Random House Australia, 2010. ISBN 9781864719901.
(All ages) Picture book. Highly recommended. Annie's grandfather
lovingly carves her a little drummer boy from an old table leg to put
on the top of the Christmas tree. Annie loves the little drummer boy,
who becomes a central part of Christmas, always watching over the
celebrations and taking note of the changes in Annie as she ages and
more generations of her family come along.
This is a very poignant story using the Christmas traditions that are
passed from great grandfather to latest child, to show Annie as she
ages, marries, and has children and grand children.
I love the way Whatley portrays the range of people's faces from youth
to old age. Annie has very chubby cheeks and glossy hair as a young
child, but her expression is always loving. By the time she is a
grandmother, her mouth has withered and she is wrinkled and grey, but
she still retains her air of kindness and love. Each generation wears
clothes and hairstyles that give a hint to the time periods that are
being illustrated. Annie's grandfather wears a wonderful grey cap form
early in the 20th century and her parents sport very stylish 30's or
40's hairstyles. A captivating detail is the beautiful illustration of
the family resemblance between Annie, her daughter and granddaughters.
This book is a keeper. It will be a wonderful read aloud coming up to
Christmas and a warm reminder of the closeness and love that family
life can bring.
Pat Pledger
Get A Grip, Cooper Jones by Sue Whiting
Walker, 2010. ISBN: 978 1 921 529 78 8
(Ages 12-14) Cooper Jones seems to have a fairly good life. He lives
with his mother in Wangaroo Bay, a beach-side town, and swims everyday.
Unfortunately for Cooper he has developed a phobia of swimming in the
ocean and whilst he is a fantastic competition swimmer who trains
everyday in the pool, his fear of the ocean has made him isolated from
his surfer peers and a target for their bullying. Cooper's fear of the
ocean is not the only issue in his life that he needs to overcome.
Cooper doesn't know who is real father is, and his slightly eccentric
uni-cycle riding mother seems to be not hurry to tell him. Some
resolution to these problems comes to Cooper when his next door
neighbour's niece comes to visit Wangaroo Bay for a few days. Abeba (or
Abbie) is going through similar identity issues to Cooper as she is
Ethiopian born and has recently been feuding with her adopted mother
about her right to know her own birth heritage. Sharing similar quests,
Cooper and Abeba immediately find solace in each other. The drama of
their stories is sparked by an imposing threat to Wangaroo Bay by an
approaching bush-fire.
Get a Grip, Cooper Jones is a novel
about
teenagers over coming fears and exploring their personal identities.
The desire for teenagers to desire knowledge to help them their
personal identity is a common one and is entertainingly and simply
explored in this novel. As a result, many teenagers will relate to the
story of the characters in this book.
Adam Fitzgerald
Twisters rhymers series by Christine Moorcroft
Evans, 2010.
(Age: 5-6) This is a set of readers that uses rhyming words to tell the
stories. They would be useful for children to read after they have
learnt that some sounds sound the same, even though they are spelt
differently. Each story has examples of this. In Now, now brown cow,
for example, children will learn that the 'ow' in 'brown' and 'cow'
makes the same sound as the 'ou' in 'found' and 'ground'.
The emphasis in the series is on producing a humorous story, that is
illustrated with bright drawings, and which has appealing content for
the young reader.
Books in the series: Alien Tale by Christine Moorcroft ISBN: 978 0237542559 Now, Now Brown Cow! by Christine Moorcroft ISBN: 978 0237542566 Old Joe Rowan by Christine Moorcroft ISBN: 978 0237542580 Pear Under the Stairs by Christine Moorcroft ISBN: 978 0237542535 Pie in the Sky by Christine Moorcroft ISBN: 978 0
237542573 Tall Story by Christine Moorcroft ISBN:978 0 23754 254 2
Pat Pledger
Shake a leg by Boori Monty Pryor and Jan Ormerod
Allen and Unwin, 2010. ISBN 9781741758900.
(Age 6-10) Recommended. This is a wonderful picture book that will
bring
multiculturalism and Aboriginal dancing to life! Three young boys go to
a pizza shop in far north Queensland and learn that not only does it
sell delicious pizza, but that the Aboriginal owner speaks Italian and
has gone to Italy to learn how to make it. As he says, the pizza is
'much more than flour and water and a few tomatoes. It's to do with the
song and dance and stories.' From then on he tells a story with bite
about a boy who didn't listen and was snapped up by a crocodile and
demonstrates the dance that goes with the story. After eating the pizza
and having a milkshake, the boys then hear about a stinging bee dance
and get to dance a warning dance which ends in shake-a-leg.
I loved the skillful story combination of eating pizza and learning
about traditional Aboriginal dances. The story is set up in appealing
graphic novel form with pictures in boxes and conversation in balloons.
The exuberant drawings and dances will have young children longing to
get up and shake-a-leg, and sing out the chorus of 'A-huh A-huh A-huh'.
Jan Ormerod's drawings are wonderful. She brings the both the dances in
the pizza parlour and the traditional dances to life. I especially
enjoyed the joyous expressions on boys' faces as they stamped their
feet.
The whole design of the book is excellent. The endpapers show the
rainbow serpent stretching from northern Queensland to Italy on a
beautiful map of the world. A map of Australia also features
prominently on the title page and has a beautiful pale blue background
and desert yellow shades.
Pat Pledger
Stanley's Christmas Adventure by Jeff Brown
(Age: Suit beginning readers) Flat Stanley is back, just not flat this time. The story begins with an introduction to Sarah Christmas, a likeable character with a dilemma to solve. Sarah's father is Santa, and he has decided he is not going to do the Christmas run this year. Knowing it must go ahead, Sarah uses a letter from Stanley as inspiration to try and save Christmas. When Stanley and his family arrive in Snow Town (somewhere in the North Pole) they are faced with a disillusioned and disinterested Santa. In an age old take on the problems with the festive season, it is up to the Lambchops to convince Santa that the world is a place deserving of Christmas cheer. Can the Lambchops convince Santa that not everyone is greedy, and how do they prove that Stanley was once flat? Young readers will enjoy this story, while hopefully receiving an unknown lesson about the true spirit of Christmas along the way. Zana Thiele
The Spook's Nightmare by Joseph Delaney
The Wardstone Chronicles series. Random House, 2010. ISBN: 978
0370329819.
(Ages: 10 to 14)
In the eighth book in the Spook's Apprentice series, Tom and
Alice
return from Greece to find the County under siege and the Spook's home
burnt to the ground, including his library containing all the
information related to his duties as a Spook. Like many others from the
County, Tom and Alice flee to seek refuge in the neighbouring island of
Mona. Unfortunately for Tom and Alice, Mona is under the control of a
malicious Shaman. Soon after arriving in Mona, Alice is accused of
being a witch and Tom of being in league with a witch. As a result,
they are both arrested and taken to the infamous Greeba Keep where
Alice is tested to be a witch by rolling her down a hill in barrel full
of deadly spikes. Surviving this, Alice and Tom aim to plan their
escape by fighting the famous transforming buggane monster and working
reluctantly with Alice's mother, the untrustworthy witch Bony Lizzie.
Tom's loyal canine companions Claw, Blood and Bone are turned against
him and each other for the brutal pleasure and entertainment of the
Shaman. There is plenty of action in this book to keep readers
entertained, and
Alice and Tom further explore their indecisive friendship with each
other tainted by Alice's relationship with her mother.
Adam Fitzgerald
India dark by Kirsty Murray
Allen and Unwin, 2010. ISBN 978174175858580
(Age 14+) Recommended. Historical novel. It is the year 1910 and 13
year old Poesy Swift's mother is determined, even in the face of
opposition from her grandmother, to have her daughter leave school and
work in the jam factory or the match factory. Poesy is thrilled when
she meets Tilly Sweetrick who persuades her to audition for a place in
the Lilliputian Opera Company. It is a wonderful way to leave the
family that she finds so oppressive, while helping out with some money
for her mother. However Poesy's dreams of sailing to America don't
eventuate as the troupe goes to SouthEast Asia and finally on to India,
where she is faced with a nightmare of abuse, lies and broken
friendships.
Based on a true story, Kirsty Murray has opened up an amazing portion
of history that will thrill readers who love historical fiction. The
idea of children as young as seven joining a performing troupe without
proper supervision is mind boggling for people today who are used to
children being protected and at school until they are 18. Murray
vividly describes the long sea trip, the dangers of cholera and the men
who wait at the stage doors for the girls. The way Mr Arthur Percival
treats the children, his harsh discipline and the affair he has with
one of the older girls is quite disturbing.
The tale is told from two viewpoints, that of Poesy, tiny and innocent
and Tilly, who has been in the troupe and is world-weary. Often the
viewpoints differ and Murray challenges the reader to work out what is
the truth, if indeed there is an absolute truth about the events that
led all but two of the children in the troupe going on strike against
Percival in Madras and leaving the show. In the Author's Note, Murray
states 'as Poesy says, there was more to the story than one person
could ever tell.'
This is a masterful expose of a strange and painful court case.
Murray's deft descriptions and wonderful characterisations brought the
historical period alive for me and left me thinking about the power of
truth, lies, loyalty, friendship and gossip.
Pat Pledger
It's a book by Lane Smith
Walker Books, 2010. ISBN 9781921720147.
(Age: Picture book for older readers) Recommended. It's a book is a clever, fun look at the power of the book in
the
digital age. Monkey is comfortably seated in a big lounge chair,
engrossed in his book. Along comes Jackass, carrying a laptop. He wants
to know what he has and Monkey replies 'It's a book'. Jackass wants to
know if it can blog or tweet, has a mouse or can play games, but Monkey
just calmly retorts, 'It's a book.' When Monkey reads out an exciting
section with Long John Silver unsheathing his cutlass, Jackass can't
resist reading it and the hours pass by quietly. Jackass refuses to
give the book back to Monkey so he goes off to the library, assuring
Jackass that the book doesn't need charging up.
Lane Smith's cartoon-like characters are amusing and each personality
comes through vividly. Mouse is very quiet and unassuming, Jackass is
fidgety and argumentative until he become immersed in the book, and
Bear is calm and confident. Pastel shades make a beautiful
backdrop to the story.
Lovers of print books everywhere will be cheering about the advantages
of the book that Lane Smith so cleverly lists. Teachers could have a
lot of fun discussing the benefits of a print book in comparison to
books on e-readers or computers and even list more of their own. Its
positive reference to libraries will be sure to please all the
librarians out there.
The word 'jackass' could offend, according to some comments I've
read, but I devoured the story simply the way it was presented. A
dictionary definition says, 'Jackass is a male ass or donkey, a foolish
or stupid person, another name for kookaburra'. People could always
substitute the word 'donkey' when reading aloud to a younger audience,
but I prefer the original!
A book trailer is available,
as
well as a teacher's
guide.
Pat Pledger
Museum of Thieves by Lian Tanner
Allen and Unwin, 2010.
(Age 10+) Highly recommended. Goldie Roth has lived her entire life in chains. She has never walked down a street alone or raced in a field with the wind in her hair. All the children in the city of Jewel wear a silver chain, joining them to either parent or Blessed Guardian for protection until their Separation Day. On that day the Protector removes the chain and frees them forever. On her Separation Day Goldie escapes the Guardians and finds herself inexplicably drawn to the tiny old building that is the Museum of Dutt. Here she meets four Keepers and several unusual but mystical creatures who reveal hidden secrets of the Museum. She discovers there is evil coming and must join the Keepers to fight the evil, protect the Museum and defend the city of Jewel.
Lian Tanner's gripping fantasy is set in a future world where fear dominates the adult population and leads to the creation of chains, militia, guardians and soldiers who exist purely for the 'protection' of the children and who are manipulated by the evil Fugleman. She has created the Keepers as the chief characters who are all different but steadfastly brave and who join together to train the new recruit, Goldie. We watch as through a window while Goldie discovers an unlikely new friend called Toadspit, finds her inner courage and realises all is not as it seems in the city of Jewel.
Although easy to read and uncomplicated for children of ten and older it is a riveting slightly different spin on the well worn good versus evil plot. The young female protagonist caught my attention from the beginning as I identified with her rebellious nature and her desire for freedom. I highly recommend this book and look forward in anticipation to the next instalment in the trilogy that is The Keepers.
Vicki Nunn
Inner City: Stories from the thick of it. Edited by Tony Bradman
A and C Black. ISBN 978 1408113769.
Highly recommended for upper primary and early secondary students.
Tony Bradman, who grew up in London says, 'living in the inner city
can be hard, but it can be interesting and lively and a lot of fun,
too, and the people who live on unloved estates or in old tower blocks,
in run-down houses and flats, are just as human as those who are lucky
enough to in more comfortable circumstances'. p.8. This
collection, mainly set in London is varied and shows a fascinating
insight into a world unknown to most Australian students. Young
people feature prominently but their fears and anxieties are all part
of living and growing up. Particularly moving is A
Thousand Acres of Sky, where moving to the city because their
mother
has died from cancer creates many miserable but ultimately satisfying
situations for Luca. What We Love centres around Suna and
her family relocating to the city. Friendship
features strongly in this short story. In It's All Right I have
a List That Helps to Make Everything Clear and It's Real Easy to
Follow is a very clever piece of writing. Robbie is bullied by
Danno
and his cohort but when alone and bullied himself Danno behaves
differently. In Truant, Jackson regularly wags school until
Tiff turns up at school and Jacko learns that going to school is fun.
Each story takes a short time to read and if a teacher read to the
class the discussions following the story would be most interesting and
valuable for teachers and students.
Sue Nosworthy
So that's where I came from by Gina Dawson
Black Dog Books, 2010. ISBN: 9781742031019.
Recommended. 'So That's Where I Came From is the result of
continuing
requests for an accurate, up-to-date book to explain modern family
structures, male and female body parts, conception, both natural and
assisted, and birth.' With this as the end note to parents and
caregivers, this book certainly does cover each area accurately,
adequately and sensitively. Even families with 'two mums or dads' are
mentioned but not dwelled upon and the 'Facts of Life' appear in such a
way as to be easily understood and to create open discussion between
parent and child. Beginning with a few myths, these are soon dispelled.
Different terms for body parts and intercourse are mentioned but the
proper names are given in each case, too.
There is a large amount of text in a smallish font, but it is not
overly difficult, particularly if the book is shared by parent and
child. The illustrations are simple but effective and, being placed on
the white background of the page, are clear and well interspersed
throughout the text. This is probably better suited to the earlier
Primary children if it is to be shared by child and caregiver, as the
language may appear to be a tad juvenile to the more 'worldly' upper
primary students. Given Gina Dawson's background in teaching,
counseling and sexuality education, this is an informative book, which
could be used to answer a broad range of children's questions.
Jo Schenkel
Flyaway by Lucy Christopher
Chicken House, 2010. ISBN 9781905294763.
(Age 10+) Highly recommended. One day when
Isla and her father are birdwatching they see a flock of swans and try
and trace their path. Her father suffers a
heart attack and collapses and Isla manages to get him to hospital.
There she meets Harry, a boy
who has leukaemia and together they watch a lone wild swan, separated
from her flock, on the lake
near the hospital. The swan seems almost magical and Isla is convinced
that saving her will help her father and Harry get well.
Christopher has beautifully portrayed her cast of characters, and I
felt as if I knew them all personally. Her descriptions of family life,
especially the sibling rivalry between Isla and her brother Jack
and the broken relations with her grandfather, who can't get over the
death of his wife, made them come alive. Especially poignant was the
loving father and daughter relationhip. Harry's patient acceptance of
his
illness and his relationship with Isla, who is just starting to become
interested in boys, is handled well.
The theme of flight and the idea of a swan song, where the birds take
the soul of a dying person into the sky, dominates the story. Isla is
determined to rescue the swan that has become detached from its flock,
and is sure that its rescue will mean her father and Harry will become
well. Her school project for art, called Flight, also carries through
the theme of dying swans, as she uses the wings of a stuffed swan to
recreate some of Leonardo da Vinci's ideas for a flying machine. Some
of the most memorable scenes in the book are when Isla runs with the
lost swan, flapping the wings on her machine and hoping that it will
take flight.
Christopher's writing is superb, the chapters are short, and the prose
is full of imagery and vivid descriptions. I won't easily forget this
heart-wrenching story of friendship, love between a father and daughter
and the glory of swans.
Pat Pledger
Poison plate by M. Sobel Spirn
School Mysteries series. Raintree, 2010. ISBN 978 1406216066.
Recommended for Upper Primary and older students, who find reading a
challenge. Quite topical with the Master Chef series just completed,
this crime is set in a country kitchen. Mark has lost both his parents
and has come to live with Red, Della and their son Tim who is Mark's
age. Tim is determined not to like Mark until he
helps Tim with his homework. A food critic has been
poisoned with the bacteria E. coli and the restaurant has been closed
down. Mark feels he's under suspicion for he observed a light on in the
restaurant at three am when he was looking for a drink. Events
follow quickly and Mark is determined to find out what happened.
It's a fast paced story with a 'feel good' ending. Type face and
spacing are very helpful. Again the Glossary, Discussion
Questions, Writing Prompts and Author Information are interesting and
catchy.
Sue Nosworthy
Maisy Goes on Holiday by Lucy Cousins
Walker, 2010. ISBN: 9781406323702.
Maisy and Cyril are going on holiday to the beach and the reader
follows them through their packing, travel and to their hotel then
joins them in their experiences at the beach. As part of the Maisy
First Experience series, this book is perfect to share with the very
young child. Each part of the preparation and the journey is included
and the ideas are easily accessible.
Lucy Cousins uses predominantly strong, vibrant primary colours in her
illustrations and they hold a great deal of appeal. With a maximum of
three short sentences to a page, concentration is held to the end of
the story. There is plenty happening in the pictures and one can search
for different animals and perhaps count the number of clouds and so on.
Children may even find a book about Maisy being read by another
character. They could discuss the safety precautions which should be
taken at the beach, with some characters being portrayed as having hats
and flotation devices. Likewise, one could talk about confidence in the
water as both Cyril and Maisy react differently when it comes to
swimming in the sea. This is another delightful title to share with
very young children.
Jo Schenkel
Mr Badger and the missing ape by Leigh Hobbs
Allen and Unwin, 2010. ISBN 9781742374185.
(Age 6-10) Highly recommended. Algernon the Ape has been standing in
his
glass cage in the lobby of the Boubles Grand Hotel for as long as
anyone can remember. Children absolutely adore him and Sir Cecil
Smothers-Carruthers, the owner of the hotel, refuses to have him
removed when his wife want to renovate the hotel. But one day he
disappears. Will Mr Badger be able to find him?
I enjoyed this story even more than the first in the series, Mr
Badger
and the big surprise. The idea of a large ape being the focal point
of
an exclusive hotel is a good starting point for a hilarious story
featuring the capable Mr Badger. I loved exploring the hotel with Mr
Badger as he searched for the Algernon and really enjoyed seeing all
the little rooms with hotel crockery and furnishings and the gloomy
tunnel. Once again the naughty Sylvia Smothers-Carruthers makes an
appearance and children will delight in her tantrums. The language is
very funny and reads aloud really well. I can imagine children
clamouring to read it themselves after a librarian or parent reads it
out loud.
This book will make an excellent addition to books for the newly
emergent reader.
Pat Pledger
