Reviews

By the picking of my nose by Martin Chatterton

Little Hare Books, 2009. ISBN 978192127287
(Age 8-11) 11 year old William Shakespeare loves going to the theatre, but because of the rules only allowing adults, and his father wanting him to go into the family business of tanning, he must put on a false beard and build up his height by adding pieces of wood to the soles of his shoes. Found out by the manager, peering at all the audience in case there is an imposter, Will must flee. His father, also aware that the boy loves the theatre, arrives in time to see his son headed for the Queen's private room, and there they all collide. Will clambers under her skirts, but a hair from his beard finds a tear in her knickers, and tickles her nether regions, causing pandemonium. Running through backstage he is hidden by three women, and these predict, by looking at a booger from his nose, that he will be an actor.
And on it goes for another 180 pages or so, making puns with Shakespearian names, titles of plays and anything Elizabethan. All a romp and sure to cause hilarity amongst the 8-11 age group for whom it is intended. The endless use of jokes about bums, noses and what is in them is an added extra for that age group. By the author of  The Brain finds a Leg, and its sequel, Brain full of Holes, Chatterton's humour will have wide appeal.
Fran Knight

Gone by Michael Grant

Egmont, 2009. ISBN 9781405246347
(Age 13+) Recommended. Imagine how a group of kids would react if suddenly all the adults disappeared. This is what happens in a small town in Southern California. In the blink of an eye everyone over the age of 14 has gone and the children are left to fend for themselves. In the aftermath of this disaster, bullies emerge; gangs begin to form and some of the children, like Caine from Coates Academy, display strange powers. Sam, a natural leader and Astrid, an intelligent nerd, band together with Little Pete, Quinn, and Edilio to try and find answers amid the chaos before they too disappear when they turn 15.
The adventures that the group have in trying to survive without adults in this very fast paced science fiction thriller keep the reader on the edge of the seat waiting to see what will happen next. The small town of Perdido Beach has been completely covered with an impenetrable dome, there are wild coyotes roaming the desert and a strange being deep in a cave. Add fights between rival gangs, trying to find enough food to stay alive and dealing with some strange powers to this mix and you have a story that is difficult to put down.
There is enough character development to flesh out the tale. Sam and Astrid are caring, intelligent teens and Mary and her brother who take over the nursery and look after all the babies are finely drawn. Albert takes over the local McDonalds and feeds the children, giving them a sense of security! The charismatic Caine and his group of bullies are quite frightening and the battle that develops between Caine and Sam is engrossing.
Although not as thought provoking as The knife of never letting go by Patrick Ness or The tomorrow code by Brian Falkner, the action in this book will have teens reading to the end. They will almost certainly come back for the second in the series: Hunger, a preview of which is given at the back of the volume I read.
Pat Pledger

Switched by Sienna Mercer

Egmont, 2009. ISBN 9781405240864
(Ages 10+) Telling us that this the first in a series called My Sister, the Vampire, then boldly claiming to be a younger version of the Twilight series, made me curious. It's a claim I've seen often lately, and none has been any better than the Twilight series, which I thought was, at best, mediocre. Still, many millions have bought the books and read them, then sighed over the film versions. So I look at claims like this with some trepidation.
When Olivia goes to her new school, fearful and concerned in her pink outfit, she spies a girl she thinks she knows. The next chapter, from the other girl's point of view, allows us to see that Ivy feels the same. The two eventually meet up and compare backgrounds and come to the astonishing conclusion that they are sisters, better than that, twin sisters. As each girl gets to know the other, the reader can see that the Goth Ivy is hiding something. With the pages littered with nods to Charlotte's web, blood imagery, talk of stakes and garlic, to name a few, then we know that Ivy is probably a vampire and the race is on to read how and when Olivia will find out.
A funny look at vampires, this book, the first in a group of four, will be a hit in upper primary and lower secondary schools as they sink their teeth into the series.
Fran Knight

Chester's back by Melanie Watt

HarperCollins, 2008 ISBN 9780007270248
This sequel to the funny Chester (2007) the picture book about a forward and pompous cat, which kept intruding upon the illustrator's page, doesn't quite match the original in humour. In this new book, Chester is part of the story about a cat living in a far away land. The story begins like a fairy story, but Chester keeps on intruding, and keeps this up right to the end of the book. At first he is a cave cat, and then he gets behind the illustration and takes over all together, calling auditions for the story. His ego sees himself in a luxury limousine going to the theatre where he is a star, but he is drawn as a cat with a star around his neck and so calls for a new illustrator who will allow him to be a star.
The illustrations of this egomaniac cat are very funny and the way he intrudes upon the page will encourage readers to look for him and follow his antics.
Fran Knight

Pop Princess by Isabelle Merlin

The Witch's children go to school by Ursula Jones and Russell Ayto

Orchard Books, 2009. ISBN 9781408300725
(Ages 5-7) Recommended. It's Gemma's first day at school and at the school gates she meets the Witch's children, who assure her that she has nothing to worry about even though the Grade 3 children are frightening her. The eldest of the witch's children changes Gemma into an ogre because ogres are not afraid of anyone. The ogre doesn't like everyone being afraid of her but the Eldest can't change her back and then the Middle One uses her magic to change the school into a story book and the Little One changes the school inspector into a smelly cheese. Things are looking very chaotic but all turns out well as Mum comes to the rescue.
Written and illustrated by an award winning team (The witch's children and the Queen won the Nestle Children's Book Prize), this is a delightful story to read aloud, and could lead to many discussions about the fears children have about coming to school for the first time. What fun to imagine that scary Class 3 are Ali Baba and the forty thieves and that the whole school can change into a story book complete with dancing princesses and a puss with boots that are too large. There is also a sense of security and relief to know that an adult can come along and sort things out - even if she is a witch.
Russel Ayto's illustrations are quirky and mischievous fun jumps out from every page. Young readers will be sure to enjoy this book, both to listen to and as a first book to read independently.
Pat Pledger.

Mending Lucille by J.R. Poulter and Sarah Davis

Lothian Children's Books, 2008.
(Ages 5-7) Highly recommended. Shortlisted by the Children's Book Council of Australia, this is a heart wrenching yet uplifting book about a small girl whose mother has left her, flying away on an aeroplane. She is devastated by her loss, and her only consolation is her doll, Lucille, who is broken. Her father is unable to fix the doll and suggests that she throw it away, but she is determined to keep it and hides it behind the driver's seat in her father's truck. One night they go to a new place for tea and the waitress, Chrissie, takes Lucille and mends her. Things begin to get better after this.
In this beautifully illustrated story, Sarah Davis has given the story a wonderful added dimension with her realistic pictures of the little girl, her grieving father and the warm, loving Chrissie. The theme of mending a hurt bird and letting it go free to find someone to love is also done in a sensitive way.
A book to treasure for the positive message about coping with grief and the loss of a parent through divorce or separation Mending Lucille would also give hope to those children who are dealing with a new family situation.
Pat Pledger

The tomorrow code by Brian Falkner

Walker Books, Australia, 2008. Random House Books (US)
(Ages 12+) Highly recommended. 'Crack the code or tomorrow is history' is the phrase on the front cover of this thrilling sci fi novel that looks at how people are exploiting the world and how nature might fight back against an ecological disaster. Teenagers Tane and Rebecca receive a coded message from the future, warning them about catastrophic devastation that only they can prevent. Together with Fatboy, Tane's brother, they must decipher the clues and try and stop the shapes in the mist made by an experiment gone wrong, from killing everyone in the world.
Don't be put off by the rather bland cover, this is one of the most exciting thrillers that I have read and I feel it can be compared with Patrick Ness's The knife of never letting go for sheer suspense. I read this book in one sitting. It has a tightly plotted story line that compels the reader to keep reading.
The three main characters have to use their intelligence to crack the codes. They work out how to win a lottery and use the proceeds to buy a submarine called Mobius. Lots of exciting action follows involving driving the submarine to an isolated island where research is being undertaken, riding motorbikes and fighting as ecowarriors. The three teenagers are believable, well rounded characters, with sibling rivalry and a dysfunctional mother well portrayed.

As well as people who love a good thriller, readers who enjoy mathematics, codes and technology will be fascinated by the science behind the book and can read about it at the book's site.  It is on the shortlist for the Esther Glen Award.
Pat Pledger

Stanley Paste by Aaron Blabey

Viking, 2009. ISBN 9780670071807
(Age 5-8) Highly recommended. Poor Stanley Paste hates being small. He's never picked for sport and can't defend himself from the school bullies. Then he meets Eleanor Cabbage who hates being tall because the girls call her a giraffe and other names. Stanley wishes he was tall like Eleanor and Eleanor wishes she was small like Stanley and from that day on they are inseparable. Together they seem to have fewer problems and life grows easier.
A celebration of diversity and the power of friendship, this is a fascinating book that leads to much pondering of what it means to be unique and how individuals can cope with being different. Blabey's illustrations are singular; Stanley's tiny frame, big eyes and wild blond hair are very appealing and when Eleanor wins first prize in the dress-up competition for coming as a giraffe, the reader wants to give a big cheer for her courage and humour.
Much classroom discussion about being tolerant of difference, valuing everyone and the importance of friendship could ensure from reading this book aloud.
I loved it for its strange, funny illustrations and went back to examine it again and again. This is a truly memorable book and one for every library.
Pat Pledger

Magic to the bone by Devon Monk

Harper Voyager, 2009. ISBN 9780732289324
(16-Adult) Allie Beckstrom is a Hound, a tracker who seeks out the source of illegal spells cast on the innocent. In her world every use of magic has a cost, and sometimes people want to use it without paying. She is hired to help a dying boy who has had the cost of magic Offloaded onto him, and finds to her dismay that the spell leads her back to her estranged father, with whom she has a disastrous relationship. When her father is found dead and all traces lead back to her, she goes on the run.
I found the idea of a Hound tracing illegal magic to be quite an interesting one, and the action kept me reading to the end. The suspense was heightened by the fact that every time Allie uses her magic she loses some of her memory, and she was unable to recall what had happened to her. A hint of romance with the fascinating Zayvion Jones added to the enjoyment.
An entertaining but not particularly memorable book, it will be enjoyed by those readers who like paranormal suspense or urban fantasy. There is a sequel, Magic in the blood.
Pat Pledger

The book from Baden Dark by James Moloney

Angus and Robertson, 2009.
ISBN 9780732287672
(Ages 8-13) The Book from Baden Dark draws together the characters Bea, Fergus, Nicola and Marcel, heroes of The Book of Lies, in a new quest. Marcel is now a powerful magician and is able to decipher the real story concealed in The Book from Baden Dark. With Bea, half elf and half human, who is in search of her lost grandfather, and Fergus, Marcel ventures into the secret underground world of Baden Dark. The three discover and combat powerful forces, including what seems to be the source of evil in the world. However, Marcel's powers have outstripped his ability to control them and he is in danger of making a decision that would irrevocably commit him to the Underworld and harm his friends. Ultimately he chooses the human world and is saved by the skill and loyalty of Bea, who eventually joins him in Elstenwyck where Nicola is now queen. Many favourites characters, including Gadfly, from The Book of Lies reappear and the plot is engaging. Those who enjoyed the earlier work will also enjoy this.
Jenny Hamilton

Heroes of the valley by Jonathan Stroud

Doubleday 2009. ISBN 976038561402
(Ages 11+) Recommended. As a fan of The Bartimaeus trilogy, I eagerly read this stand alone novel featuring Halli, 'a cumbersome stump of a boy, with hands like ham joints and a low, swinging gait' (pg 11), who delights in tales of long gone heroes. Aud, the only daughter of the House of Arne, treats the legends with cynicism, but is just as daring as Halli. When Halli plays a practical joke, an old blood feud is reignited and he sets out on a quest to avenge the murder of his uncle and discover the truth about the legends and the terrifying Trows who guard the borders of the land.
Stroud has set up a believable land, reminiscent of medieval times, cold and hard. Twelve Houses control the valley, and each has legends of great heroes who have defended its borders and put the Trows to flight. Halli's much admired hero is Svein, who in all the tales that he has heard, has beaten the monsters and conquered the land. However as he moves away from his small manor house, he discovers that the other houses have heroes who have done exactly the same thing, and he is forced to reconsider how legends are made.
Humour permeates the narrative and would make this a good book to read aloud. The two main characters, with their clever exchanges and teasing, are typical teenagers with a belief in their own immortality, and their witty exchanges are a delight. There is also plenty of action and suspense to keep the reader interested. But it is Stroud's ability to build up atmosphere and give the reader a terrifying glimpse into his monsters that makes this book stand out.
Quite different from his Bartimaeus trilogy, this hero's quest will linger in the reader's mind.
Pat Pledger

A book for kidz by C.J. Dennis

Black dog, 2009. ISBN 9781742030944
(All ages) Highly recommended. A reprint of C.J. Dennis' original book with his own illustrations is a treat for all. Dedicated by the author to 'All good children over four and under four-and-eighty' and with a new introduction by Andy Griffiths, A book for kidz contains entertaining poems and two short stories. The tongue in cheek humour and the contagious rhyme and rhythm and easy tone ensure that it is accessible to people today.
The tongue twisting fun of the poem, The triantiwontigongolope, describing an unknown insect, is one of the most memorable poems and will prove to be just as popular with children today as it was when it was first printed in 1921. Hist is another sure-fire winner with its touches of chilling suspense and delicious sense of humour.
I recall fondly many of the poems found in this book from my childhood and then reading them and teaching them to a receptive audience later as a teacher. Many are timeless and can be read for sheer enjoyment and stimulation of the imagination like the thought-provoking poem, You and I.
Others would fit in beautifully with classroom themes such minibeasts (The ant explorer), and the history of transport, (The tram-man, The porter, Going to school). Other themes like occupations (The sailor, The teacher), and the circus (The circus) are also covered.
This is a fabulous collection that deserves a place in every library. It is wonderful to see such an engaging Australian classic being reprinted.
Pat Pledger

Highway robbery by Kate Thompson

Bodley Head, 2008. ISBN 9780370329574
(Age 6-12) Highly recommended. Winning a Bistro Books Judges Special Recognition Award as an exceptional stand-alone novel for emerging readers is an indication of the quality of this memorable book. When a tall man in a flowing cloak asks a young beggar boy to look after his magnificent black mare in return for a golden guinea, he is determined to do the job properly even though there are many temptations around him. He is hungry and ragged and allows two young girls to pet the horse in exchange for some bread. Toothless, a shifty looking character, wants to buy her, and he is sorely tempted to take the money. After soldiers accost him and he discovers that the mare belongs to Dick Turpin and is the legendary Black Bess, things begin to get very difficult for him. Should he trap and betray his hero?
Told in eighteenth century language by the street urchin, who speaks directly to the reader, this is an engrossing tale with an unexpected twist at the end. The reader is kept in suspense as the boy tries to make the right decision in the face of great danger. There are also many poignant moments as the boy relates his poverty and longing for affection. Illustrated by Jonny Duddle, the black ink pictures, which are featured on almost every double page, add to the charm of the book. Black Bess is drawn as a magnificent creature, and the beggar boy is wide-eyed and appealing. There is a chilling double page illustration of soldiers galloping along, sabres flashing and a fascinating four-panel depiction of the boy's escape from the Captain.
What a gorgeous production this book is. The cover is black velvet with gold embossed print and has a wonderful coloured image of a highwayman riding a superb black horse. A splendid book to read aloud, for the newly independent reader to linger over and read again and again, or just for people like me who like beautiful books, this is a treasure to keep.
Pat Pledger

Uncle Eddie and the croc by Lucy Farmer

Black dog, 2009. ISBN 9781742030517
(Ages 6-8) A book for newly independent readers, this sequel to Uncle Eddie and the hippos, follows the adventures of Uncle Eddie who looks after a national park on the shores of Lake Wakka Wakka. One day he finds a large crocodile sunning itself in front of his house in the Zambian bush and after unsuccessfully trying to move it on before it frightens the tourists, he goes to the local chief for advice. The chief comes up with a cunning plan to scare the crocodile away, but it has disastrous consequences.
This is an appealing book that will attract young readers with its scary picture of a crocodile on the front cover. Croc facts, found at the back of the books will intrigue the reader and a glossary describing an African chief and African animals will be welcome. The vivid colours of the African bush and the compelling faces of Uncle Eddie, the chief and the scouts illustrated by Kevin Burgemeestre will add interest to the story.
Pat Pledger