Soman Chainani is back with another welcome glimpse into the magical world of his popular The School for Good and Evil series. Fall of the School for Good and Evil is the second and final book in a duology that precedes the original series. We are thrust straight back into the tumultuous events of the magical school and its immortal caretakers. Twin brothers Rafal and Rhian are still at odds, neither sure of the loyalty or motivations of the other. Their most talented students have fled the school with the dashing Captain Hook (of Peter Pan fame) and they are desperate to recruit replacements. So desperate in fact that, for the first time, they decide to allow non-magical students into the school. Enter Midas, a talented young man who soon makes his mark at The School for Good and Evil, and who both brothers want on their team. Interspersed with the events befalling the runaway students, who find themselves stranded in Neverland, the book plots the growing chaos and confusion in the magical realm. Overshadowing all of this is Rafal’s growing belief that he and his brother made a fundamental error when they originally chose sides. He is becoming more and more convinced that it is Rhian who should be the evil headmaster…and that his brother may be trying to kill him…
As with all of Chainani’s novels, Fall of the School for Good and Evil is a fun and fast paced fantasy adventure. It is a satisfactory conclusion to the story of Rafal and Rhian and an interesting background to both new and old fans of the The School for Good and Evil.
Themes Fantasy, Action, Fairy Tales, Good vs Evil, Schools, Brothers, Identity.
Rose Tabeni
The Wheelbarrow Express by Sue Whiting and Cate James
It is time for Tom to leave his grandfather’s farm and return home with Mum and Ruby. He is gloomy to leave his grandfather and the farm where he has enjoyed himself. Pa suggests a last ride on the Wheelbarrow Express, and putting the train driver’s hat on Tom, they set off. The story takes them on a journey around the farm, Tom stopping off at each memorable place to say goodbye.
Aboard the wheelbarrow, they make their way across the paddock with a ‘toot, toot, choo-choo-choo-choo.’
They go first to the Pig’s Playhouse where Tom said goodbye to the piglets who are all excited to see him. Here he finds his triceratops buried in the mud. Next stop is the henhouse, where an excited bunch of chooks feed on the seed thrown out by Pa. Tom collects some eggs to take back home. Next they visit Goat Mountain, where one goat, Missy takes Tom’s train driver’s hat. And Pa tells him that he is a champion kid, the best ever. He chases Missy and when she drops the cap, Tom finds a cockatoo feather beneath it. He adds it to the eggs and the triceratops. They pass through the olive trees, then come to the yabby dam where they practise stone skimming for a while before returning to the farmhouse where Mum and Ruby are waiting.
Tom and his Pa say their goodbyes, each grinning a champion grin to the other, knowing that Tom will return.
Change is about to disrupt Tommy’s life and the Wheelbarrow Express is a way of disarming the gloomies that Tom feels on leaving his beloved Pa. The two journey for the last time, going over the things they have done together while Tom has stayed on the farm, reprising the things they have shared.
In the end Pa feels the gloomies and it is up to Tom to dispel the anxiety Pa feels. Heartfelt in its depiction of the love between Pa and Tommy, the tale is brimming with their shared support and affection. The fun of the train ride around the farm is reflected in the humorous illustrations. Bold, colourful and full of detail about Australian farms, children will pore over them as the book is read to them, taking note of the different lifestyle presented here.
The repetition of several phrases will stay with the children as they read of Tom’s departure, knowing that Pa loves him just as much as he loves Pa.
For any reader who identifies with, supports, teaches, or lives with a child diagnosed with autism, this beautiful story will provide incredible insight and understanding into their ever-changing feelings and struggles.
Eleven-year-old Oli is being driven to a school holidays activity known as ‘The Heroes Club’, where he will hopefully begin to learn skills of how to engage and form friendships with other children. As one can imagine, Oli is struggling with the whole concept and would rather be home designing buildings on his device. On nearing the carpark, he witnesses a small scraggy dog trying desperately to cross a busy road. Cars stop suddenly, no one helps the dog and Oli is frozen with indecision about whether to jump out and save the dog or do the right thing and stay in the car. Finally the traffic moves forward and the dog appears to have made it to safety. This incident sets off deep and all-consuming thoughts for Oli, and finding the dog becomes a major focus for him over the week.
Oli is one of five children attending the club, all who have differing family backgrounds and quirky habits. There is the loud and extrovert Max who is a talented Lego creator with an amazing ability to sing his answers, gentle and quiet Tiffany whose mum runs an animal shelter, angry and unsmiling Layla who does not trust adults, and Brian a humble and gifted artist. Each of the children take time to learn to cope with each other’s differences but all pull together to try to save the dog who lives in a soon-to-be demolished building site which they can see from their meeting room windows.
This thoughtfully written story, with strong individual young characters, would make a wonderful novel for middle grade teachers to read aloud to their classes. It has important messages about being your own person, doing what you think is right, accepting that we are all different, but can work together to achieve a positive outcome. Another brilliant read from author, Kate Foster.
Themes Autism, Children, Social Skills, Lost Dogs, Feelings, Kindness, Bravery, Friendship, Parents/Carers.
Dads of all persuasion are given a nod in this funny look at the sort of dogs that accompany dads. Dads are muddy, singing, dancing, they are also busy, shopping, and footy dads. They ride bikes, and have coffee, draw and play with their kids in the playground. But what ever they do, a dog is by their side. Footy dad has a fluffy dog. Reading dad has a rescue dog and painting dad has a guard dog. A child also accompanies each dad, helping, doing things, being shown or helped, the child is part of the dad’s orbit. Each of the twenty four dads occupies one page, the trio, dad, child and dog shown in blocks of colour almost like an image seen through a telescope. Dad are cooking dads, dashing, digging and surfing fans, including their child and dogs in whatever they do. Mick Elliott points out that there is no training to be a dad or a mum and this book presents many easy moments when everyone is just muddling through. Whatever the muddle, dads are there to support and encourage.
An introduction by Mick Elliott to his book can be viewed here.
Author Anna Branford has written a thoughtful and gentle follow up to How to be ... the New Person, and once again two of the main characters, best friends Hazel and Laura, are central to the story. Both the girls make up pretend instructional online tutorials during the day to often help them cope with worrying things but also for fun.
In this story Laura’s Mum is pregnant and unwell, her dad is in Greece, and Laura is becoming very worried. She has started forgetting things, coming to school looking unkempt and Hazel is concerned. Once Laura shares this secret worry with Hazel that has been weighing heavily on her mind, Hazel is determined to help. Even standing up to the mean comments directed towards Laura from Camila and Mika. Eventually the important adults in the girls’ lives become aware of the situation and step in to help Laura and her mum. Hazel is thrilled to learn that Laura will stay with her for a few days while her Mum is in hospital and her family do their best to make her feel comfortable.
Also included in the story is the exciting school play, video conversations with older friend Veronica in the nursing home, meeting the new neighbours and finding their missing cat, dealing with unkind words from Camila and Mika, and a surprising resolution to a friendship issue.
This delightful story is one that may be an important read for young readers struggling with friendship worries and other challenges in life.
Tan Yunxian, or Lady Tan, is a true person from the time of the Ming Dynasty, China, in the 15th century. She trained to become a physician, treating the circle of women in the sequestered environs of her Mansion home, a place that, as a woman and an elite, she is never allowed to venture outside of. Yet, her published book of medical cases reveals that somehow she also treated a brickmaker wife, and a boat tiller woman. Lisa See has filled in the gaps of what is known about her life, and woven the story of her friendship with the lowly midwife’s daughter Mei Ling.
In this fascinating story, we learn about the confined life of the 15th century upper class Chinese woman, subject to her parents, and then to her husband. Her feet are bound from an early age, to break the bones and restrict the growth to pin cushion size, upon which she has to swayingly balance with teetering steps. Although she becomes a doctor, and recognises that her own mother died from infected feet, she goes on to also bind her daughters’ feet, to ensure their attractiveness and better marriage prospects.
Yunxian and Mei Ling are two girls from different stations in life. Yunxian is cultured and protected, whilst Mei Ling, as the daughter of a midwife, is considered contaminated by her association with women’s blood. Mei Ling cannot read or write, and has big feet. Yet the two girls become fast friends, sharing with each other aspects of their different worlds.
Close friendships, however loving, can still have their divisive moments. Just as she did in an earlier novel, The island of sea women, Lisa See shines a light on the darkest corners of this friendship also. For Yunxian and Mei Ling, it is difficult to avoid envy of what is seen as special in the other’s life. Fortune does not treat them equally, and resentment threatens their relationship.
I loved reading about the four stages in the Chinese woman’s life: ‘milk days’, ‘hair-pinning days’, ‘rice-and-salt days’, and then finally, the time of ‘sitting quietly’. There is also the amazing ornately carved three-roomed marriage bed, that the girls play in when they are young, and which accompanies Yunxian through the different stages of her life. It is an actual bed, which Lisa See still has in her family. For pictures of the bed, and other images and resources about the period, have a look at See’s site ‘Step inside: Lady Tan’s circle of women’ – it is a treasure trove of information related to the book. There is also a useful Discussion Guide with questions to provoke reflection and discussion.
Themes China - 15th century, Women, Medicine, Traditions, Friendship, Envy.
Helen Eddy
Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy by Lynley Dodd
A reprint of the classic tale from New Zealand author, Lynley Dodd is a very welcome addition to any library. Republished in recognition of its fortieth year this edition will greet newcomers and old fans alike, replacing the old well used copies at home or in the library. Even those people who have not read the book will recall the lilting refrain heard walking down the street or passing a library or school.
Hairy Maclary goes for a walk into town, inviting all his doggy friends to join him. A procession of neighbourhood dogs follows: the horse sized dog next door, the lean and bony greyhound bitzer, the spotty Bottomley Potts, hairy Muffin Mcleay, and the low hung Schnitzel. Each dog walks along the street, some sniffing at things they pass, some scratching, some looking at each doorway. All seems quite normal for a small group of friendly dogs ambling into town. That is until they spy their mortal enemy, the streets’ biggest and most ferocious cat, Scarface Claw.
Without hesitation the bevy of confident dogs disappear in a tangle of tails and paws, rushing back to where they came from and Hairy Maclary falls into his bed covering himself with his blanket.
The looks on all their faces are priceless, contrasting with that of the bullying cat who knows exactly where he belongs. Told in wonderfully evocative verse form, children will love predicting the rhyming words, learn some of the verses with their favourite dog as its focus, ready to repeat it as it comes around, following the tale with the adult reader. Funny, laugh out loud rhymes will entreat the readers and listeners to this tale, readers will love reading it out loud and seeing the effect it has upon the audience, while young listeners will delight in its humour and cleverly observed animal behaviour.
A treat for all ages.
Themes Dogs and cats, Walking, Verse, Read aloud, Humour.
Fran Knight
Dolly Parton's Billy the Kid makes it big by Dolly Parton. Illus. by MacKenzie Haley
Penguin, 2023. ISBN: 9781761342837. (Age:4-8)
Country music icon Dolly Parton uses her own life experiences as well as her real-life dog Billy the Kid as inspiration for this story about making friends, not making fun. The term 'making fun of' is not used as much in Australia as 'teasing' but the context of this relatable tale makes it clear. Billy the Kid loves music so he heads off to Nashville in the hopes of finding some band mates. His first encounter is with an unkind trio of dogs ("You're clearly not a true muttropolitan like us") but eventually he finds his crew. When the bully dogs tease one of his bandmates Billy the Kid and the rest of the band teach them a lesson and re-educate them. "You weren't havin' fun. You were makin' fun...And makin' fun ain't funny", they assert. Billy and his mates show that having a laugh at someone else's expense is not funny and that sticking by and standing up for your friends is just as rewarding as winning a trophy.
Dolly Parton makes an appearance in the illustrations when she comes onstage singing "Let's celebrate our differences instead of makin' fun" and also included at the end of the story are song lyrics from Makin' Fun Ain't Funny, as written by Dolly herself.The song and video with lyrics are available on streaming services and YouTube. There is a nice simple message carried through the book and lots of dog puns to keep things fun. The dogs are all different sizes, shapes and colours providing the diversity that is a true reflection of human society. A great choice for educators and parents who are Dolly Parton fans and little ones who are auditory learners but also for those children who need some help learning that making fun of and having fun with others are very different.
MasterChef fan favourite from seasons 13 & 14 Tommy Phan, shares his love of cooking in this comprehensive and beautifully presented cookbook. With a glowing foreword from MasterChef Judge Melissa Leong, an introduction and bio from Tommy himself, this cookbook has a place in the homes of passionate cooks, both experienced and inexperienced. There is a well set out contents page with recipes divided into the following chapters: Main Meals, Protein and Veg, Soups, A Full Meal, Noodles, Snacks, Sweets and Hacks. Before the recipe pages, the author shares recommendations and tips about ingredients and equipment.
The emphasis in this cookbook is on family cooking so each recipe often mentions the dish serves are for 2 adults and 2 littlies. Before each recipe is a personal comment from Tommy regarding the dish to be created and often an extra ‘Tommy’s tip’. Most dishes are presented across a double page spread with the first page being the recipe set out in the familiar procedural way and a glossy photograph of the dish/dishes on the adjacent page. Some of the longer recipes such as B?n Thang (Hanoi Chicken Noodle Soup) is spread across four pages. One dish sure to please is the Quick Fruit Ice Cream which sounds delicious. The only ingredients required are 3 cups frozen mango cubes, 1 cup coconut milk, 1-3 tablespoons honey. The method is to blend all the ingredients until smooth, then eat immediately or freeze for an hour for a thicker texture. Sure to be hit with both children and adults. Also shared throughout the book are a number of photographs of Tommy and his sons, enjoying kitchen and cooking time together. In the final pages are ‘Play in the Kitchen’ activities for children to do plus a detailed index, and acknowledgements.
For those who love Asian-inspired dishes and learning more about Vietnamese cooking and culture this cookbook is a must-have.
Set in 17th century London, Karen Brooks’ latest novel vividly brings to life an era when women were chattels, their intelligence derided, and their best future prospect was to secure an advantageous marriage. Tribulation Johnson, however, manages to escape a hideous marriage proposal and is sent to stay with a cousin, a woman, who turns out to be an infamous writer of plays and tracts. And so Tribulation enters the sphere of Aphra Behn, an independent woman, who makes her living from her writings, an actual historical figure, who rightly should be credited with writing the first novel in English.
Tribulation enters the world of the theatre, at a time when women had just taken to the stage, though at cost to their personal reputations. It is a lusty bawdy world, and women have to manoeuvre the unwelcome attentions of both lords and drunkards. The streets of London are dark, full of stench and filth. Yet Tribulation relishes her freedom and the opportunity to learn from Aphra, her kind and caring mentor.
The subtitle ‘A woman writes back’ succinctly presents the main theme of the novel: women taking up the pen, and asserting their opinion, and themselves, in a way they hadn’t been able to before. Following Tribulation’s ‘escapades’ makes for an exciting ride: there are a number of mysteries to resolve, including a dark handsome stranger with his own secrets. Although the novel is long, at over 500 pages, the story rips along, with short chapters titled ‘scenes’ within the main Acts, making for the kind of book that is hard to put down. This is historical fiction at its best.
Themes Historical fiction, Women, Writers, Theatre, Political intrigue.
Craig Shanahan cooking up a storm by John Dickson. Illus. by Claudia Frittitta
A book with the text in Braille adds another dimension to students’ interest and learning and will interest many as they take up the chance to try out this way of reading text.
In the same series (Big Visions) as Matt Formston: surfing in the dark (2022) the book aims to present Australian low vision and blind people who have pursued their dreams, to a new audience. This series presents role models for kids with low vision and encourages them to strive for something which may have seemed out of their reach.
Craig had always dreamed of being a chef but this seemed more difficult than most. As a child one eye was removed because it was cancerous but while at school he read all he could about food and cooking, gaining an apprenticeship when he left school. He worked at different restaurants learning all he could, often working six days a week. But one day his brother noticed his one eye looked odd and when he went to the doctor, a tumour was found. The operation left him almost completely blind. He had to relearn many things before leaving hospital, but did not waver from his dream of opening a cafe. With the help of friends and family, this dream came to fruition and his cafe offers a range of experiences, and is open to all people particularly those with a disability.
The accompanying Braille text will intrigue both sighted and non sighted kids. It is hoped that sighted kids will gain some understanding of the skills needed by their non sighted peers, and try it out for themselves. The story itself is inspirational for all readers as they grapple with how to journey through their world. And to read of someone who has overcome a major stumbling block is reason enough to read the book with awe.
This series of books presents Australian heroes, but not names most people will recognise but those often living without accolades and recognition. Typing Craig’s name into Google will take the reader to more information filling out what is in the book.
A tribute to one of Australia’s greatest sporting heroes, Usman Khawaja, presented first on Youtube by singing sensation Paul Kelly is brought to life on the printed page for younger readers.
Khawaja always wanted to play for Australia and practised long and hard, becoming opening batsman in the U19 Championships in 2005, followed by U19 World Cup in 2006, then first class cricket opened with New South Wales in 2008. Given the baggy green in 2010, he went on to play 60 tests, as well as playing in the Big Bash League, Pakistan Super League, the IPL and county cricket in England. A look at his statistics on Wikipedia is astonishing.
Paul Kelly penned his tribute to Khawaja after he made a pair of centuries at the SGC, called up for Australia after being sidelined two years before. It is a tribute to a man of perseverance, determination and talent. The selectors said no for two years, then yes when Khuwaja was 35, not expecting to play again for Australia. But play he did, making a pair of centuries that resonate throughout the cricketing public world wide.
Readers will love to read of this man, born in Pakistan, arriving in Australia when he was four, aiming to play for Australia, and working on his game until he did. He was the first Muslim, Pakistani born person to join the Test team and stunned everyone with his effort in 2022 at the SGC.
Kelly’s song reads well as a ballad or poem and kids will love to hear it read aloud, and after hearing the musical version, learn to sing along with Paul Kelly, screaming out the refrain of 'Khawajaaaaa' at top voice.
Illustrations by Weerasekera support the text showing almost photographic like portraits of Usman Khawaja and the playing style he made famous, alongside the sporting fixtures on which he played. Each double page has a story to tell, and will encourage children to think about his life and the determination needed to achieve what he did. An inspirational look at a great Australian cricketer.
Themes Cricket, Khawaja, Determination, Test cricket.
Brave little Garlic is back in this standalone companion to Garlic and the Vampire, with another tale of friendship, magic, and self-discovery.
Garlic loves spending time with Witch Agnes, Carrot, and her new friend, the Count, who has proven to be a delightful neighbour to the village of vegetable people rather than the scary vampire the village feared in the first story,. But despite Agnes's best attempts to home-brew a vegetarian blood substitute for Count, the ingredient she needs most can only be found at the Magic Market, far from the valley.
Before she knows it, with a broomstick in hand, Garlic is nervously preparing for a journey.
But Garlic is experiencing another change too - finger by finger, she appears to be turning human. Witch Agnes assures her that this is normal for her garden magic, but Garlic isn't so sure that she's ready for such a big change. After all, changes are scary...and what if she doesn't want to be human after all...
As with the first one, this is not a complex read - cheerful rather than chilling - with a subtle message about believing in stereotypes and rumours, readers will still need to have the reading skills necessary to interpret a graphic novel, seamlessly integrating the illustrations with the plot because there are many passages where there is no speech. That said, with its warm colours, and faces which are friendly rather than frightening, this is a gentle introduction into both the format and fantasy.
A fresh, new series to entertain readers who are looking for something a bit different.
Allen & Unwin, 2023. ISBN: 9781761068911. (Age:8+) Highly recommended.
Sink or Swim, is the ninth book in the popular Wolf Girl series. Once again Gwen and the pack are on the river being chased by the Hornets in a helicopter while navigating fast-flowing stormy waters. Eventually making it safely into a tunnel, they are thwarted by a grate blocking their escape and are at the mercy of the rising flood waters. Clever Pirate discovers a gap and after some trouble they manage to swim underwater through to the other side. The storm though is relentless, and they watch in horror as a tiny village is partially destroyed. Gwen and the pack help those villagers who have fallen in the water and are rewarded with food and shelter for the evening. They decide to remain and support the villagers with rebuilding the village but the deadly Hornets and Braxans arrive and take the adults away. With local village boy Jarrod, Gwen and the dogs hatch a plan to try and bring the adults back. This involves a journey to the Championship Games where the winning prize is any wish to be granted. What surprise awaits Gwen at the Games? Will she win?
This is another exciting fast-paced read that will continue to engage fans of the Wolf Girl series. Detailed illustrations by Lachlan Creagh provide a strong visual connection to the text. Book Ten will be published soon.
Diagnosed with motor neurone disease and given six months to live, Lisa’s father Emil begins to share his childhood story with his family. The atrocities he endured and overcame during the Holocaust make for torrid reading, and are confronting for his children who were unaware of his background. However he continues with weekly instalments, determined that history will not be forgotten, and hoping that evils will not be repeated.
The chapters alternate between Then and Now; Emil’s survival leading up to his migration to Australia, and 16 year-old Lisa’s family and school life in 1982 suburban Melbourne.
The novel is based on Zail’s own father’s desire to tell the story of his escape from WW2 Nazi Europe, and his decline and eventual death from MND. This was recorded by Zail in her 2006 book, The Tattooed Flower; a memoir. In Inkflower his story is fleshed out by the contemporary narrator, Lisa, who has kept both her father’s illness and her Jewish background a secret from her best friends and boyfriend.
Young readers may have come across general descriptions of the Jews’ transportation by cattle trucks, existence in concentration camps, the forced death marches and associated hunger, beatings and killings, but recounting them from an individual young person’s perspective give them extra weight. If this is a reader’s first introduction to the Holocaust, Inkflower will be a harrowing read.
Both strands of the novel stress the importance of family, friendship and supportive relationships. They also explore how we construct our own identity and how aspects such as names and religion define us. Lisa and her father were examples of how we often tell ‘lies by omission’, and adjust our perceptions of ourselves as we learn more about our family’s history and background.
The Author’s Note on how the book came about, and Further Resources for both the Holocaust and MND are valuable additions.
Themes Friendship, Family, Identity, Holocaust, Motor Neurone Disease.
