himself of his mother's words that Bundi warriors never give up. And then there is the lusciousness of Tricia Oktober's illustrations - so bright and colourful and so realistic that they just leap out of the page. (She is among a tiny group of my favourite illustrators.) She was an inspired choice and just exactly what this text needed.
Whether read aloud or read alone this is a book of such richness, there is something new to be discovered and explored from Kindergarten to Year 6. You can't ask for much more than that.
Barbara Braxton

My fair godmother by Janette Rallison

My fair godmother, bk 1. Walker, 2009. ISBN 9780802720733.
(Age: 12+) Fairy tale retold.  Savannah Delano is devastated when her boyfriend Hunter dumps her for her clever sister Jane just before the prom. However Chrissy, her fair godmother (a student fairy godmother), comes to the rescue with disastrous results as Savannah is sent back to the Middle Ages, first as Cinderella and then as Snow White. Then she sends back Tristan and Savannah has to try and rescue him.
This is a very entertaining story with many laugh out loud moments as the reader follows the misadventures of Savannah as she scrubs floors and milk cows in the dark ages. Her fair godmother is obsessed with shopping and parties and doesn't seem to have enough time to sort out Savannah's problems and even when she tries she makes a mess.
The dialogue is very quirky and the reader gets to know Savannah very well through her funny, wry comments and descriptions. It is also a humorous look at finding a prince in a strange place.
A feel good book, it is ideal for anyone who wants a good laugh and who enjoys the fairy tale retold genre, as I do.
Pat Pledger

10 bush babies by Susan Hall

Mullumbimby by Melissa Lucashenko

Unversity of Queensland Press, 2013. ISBN 9780702239199.
(Age: Senior secondary - adult) The intriguing cover of Mullumbimby signals an absorbing story. The beautifully photographed image of rusty barbed wire around a bird's nest is a metaphor for Jo's life. Of Bundjalung descent, she has recently bought back some of her people's land and this is the catalyst for meeting new people and starting different strands in her life.
Jo gets together with gorgeous, dreadlocked Twoboy who is spear-heading native title claims. The Goories from Brisbane are also claiming native title and there is an ominous expectation of war between 'blackfellas'. The battle for land becomes personal for Jo; particularly when her beloved colt, Comet, is entangled in wire fencing on what she believes is her land. This scene is one of the most shocking and memorable in the novel. Jo's daughter, Ellen, is a talented artist who uses Aboriginal elements and knowledge of country in her work. The characters' links with the country embody the spiritual and mystical elements of the story. Indigenous author, Melissa Lucashenko steeps her story in Indigenous lore, particularly with the ancestors, who are still part of life.
Place is paramount in this novel. The town of Mullumbimby (nicknamed Mullum), near Byron Bay in northern NSW, is obviously well-known and described. Here, as in many places, parents have to keep their children alive. 'Just keep the jahjam breathing and hope remains.' Bundjalung and Yugambeh languages are interspersed with Aboriginal English at times.
The adult content - sex, drugs and swearing - limit this novel to mature secondary readers but, overall, it has great value for its insight into Indigenous Australia.
Joy Lawn

Prodigy by Marie Lu

Penguin Books, 2013. ISBN 9780141339573
(Age: 12+) Recommended. June and Day are amazing characters that underpin the whole Legend series, and boy, are they fascinating to read about! June is the perfect military agent who lets instinct, military ability and keen sense of observation guide her. She's cold, calculating, and observing. The only one to make her relax is Day, who could win the hearts of the people from his personality alone. He's constantly putting other people's needs before his, and unlike June, lets his emotions cloud his vision. It's refreshing to read about a male that actually has emotions, and I enjoyed the contrast between them.
June and Day are public figures that have the most influence over the people and are recruited by Patriot rebels to overthrow the Republic and assassinate the new Elector Primo. June is sent to charm and mislead the new young Elector, and Day joins the Patriot's forces on the front line. As the young lovers are forced apart, other admirers attempt to emphasize their differences; Day has been brought up in the slums and he's been stricken by poverty all of his life, and June has been brought up as a preened prodigy with a life of aristocracy and refinement.
Prodigy brings forth a complexity between characters that many other novels fail to address. It's not just 'no matter what, love will bring us together'. It's more about what's best for each of them and how to utilise their skills and status the best.
The novel contains non-stop action and a high tension between soldiers and rebels. As June and Day individually uncover the truth behind the Republic, we learn how the Republic came to be, the richness of the Patriots and the Colonies of America. The author truly excels at creating a thrilling story heavy on military antics, politics and espionage.
Prodigy is an excellent sequel to the ground-breaking dystopian of Legend. Be aware that there's some gay themes here, before you recommend it to students.
Jeann Wong