Author Ben Brooks has added another book to his Dare to be Different collection. This latest book, Dare to be Different: Inspirational words from people who changed the world, contains an eclectic mixture of 100 people who have made a difference in their own lifetime, both past and present. Many of them may be familiar to some readers eg Jane Austen, Dolly Parton, Anne Frank, Alexander Solzhenitsyn, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Desmond Tutu. However, many of them may be unfamiliar. For example Bambi, who is not the baby fawn, but a present day famous anonymous graffiti artist whose inspirational words are, “I want to save the world and that’s why social commentary is always present in my work. It's easy to live with your eyes shut but that’s not fulfilling or helpful to the world.” Another possibly unfamiliar person is Nezahualcoyotl (1402-1472) who appears on the Mexican hundred-peso note and was a prince and a poet. His inspirational words are, “Stand up, Beat your drum, Give of yourself, Know friendship.” One of the surprise inclusions is Yoda (896 BBY- 4ABY). This little green alien’s inspirational quote is quite long but begins with “Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you?...” Fans of Star Wars will no doubt be aware Yoda is the Grand Master of the Order of Jedi Knights.
Each and every story shared in this book is unique and interesting to read. Each entry has a coloured double page spread with text on one page and a full-page illustration on the other. The information is easy to follow and understand and will appeal to both children and adults who enjoy reading biographies.
Themes Biographies.
Kathryn Beilby
Tyenna by Julie Hunt and Terry Whitebeach
Allen & Unwin, 2022. ISBN: 9781760877019. (Age:12-15) Recommended.
Tye (short for Tyenna) is visiting her grandparents in Tasmania’s Central Highlands. She has two mums, her biological mum is a somewhat distracted and forgetful actress and fortunately her other mother is measured and calm, but it is with her grandparents that she feels the most settled and connected to the environment she loves and cares for. Coming to Tasmania gives her a chance to breathe and to reconnect to her Tasmanian friend, Lily. Unfortunately, her arrival in Tasmania coincides with the fire season and the risks grow with each hour of her stay. When lightning sparks an inferno in the bush, Tye must do all she can to support her grandparents, the locals and firefighters, and stay safe. But she is also keeping a secret about a runaway boy who is potentially in harm’s way. Evacuation is eventually the only option, but can she leave the boy, and the old family friend who is struggling with memory loss, or will she put her own life at risk in making a difference?
This story places the reader in the centre of the bushfire disaster, with the pressures of locals, firefighters and their support teams, Parks and Wildlife carers and family members. The tensions are real and the drama is revealing of the dangers of fire. With some references to Aboriginal practices of land preservation with cold burn techniques, this book also highlights some possible risk reduction strategies, but is not condemnatory of those who love and care for the environment. There are animal stories scattered through the human dramas and conservation issues and this is an inspiring story of survival. Teacher's notes and series website are available from the publisher.
Themes Bushfires, Environmental conservation, Climate change, Survival, Friendship, Family (LGBTIQ minor characters).
Fascinating! There is so much to explore in this intriguing novel that interrogates attitudes to life, love, religion, honour, and relationships. It begins with Nick shackled in a hut somewhere in Kashmir taken captive by renegade extremists. Nick engages in conversation with the Mujahid leader, in the hope that a developing comradeship might prolong his life.
Interwoven with the conversations in Kashmir are memories of Nick’s upbringing in Australia. His was the life of one of the privileged landowners, the squattocracy; his life and that of his sister Lilly, of the Maclean family, are contrasted with that of their childhood friend Richard, a Connelly, son of the family that has always worked for the Macleans, and for whom life’s options had always been limited. Nick’s quest to explore life and art, see him succumbing to dangerous extremes, whilst Richard, using his intellect and determination, overcomes barriers of class, to achieve the success he wants. Yet, we are brought to question how much do each of these individuals really change, and how much do they still imbue the values of their upbringing, values of loyalty and honour and doing the right thing?
The female characters are equally compelling, particularly Lilly, very aware of class and gender issues, but who tries to carve out her own future, at a time when the most that was expected of women of the squattocracy was to attain an advantageous marriage.
And then there is the Mujahid, and his discussions with Nick. Despite their different religions and circumstances, time and again their conversations reveal a mutual understanding and respect, and shared values of honour and bravery.
Gordon’s novel has the potential to become an Australian classic, in its vivid portrayal of a time of change in 1960's Australia, it depiction of underlying shared values across humankind, and its exploration of philosophical themes around the meaning of life.
For an immensely interesting interview with the author see the publisher’s website.
Themes Philosophy, Meaning of life, Honour, Class, Gender roles, Change.
Helen Eddy
Perfectly weird, perfectly you by Camilla Pang. Illus. by Laurene Boglio
The Introduction in Perfectly Weird, Perfectly You gives a sensitive and honest account of author Camilla Pang’s understanding of her Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis at the age of eight years. She carefully explains aspects of ASD that can be both general and are unique to her. Throughout the short paragraphs of ASD explanations, are bold and highlighted words such as overwhelmed, difficult, routines, behaviour, which give the reader an insight into the disorder. The author also uses the term superpower and relates how her ASD traits have positively impacted on her love of science, her career in this field and her growing understanding of human relationships.
One of the key themes that is evident throughout this book is that a person diagnosed with ASD can often have difficulty missing social clues and understanding human interactions. The author has used her understanding of science to explain the complexities of social relationships. One early story she shares is commenting on a pair of trainers worn by another girl saying she might get some. The other girl is unkind in her response, and this leads the author into an explanation of stereotypes and being judgemental. The study of metals and their different reactions provided the author with more understanding that the world needs people who are diverse.
This book has ten chapters which all begin with the same word: perfectly. This is followed by different, calm, balanced, alive, at home, digital, persistent, wrong, you and new. Each chapter is written in language for readers of all ages to understand, with well-spaced paragraphs containing bold text for important words or ideas, as well as quirky images and borders. The final pages are titled ‘Ending the Experiment: What Did We Learn?’ and discusses the journey the reader has taken through the book. The important message is that we are all unique and special. As young people grow and interact, they encounter difficult situations that can be solved once the problem is understood. A very worthwhile resource for a school or public library.
Join the unlikely pair of Fi and Shane as they start out on a magical adventure - Fi is bookish, knowledgeable and a trained treasure hunter, while Shane is a warrior for hire, rough around the edges. Fi likes to consider all the possibilities while Shane likes doing things her own way. Pairing up for just one big score, the two find themselves with a greater challenge when Fi is pricked by the Bone Spindle - intertwining her fate with the sleeping prince, Briar Rose. After a miraculous meeting with Briar, who has been under a sleeping curse for a hundred years, waiting for the kiss that will wake him, Fi decides to break the curse, and Shane is along for the journey. Only catch is dark magic, Witch Hunters and potential romances along the way, Shane is a sucker for a pretty girl, and Fi fears falling in love - especially with a prince under a curse.
The first in a new fantasy series, The Bone Spindle, this gender-flipped reimagining of Sleeping Beauty is full of action, adventure, betrayal, romance and magic. The majority of the book is told from the perspectives of Shane and Fi, with a few chapters throughout the book being told from Briar Rose's point of view. While there is plenty of action throughout the novel, the story has several drawn out segments, interrupting the flow of the story. Well developed lead characters save the story from these interruptions, and the book is perfect for fans of fairy tales with a twist, as the sleeping beauty in this story is male, and the rescuers are female. Additionally, there is a female to female pairing, adding more dimension to the original fairy tale.
Little Steps, 2020. ISBN: 9781925839487. (Age:5+) Highly recommended.
The Leadbeater’s possum is a critically endangered species of possum found in Victoria, Australia. They no longer have access to enough old-growth trees to provide them with shelter and safety. This tiny possum, often called a Fairy Possum, can fit into the palm of your hand and is Victoria’s faunal emblem. Author and illustrator Jo Watson has written and illustrated this gorgeous story to raise awareness of the plight of these tiny creatures.
Larry’s home, a 300-year-old tree, has been cut down and will be used for paper, wood and furniture. Larry has lost his best tree friend and decides to travel to the city in search of a new home. He meets Clementine in the park and she invites Larry to live in her doll’s house. Larry finds it difficult to live in a home with furniture and stairs so Clementine suggests her tree house. Sadly it is too new so they try to make it look old but it is still not quite right. Clementine thinks very hard about how to help Larry and they travel 'to the place where the Grown Ups In Charge work.' The Government Man mainly says no to the idea of not cutting down trees and Larry must take things into his own paws. He invites all his possum friends to live in the house of the Government Man and this clever idea brings about change. Larry eventually does find a safe new tree, not quite as old as his first home but older than others.
This story is a wonderful read to share with all children to emphasise the need for more care to be taken of our natural environment. The clever collage of images on each page are both beautifully presented and eye-catching. A wonderful story and resource for a school or public library.
Website for further information about Leadbeater’s Possums and how you can help can be found here. Information about the book is available here.
First published in 1902, this handsome 120th anniversary edition of the first of the beloved Peter Rabbit tales will be welcomed by collectors and fans alike. The image of Peter Rabbit in his familiar blue jacket stands out again a gold embossed cover and is a very appealing introduction to young children.
Many readers will be familiar with The tale of Peter Rabbit and the small books about this feisty little rabbit in his blue jacket probably has been hoarded by grandparents like me, and handed down to another generation. It is a treat to see the 120th birthday edition of the The tale of Peter Rabbit in a large format, with an engaging gold foil cover and the original illustrations and text. It should prove to be perfect for adults to hold up and read aloud to a class or to read to siblings in a family.
Peter Rabbit is naughty, creeping into Mr. McGregor’s garden, and his adventures will have readers glued to the page, and listeners holding their breath. Young children are sure to love the iconic illustrations that have made this story so popular – and will have fun comparing them to the popular TV presentation with which they may be familiar.
There are many more stories about Peter Rabbit including A Christmas wish and all are sure to be enjoyed by children today. This version is gorgeous and will prove to be a keeper for many families.
Themes Rabbits, Classics.
Pat Pledger
Winston and the Indoor Cat by Leila Rudge
Walker Books, 2021. ISBN: 9781760652609.
Winston is an outdoor cat and because that's all he has ever known, it suits him perfectly. Then he spies the Indoor Cat and thinks that it is trapped so he devises a plan to free it so it, too, can enjoy the outdoors as he does. But the Indoor Cat soon learns that it prefers the indoors - can the two ever be friends?
In the vein of the old story of the town mouse and the country mouse, this is a story that introduces the concept of being able to be friends even if you have differences in beliefs, values and habits. Both the simple but powerful text and the gentle illustrations in their subtle palette convey a tone of harmony even though the cats are distinctly different.
A good one for the beginning of the school year when new classes are formed and friendships forged even though everyone is a unique individual.
It is 1665. Rats have infested homes and alleys in Marie Perrin's provincial French town. Twelve-year-old Marie is set to become a maid, although she hungers for adventure. However, one mistake alters her fate and as punishment she is forced to apprentice for an intimidating rat-catcher. Away from her parents and twin brother, and handling gnarly rat traps under Gustave Renard's unusual mentorship, Marie must overcome a new set of challenges which come after a plague enters her town.
This is an absorbing story for mature independent readers, made even more so because of its parallels with today's life where it is COVID-19 that has run rampant. Despite the time difference, the preventative measures of masks, social distancing, hand-washing and isolation that Gustav insists his wife and Marie follow are the same as those employed today! But Marie also has to contend with a society built heavily on the distinctions and privileges (or lack of them) imposed by class and one's station in life, as well as being female - although the latter doesn't deter her as she dreams of a life of freedom unfettered by her gender.
While some readers may feel confronted by Marie's predicament, the author has created credible, well-rounded characters whose lives reflect the times in which they are set, but are even more intriguing because they can relate to the conditions of a pandemic - tough enough for some even with modern science, communications and vaccines. Despite the depths of her despair at times, Marie is spurred on by Gustav and Marion's belief that the bad times will pass and there will be joy again, and that, in itself, is a reason to share this story with your older students.
A debut novel by an author to look for in the future.
Themes France - Social conditions -1589-1789, Rats, Pest control, Plague.
Barbara Braxton
Wednesday Weeks and the crown of destiny by Cristy Burne and Denis Knight
Cristy Burne and Denis Knight have brought us a second book featuring Wednesday Weeks and her friend Alfie (apprentice protector of the realms) and Bruce (the Skull), Grandpa (Abraham Mordecai Weeks, Protector of the Realms, Sorceror) and a new friend- Adaline. This team battles to save yet another realm from Gorgomoth the Unclean. The same characters are transported from the same ordinary science classroom as in the first book in the series (Wednesday Weeks and the Tower of Terror) into a fantasy world where good magic, science and cooperation between friends are pitted against evil.
When computer programmer/science fiction and fantasy author (Knight) and science communicator/author(Burne) team up, the resultant book is going to be interesting. Not surprisingly, Wednesday Weeks and the Crown of Destiny, is a highly visual sensation for readers with the action being easily translatable to screen. The narrative is action packed. The dialogue is sassy and witty. The heroes are trapped by one seemingly impossible situation after another. Escape from certain death has to be very fast and requires the ability to cipher codes, solve riddles, use logic and scientific knowledge - skills that a savvy primary school aged reader may just have if they have been focusing in Maths and Science lessons. The action races along but cycles back helpfully at times to help readers who might have become lost.
The settings are fantastic. After escaping the inside of a lifesize pinball game they travel through a worm hole to the evil lair of Gorgomoth where Grandpa has been transformed into a frog and Queen Shard is trapped. The Crown of Destiny, the ruby ring and the captives must be rescued from bizaare settings all before a very important dinner in the real world. Wednesday gradually refines her magical skills of levitation and transformation as she learns that true magic has to come from the heart.
The repartee between the friends and their responses to Gorgomoth and his "grey uniformed, gum-chewing goblins' " is wickedly naughty and snortingly funny. Traditional fairy stories, modern day performance reports, faery realms and the human realm are mixed together and out of it all friendship and being home in time for dinner matters most.
Embedded seamlessly amongst all the entertainment and adventure are STEM concepts including acids, bases and acid-base reactors, life cycles, codes and ciphers and sound and resonance. Activities based on these concepts are included at the end of the book. As in book 1, it is knowledge of science (with a touch of magic) which really saves the children every time.
Readers will be eagerly waiting to see how Wednesday Weeks and her friends will manage saving the nine realms in the upcoming book in the series - The dungeon of fire.
The Sweetest Egg of All is the third book in the beautifully presented Tales from the Bush Mob series. Indigenous author Helen Milroy has captured the characteristics of the bush animals in a story about a community of animals who continue to learn to live and interact with each other peacefully.
In this story Gecko wants to surprise Bungarra for his birthday with the best present ever but has trouble deciding what to get him. He foolishly listens to King George Brown (KGB) who encourages him to steal Willy Wagtail’s egg which is supposedly ‘the sweetest egg of all’. Gecko enlists the help of Thorny Devil and Scrubby Python and together plot their dastardly plan. While KGB distracts all the birds with a birthday song practice, the egg is snatched. It is stored in a safe place, but KGB has hatched his own evil plan with King Toad and the egg is taken away to an island where it is guarded by cane toads. Meanwhile Willy Wagtail has discovered the missing egg and seeks help from Dingo and the Council. The egg is eventually returned to Willy Wagtail after the animals all use their own unique characteristics to collaborate and rescue the egg. Gecko, Thorny Devil, Scrubby Python, KGB and the cane toads have all learnt a valuable lesson. They realise what they did was wrong and try to make amends in the best way they can.
This book is clearly set out in narrative style with three separate sections: Bungarra’s Birthday Surprise, The Plan and The Plot, and The Big Rescue. The bold and colourful illustrations with white text are visually appealing and engage the reader’s attention. The double page introduction at the beginning of the book with the labelled animals is a handy guide for readers to refer to. A great story to share with children of all ages.
Themes Aboriginal stories, Australian animals, Bush stories, Cooperation, Greed, Problem solving, Harmony, Friendships.
Kathryn Beilby
What is an election? by Caryn Jenner
DK, 2020. ISBN: 9780241439920. (Age:5+)
So far this year, in my little part of the planet, we have had both local government elections and a state by-election, and a federal election looms within the next three months, So local young readers have been bombarded with advertising and so forth with vocabulary like 'party', 'candidate', 'vote' and 'polling booth'. But do they understand what an 'election' is?
This book, part of the DK FindOut series, provides a simple but comprehensive explanation of where and how democracy began and how it has developed over the years and just what happens when people are required to exercise their vote every so often. Beginning with a close-to-home scenario of school elections for class president, it moves beyond to national elections and while the photographs are predominantly from the US, it does embrace the procedures in other parts of the world.
Because this is a levelled reader, ostensibly for 'beginning readers', the explanations are clear yet comprehensive giving the young person who at least has an awareness of the process being undertaken an insight into what actually happens. Therefore, IMO, the target audience would be those who might be involved in class elections who know that it is more than a popularity contest. Rather than an individual read, its importance lies as an introduction to that which will dominate our news bulletins in coming months shared and discussed by the class teacher, so students begin to understand what is meant by 'Let's have a vote' and the concepts of 'majority rules' and living with the consequences of the choices.
As we mature we begin to realise what a precious thing a vote is, and the need to exercise our rights in an informed manner. This book begins our students' understanding of that privilege.
Themes Elections.
Barbara Braxton
What big teeth by Rose Szabo
Titan Books, 2021. ISBN: 9781789097818. (Age:16+) Recommended for readers who like gothic horror.
Eleanor Zarrin has been sent home from boarding school after an undisclosed horrifying incident. Her grandmother had sent her away and she has had no contact with her family for years. When she arrives at her home, it is difficult for her to fit in with her strange family – a mother who has weird skin and sits in a bathtub of water, a grandfather and cousin who howl in the woods, a sister who has grown away from her and a father who is ineffectual. Then there is Arthur a being that some members of her family are in love with. When her grandmother dies reading the tarot cards, Eleanor is left in charge of the family and must learn about the darkness that she knows lives inside her.
This is a dark and complex tale that would appeal to fans of horror. The reader is constantly trying to work out what is going on in this monstrous family and just what skills and background each of the family members has. The arrival of Eleanor’s other grandmother and the way that she can manipulate people deepens the suspense and provides even more horror to the story.
A tale for older readers, its great cover and title could make an effective centre piece for a display of horror stories. Readers may also enjoy The forest of hands and teeth by Carrie Ryan, The woods are always watching by Stephanie Perkins and the collection of short stories in Hometown haunts.
Themes Horror, Gothic, Werewolves, Good and evil.
Pat Pledger
Dragon City by Katie & Kevin Tsang
Simon & Schuster, 2021. ISBN: 9781471193125. (Age:9+) Highly recommended.
Dragon City is the third book in the amazing Dragon Realm series, written by Katie and Kevin Tsang. Once again, the story will keep you enthralled until the very last page. This novel will appeal to readers who loves mythical stories and adventure, while beautifully entwined with the power of friendship, trust and determination.
After Billy’s dragon, Spark betrayed him and chose to join the Dragon of Death, Billy and his friends Charlotte, Ling-Fei and Dylan are thrown into the devastation of Dragon City, a place of true dragon dystopia. Both the Human and Dragon Realm have been destroyed and this is the only place where humans and dragon can live. But this is far from a safe place, as it is filled with danger and devastation around every corner. With nox-hands and nox-wings to be wary of, Billy and his friends must overcome their fears of betrayal and evil to work together and trust each other again. Together they must find their beloved dragons and try to overpower the Dragon of Death. How will Billie and his friends be able to survive in this dangerous city? Will they ever see Xing, Tank and Buttons to reunite and share their special bonds? Could Billie reunite with Spark to change her back to the dragon she used to be, and he still heartbreakingly loves, or will they be lost to each other forever?
Katie and Kevin Tsang have written another amazing sequel in the Dragon Realm series for those lovers of fantasy, adventure and suspense. Dragon City is filled with expectation, excitement and enjoyment with vivid text to make an easy read, creating clear imagery for the audience. As you turn each page you feel as if you are actually there on the adventure with Billy and his friends! A definite great read, and one that won’t disappoint… especially for all those mythical loving, adventurers!
This colourful new Bluey board book tells the story of the Heeler family visit to Hammerbarn, a huge hardware store. Next door neighbour Lucky points out his new pizza oven to Bluey and Bingo’s dad Bandit who decides that he just must have one. The whole family travels to the hardware store and the two highly competitive sisters squabble over who gets what as Mum puts items in the trolley. Inevitably an item is broken and Mum must intervene to keep the peace and point out ‘that you can’t have everything.’ At the checkout there is more commotion from Bluey and Bingo when the checkout operator takes items out of the trolley for scanning. The pups are then pacified by being allowed to use the beeper. Dad’s pizza making is not quite up to scratch but he and the family enjoy sharing the pizza.
