Reviews

What's that Jack? by Ramadier & Bourgeau

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Two dogs, Jack and George have a day full of excitement when a round object falls from the sky at their feet. George asks Jack what it is. He touches it concluding it is too soft to be a boulder. They push it, Jack suggesting it may be a ball and as it keeps rolling, getting faster all the time, he concludes they may be right. But it rolls over a cliff, the pair falling down with the ball, as it turns into a parachute and they fall into the river below. Still, George asks, ‘What is it Jack?' as it becomes a raft and they float down the river, bumping into a whale. Cold, the question George asks again, 'What is it Jack?' sees the object turning into a blanket to keep them warm. They sleep and in the morning the object is back to its original shape, hovering above the ground.

Now George’s question becomes 'What was that, Jack?' As the object takes to the skies and returns to where it came from. Jack is amazed at their adventure. He does not know what it was and cannot answer George’s question, but he concludes what ever it was, it was wonderful.

What exciting thoughts will come from this story as the animals have a very different adventure over the day. They have rolled down a hill, fallen into a river, used a parachute, bumped into a whale while rafting, finally sleeping the night outdoors. A very different day from the one shown in the first page with the two sitting under a tree, looking not a little bored, their house in the background, safe and secure. They have ventured out of their comfort zone, tackled new horizons, seen different things, stretched their experiences and been excited by new vistas, all the while George asking the same question. Kids will love repeating this question as each new page is turned, watching the response of each dog to the new setting. A stunning book to read aloud and encourage imaginative thoughts about the ball and what it could be. The wonderful blocks of colour ensure the story is foremost while the words splash or bomb, aaaah and oomph stand out for kids to repeat and wonder at. I love the swathes of pinks and blues contrasting with the touches of yellow and green. Each page is a treat.

The thicker than usual pages ensure its long life with many fingers grabbing it to read and be read to them.

Cédric Ramadier studied at the Camberwell College of Arts in London, before moving to Paris to work as an art director, graphic designer, editor, and author. Vincent Bourgeau lives in Marseilles, France, where he works fulltime as a children’s book illustrator. It is translated by Antony Shugaar who is highly esteemed in his field, winning the Strega Prize.

Themes Imagination, Questioning, Adventure, Friendship, Humour.

Fran Knight

Mountainfell by Katharine Orton

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Mountainfell is in a world far from our reality, but imbued with many of the problems we recognise - the abuse of power, the challenge to fit in, the degradation of the environment we share. In this place lives Erskin, a young girl raised with the fear of the mountain and the dragon who calls it home. But Erskin feels that she doesn’t fit and her community looks at her askance - could she be magic-addled? When her older sister, Birgit, is taken by the dragon, Erskin sets aside fear, and taking her strange cat, and a tag-along companion sets out on the quest to rescue Birgit. The quest has unexpected dangers and consequences and everything Erskin thought she knew is turned upside down.  But magic happens and the strange children become heroes with the help of the environment that is also under stress from attacks from those who wish to take without consideration of the future.

This is an adorable fantasy tale with youthful heroes who rise above their own insecurities which makes it a wonderful Primary years story.  The ability to hear and communicate with the world around them gives a magical environmental feel to the problems the characters face. I loved the slow growth in confidence of the central character, Erskin, and her sidekick Leif demonstrates wonderful friendship attributes. As they realise that they have been lied to all their lives, and that the dragon is not to be feared and that they are in a position to set things right, they must do all they can before it is too late. There are hints of classic fantasy quests like Rowan of Rin or Tolkien’s fantasy world, but with a youthful simplicity that makes it immediately appealing for younger readers. The quest and adventure aspects within the fantasy and magical settings have unique qualities and readers aged 9-13 will absolutely love this story.

Themes Fantasy, Magic, Fear, Environment, Non-conformity.

Carolyn Hull

The lost song of Paris by Sarah Steele

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This is a well written story. Spanning over 60 years, telling the stories of two very different women,  Agent ‘Colette’ a secret agent and Amy Novak an archivist. These two women are living not just years apart but worlds apart despite this they are not so different. They are both struggling with devastation in their lives.

Amy Novak is an archivist and when the declassified file of Agent ‘Colette’ a well-kept secret from World War Two appears on her desk she is drawn into the woman’s story and with encouragement from a friend becomes determined to tell the story of Agent ‘Colette’ and ensure that she finally receives the recognition for all her work during the war.

As the secrets start to unravel you are drawn into the two women’s lives. Amy learns not only about Agent ‘Colette’ but also about herself. Things are not always as they seem. As Amy digs deeper into Agent Colette’s real identity and what it must have been like for her during the war, she begins to understand how to move on in her life and begins to deal with the grief she has been bottling up for the last year.

This book is inspired by incredible true events and heroines of the Resistance; it is a story of lost love and one woman’s bravery during World War Two.

I highly recommend this book.

Themes Resistence, World War 2, Women.

Karen Colliver

The Easter bum book by Kate Mayes and Andrew Joyner

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This inevitable next installment in the Bum Book collection is sure to delight fans old and new. If you've read The Bum Book and The Christmas Bum Book you'll be completely unsurprised by the content, but for the uninitiated it truly is a book full of bums. In fact, we don't see a single face. Andrew Joyner's signature illustrations, that tend to exaggerate bodily forms anyway, are positively perfect for rounded derrieres. As with the predecessors, The Easter Bum Book is full of humour in both clever writing and inspired illustrations that connect seamlessly.

There are some obvious entries: 'bunny bum' and 'bilby bum', some punny entries: 'lily bum' (illustration is of a boy from behind, holding white lillies and with a completely naked bottom) and some simply ludicrous entries: 'skipping through the tulips bum' (a naked person bouncing through a field of tulips and holding a violin) and 'hot-cross-bun bum' (a chef with a gigantic hot cross bun for a bottom). All the typical Easter activities are covered, including family road trips, Good Friday fish and chips, egg hunts, chocolate coma and bonnet parades. This is a fun jaunt through Easter with a bum twist that all kids are going to think is ridiculously funny. And adults will probably appreciate how well it hits the toilet humour brief in a clever and un-gross way.

Themes Bottoms, Easter, Humorous books.

Nicole Nelson

Clash: a Click graphic novel by Kayla Miller

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Book 4 of the Click series of graphic novels does not disappoint.  I really like this series of graphic novels especially as the themes of friendship and moving from Primary school to secondary and the challenges that are faced are so well discussed. 

In Clash, Olive has to deal with a new girl in town, from the very beginning everyone can see that Natasha is cool and wants to be her friend, including Olive.  However, this is not as easy as it first appears.  Olive has to deal with feeling like Natasha is taking over her friends and that they like her more than they like Olive and in actual fact Natasha is doing this in the subtle way that bullies do. Whether she is a perpetual bully or is angry at the world and taking it out on Olive does not change the fact that she is not a nice person to Olive. The realistic portrayal of this age groups friendship interactions that lead to feeling of inadequacy and trying to fit in are so carefully and accurately covered by Olive and the other characters in this novel is the reason why I would recommend this book to most students and their parents. It is a great book for opening up conversations about friendships, conflict and teenage angst, along with the way that the adults handle the conflict and the bullying. My biggest issue was that Natasha was really mean and a bully and it wasn’t addressed in the way I hoped, in the end Olive welcomed Natasha and accepted the explanation for her behaviour which as a parent of the teenage girl really bothered me. However, while this could cause some huge feelings to come up if the reader is being bullied, especially if the reader is being told that they should be more understanding, Olive is told that it is hard for Natasha being the new student. Natasha takes advantage of this, again this helps students to look at the conversations they have within their own lives and the feelings this causes.

This is a read alone but I think it should be one that children read and then discuss with their parents as it is a great book to stimulate conversations.

Themes Friendship, Middle school, Conflict, Forgiveness.

Mhairi Alcorn

The month that makes the year by Inda Ahmad Zahri

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A young Muslim girl, Deenie, explores Ramadan as she and her family celebrate this month that makes the year, setting them up for a strong family centred community for the next 12 months.

She explains through the story why Muslim families observe Ramadan, building up the strength to concentrate on the big issues of life and part with those things that do not matter.

As the youngest member of her family, Deenie comes to Ramadan properly for the first time.  She wonders about going without food or water until sunset but her story shows how she copes and why the ritual is important.

Fasting is not compulsory for children, but it is seen as a rite of passage as people learn 'patience, gratitude, self-control, mindfulness and a sense of solidarity with everyone on the planet' as well as a strengthening of their faith and link with Allah.

The story shows some of the problems for children during Ramadan, and this is especially apt for teachers who have Muslim children in their classes. The picture book shows Deenie sitting out of sport because she is not eating, and finding other things to do when her friends open their lunch boxes. Her mother’s coffee group plans to do something that does not involve eating and drinking to keep in touch with their friend.

An opportunity exists for kids to see that some of their classmates hold different beliefs and ideas, and reading this book will promote an understanding of what being a Muslim is. When Deenie goes to the mosque with her family readers are shown the differing customs that exist as part of their day. It is here money is given for families in need (sadaqar and zakat). Deenie knows how it is to go without for a day and so is thankful for what they have. Deenie and her family volunteer at the care home nearby, take old clothing to the shop, help older people with their forms. During the month they practise kindness, not only in the way they behave towards each other, but in words and gestures, deeds and thoughts.

An introduction by Ahmad Zahri tells us just how different it was for her coming from Malaysia where everyone celebrated Ramadan together to Australia where she had to fast alone. This served to strengthen her conviction.

This picture book serves to tell Deenie’s story of coming through her first Ramadan telling the reader the reason behind this custom while showing how it strengthens family ties. Ahmad’s illustrations are most informative showing the readers the different customs that are part of Ramadan.

At the end of the book is a glossary outlining the different words for the custom involved in Ramadan, adding another level of information to educate the readers. Muslim students will be able to share their knowledge with their classmates, while they will be in a position to ask questions.

A lovely book to share and read aloud.

Themes Ramadan, Islam, Fasting, Kindness.

Fran Knight

Two Dogs by Ian Falconer

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Two dogs, Augie and Perry are left alone during the day. As pups they were always with people but as their owners now go to school or work, they are alone. They play games with each other, but soon tire of this, but now and gain Perry takes Augie’s ball, teasing until Augie plays the piano, a noise Perry cannot stand, but it means the ball is returned. They look wistfully outside, seeing the squirrel on the lawn, so decide to breakout. Barking at the door does not help, so Augie climbs on Perry’s shoulders and opens the handle of the door. It is very exciting outside. They play on the swings and seesaws, swim in the pool, and then find a hole. Digging seems second nature but some debate ensues about the damage to the lawn and the trouble they will get into. But logic is cast aside as the urge to dig takes over.

When they hear the car drive up, they hightail it back inside, barking after closing the door, making it seem like there is an intruder. And this is what their owners think, that a squirrel has done the damage to the lawn, and they are relieved.

Now and again they argue about just who saved the day but in the main they are the best of friends.

Wonderful illustrations reveal a pair of dogs with all their idiosyncrasies. Their intelligent faces peer out at the reader, making them sympathise with their plight. Falconer has beautify captured the efforts dogs go to endear themselves to their owners, and being a pair of dachshunds doubles the fun of their antics. A laugh out loud treat for all readers, kids will love the play they are involved in when their owners are away, making use of the backyard equipment, and laugh loudly at the advent of a small hole which we all know will get much bigger. The images of the dogs are wonderful, showing them in all their moods and contortions: sitting up, begging, playing around, fighting, working together to open the door, to finally snuggling into each other after their long day. Cautious Augie is a superb contrast with the more exuberant Perry and their personalities are revealed in this story.

Themes Dogs, Behaviour, Humour, Read aloud.

Fran Knight

The blue-footed Booby by Bob Biddulp

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With a jaunty rhyming sequence, the story of the disappearing frangipani tart unfolds. Desmond the red-footed booby, like all of his clan is a dab hand in the kitchen. When his tart, sitting near the window disappears he sets out to find the culprit. He spies blue footprints in the snow outside his house, and follows them. He passes other booby houses, and see Maureen with her specialty, doughnuts, and Rod with his black forest gateau, but has has no time to stop, he must follow the footprints. ‘Let’s follow the footprint’ is the start of each line on the facing pages, with a small change in the rhyming word to add surprise and intrigue. Readers will be tantalised by the repetition and rhymes that reflect Desmond’s quest.

Eventually ten boobies follow the red footprints in the snow and get to a house with a blue door. The blue-footed booby inside denies stealing the tart, after all he is a greens man, but crumbs in the snow beg to be followed and off they go again. Retracing their steps, the ten boobies find that everyone’s baking has gone. The Swiss Roll and cupcakes, Maureen’s doughnuts, Rod’s gateau are nowhere to be seen.

Just then, Des hears a munching sound in the woods and finds Barbara, rather shamefaced and vey full. She is the culprit with her red feet like theirs, but a tin of blue paint has helped her trick them all.

A twist at the end of this smart verse story will make readers laugh out loud at the cunning of the blue-footed booby.

This wonderful book with its facing pages of large print following the clues, will be a hit with younger readers, following the exploits of the red-footed booby clan in trying to solve the clues of who did the deed. A puzzle is there to be solved, a new bird to be researched and discussed, tempting types of cakes to be thought about, and wonderful rhymes and repetition to be read out loud. Words will be predicted, practised and mulled over, illustrations gasped at, and attempts to draw a booby of their own will pass the time.

Themes Crime, Detection, Clues, Booby, Cakes, Humour.

Fran Knight

Mysteries of Thorn Manor by Margaret Rogerson

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Fans of Sorcery of Thorns will be delighted in this romantic sequel. Elisabeth, Nathaniel, and Silas and their maid, Mercy, find that Thorn Manor has trapped them inside the wards that surround the house and will not let anyone in or out. They have a week to work out the source of the magic before the Midwinter Ball that Nathaniel is supposed to host. They realise that the wards behaved badly whenever Elisabeth and Nathaniel begin to get close and they discover a grimoire penned by Nathaniel's ancestor Clothilde Thorn, revealing that Nathaniel should be courting Elisabeth in the proper way. He is given three difficult tasks to fulfil before Thorn Manor will open its wards.

Mysteries of Thorn Manor occurs a few months after the events in Sorcery of thorns and readers will enjoy it much more if they have read the first book. All Elisabeth wants to do is settle down peacefully after the life-and-death events they faced in the first book, and longs to get an opportunity to kiss Nathaniel, but the Manor has other ideas. The blooming of the romance between Elisabeth and Nathaniel is delightful. It is also fun to follow the adventures of the main characters, including such absurdities as a fight with a dressing gown, and uncover some of the secrets of the house.

This is a warm, cosy short story set in a fabulous house with engaging characters and magical adventures that readers are sure to enjoy.

Themes Magic, Romance.

Pat Pledger

Need a house? Call Ms Mouse! by George Mendoza and Doris Susan Smith

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Ms Mouse architect and designer to her friends, the animals that live nearby, takes on all sorts of projects, buildings she ensures are uniquely suited to each of her clients. The text points out just who her clients are and the dimensions of their requests. We hear of her dedication to her task, sitting at her drawing table, often well into the night, while the illustrations reveal the finished products. And what a joy they are.

Her genius lies in ensuring the finished home is just what is needed for each particular client, down to the most minute detail.

Readers will pore over the double page spreads which showcase these homes, marvelling at the detail, the trouble she has gone to to make sure everything in the home suits the client, revealing Ms Mouse’s talents at fitting the house into the landscape, one favoured by the animal concerned.

Her dedication is underlined on the cover image, showing her hard at work, the detritus of trial and error at her feet, a tray of coffee to keep her working, the images of projects she has worked on behind her.

Opening the book reveals some of her magical work. Readers will pore over each page, taking in the detail so suited to each animal. I love the Caterpillar, his home carved into a pear, food stored in the cellar below, the upper story with live pot plants, Caterpillar comfortably watching TV, warmly waiting for his metamorphosis. No one can disturb the creature as Ms Mouse has included a drawbridge stopping any would be intruder.

Spider’s house is full of computer technology, ensuring the dimensions of the web created outside are strong and well secured.

The Mole who lives underground has an amazing entry at the top of the mound; a trapdoor takes Mole down a lovely spiral staircase to his small but comfortable accommodation with the bedroom being the major concern, while Fox’s house, also underground reveals a comfortable pad to come home to after all the running and making of cunning plans. Relaxation is his main focus and the design takes this into account. Each of the fifteen designs is very different: Trout’s Atlantis garden, Squirrel’s tree house and Lizard’s beach house for example, prompt the readers to perhaps think of what Ms Mouse’s ideal home might be. A surprise awaits at the end of the book.

Children will love the intriguing detail, the thought processes that developed the ideas behind each particular house, the illustrations of the houses as well as the animals, bleeding design, architecture and lifestyle on every richly evocative page. First published in 1981.

Themes Housing, Architecture, Design, Lifestyle, Animals, Drawing.

Fran Knight

The good-bye year by Emily Gale

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The Goodbye Year is set in Melbourne during the 2020 Covid lockdowns and is a brilliant look at the impact this had on students, teachers and families.

The book’s main character, Harper has to move in with her grandmother who she doesn’t really know after her parents take work overseas. In her final year at Primary school she doesn't need the additional pressure of trying to get to know her grandmother, while she is working out friendship dynamics.  Just as she is adjusting to her new life, COVID arrives and Harper has to add in dealing with lockdowns and internet issues, although she is still able to attend school at times and she must fulfill the duties required of her role as the library monitor.

The school library is a deserted space with no one taking much interest in its upkeep or care. As her friendships splinter and fall apart she spends more time in the library, finding information and a reason to care for the library.

The goodbye year is a modern novel with some history woven through the story, it is a story of friendships, isolation, the modern pandemic and the Spanish Flu pandemic.  Harper learns about her families' history and the impact the First World War and the Spanish flu had both on her family and the world.  

This is a book for older Primary school students, ages 10 and up and one that might resonate with students who are going to high school, moving away from their primary school friends and early secondary students who have lived through lockdowns and friendships reshaping.

I would recommend this book as an independent read, although it could be used as a class novel, I feel it is better read alone so that the reader can stop and think, take time to breathe and reflect on their own experiences in their own time.

I loved this book and felt that it covered the topics above with genuine care and sensitivity. I would have loved for the book to have been longer so that the author could have explored the themes deeper but as a novel for the age group above it is very well written and perfectly done. Teacher's notes are available.

Themes Death, Pandemic, Friendship, Ghosts, School, Libraries, Research, Families.

Mhairi Alcorn

Last man out: A personal account of the Gallipoli Evacuation by Louise Park

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When the authorities realised that the battle for Gallipoli was unwinable, a daring plan to evacuate the remaining Australian and New Zealand forces was hatched. Lord Kitchener had visited the site in November1915 seeing for himself the stalemate that had occurred. The men found out in December 1915 that they would be evacuated at night under the noses of the Turkish Army just a few hundred metres away. Many were disappointed to abandon hard fought for trenches, and leave behind the cemeteries of their dead comrades. Plans were made to have a small group of men stay until the end to give the impression that all was routine. Many volunteered to stay and Louise Park’s grandfather was one of them.

In this amazing tribute to her forebear, Park has written a diary of Gallipoli and in particular the evacuation, from the perspective of John Alexander Park. In this small sepia coloured book we hear stories of life in the trenches: the fighting, the bitter cold and rain, many stories half known but suffused with a cloak of authenticity that is tangible. The photos add to the stamp of reality, many unfamiliar as they reveal more of the soldiers' day to day lives, than that of the officers and visiting officials. So we see a hospital tent, groups of men drinking their cups of tea, a page of humorous cartoons penned by a soldier, a burial party, a soldier writing home.

In mid November when Lord Kitchener visited, there were 41,217 men at Gallipoli, and over the next few weeks any wounded, even slightly ill were transported to ships. Equipment was stripped from the camps, leaving the tents so not to arouse suspicion. Soldiers worked out ways to make it appear that all was going on as usual, men were drilled to wrap their feet with blankets to muffle the sounds of retreat.

By December 18, just 20,288 men were left, December 20, 6000, and by December 20, at 2.30 am just 24 men were left. These men raced between strategically placed rifles firing them off to give the impression that nothing had changed. Boats were left on shore to take them to the waiting ships. Park and Riddell were the last men left at 3.30 am, wondering to themselves if a boat had been left for them.

This is a gripping read, written using Park’s grandfather’s letters, along with extensive research and trawling through personal diaries and letters of others. Readers will love reading about this endpoint in the Gallipoli campaign, one not usually spoken of, but just as heroic and amazing as anything else. The book is a gripping read, and will hold the audience as if they were reading a thriller.

John Alexander Park grew up in England and served in Africa, the Afghan War, and the Boxer Rising before coming to Australia. An assassination in Europe sparked World War I and on 1st March 1915, John, now 36 joined the Australian Army in Sydney, and was made a sergeant in the 19th Battalion. His long standing experience saw him sent to Gallipoli in 1915.

Excellent teacher’s notes can be found on the Wild Dog website.

Themes Anzac, Gallipoli, World War One, Retreat.

Fran Knight

The sour grape by Jory John and Pete Oswald

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The grape in question is sour with the whole world. He remembers when someone upsets him, never forgets when someone wrongs him and an insult is never ignored. He holds grudges when people ignore him or when he is bumped by someone walking by. But he was not always like this. He was part of the grape community, hanging around in a bunch, happy and contented. But one day that all changed. His birthday was coming up so he went to great lengths to make it a wonderful event. He sent out invitations, hired a ferris wheel, a magician and hayride, and had lots of food ordered. But on the day nobody showed up. He waited all day long and no one appeared. He became a sour grape, at odds with the world, always holding grudges.

One day he arranged to meet his friend Lenny and after several unforeseen circumstances, a late bus, and lost dog, he was late, Lenny was very displeased and held a grudge. This gave the sour grape pause to reflect and he came to the conclusion that he would have acted in the same way, despite offering reasons for his lateness. Going home he pulled out some photos of happier times and also looked again at the invitation for his party. It was then he realised that he had told people the wrong date. He realised that being grumpy and holding grudges was tiring. It took a lot of energy so he decided to turn things around.

It wasn’t easy being kind and forgiving all the time and at times he had small meltdowns where he became upset, but in the main he tried to listen to others, forgive and be kind.

The sour grape is wonderfully illsutrated, giving the grape a personality which is reflected in small changes to his eyes and eyebrows. Each of the other fruits are similarly distinct, each having their own characteristics cleverly drawn.

A Californian based illustrator, Oswald has invested the characters with a wonderful background of parks and gardens, full of detail and interest, with touches of visual humour. This is one of a series of books by John and Oswald, the others being: The good egg, The bad seed,The big cheese, The couch potato and The cool bean.

Themes Anger, Mental health, Friendship, Disappointment, Humour.

Fran Knight

Neon's secret universe by Sibeal Pounder

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Imagine if your parents made you move house, start a new school and work in their ridiculous Ratty’s cafe. This is the reality for Neon when her parents move to Brunty and open a rat themed café. All Neon wants to do is fit in and blend in but with parents like hers this is proving to be very difficult. 'I just want to be normal' is Neon’s favourite phrase but when she finds a secret compartment in her new bedroom and uses the lipstick inside to draw on the wall she never expects a portal to another universe to open, nor does she expect Moya to step through the hole and drag her back to the unicorn universe where magic is made from goo and Neon’s only hope of getting home is to learn how to command and control the goo, in three days!!

Neon discovers the secret of the unicorns, gets a job and tries to learn everything she needs to so that she can become a unicorn before her 10th birthday as this is the only way she can return home.

With the help of Moya and her problem-solving skills along with a bit of luck and her unique way of dealing with issues, Neon is anything but normal in the unicorn universe as she develops her unicorn skills.

This book is a great read, both as a shared text and as an independent read. I would recommend it for ages 8 and up, with older children, 10 and up, enjoying reading it independently.

This is a book that will be enjoyed by most children, although some might question the author's idea about unicorns!  It is a great read for parents to share with children, the goo will either make them laugh or cringe but the story is fun and moves quickly making it an easy and engaging read.

Neon’s secret universe is a well written story that is sure to engage readers.

Themes Friendship, Unicorns, Magic, Friendship, Family.

Mhairi Alcorn

Bluey: Shadowlands

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Bluey, Coco and their friend, Snickers are at the park playing What’s the time, Mrs Wolf? But Coco keeps changing the rules to make sure she wins, much to the chagrin of Bluey. Snickers suggests that they play Shadowlands instead, where they must keep to the shadows and not step into the sun to get to their destination. They are aiming for the picnic that the mums have laid out by the large tree, so they are in a rush to get there.

They keep to the shadows, Coco complaining that they should run across a sunny bit to get to where they all want to go, but Bluey and Snickers keep telling her to obey the rules. This is a funny story about relationships between three children, as one who wants to change the rules annoys the others who wish to obey them. Playing by the rules is reiterated through the story.

A very sturdy board book, the illustrations are bright and clear, the delineation between sun and shade made obvious so the rules can be observed in practise.

This Bluey book has more text than usual and would be a good read aloud as well as a handy book for a parent and child to read together, particularly after observation of rules is an issue.

The popularity of the Bluey books and TV programmes ensure this will be well read. Bluey is an Australian children's television program by the Emmy award-winning Ludo Studio for ABC KIDS and is co-commissioned by ABC Children's and BBC Studios.

Themes Observation of rules, Relationships, Siblings, Family and friends, Shadows.

Fran Knight