Simple language, short snappy sentences and full-colour illustrations make this series ideal for newly independent readers or as shared reading practice books for those who are already quite confident. Based on The Tail of Emily Windsnap books for readers aged 8+, this series takes on similar themes in a much more simplistic format. This is the third in the series, with Emily's Big Discovery and Shona Finds Her Voice also available.
This title focusses on Emily Windsnap's semi-mer friend Aaron who lives on a castle in the middle of the ocean. He's quite lonely most of the time, so he's very excited that today his mermaid friends Emily and Shona are coming to visit and that he and his mum have visitors coming for dinner. When he overhears the visitors talking about finding something precious and then realises that they have left with his necklace he is certain they are pirates. Thankfully his friends Emily and Shona are there to help him get it back. But are they really pirates or are they just making sure that Aaron is who they think he is, an ancestor of their friend Neptune, King of the Sea?
The full-colour illustrations and no more than half page chunks of text make this visually appealing and will delight young mermaid fans. The story is simple, with clear sequencing and an easy to follow complication and resolution.
Themes Mermaids, Friendship.
Nicole Nelson
How brave I can be by Bryll & Beth Stephen. Illus. by Simon Howe
Byll and Beth Stephen, the writers behind the ABC TV musical sensations Teeny Tiny Stevies, have written a thoughtful and gentle book about growing, changing, learning, and more importantly being brave. They cleverly work through the stages of development, and it is not only bravery for children they look at but brave adults letting go. For children the brave milestones shared are taking first steps as a toddler, learning to ride a two-wheeler bike, falling over, learning to swim, not winning, climbing a tall tree, and finally leaving home. For the adults, being brave is about realising that they might have to let their child find their own path and watch from the sidelines. But also trust that they have prepared their child for what lies ahead.
The illustrations in this book are beautifully presented with the child or adult showing bravery depicted in full colour with the other characters and the setting in muted tones. An interesting book that will benefit from being shared between an adult and child.
Themes Growing Up, Being Brave, Changing.
Kathryn Beilby
The night in question by Kathleen Glasgow & Liz Lawson
In a sequel to The Agathas, Iris and Alice once again plunge into trying to solve mysteries like Agatha Christie’s sleuths, Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot. During a school dance at Levy Castle, where film star Mona Moody had fallen to her death in the 1940s, Rebecca Kennedy, a classmate disliked by many, is brutally assaulted and left in a medically induced coma. Alice discovers another classmate standing over her with a paper knife in her hand, but she and Iris are not convinced that she is the culprit and begin to investigate, much to the disgust of the local police.
The alternate chapters, each with a quote from Agatha Christie or from one of Mona Moody’s movies, are narrated by Alice and Iris. Their friendship is tested as they uncover clues to Kennedy’s assault that link to the mystery surrounding the death of Mona Moody and her boyfriend in 1949. It is fun reading about a mansion with a secret passage and a hidden room, a fabulous necklace and a glamorous movie star from the 1940s. However more serious topics are explored like domestic violence and the class divide between the rich and poor. Alice is forced to gradually see how unfair the power that wealthy people yield can sometimes be, while Iris must face her fear about a potential boyfriend becoming violent.
Readers new to the series would benefit from reading the first in the series to fully understand the background of the characters and Castle Cove. Fans of The Agathas will relish the return of these two detectives and are certain to enjoy the suspense, red herrings and twists and turns in the plot, and will eagerly look forward to the next in the series.
All About the Heart is the first narrative non-fiction book in a series about the body for younger readers. Written by an Australian paediatric cardiologist, Dr Remi Kowalski, this book clearly explains what the heart is, its importance, how it functions and how it can be looked after.
The significance of the heart is emphasised in the opening pages. This is followed by information about the hearts of other creatures as well as the different sizes. Octopuses have three hearts, earthworms have five, and the blue whale’s heart is the largest of all animals and weighs up to 500kg. Many of the pages begin with a question such as: Does your heart ever take a break? and What does it do when you run? All of the answers given, and the general information shared is easily accessible for younger readers. The large, clear graphic-style diagrams and images in colours of red, pink and blue complement the text perfectly.
This is a fascinating book that will enable children of all ages to gain a greater understanding this precious organ. A wonderful resource for a school or public library.
Themes Heart, Facts, Taking Care.
Kathryn Beilby
Some shall break by Ellie Marney
Allen & Unwin, 2023. ISBN: 9781761068010. (Age:14+) Highly recommended.
Fans of None shall sleep will be thrilled with the return of Emma Lewis and Travis Bell. Emma has been trying to live a normal life as a College student, when a series of murders in Pittsburgh seem to resemble those of the Berryville Butcher, Daniel Huxton. Emma was the sole survivor in that case and she agrees to go to Pittsburgh, hoping that her insights into the mind of a serial killer will help prevent other girls from dying. Meanwhile Travis has been training with the FBI, and Kristin Gutmunsson, twin of the psychopath, Simon, from None shall sleep, is also assisting the FBI, wanting to gain some leniency for her twin, who is on death row. The three collaborate with the police and FBI investigating leads to track down the killer.
Exciting and fast paced, the story will keep the reader glued to the page, the suspense gradually building up as the trio use their wits following clues. There are some dark moments and readers will be very afraid that the killer will capture Emma.
As well as being a thrilling crime novel, Some shall break is an exploration of post traumatic stress. Emma is constantly reminded of the trauma that she experienced as a prisoner of Huxton, and the reader is taken through how she copes with therapy from a compassionate professional who is always on call for her. The theme of loyalty is also explored in depth. Should Kristin put her twin first, or the hunt for the killer? Where should Travis place his allegiance – to the FBI or to Emma? The growing relationship between Travis and Emma is also a highlight of the book.
The conclusion leaves the reader eagerly anticipating another book in the series. Readers who enjoyed the Agathasseries and books by Karen McManus will be happy to move onto this series of psychological thrillers.
Themes Mystery, Psychological thriller.
Pat Pledger
Gurril: Storm bird by Trevor Fourmile. Illus. by Jingalu
Gurril: Storm Bird is based on a Gimuy Walubara Yidinji traditional story told orally by many generations. The Gimuy Walubara are traditional custodians of Cairns and surrounding regions.
Young Gurril cannot understand why his people are afraid of Gudju-gudju, the rainbow serpent. He decides he is going to show that he is brave and cunning and will prove to his people that there is nothing to fear. He sets off alone to play tricks on Gudju-gudju and it does not bode well for him. Gurril disturbs the rainbow serpent from his sleep by throwing stones with one hitting him on the head. The angry Gudju-gudju smashes the stones and demands to know who is tormenting him. Gurril thinks his black paint is keeping him safe in the treetops as he sings out from the trees, but clouds form and rain falls causing the leaves to become slippery and the body paint to wash away. Gudju-gudju turns Gurril into his storm bird, a black cockatoo, who will sing his name before the rain comes. This helps the Yidinji people today prepare for the wet season.
The striking cover of Gurril: Storm Bird with a black cockatoo, a deep blue evening sky and silver letters will draw the reader to this beautifully written and engaging story. The full-page illustrations to accompany the text are bold, vibrant, and glossy, with the painting of the Gudju-gudju absolutely stunning. A wonderful story.
Themes First Nation’s Stories, Rainbow Serpent, Black Cockatoo.
Two best friends, Merrin and Molly live at a seaside village, Merrin in the harbour because she is a mermaid, and Molly in a house in the town. They play together, surfing, diving to the sea caves, following the dolphins but Merrin cannot come to her friend’s house. But all is excitement in the village as the Mermaid Moon is coming which means that all sea creatures can be on land until the moon’s reflection disappears from the sea. The girls are so excited. Merrin thinks about the Mermaid Moon and finds herself flying with the fish into the decorated town, where Molly is waiting for her. Molly wants her to stay over but Merrin cannot do this, so the two go off together determined to fit lots of things into their night together. Merrin tries chocolate for the first times and Molly gives her a bracelet she bought for her. Then as the moon is beginning to sink, the girls go into Molly’s bedroom where they chat and laugh, but going into the garden, Merrin realises that the moon has almost gone. They race to towards the sea, horrified that Merrin may be caught on land, but she sings a song her mother taught her and a whale comes along to help her back into the sea. Merrin returns to the sea just in time while Molly watches form the harbour wall. The girls hug each other thinking about the Mermaid Moon next year when they can be together again.
This charming story of friendship will strum at the hearts of the readers, wanting the two girls to be together but knowing the constraints of their relationship. The idea of being friends with a mermaid is just wonderful and readers will recall stories of mermaids, to share. Older readers may like to read Hans Christian Anderson’s The Little Mermaid to compare the tales, or watch the Disney version of this story. There are many Cornish stories of mermaids and some can be found here.
Children will be delighted with the wonderfully evocative illustrations. The girls are lovingly portrayed, and readers will love thinking about their similarities and differences. The setting is astounding, with the images of Merrin’s home almost believable. A number of double page images are outstanding: the opening image of the girls talking to each other, the girls flying over the lit up town and the girls flying over the village on the whale’s back, each is vivid and richly detailed, redolent of the Cornish countryside which the writer loves.
A wonderful read aloud, children will hang on to every word, wanting Merrin to return to her home in the sea before her scales deteriorate and she is stuck on land.
Themes Friendship, Mermaids, Cornwall, Myths.
Fran Knight
Pippa and the troublesome twins by Dimity Powell and Andrew Plant
Ford Street Publishing, 2023. ISBN: 9781922696298. (Age:3+) Highly recommended.
Andrew Platt’s illustrations stand out and many readers will pick up this book from the display recognising his distinctive style, and then be enthralled by the accompanying story of sibling rivalry.
This story has Pippa the pigeon having to contend with her twin baby brothers, Pepi and Penn. She cannot understand why her parents Peg and Percy are always at the beck and call of the twins, unable to answer her questions about the flight to the forest in the distance, a place she wants to go for its peace and quiet. When they go off to find even more food for the pair, Pippa is left to babysit. It is the last thing she wants to do but when she looks at the tree trunk she notices a predator climbing towards the trio. Pippa raises her wings and flies at the snarling cat, hitting it with the hardest part of her wing, the sound resonating around the tree. The cat runs off, leaving Pippa with two very grateful squabs. After that she has an idea of how to improve their skills at flying and they practise until all three can make the trip to the forest together.
This charming story of sibling rivalry, of familial relationships will resonate with younger children for whom this is an issue in their own home. Many children will have come across a situation where they and their brothers and sisters are at odds, so the story will be quite familiar and its resolution a neat conclusion that all can emulate. Pippa is unhappy about having to babysit but put into a position where she can save her siblings, she acts decisively.
A sequel to Pippa (2019) the plucky pigeon will win over even more fans with this new story. She parallels what many children feel when there is a new child in the home, or if they must take on new responsibilities, or their parents no longer have as much time for them, or they feel they have been sidelined. Pippa feels what they feel but put into a position where she can act on her siblings' behalf, she protects them, putting herself in danger.
A lovely story, beautifully illustrated, Pippa and the troublesome twins is an engaging read aloud, with repetition enough to keep them listening and predicting the up coming words, and a frisson of danger to keep them om their toes. Teacher's notes are available.
Nathan Lyon puts his name and face to this great new fiction cricket series written by Michael Wagner (Max Rumble, The Undys). In a Spin is the second in the series. The first, Bowled Over, introduced us to Garry, a ten-year-old with a special off-spin bowl that sees him start playing for the Youngstown Under-16s. Garry is a well-rounded character, full of nerves, on and off confidence and he makes mistakes that see him paralysed with embarassment. This vulnerability is what makes his experience during one of the first games of the cricket season so devastating. One of the kids on the opposing team thinks Garry calls him a 'loser' and to get revenge he posts a video of Garry getting hit by the ball three times during the match. Garry is shattered, vowing to quit cricket and actually following through for a short time. But he is surrounded by supportive family, friends and teammates who are fabulous in their ability to communicate with Garry, be understanding of his feelings but also encourage him to face back up to the team the next weekend.
One of the big themes is forgiveness, with Garry's grandmother in particular, imparting lots of wisdom about who really loses out when we hold grudges, take revenge or refuse to forgive. These sorts of strategies for both life and cricket are woven throughout the story. Michael Wagner has done this really well with this series: just enough cricket talk as well as making Garry a relatable character and adding some real guts with some cyber-bullying content and plenty of emotional responses and challenges. The role-modeling of how we can deal with these meaningful issues both on and off the field is well-written, helpful to those reading along but also remaning engaging and entertaining. A great series that will appeal to a large age-range and made more approachable due to a smattering of illustrations by David Williams.
Themes Cricket, Fear, Forgiveness, Teamwork.
Nicole Nelson
Logan's big move by Logan Martin with Jess Black, and Shane McG
Logans’ Big Move is an enjoyable and fast-paced picture book based on the life of Australia’s first BMX freestyle Olympic gold medallist, Logan Martin. The appealing characters in the story are drawn as animals with Logan and his family portrayed as lions and his coach Big Rex portrayed as a bear. The story begins with Logan and his family moving to new house and discovering an amazing skatepark close by. After watching the skateboarders and BMX freestylers, Logan decides he wants BMX bike for Christmas. His parents encourage him to have lessons first and Big Rex loans him one his bikes. Logan wants to ride and do tricks like the older kids, but his coach encourages him to learn the basics first and shows him how to do a Bunny hop, a Manual and an X-up. Logan practises on the grass so he has a soft landing if he falls which happens often! Finally, Logan is ready to try out his brand-new BMX at the park and off he goes. But …Logan has a big fall. Once his bruises heal his coach wants to teach him a new trick, the 180. Logan is scared but after some positive and inspiring words from Big Rex, he is ready to try.
This is an engaging story that young children will love. Many of them may have watched Logan’s amazing performance at the Olympics and how his passion for BMX Freestyling has encouraged a new generation of bike riders.
Head of Zeus, 2023. ISBN: 9781837931224. (Age:15+) Highly recommended.
An astounding novel by Puerto Rican writer Melissa Coss Aquino defies expectations of the lives of poor, neglected young Latinx girls, Carmen and Grace, in the Bronx. The two girls are determined to make their own choices and carve the lives they want, together. Original plans for college get sidelined when Grace is taken into the fold of Dona Durka, the queen of an underworld crime gang. Grace is groomed to be her successor, and Carmen follows along Grace’s path. We know it doesn’t end well for Carmen as the first chapter opens with her in prison, but the story of their lives becomes a heart-stopping ride through a world of drugs and crime.
In the first section of the book told by Carmen, we appreciate the bond that ties the two girls, but it is when Grace’s voice takes over, that we come to understand how much of a leader Grace is determined to be; ruthless and hard, but a leader that empowers the women that work with her. She encourages them to develop their inner strengths, including mental focus, collective loyalty, and belief in themselves. Group conversations include discussion of ideas and philosophies, and each is encouraged to pursue their own dream.
There is also a spiritual element, with the traditional stories of the abuela, dream interpretation, and Goddess worship. All emphasize understanding of self and female empowerment, including life messages the reader might take away.
All this combines to make a highly original and powerful novel, with strong characters, confronting language, and violence. Nothing goes as expected; it makes for a surprising and exciting, but also intellectually rewarding read.
Themes Drug gangs, Crime, Violence, Matriarchy, Sisterhood, Female empowerment, Bronx, Latin American culture, Belonging, Diversity.
Olivie Blake was a self-published author of six books before her novel, The Atlas Six, went viral on social media giant TikTok in 2021. Blake was quickly signed by traditional publishers who began to republish her previous works, including the urban fantasy novel, One For My Enemy, in 2023. A retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, One For My Enemy is a dark and moody version of the ageless story.
Sasha is the youngest of the seven Antonova sisters, famous for their beauty, cunning and ruthlessness. Their mother, Baba Yaga, is one of the most powerful witches in New York’s underground magic community, controlling the majority of the drug and intoxicant scene. Baba Yaga’s only real enemy is Koschei the Deathless, leader of the Federov family and father to three sons, Dimitri, Roman and Lev. When Sasha and Lev accidentally meet and fall in love, it sets into motion a series of events that will lead to all out war between the two families. What Sasha and Lev do not understand is that there are dark secrets hidden in the history of the Antonovas and the Federovs. And once the truth is known, there will be devastating consequences for both sides.
One For My Enemy is an entertaining and well-written retelling of Romeo and Juliet. Blake skilfully leads readers through five acts of action and romance. Her characters are compelling, and her plot has enough surprises to maintain interest. Like the original story, readers should expect death, violence and general mayhem. There are also sexual references and drug use that makes this novel better suited to older audiences.
Multi talented Andrew Daddo has teamed again with award winning illustrator, Bentley to produce a very funny book about potty training, an event in a child’s life which seems to engross many parents, sometimes ending in unnecessary stress. This irreverent book will put all at their ease when creating a routine time in a child’s life … well … routine. Daddo uses a variety of animals to make his point; that this is a natural occurrence, coming along at least once a day, (except for pandas) sometimes more, but a common event in all animals’ lives from a lion to a hippo, a dog to a panda, a monkey to a kangaroo, a giraffe to a goldfish, each has something in common: a poo face which goes with the effort made to expel it.
Bentley’s laugh-out-loud illustrations will tickle your funny bone as each page is turned. The expressions on faces are wondrously created with just a seemingly small difference in an eyebrow or mouth position. Kids will love looking at all the poo that the animals leave behind.
Yawuru creator Brenton E McKenna, based around Broome in WA, has created a wild and frenetic story based on two monstrous hairy holers, Begley and Redley who live in the Australian bush. A lost ‘skinny’ tourist named Joplin is headed towards Adelaide, mistakenly ends up in the wrong place and is captured by the hairy holers. They debate about whether he will become a delicious meal but is deemed too small and they release him. He tries to escape but faces dangerous animal predators and is eventually saved by the brothers. He becomes fascinated by Begley and Redley and sets about trying to help them find their parents by introducing them to the Internet. What follows is both confusing and hilarious. The darkly coloured graphic illustrations show a number of frightening characters in unusual situations, but it is all in good fun. Children will enjoy the slapstick humour and at times ‘rude’ comments. This is a short story and for reluctant readers with a sense of humour this book will hold great appeal. There will be further books in this series as the search for the parents continues.
Etta and the Octopus is a witty, illustrated tale that bridges the often difficult gap between picture book and chapter book. Zana Fraillon is known for her novels aimed at an older audience but this is wonderfully done by her and lovingly brought to life by Andrew Joyner's illustrations, which are so fabulous they deserve to be in colour, but are nevertheless spectacular.
It all begins when Etta discovers an octopus taking a bubble bath in her house. And on the floor is his suitcase, with the name Oswald on it in fancy writing. Oswald isn't an easy house guest but Etta is surprisingly patient. She makes a list of all the things she discovers about octopuses, or Oswald in particular; 'octopuses do not like to be cuddled', 'octupuses can (sometimes) be very helpful'. Smiley Oswald doesn't talk but he gets up to oodles of mischief due to his lack of social etiquette. He kicks Etta out of her bed, locks her out of the house, stinks out the whole apartment with his suitcase full of fish and throws Etta's board games out the window when he loses. Taking him out of the house leads to just as much trouble. Her efforts in putting up a lost poster are unsuccessful until a mean lady named Marina Prinkle Esquire turns up at the door demanding her octopus. Can Etta really send Oswald away with this horrible person or will she decide to protect her new friend?
This is a charming story with only small chunks of text on each page and large, often full-page illustrations. A little more text than Joyner's Boris series but less than Hercules Quick and still very approachable for newly independent readers. There is a reference to this being a new series, so hopefully we see more of Etta and Oswald soon.
