Koffi is a 16 year old girl who is living a life of servitude with her mother, caring for monstrous creatures in the Night Zoo. Ekon is a young warrior desperate to join the ranks of the Sons of the Six. When Koffi unleashes a magical power she didn’t know she possessed one night and there is a fire at the Zoo, she and Ekon both face the Shetani a murderous beast that has been terrorising the city for years. A disgraced Ekon has let down the warriors by not arresting Koffi and is no longer given the chance to become an elite warrior. Meanwhile Koffi must earn enough to keep her mother and herself from lifelong slavery at the Zoo and she joins forces with Ekon to capture the Shetani. Each have a different agenda, Koffi to capture the Shetani for the greedy Zoo owner, Ekon to kill it and regain his place in the elite warrior class.
Beasts of prey will have instant appeal for readers who enjoy stories about magical beasts and young characters who are brave and determined, while acknowledging their weaknesses. The world building is very engaging. It is easy to image a Zoo full of strange creatures, tended by poor people who are barely making a living. The Shetani is strange and alluring and the mythic feel of the story is very appealing. In the Author’s note at the end of the book she details the influence that the continent of Africa had on the mythical animals and legends contained in the book.
Filled with magic and mythical beings, this will appeal to readers who enjoyed The gilded ones by Namina Forna, Raybearer by Jordan Ifueka andSeraphina by Rachel Hartman. Teacher's notes are available from the publisher as well as an introductory video.
Themes Magic, Monsters, Jungles, Hunting, Good and evil, Fantasy.
Pat Pledger
Eric Carle's Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and other nursery rhymes by Eric Carle
Any book that features the very hungry caterpillar is sure to be a hit with young children, and Eric Carle's Twinkle, twinkle, little star is no exception. This is a sturdy board book that will withstand many readings and lifting of the flaps by its young audience.
Turning to the first double page spread, the young child will find the Twinkle, twinkle, little star rhyme in bold print with the hungry caterpillar perched on a leaf. The other page is gorgeously illustrated with a deep blue sky, stars scattered around and insects on a leaf. Then there is the lift the flap that reveals the words How I wonder what you are! The next double page spread reveals the song Old MacDonald had a farm and there is a red barn with a cow hiding behind the flap and the words Old MacDonald had a farm, EIEIO repeated on it. Other familiar nursery rhymes include Hickory, dickory, dock, Itsy bitsy spider and The wheels on the bus go round and round.
This is definitely a book for any young fan of the very hungry caterpillar as they will love finding the caterpillar on each set of illustrations, and it is a lovely introduction to very popular nursery rhymes and songs. My little grandson loved the book and has enjoyed singing the songs as he goes for a walk in his pusher.
Themes Nursery rhymes, Songs.
Pat Pledger
Let's go! On a helicopter by Rosalyn Albert and Natalie Moore
Catch a star, 2021. ISBN: 9781922326386. (Age:1-3)
Another book in the Let's go! series, Let's go! On a helicopter will join On a train, On a tractor, On a plane, On a digger and On a submarine, all stories about transport suitable for toddlers who are interested in travel. In this hard cover board book, young children go whirring through the sky seeing all the sights. They soar into the air, wearing giant earmuffs and fly above the high buildings, over waves and even spy on spooky caves. Then they watch people skiing and making snowmen, finally landing on a helipad, and wishing that they had wings.
Bright peoples enhance the story and young readers will learn new vocabulary along the way. Words like 'bird's eye view', 'helipad', 'giant earmuffs' and 'rotor blades', will be repeated again and again in this rhyming story, as children discover just what seen be seen from a helicopter. An enjoyable expose of how a helicopter works, Let's go! On a helicopter is a fun story that toddlers will want to reread and is suitable for home and library.
The pavilion in the clouds by Alexander McCall Smith
Polygon Books, 2021. ISBN: 9781846975899. (Age:Adult, Young Adult) Highly recommended.
Prolific British author Alexander McCall Smith is well known for his humourous crime series (The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency) and cosy domestic tales (44 Scotland Street). In The Pavilion in the Clouds, McCall Smith moves away from these both thematically and geographically.
The novel is set primarily in colonial Ceylon (Sri Lanka) just before the outbreak of the Second World War and in the dying days of the British Empire. Precocious eight-year-old Bella is the adored only child of tea plantation owner Henry and restless housewife Virginia. With no siblings and no suitable friends within easy distance of her hilltop home, Bella spends her days playing with her dolls and reading books, encouraged by her literary-minded mother. To prepare her for her inevitable journey back to Scotland to receive a proper British education, Bella’s parents hire Miss White who establishes herself as an accomplished governess but unsettling presence in the household.
After Virginia almost dies in mysterious circumstances, Bella becomes convinced that Miss White is to blame, while Virginia has suspicions about the governess’ intentions towards her husband. It is not until many years later that Bella has a chance to determine what actually happened and perhaps take responsibility for the part she played in the conflict.
The Pavilion in the Clouds in characteristic of a McCall Smith novel – absorbing, philosophical and easy to read. A point of difference is that the majority of the story is told from Bella’s viewpoint. Situations, events and emotions are seen through a child’s eyes, a child who picks up on the tension of the adults around her and draws her own – possibly erroneous – conclusions. The Pavilion in the Clouds is as charming and as supremely readable as all of McCall Smith’s work and is highly recommended.
Themes Historical, Sri Lanka, Scotland, Family, Relationships, Guilt.
Rose Tabeni
The Very Hungry Caterpillar's Australian Feast by Eric Carle
Puffin, 2021. ISBN: 9780241489536.
We all know of The Very Hungry Caterpillar's liking for food and the foods on the menu of his first feast, but what would be on the table if he came to an Australian feast? Particularly one designed for a picnic on the beach?
Very young Australian fans of the VHC will delight in this exclusive release written just for them as they lift the flaps on iconic treats searching for their little hero. Interactive, a familiar character, vivid illustrations in Carle's recognisable style and rhyming text make this a terrific addition to this collection as young readers discover another adventure. Is their favourite food mentioned? What would be in their beach picnic basket? (And who's the ladybird? Could that be another story from the master storyteller?)
Barbara Braxton
The ABC Kids guide to loving the Planet by Jaclyn Crupi and Cheryl Orsini
The ABC Kids Guides are popular factual picture books for younger readers. This latest release in the series, Loving the Planet, looks at the main issue of caring for our world. The information is simply and carefully explained in small manageable paragraphs surrounded by bright and beautifully drawn illustrations. This book begins with information about our planet and how we can learn to take care of it. The gardening pages discuss growing vegetables, creating native gardens to attract bees and other insects, saving seeds, providing food and water for native birds and animals, the importance of worms and worm farms. There is useful information given about food waste and tips for using excess food including a recipe for creating fruity icy poles. Other topics covered include rubbish collection, saving energy, cooling and heating, lessening the usage of cars where possible, plastic waste, recycling, planting trees, re-wilding, using water carefully and climate change.
This book would be an excellent resource for teachers of younger students to use when exploring units of work on sustainability.
Themes Caring for the World, Conservation, Climate Change, Environmental Issues, Making a Difference, Gardening.
Raven Heir is set in a magical medieval world. It is told through Cordelia’s eyes, a girl who is busting to escape to freedom beyond the castle and forest. Her mother has kept her family protected and hiding away for 12 years. One of her children is a royal heir to the Raven’s Crown but it is a dangerous crown to inherit. Cordelia is one of triplets who include Giles and Rosalind, and they also have an older brother. When soldiers arrive Cordelia shape-shifts to a bird to escape and find out more information but her rash act drops their defenses, and her mother and older brother are captured. The family can communicate telepathically and the triplets are urged to escape. So begins a long quest to find the broken Raven’s Crown and heal the land beyond the forest. Cordelia must be smart and outwit her power-hungry relatives, which she does so by shape-shifting in tricky situations. She also has the help of her siblings as their magical powers develop.
Cordelia is a pretty serious character and it is good to see this balanced with the humour of Giles the gormless, ballad-singing brother and Rosalind who is always sparring for a fight. I enjoyed the shape shifting and the magic unique to each of the other characters. Family disagreements and love ring true. The theme of the land being sick and broken, which needed peace and good honest rulers to restore it, was also pertinent and subtle. The story suits a dedicated fantasy reader who enjoys novel ideas and can keep abreast of many details in an exciting, quite busy, plot. This is the first of a series, Raven Crown.
Themes Magic, Fantasy, Family Love.
Jo Marshall
I'm not dying with you tonight by Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal
New to town, Campbell gets roped into staffing the concession stand at her new high school's Friday night football game. Lena is only there to support her girls and their dance crew at half time. Turns out it's the wrong night for everyone, as a fight breaks out in the line to the concession stand, and chaos ensues. Chaos born from race tensions, violence and hate. The suddenness of the chaos throws Lena and Campbell together, even though they are opposites. They aren't friends, but to get through the night, they have to rely on each other. And the night is only just starting.
A collaboration of Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal, this book is written from the perspectives of both Lena and Campbell. Full of detailed drama, pop culture references and relatable characters, the book is well written. This story accurately depicts how assumptions can impact the way people interact with each other, and how relationships can be forged through understanding and joint experience. With race relations becoming more noticed and mainstream through movements and media coverage in America, this book takes a look at it through the eyes of two female teenagers. Fast paced, with plenty of action, the entire novel takes place over the span of one night. Readers will get through the book quickly due to the easy flow between the two characters perspectives. It would be enjoyed by fans of The Hate U Give, or a good book for a class to review in regards to race, social justice and race relations.
Themes Contemporary, Race Relations, Race Tensions, Social Justice, Danger/Safety, Relationships.
Melanie Pages
Little Days out: At the pool by Sally Garland illus.
Catch a star, 2021. ISBN: 9781922326331. (Age:2+) Recommended.
At the pool is a book that will make a lovely introduction to going to a swimming pool for the very young child. Baby has never been to the pool before and the little family go off on their bikes, with Baby hanging on the back of the bike in a child's seat. Lift the flaps with the words 'Town Pool' introduce the reader to the attendant at the reception to the pool and from then on the reader is taken through what happens at the pool. They get undressed in the locker rooms, put on their bathing costumes and the little boy emerges from benind the flap with a noodle and floaties. Then they have lots of fun in the water, which Baby loves. The little boy really enjoys the waterslide and the huge splash that it makes, and they all enjoy lunch after their swim.
The illustrations are bright and cheerful and complement the narrative, reinforcing what happens at the pool. Children who are familiar with going swimming will love seeing familiar things, while those new to the idea will learn what to expect as well as some of the words that are associated with swimming in a pool.
Another book in the Little Days out series (At the park and At the shops), At the pool is sure to be enjoyed by very young children.
Themes Swimming pools, Excursions, Swimming.
Pat Pledger
Symbols of Australia: Imagining a nation by Melissa Harper and Richard White eds.
"Symbols of Australia offers illuminating and unexpected insights into the symbols that surround us: from Uluru to the Australian flag, the rainbow serpent to Holden cars, the democracy sausage to the Great Barrier Reef. Entertaining, provocative, informative, and often surprising, Symbols of Australia reveals a great deal about the ways nations are imagined and how they imagine themselves." Publisher.
Twenty nine chapters, all written by experts, make up this fascinating book that will intrigue readers who are interested in Australian history. It is easy to scan the Contents page and pick a topic that is of interest to the reader. For example the topic of Vegemite goes into the history of its development, the clever marketing that went behind it, and even the development of the very popular radio jingle "We're happy little Vegemites as bright as bright can be.." Cricket fans will love the chapter on the Baggy Green, while the Opera House and Uluru also feature. Two sections of photographs are included and I enjoyed looking at the depictions of the symbols of kangaroos, wattle, flags, the Opera House and the democracy sausage.
This book is one that will be picked up and browsed through by history buffs and readers who like knowing about Australian icons. It is suitable for home, school and public libraries.
When Emma’s mother is suspected of pushing her drunken abusive husband from their high-rise balcony, the attractive teenager is bullied and harassed by her peers. Eventually she is recognized at the new school after moving in with Nan, her aunt and cousins. Both Mo and Elliot, also around 15 yrs old, take advantage of Emma’s vulnerability and both dump her in quick succession. Emma’s two friends, Soreya and Mathilda, are the studious children of refugees and try to keep Emma on track to finish school. They stand by her as does her drama teacher, Mrs Delerosh, who nurtures Emma’s talents. But Emma starts to skip more school to earn extra cash to help her mother move into a flat of their own – hoping to ease the overcrowding problem and her relatives’ constant recriminations.
Joe and Zane “discover” Emma skiving off school and tell her they recruit models and assist them to become social media influencers. Suze, her unofficial Aunt, tries to warn Emma out of her relationship with a much older man. Suze is right about Zane whose intentions are more sinister. After deciding to leave Zane abruptly, she literally falls into the arms of a younger man, Cornelius (Con). He helps Emma and her mum find a flat, and escape Zane’s influence. But Con also proves unworthy. Can she learn to stand on her own feet?
Emma Hamilton’s character is based on Lord Nelson’s mistress – a beautiful ambitious woman very much exploited by aristocratic men. 21st Century Emma Hamilton is likewise the product of growing up with domestic violence where verbal threats, intimidation, class discrimination and physical abuse are normalized. Comedian, Shappi Khorsandi, demonstrates how Emma’s inexperience and low expectations for herself led her into unequal, exploitative romantic relationships. Recommended for seniors given the dark themes and sexual dialogue.
Themes Bildungsroman, Social media, Sex, Violence, School.
Deborah Robins
A universe of wishes: An anthology by Dhonielle Clayton
Titan Books, 2021. ISBN: 9781789098006. (Age:14+)
With fifteen short stories in this anthology, A Universe of Wishes contains just so many stories - something for everyone: from harvesting magic from the dead, prisoners in foreign countries communicating through letters in their cells, a daughter fighting for the right for her mothers to be together, a colony ship transporting a young crew and their valuable, natural cargo, even a reimagining of Rapunzel, to a genie in a lamp story. As a few of the authors included in this book have written popular YA series (Shades of Magic by V.E. Schwab; Gemma Doyle by Libba Bray), the inclusion of stories that are pre-series or side stories will be a delight to those who have read the main series.
As these stories are diverse in terms of content, genre and authors, there are a variety of writing styles. Each story has a different pacing, though the majority are fast paced due to the length of the story. There are some stories written from the protagonist's point of view, while others move between characters. Some stories leave you wanting more, while others are the perfect length and conclusion. Authors include V.E. Schwab, Libba Bray, Samira Ahmed and Nic Stone. While the authors are diverse in their talents, they have all created worlds that they have then described in such detail that readers will be quickly absorbed into these new worlds.
Themes Fantasy, Science Fiction, LGBTQIA+, Diversity, Magic, Own Voices.
Melanie Pages
Santa loves Australia by Collette Dinnigan. Illus by Luke Sciberras
Simon & Schuster, 2021. ISBN: 9781761103582. (Age:3+) Recommended.
No child will be able to overlook a book about Santa and Christmas, especially looking at the annual present giver and his sleigh filled with gifts travelling across the Australian night sky.
Children will eagerly read of their journey to some very well known Australian sites, as well as meeting some easily recognised Australian fauna with a little flora thrown in for good measure. They will laugh out loud meeting the emu and his chicks at Uluru, chuckle at the kookaburras in the eucalypts in Queensland, dive with the turtles on the Great Barrier Reef, cackle with the cockatoos doing their high wire act. All set with lively and colourful illustrations, evoking intense interest from children when shown detailed and involving images to look at.
Santa and his entourage whistle though the mouth of Luna Park, scoot under the Sydney Harbour Bridge and fly over the Opera House; koalas and wombat are seen in the ACT, and the beautiful back streets of Melbourne appear, before flying over Bass Strait to see Cradle Mountain and the Tasmanian Devils. They follow the Outback Highway to the Flinders Ranges, spying a huge lizard lying across the road, before meeting the Menindie Lakes, then going north to the Kimberley.
A map of Australia would be useful for children to follow Santa’s trail across Australia and I know teachers and parents will have one at the ready to reinforce the continent, its states and territories, unusual sites, animals and vegetation. A whole unit of work could emanate from this book and others like it (Are we there yet? Alison Lester, Amazing Australian road trip, Jackie Hosking, Mr Chicken all over Australia, Leigh Hobbs to name a few)
Themes Australia, Journeys, Travel, Humour, Christmas, Australian flora and fauna.
Fran Knight
Where's Wally? Santa Spotlight Search by Martin Handford
A magic ‘torch,’ like a wand that is really a paper spotlight searcher, illuminates the festive season over six scenes abuzz with Santas, elves, people in holiday activities. Wally’s friends are sure to delight his young fans.
Simple searching games, including a checklist, invite the reader to explore the themes related to Christmas – such as meeting Santa, shopping, a festive ‘bake off’, Santa’s workshop and Christmas Eve. Children will find searching both engaging and amusing.
Extra wands are available to print online – no batteries required.
Themes Santa Claus.
Cate Telfer
Dino love at Christmas by Michelle Worthington and Veronica Montoya
Catch a star, 2021. ISBN: 9781922326348. (Age:1+)
Following the characters first seen in Dino Love, young children will have a lovely introduction to the meaning of Christmas in Dino love at Christmas. Like the first book, love is a dominant theme, and a beautiful reminder that Christmas is a time of giving and getting and enjoying family around you. Starting with the words, 'Christmas is', the young child is given a glimpse into the things that make up Christmas. Christmas is decorating the tree, cooking in the kitchen, feeling excited, giving, and saying thank you. The text is very simple and will be remembered by children who will be able to join in with the book’s reader.
Bright illustrations complement the text, portraying a snowy Christmas, with the dinos riding a sledge, skating on the ice, and building snow dinos. However, the indoor activities like cooking, opening presents in bed and decorating the tree will be familiar to children in warmer climates. The dinos are adorable, and the parental love is obvious.
This is a joyful, feel-good book that is ideal to read to very young children in the festive season.
