Orion Children's Books, London, 2010. ISBN 978184255187 5.
(Ages 12+) Gothic horror. Recommended. A doctor lately escaped
from Revolutionary France, takes up residence
in Winterfold Hall, here to conduct experiments, hoping to find what
lies after death. In league with a local minister, people volunteer for
what they think will relieve their concerns about death, but the
gruesome truth lies in the headless corpses beneath the hall. The
victims are beheaded, so the doctor can hear what they see with their
last breath. Secretly burying the bodies in the tunnel, they accumulate
seven coffins before their part of the story, told by the minister,
comes to an end.
Alongside this story a tale of today unfolds. Ferelith meets Rebecca,
newly arrived in the town with her father, a policeman hiding from the
publicity surrounding the death of a child after his decision to call
off the search was implemented. Rebecca is lonely and frightened,
scared of what is happening to the remnants of her family, and so easy
prey to the strange and beguiling Ferelith, wanting her to explore the
old hall, now one of the last structures in the village slowly being
eaten by the sea. Stories of the experiments overlap information about
Ferelith's background, and tales from the villagers along with their
suspicion of Rebecca's father, bubble together, forming an uneasy
background to the story. As the graveyard opens up and falls into the
sea, the narrative outlining what Rebecca and Ferelith are doing takes
on a sinister form as they pursue their interest in the hall.
But another voice is there: a first person account, lurking in the
background, seeming to watch over all the action, at times almost
manipulating what is going on. The creepy feeling of dread imparted by
this account will keep the readers involved and excited by the
possibilities of what is really happening. The book held me to the end.
Fran Knight
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
Read by Taylor Owynns. Allen and Unwin, 2008. Vision Australia, 2010. 7
CDs, 8.5 hrs
Highly recommended. This extraordinary story of a diverse range of
characters residing on the island of Guernsey during World War Two,
will win hearts all over again, as it is told by Taylor Owynns on these
discs. Everything is forgotten as listeners settle in to listen to this
wonderfully told story, forgetting all appointments and chores,
visitors or obligations. Taylor Owynns' voice takes on the plethora of
characters with ease, traipsing over the accents and nuances of voice
which so delineates each of the islanders. From Dorsey to Elizabeth,
Sydney to Juliet, each person is given a subtle change of tone that
makes them easy to pick up.
The story of these people, emerging after five years of privation
during German occupation is infectious. Juliet Ashton, a London
author is flattered by the interest shown by one of the women on the
island, and responds to her letters. The replies pique Juliet's
interest and going to the island, it is her intention to follow the
story of the Society, set up during WW2 to evade the scrutiny of the
occupiers, hopefully culminating in a book. But on the island, she
learns first hand about friendship and trust as by degrees the
islanders reveal themselves through their letters and conversations
about the woman who was killed by the Germans, Elizabeth. It is her
story that captures Juliet's imagination and the detail which comes
through her conversations with the islanders; builds up an image of a
forthright young woman, not easily thrown by brutality.
The Society, born one night from Elizabeth's imagination, telling the
German patrol just why she and several islanders were out after curfew,
sets in place a disparate group of people meeting every fortnight to
discuss works they have read. Several had never read a book before, let
alone discuss it, and it is these literary evenings, surmounted by a
supper which often includes the Potato Peel Pie, that engages our rapt
attention. Each letter reveals more of that society and those who are
part of it, the telegrams heighten our interest and sometimes the
distance between London and Guernsey seems very short indeed. An
amazing story of courage and fortitude, offering listeners a slice of
war history rarely visited by non fiction books.
Fran Knight
Superman: The Museum of Monsters by Michael Dahl
Ill. by Dan Schoening. DC Super Heroes series. Raintree, 2010.
ISBN: 978 1406214994.
(Age 7+) One of a series of books based on the comic book hero Superman
, The Museum Monsters is a fun adventure starring Superman who
saves
the Museum when Mxy, a mischievous imp from outer space plays his
tricks on the exhibits. Superman showing amazing cleverness manages to
rescue Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen and many spectators from Mxy's evil.
The DC Super Heroes series are a set of illustrated readers, each
55 pages in length, brightly illustrated with numerous full page
drawings. They would have appeal for all children who love the comic
hero. Reluctant readers, especially
boys, will be happy to read a story about Superman, particularly if
they like comics and the format of these books doesn't give the feel of
a traditional reader. A glossary, discussion questions and
writing prompts are found at the back of the books so may be of use for
teachers.
Superman - Last Son of Krypton by Michael Dahl ISBN: 978 1 40621 498 7
Superman - The Menace of Metallo by Eric Stevens ISBN:978 1 40621 501 4
Superman - The Stolen Superpowers by Martin Powell ISBN: 978 1 40621 502 1
Superman - Toys of Terror by Chris Everheart ISBN: 978 1 40621 500 7
Superman - Under the Red Sun by Blake Hoena ISBN: 978 1 40621 503 8
Superman - The Menace of Metallo by Eric Stevens ISBN: 978 1 40621 501 4
Superman - Bizarro is Born! By Loise Simonson ISBN: 978 1 40621 505 2
Superman - Livewire! By Blake Hoena ISBN: 978 1 40621 506 9
Superman - Meteor of Doom by Paul Kupperberg ISBN:978 1 40621 507 6
Superman - Super-Villain Showdown by Paul Kupperberg ISBN: 978 1 40621
509 0
Superman - The Kid Who Saved Superman by Paul Kupperberg
ISBN: 978 1 40621 510 6
Superman - The Shrinking City by Michael Dahl ISBN: 978 1 40621 508 3
Pat Pledger
Wild Stories by Colin Thompson
Random House, 2010. ISBN: 9781864718263.
Highly recommended for ages 8 and up. In this delightful collection of
short stories, set in the garden of a house called fourteen, Colin
Thompson gives a wonderfully descriptive, humorous and touching insight
into the true meaning of the term 'biodiversity' as it relates to a
suburban back yard. From mosquitoes, slugs, cockroaches, spiders,
millipedes, maggots and caterpillars to dogs, cats, rabbits, hedgehogs,
rats, bats, chickens and budgerigars each snippet reflects on life from
the perspective of that particular creature. With this one particular
garden as the focus, the author gives each of the different creatures
which live there a chapter of the story as he describes their life and
purpose. Although several come to unfortunate ends as a result, some of
the animals and mini-beasts decide to rebel against expectations of
their families, others follow the paths set by their parents and
forebears.
Having previously only read and been entranced by Thompson's picture
books, this collection proved that whatever he writes is worthy of
reading. Over the space of a page, in the case of a poem, to stories
told within anything from three to ten pages Colin Thompson can make
the reader consider the human condition and the impact we have on the
environment. In reading the different sections about Ethel Doris the
Chicken, we are lead to consider the meaning of life! Being released
during the Year of Biodiversity, any of these tales could be used by
teachers with their classes to consider habitats and how different
species can co-exist within one small area.
Definitely a highly recommended title.
Jo Schenkel
The terrible plop by Ursula Dubosarsky
Pictures by Andrew Joyner. Puffin, 2009. ISBN 9780670071418.
Highly recommended. The combination of award winning author, Dubosarsky
and illustrator Joyner has produced a memorable picture book that is
sure to delight readers now and in the future.
Six little rabbits are having a wonderful time munching on carrots and
chocolate cake down by the lake when they hear a terrible plop. They
are terrified and run away, telling all the animals on the way about
the awful noise that they heard. The fox, monkey, cat, pig, elephant,
tiger and bat all run out of the forest followed by other animals until
they come to the big brown bear who insists that the smallest rabbit
takes him back to see the Plop. The rabbit is terrified of the Plop and
the bear, 'but the bear is here and the PLOP is there', so he takes him
back to the lake, where he realises just what made the plop.
The rhyming story is fun to read aloud and children will enjoy reading
along with the verses and making loud plop noises. The rhyme and
repetition of such an enjoyable story will also help a newly emerging
reader make sense of the words. Both words and pictures are very
humorous and the fact that the young child knows what makes the sound
and is not afraid makes the animals' fear all the more fun.
Joyner's illustrations are in bold primary colours and outlined in
black. All the animals have such wonderful expressions on their faces.
I especially love the fright on the bear's face when he heard the plop
and the smug joy on the little rabbit's face as he realised just what
made the plop and then sat down to finish off the rabbits' picnic.
This is picture book that won't stay on a bookshelf for very long, as
it is sure to be a favourite of young children.
Pat Pledger
Grimsdon by Deborah Abela
Random House, 2010. ISBN: 978 1741663723
Highly recommended for ages 10 and up. Little remains of Grimsdon since
the floods which had occurred three years earlier. Although some had
died in the floods, most people had been 'rescued' and taken away from
the town. Isabella, Griffin, Fly, Bea and Raffy, however, have remained
behind and live in a 'palace', surrounded by water and threatened by
the odd 'sneaker wave'. When the children meet Xavier and agree to take
him in as part of their gang, the balance within the group changes and
there is dissension between the two boys, Griffin and Xavier. Isabella
continues to mediate and uses her abilities as a fighter to sort out
some of the problems which occur. Griff's inventions allow them entry
into another group, thanks to Xavier's invitation. When the children
challenge the authority of the adults who are theoretically protecting
them, things start to go wrong and the newcomer's presence is
questioned.
Abela has moved beyond the series books with which she began her career
and this is my favourite title to date. It contains adventure and
excitement, as well as the children questioning the decisions made by
those in power, more specifically, adults. There is an environmental
component to the story as well as a focus on friendship, loyalty,
trust, needs and wants and the morality of what is right or wrong
following a disaster. It includes elements of other tales in which a
group of children has been left to fend for themselves and Abela
includes some mention of the rules which need to be in place in order
for the different groups to function successfully. Highly recommended!
Jo Schenkel
Running with the horses by Alison Lester
Puffin, 2009. ISBN 9780670868339.
Highly recommended. Nina lives in a palace that was home to the Royal
Academy of Dancing Horses. When the soldiers arrive, her father Viktor
knows that it is time for them to flee the city, taking the last four
stallions in the palace to safety. Nina creeps out that night to say a
last good bye to Zelda, an old cab mare who has been deserted and whom
she loves. When a huge explosion rocks the building, Viktor decides
that they have to leave, and Nina, unable to bear leaving Zelda behind,
brings her along. Their journey to safety is fraught with danger and
Zelda proves just how valuable she is, when she warns the group of
perilous conditions.
Inspired by the rescue of the Lipizzaner stallions from the Spanish
Riding School in Vienna during World War 2, Lester has written an
exciting and inspiring story. I loved the story of Zelda, who was just
a poor old mare who hardly seemed to compare with the majestic white
stallions. Yet it is her experience and knowledge of danger that
ensures the safety of the group on a number of occasions. Nina's
bravery and belief in Zelda will touch the hearts of young readers or
those who listen to the story.
A page of prose is perfectly complemented by a beautiful full-page
illustration on the opposite side. The red of the city going up in
flames, the stark blue and white of the mountains and dark blue of the
night sky highlights the black and white figures of the horses.
This story is a feast for both the eyes and ears and deserves a place
in every library.
Pat Pledger
Operation Tango Two-Two by D. J. Stutley
Bushytail Books 2009. ISBN 978 0747595021.
This is another in the series involving the siblings Kelly, Doug, Arron
and Keryn who live with their friend Tori, and their guardian Scott, a
detective sergeant. At school, Kelly befriends the quiet new girl
Joanna.
Joanna's mother is killed in a hit and run accident, leaving her with
no one to turn to, or so it seems. Kelly invites Joanna to live with
her
while things are sorted out. And there is more to sort out than one
initially thinks. Who is Joanna? Who was her mother? Where is the rest
of her family? Who is Berto? Why is Joanna on the run? Is she in danger?
Unlike the first book in the series, Operation Foxtrot Five,
D.J.
Stutley
writes this book from multiple perspectives. The reader sees various
sides of the story, Joanna's, Kelly's, and Scott's, and so can make
predictions about what could happen. Operation Tango Two-Two is an easy read, moves along steadily in
an
almost predictable linear fashion. It would appeal to Middle school
readers who want a quick uncomplicated read with a bit of mystery. It
could be used to encourage reluctant readers, or those who find reading
a chore.
S. Whittaker
Sugar Sugar by Carole Wilkinson
Black Dog, 2010. ISBN: 978 1742031200.
Recommended for ages 14 and up. When Jackie leaves Australia, she heads
to London, with dreams of becoming involved in the fashion industry.
Her decision to spend a weekend in Paris, sharing her portfolio with a
clothing designer goes awry and she, instead, accidentally embarks on a
journey along the Hippy Trail. En route, she meets a variety of
characters and makes some new friends, travelling by bus, Citroen and
London taxi through some decidedly seedy areas. Following the BIT
guide, she and her new friends make their way to different countries,
often choosing their path based on the roll of the dice. The somewhat
'uptight' Jackie goes through a major metamorphosis as a result of her
adventure and begins to question her motivation, dreams and abilities.
This is Wilkinson's first foray into the coming of age novel and, the
fact that she has set the story in 1972, makes it rather more
interesting. It is certainly a young adult novel as sex and experiences
with psychedelic drugs are integrated amongst the themes of friendship,
romance, adventure and the concept of chasing one's dreams.
Interestingly, Jackie's childhood home was in Adelaide and, it would
appear from her biography that Wilkinson grew up in a similar area.
Music of the time is an important part of the story and may well
encourage younger readers to go on to investigate some of the
references scattered throughout the narrative. Character development
was sufficient for the reader to develop a 'relationship' with the main
protagonists and feel sympathetic toward Dolf. This was an easily read,
thoroughly entertaining tale of freedom and adventure, especially for
younger readers wishing to head off to experience their own quests for
independence and excitement.
Jo Schenkel
Zac Power Spy Camp: Zac Runs Wild by H.I. Larry
Hardie Grant Egmont, 2010. ISBN 9781921690501
Highly recommended for 6-8 year olds. The popular Zac Power now has
another great series for younger readers, where we find Zac at spy camp
learning new skills. This book is number five in this series and here
Zac has to undertake animal training with another spy, use new spy
gadgets and then be tested on the new skills. As part of the training
the pair has to use abilities they have developed to solve problems
when confronted with various wild animals. Full of action and mystery,
the format for this series is the same as for the Test Drive series and
suits younger boys who enjoy adventure spy stories.
Vicki Nunn
Infinity: I am the power they can't tear down by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Chronicles of Nick, 1. Atom, 2010. ISBN 978-1907410215.
(Age 14+) Sherrilyn Kenyon, better known for her romance and vampire
genre books, has joined other adult authors like James Patterson in a
bid for
the adolescent market. Infinity is a prequel to the
Dark-Hunters
series, which I haven't read. It stands alone and would probably get
readers who enjoyed it trying her adult books, which apparently have
explicit adult content. Nick Gautier is a poverty stricken teen, whose
mother a stripper, is determined that he will have a better life,
especially as his father is in prison for murder. He has won a
scholarship to a prestigious school, where he is the brunt of bullying
and put downs. In order to cope, he develops a wise-cracking attitude,
laced with sarcasm. He is sucked into the world of the Dark-Hunters
when his best friends try to kill him after a mugging goes wrong and
from then on it's all adventure as the members of the football team
turn into flesh eating zombies and the undead rise from the cemetery in
New Orleans.
It was a change to have a vampire book with the story told from a boy's
point of view. So many vampire stories follow Meyer's formula of girl
and two love interests. Nick is an interesting character, whose acerbic
wit provides much of the humour in the book. His personality and
attitude kept my interest in the story alive. He is a typical teenage
boy who loves his mother, but because of circumstances he is streetwise
and wary. There are some interesting characters, particularly Cherise
his mother, the stripper with a heart of gold, and Bubba and Mark who
run a store and get rid of zombies, vampires and rodents. The mystery
surrounding Nekoda Kennedy, the girl who attracts his attention, is not
resolved at the end of the book and serves as a tantalising lure for
the next in the series.
The bullying that occurs because Nick is poor and forced to wear
hand-me down clothes provides a background to the dilemma that Nick
faces about whether to enact horrible revenge on the bullies or allow
good to win over evil. He has been raised to be honourable, protect
women and to look after himself, and the book raises questions about
whether he can remain that way.
Teens who enjoy the zombie scene and who like playing computer games
will enjoy this action packed story.
Pat Pledger
I was Jane Austen's Best Friend by Cora Harrison
Macmillan, 2010. (Ages 12+)Highly Recommended. Fifteen year old Jane lies
desperately ill at school while the evil headmistress refuses to
contact her family. Her orphan cousin, Jenny, also a pupil, fears that
Jane will die so risks her life and reputation by creeping out at
midnight to send a letter to Jane's parents. She is rescued from grave
danger by a mysterious naval captain.
Fortunately Jane and Jenny are saved from their ghastly boarding school
and return to Jane's Hampshire home in 1791. What follows is a
fascinating insight into Jane Austen's mischievous, sparkling and
spirited personality.
Much of the story is told through Jenny's diary and Cora Harrison
captures an era where a girl's reputation could be savagely destroyed
by a chance encounter and where marriage and money were every mother's
preoccupation. There are all sorts of wonderful details about ball
gowns, dances, family life and the stifling demands of modesty and
decorum that frustrate the young Jane and her cousin.
The danger and excitement of Jenny's midnight adventure are forgotten,
but return to haunt her with dire consequences later in the
story. The fact that Jane has a disabled brother who was banished
to live in the village is a source of great anguish to Jane and the
cause of her difficult relationship with her mother. While the details
in the story might be imagined, Cora Harrison's meticulous research
mean that every story line is based on fact, including Jane's disabled
brother and Jenny's whirlwind romance with a naval captain.
I was captivated by this story which has all the elements of excitement
and mystery while bringing a real person and her era to sparkling life.
This is perfect for teenage readers as an introduction to Jane Austen's
rich legacy. Highly recommended.
Claire Larson
It's my birthday by Helen Oxenbury
Walker Books, 2010. ISBN 2781844287888.
(Age 2-5) Recommended. First published in 1993, It's my birthday
is a
welcome reprint of a lovely picture book by award winning author and
illustrator, Helen Oxenbury. A small child, who could be either a girl
or a boy, decides to make a cake for the upcoming birthday, but needs
some help to obtain the ingredients. The child request help from
animals in nearby houses to find everything that is needed to bake the
cake. The hens provide the eggs, the cat the milk and butter and the
bear finds the flour and so on until all the ingredients are found.
Then all the friends bake the cake and have a wonderful time eating it.
Oxenbury's beautiful watercolours bring this story of cooperation and
friendship to life. The animals are all beautifully drawn. Their facial
expressions are happy and the fact that they stand on their hind legs
like the little child adds an endearing and humorous note.
This is a lovely book to read aloud to a child who is celebrating a
birthday. Making the cake for a birthday party could also be a follow
up activity to the story. It is also great for discussions about
cooperation and sharing. This is one that I will be keeping for my
grandchildren.
Pat Pledger
Yellow blue tibia by Adam Roberts
Gollancz, 2009. ISBN 9780575083585.
Recommended reading age 16 plus. Yellow blue tibia is a science
fiction
story with historical, slap-stick comedic and deeply philosophical
elements. Early in the story Konstantin Sverecky, a science fiction
author of medium notoriety finds himself cloistered in a dacha with a
group of fellow writers. The Second World War is recently over and the
authors' task is to manufacture a tale of alien invasion with which
Stalin intends to motivate the Soviet people against a common enemy.
The attitude and experience of the authors, most of whom are war
veterans themselves, reflects that of the war-weary and traumatised
surviving Russian populace which suffered unimaginable starvation and
barbarism under Stalin in the 1930s prior to enduring further horrors
from the German invasion.
Stalin personally briefs the authors and explains that in his view,
Soviet people are unstoppable when being attacked and because he
believes the United States will soon fail, a new enemy must be created,
which (being extra-terrestrial), the whole world might focus upon. It
is plain to those involved that to disappoint Stalin is to invite an
immediate grisly end and they set to, creating a fantastic tale of
'Radiation Aliens' which significantly will strike the Ukraine. Before
completion however, the project is shut down, the authors sworn to
secrecy and sent home. The reader appreciates that fear of retribution
makes this plausible and accepts that Sverecky's life continues in a
different direction, working as a translator, becoming a widower
following a disastrous marriage and being sent to a Gulag for no
specific reason beyond being 'suspicious'. Upon his release, another
failed marriage sees him becoming a broken-down, dedicated alcoholic
leading a miserable life. It is years later when translating for Coyne,
an American Scientologist interested in UFOs that Sverecky becomes once
again embroiled in the alien conspiracy as a result of the American's
mysterious death. A series of thrilling and often absurd adventures
unfold, involving an outrageous taxi driver with Asperger's syndrome
who used to be a nuclear physicist, one of the writers from Stalin's
secret group who is now a senior KGB officer and the monstrously fat
Dora Norman who was previously a companion of the deceased Coyne. The
plot is complex and involves intense philosophical analysis of the UFO
phenomenon and the Chernobyl disaster. Roberts portrays the ridiculous
Russian bureaucracy and miserable existence of ordinary people during
the pre-Perestroika period in a way reminiscent of Martin Cruz-Smith.
The plot is often confusing, which has the effect of conveying the
bewilderment of the central character but luckily some incredibly funny
scenes carry the reader through. This is a worthwhile read but the
author's rushed attempt to reconcile reality with imaginative theory in
the final chapter is unconvincing and unsatisfying.
Rob Welsh
Midnight zoo by Sonya Hartnett
Viking, 2010. ISBN 978 0670074051.
(Ages 12+) Fable, Recommended. Two boys wander through a war ravaged
landscape, scavenging for food,
sleeping rough. The younger boy, Tomas, carries a most important
parcel, his baby sister, Wilma. Looking for a place to sleep for the
night, they pull aside a fence and see grass, but a wolf leaps out at
them and they run away, knowing that they will not be able to escape.
But the wolf does not follow, and looking back they see that they have
come across a small zoo, and so stop.
But the animals have voices, and tell the children about what has
happened. Both the keeper and his daughter have not returned as they
said they would, the animals are starving and have no water. The boys
share their meagre food sack with them. In telling their stories the
animals expose the cruelty of what has happened to the village. The
keeper's daughter led a terrorist group which blew up the train
carrying arms and equipment to the soldiers. In so doing the leader
wreaked havoc upon the town, despite the keeper taking the lion and the
cubs to the leader in reparation. The daughter, Alice, meanwhile, fled
to the hills. So now the animals are left caged and alone, next to a
bombed out village.
Hartnett's fable illustrates the greed and war mongering nature of men,
but out of the squalor comes optimism, as the boys try to find a way
for the animals to escape their fate. When almost all hope is
gone,
Andrej tells them the story of their escape, of their freedom and
through the story comes hope. It's as if freedom can be garnered
through story in the minds of the children and the animals. The
parallel of the boys and the animals strikes at the heart of the novel,
as the issues of freedom and the various forms of restrictions imposed
upon the main characters are explored. An extraordinary and powerful
read, my heart was in my throat on every page, as the children
desperately tried to find an answer to the problem of the caged animals
as well as their own survival. It will give rise to many discussions
about the nature of freedom and the hope engendered in story.
Fran Knight
