Bloomsbury, 2010. ISBN 978 1 4088 0046 1. The Cabinet of Curiosities is perfect for readers who like
history. Set
in 1598, around the time of the Spanish Inquisition, we meet teenager
Lukas. He is on his way to Prague to become an apprentice to his uncle,
Anselmus, the apothecary to the Emperor. The Cabinet of Curiosities is a dark story, starting out with
attempted
murder and robbery, with Lukas having to steal and trick his way to
Prague. He makes friends with Etienne, a quick-talking, confident
con-artist.
Life in the castle is very different for Lukas and he is put to work,
learning the ways of an apothecary. His uncle shows Lukas the
Cabinet of Curiosities, a room full of wonders and treasures from
around the world.
The dark themes continue as Spanish diplomats vie for the attention of
the Emperor (in hopes of him following their ways). Lukas has made
friends but they make plans to con and steal. The question is - from
who?
Is The Cabinet of Curiosities on their agenda?
What will Lukas's uncle say when he finds out?
Kylie Kempster
Slog's dad by David Almond
Ill. by Dave McKean. Walker Books, 2010. ISBN 978-1406322903.
(Age: 10+) Recommended. From the blurb: 'Do you believe there's life
after death? Slog does. He reckons that the scruffy bloke sitting
outside the pork shop is his dad come back to visit him for one last
time. But Slog's mate Davie isn't convinced.' The bloke seems to
know things about Slog's dad that are impossible for Davie to
understand.
The collaboration of Almond and McKean had a winning book in The
Savage, and Slog's dad is equally as compelling. The exploration of
the
possibility of life after death is a thought provoking one that is
handled very well. Almond's sparse prose, interspersed with McKean's
fabulous pictures, graphically tells the story of how Slog's dad, a bin
man, gradually becomes more and more ill, until he loses his legs and
dies. Slog's belief that his father has come back is so compelling that
I rushed to the end to see what the outcome of Slog's encounter with
the tramp would be. After reading the story, I then went back and read
more slowly, examining the pictures and thinking about all the ideas
that are presented in this tender tale of love. I was fascinated by the
supernatural hints that McKean drew in his illustrations of the man
sitting on the park bench and the sepia toned newspaper articles that
alluded to other things happening.
This is a very touching tale that will appeal both to those who believe
in life after death and the possibility of someone returning for one
last farewell, and to those who are sceptical. Almond's story combined
with the illustrations, allow for both beliefs to exist side by side. Slog's dad is a wonderful story that should give rise to much
discussion in a classroom.
Pat Pledger
Haunted by Barbara Haworth-Attard
Random House Australia, 2010. ISBN 9781742750491.
(Age 12+) Recommended. Winner of the 2010 Arthur Ellis Crime
Award, Haworth-Attard has created a scary, engrossing story that kept
me reading to the end. Dee is frightened when bones are discovered on
the mountain. To make it worse, a ring belonging to her friend Mary Ann
Simpson was found with the bones, and other girls have disappeared from
the area as well. Dee, like her grandmother, has the 'sight', and she
catches glimpses of people who have died, but whose spirits are
unwilling to move onto the afterlife. This ability, as well as the fact
that her mother disappeared when she was a baby, makes her an outsider
in the small town where she lives.
The suspense that Haworth-Attard builds up is totally gripping, as she
describes the small town gossip and stifling attitudes that Dee and her
grandmother have to tolerate. I virtually read this book in one sitting
as I followed the progress of the police investigation as they
attempted to find what turned out to be a serial killer. The plot
twists are excellent, with few clues given to the identity of the
murderer until the very end and the addition of the ghosts that Dee
sees make it an enthralling read.
The book is rich with well-developed characters. Dee is a pragmatic
child, intelligent and forthright and I loved the way that she was
determined to have an education and do something with it. Descriptions
of the health care that her grandmother gave the poorer people show
what a strong and helpful character she was. Clarence, the soldier who
has returned from the war in France, appears often to talk to Dee and
the reader learns much about the First World War and what it was like
afterwards for the families whose men had been killed.
I enjoy mystery stories and feel that Haunted is an excellent
example
of the genre.
Pat Pledger
Up and down by Oliver Jeffers
HarperCollins Children's Books, 2010. ISBN 978-0007263844.
Recommended. Picture book. The penguin and the boy are the best of
friends. They always do things together. Because he does have wings,
the penguin decides that he wants to fly and that is something that he
tries although his wings didn't work very well. Ignoring the
boy's advice, he continues on his quest to fly alone, leaving his
friend behind.
This is a beautiful warm story about the power of friendship. Although
the penguin is determined to fly by himself, the boy doesn't give up on
him and is there to help him make a happy landing after his adventures.
Beautiful colours and amusing images of the boy and the penguin make
this a visually appealing book to look at. Jeffers uses sombre colours
and wistful expressions on the faces of the two companions to show how
they were missing each other, and more vibrant happy shades to denote
cheerfulness. My favourite picture comes at the end of the book and has
a gorgeous pink background, with the penguin scooting along and the boy
walking on stilts, making 'a break for home.'
Although Up and down is the fourth book about the boy and the
penguin,
it reads as a stand-alone and would be a valuable addition to a
collection.
Pat Pledger
Zac wipes out by H.I. Larry
Zac power. Spy camp Mission 6. Hardie Grant Egmont, 2010. ISBN
9781921690518.
(Age: Newly independent readers) Zac is sitting in the dentist chair
when he is suddenly whished off to Spy Camp to learn some more spying
skills. Here he pairs off with Cam, code name Agent Wave because he
loves surfing. They are taken by helicopter to a volcano, and here Zac
has to put all his training and skills to work to rescue Cam from the
lava flow.
Another in this great series for young readers, especially boys, Zac
wipes
out will especially appeal to children who enjoy surfing. They
will really appreciate how Zac uses a stretcher as a surfboard and
rides the lava wave.
Fifty-six pages of large print, interspersed with black and white
illustrations make it a good book for the emerging reader.
Pat Pledger ,
The legacy by Gemma Malley
Bloomsbury, 2010. ISBN 978-1408800898.
The third in the series following The Declaration and The
Resistance,
sees a return to a dystopian future where very few children are born,
as Longevity, a drug developed by the Pincent Pharma laboratories,
keeps all the adults alive, promising eternal life. However blackened
corpses are turning up everywhere as a virus sweeps the world and it
appears that Longevity is no longer working. Richard Pincent is
determined to find the original formula developed by Albert Fern but in
the meantime blames the Underground movement for releasing the virus. The Declaration is one of my favourite dystopian novels, its
theme of
what would happen in a world where new life no longer brings new ideas,
fresh and original. The legacy brings to a satisfying
conclusion the story of Peter and Anna, Jude and Sheila. Malley
cleverly
describes a world where the prevailing drug stops working, just as
drugs today can lose their potency and fail to perform. The frightening
machinations of politicians and drug company director are very
realistic, as are the actions of the adults who could see their
existence coming to an end.
Richard Pincent is a frightening villain, and Jude comes into his own
in this volume. It was good to see how he used his computer skills to
research and the slight romance with Sheila was engaging.
Malley's plot is engrossing and the ending has some unexpected twists
and turns, which were a surprise, but nevertheless, very satisfying.
This series is sure to please readers who like to think about issues
like overpopulation, power of big drug companies and the selfishness of
human nature, all themes in these books.
Pat Pledger
The Christmas book by Dick Bruna
Hardie Grant Egmont, 2007 (c1964). ISBN 9781921288814.
(Age 4-8) Recommended. Dick Bruna, the creator of the Miffy books,
tells the Nativity story in this charming book. Although first
published in 1964, it is a timeless book that will appeal to today's
children, who may want to know the story behind Christmas.
Bruna has retold the story of the shepherds and the three wise men
following a bright light that is an angel, to a stable in Bethlehem in
a manner that is simple and easy to understand. The language is direct
and sincere and describes the Nativity in a very straightforward way.
The delightful illustrations complement the words. I can image children
using ideas from the way that Bruna has constructed his figures to
making their own Nativity scene.
A useful addition to a collection of Christmas books, The Christmas
book would also be book to read aloud to tell the story of the
birth of
Jesus.
Pat Pledger
Totally Bindi by Jess Black
Random House Australia, 2010. ISBN 978 1864718584.
(Ages 7+) Picture book/non fiction. A stocking filler for young girls
and boys, this compilation of all things Bindi and the Australian Zoo,
will please many. Pages of photos of Bindi with various animals, her
family and father Steve Irwin will keep the reader involved and
interested in all the things Bindi does from day to day. Each double
page is sumptuous in its photography and has bites of information aimed
at getting information quickly and easily. From swimming, skiing,
snorkeling, riding a horse, showing people and friends the zoo, to
motorcycling, the child does a range of activities which will entrance
the reader. Seeing her grabbing a tortoise, listening to a koala's
heartbeat, cuddling a snake, feeding a crocodile, Bindi is shown in all
possible stances at Australia Zoo.
Interspersed with the many animal photos is a range of photos of Bindi
and her family, making this feel like a family album, and those
entranced with Steve Irwin and his life, will see many photos of him in
action. Along the way are cross word puzzles, recipes, questions to
answer and quizzes, word games and activities, all designed to
keep the reader interested and reading. With pages of information about
animals the books will please all comers.
Fran Knight
Mice by Gordon Reece
Allen and Unwin; 2010.
(Suitable for Year 10-12) The first part of this novel is quite
disturbing due to girls
subversively bullying and harassing Shelley. When the truth becomes
evident Shelley and her mother decided that it is best if they move
from their comfortable lifestyle to a quiet life in the country. This
was meant to be the plan however not all goes according to this plan.
This novel is about gaining strength and realizing that you cannot be a
victim forever. But in order to have this strength, compromise and
morals are called into question. The characters are well defined and
the story is well written with the reader constantly questioning what
is fair and just.
Wendy Rutten
The Dead of Winter by Chris Priestley
Bloomsbury 2010.
(Ages 10-14) Recommended. I loved Chris Priestley's Tales of
Terror
from the Black Ship and this marvellously gothic ghost story more
than
lived up to my expectations.
Following the death of his mother, Michael is sent to stay with his
benefactor who inhabits a crumbling mausoleum in the featureless
marshlands of East Anglia. Sir Stephen is weak of mind, tormented by
mysterious ghostly noises and apparitions. Michael himself is also
haunted by these ghosts and his Christmas visit to the house is truly
terrifying.
The death of Lady Clarendon, Sir Stephen's tragic wife, is shrouded in
mystery and her ghost now haunts the house and grounds. To add to the
air of threat, Sir Stephen himself is plagued by memories of a
childhood ordeal when he was imprisoned in a priest hole by his father.
He has never recovered from this trauma and when the same thing happens
to Michael he relives his terror.
Priestley's steady build up of atmosphere and tension is outstanding as
Michael gradually uncovers the mystery surrounding Lady Clarendon's
death and we learn that although ghosts are present, responsibility for
her death lies firmly at the feet of the living. The terror intensifies
to a cracking denouement that will leave readers with nerves
jangling and their hair standing on end!
Priestly has almost certainly borrowed ideas and characters from the
best examples of gothic novels and I could detect elements of Jane
Eyre, Great Expectations and Rebecca here. Although
not exactly
Christmassy The Dead of Winter is set over the festive season,
so you
could recommend it as a scary Christmas read.
Claire Larson
Summer of sabotage by Bob Temple
Raintree, ISBN 978 1406215960.
Recommended for upper primary and those older, who find reading a
challenge. A good 'who done it' mystery. The plot is well
developed and keeps the reader in suspense until the end. Daniel and
Aaron love the water park and spend as much of the summer there as they
can. Unaccountable accidents begin to occur and Daniel is sure
they are deliberate so he decides to investigate much to his friend
Aaron's initial amusement. But when they are forbidden to go to
the Park for a week they both spend their time thinking of possible
suspects. Is it Gabe, the Water Park's Manager, Mrs Parker or even
Janie, the heroine of the Water Park. The language is not complex, has
simple sentences and the chapters short and easily read. A useful
Glossary, Discussion Questions, Author Information, Writing Prompts and
most useful is a double page of water safety suggestions.
Typeface and font are very appropriate.
Sue Nosworthy
Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol retold by Martin Howard
Ill. by Carlo Molinari and Chris Gould. Hardie Grant
Egmont, 2009.
ISBN 978-192156420-8
This attractively produced picture book version of Dickens' story does
not live up to its early promise.
Martin Howard retells Charles Dickens' classic story of mean Ebenezer
Scrooge's encounter with the ghosts of Christmas past, present and
future and his eventual redemption. The book is lavishly illustrated
with sliders, flaps, add-ins and a pop up centre depicting the ghost of
Christmas present. The text appears in blocks around the brightly
coloured illustrations of Victorian London interspersed with panels of
extra information, recipes and games. What makes this an uncomfortable
format is the density of the text, a lot to read aloud as a story book
and confusingly disjointed when constructing a continuous narrative
from the parts. A lot of the illustrations depict sinister subjects and
sections of the text are quite scary. Unless familiar with the happy
ending, readers dipping into the separate parts of the book could be
left with a worryingly negative view of what should be a happy time of
year.
The pop-ups and extras are not particularly exciting and would make
this a fragile book to have in a school library.
Not recommended for readers under 9 years.
Sue Speck
The Odyssey: a Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds
Candlewick Press, 2010. ISBN 978-0-7636-4268-6.
This beautifully crafted graphic novel is one of the best I have read.
It is the story of Odysseus, thwarted by the god Poseidon in his
attempts to return home to his wife and son after the Trojan wars.
Monsters and obstacles are put in his way, only to be overcome with the
help of the goddess Athena, and the hero has some romantic encounters
on the way. This interpretation of Homer's epic poem is well
researched as are the atmospheric pencil and watercolour renderings of
life on the Greek islands in the Bronze Age add another dimension to
the text.
Well balanced between the carefully chosen dialogue and the visual
narrative, each frame effectively communicates the story without the
need for extra explanation. The characters are well drawn and easy to
identify, the use of soft coloured outlines to distinguish gods from
mortals, works well. The reader is able to instantly and vividly
recognise the characters' emotions as they struggle through each trial
and dynamic viewpoints add to the fast pace.
Following on from Hinds' graphic adaptations of Beowulf and
Shakespeare's King Lear and Merchant of Venice, this
literate
adaptation will have appeal for adults and senior students revisiting
the classic text while the skill of the artist makes it accessible to
ESL and middle school students looking for a story of adventure and
hardships overcome.
Sue Speck
Legend of the Golden Snail by Graeme Base
Puffin, 2010. ISBN 9780670073498.
(Ages: 4-8) Highly recommended. Wilbur is enchanted by a story about a
Golden Snail, which takes the shape of a golden galleon when it sails
through the Magical Realm. One day it is captured by a Grand Enchanter,
who forces it to obey his commands. After sailing it for a 100 years,
the Enchanter banishes it to the ends of the earth until a new master
comes to claim it. Wilbur decides to find the Golden Snail and he and
his faithful cat set off on sailboat, finding some creatures that need
rescuing on the way.
Like all good fairy tales, there is a moral to the story. Wilbur sees
creatures in distress and instead of leaving them in their misery, he
helps them on their way. He waters a butterfly bush that is wilting,
releases a crab from a net, and stops earwig pirates from stealing
light bulbs from lantern fish. In turn, when Wilbur gets into trouble,
these creatures come to his aid.
The language is beautiful, full of alliterations and stunning images.
It is a lovely book to read aloud, stimulating the imagination and
leaving behind haunting thoughts of good and evil.
The artwork is striking, with beautiful bold pictures, and gorgeous
greens, blues and golds. I particularly loved the picture of the 'newly
blossomed butterflies' bringing back the wind when Wilbur's boat drifts
into the Dreadful Doldrums.
With extras in the book, like a small additional book attached in the
front page, and a picture of a snail and crossbones on every page for
the curious to find, as well as instructions to go to Base's website, this book will delight
children and adults everywhere. It is a keeper!
Pat Pledger
Slice by Steven Herrick
Woolshed Press 2010. ISBN 9781864719642.
Recommended for ages 14+. As we have come to expect from the writing of
Steven Herrick, Slice, is a witty and enjoyable narrative, with
many
'juicy moments' to savour!The story is simply told - more like
glimpses of a teenage life, as the title suggests - by Darcy Walker, 16
year old school student carrying a bit of baggage from home; namely
parental expectations which haven't really eventuated. Darcy is very
likeable though and his relationships with family and friends bring out
a good deal of conversational humour which makes for entertaining
reading. Slice has the appeal of previous stories, such as The
Spangled Drongo
and Tom Jones Saves the World. Attention is focused on his
attraction
and developing intimacy with Audrey: their conversations are great fun
to overhear. Indeed, there are many scenes throughout Slice which read
so well out loud.
Light-hearted and honest, with no pretensions, this novel is clever,
funny and very readable.
Julie Wells
