New Frontier, 2021. ISBN: 9781922326218. (Age:3-6)
Mr Bat is a happy bat. He loves swooping, flapping and making friends with insects (before he eats them!). But when he spots people wearing hats he realises what he has been missing all his life. He simply MUST have one. It is the most beautiful, glittery, flowery hat that makes his eyes pop with love, and after snatching it from a helpless baby's head Mr Bat has two voices in his head: the first says 'Oh. A sad baby. She likes hats too', while the second says 'Too bad!'. Children may be awed or amused by Mr Bat's absolute selfishness as he awards himself the 'Best Dressed Bat Award' to an exasperated audience of animals. But his conscience finally gets the better of him; he swoops in and returns the hat to the still-screaming baby. 'I like hats too, but this one belongs to you', he whispers. Young listeners will see how his good behaviour is rewarded, as the baby hands him her socks. Mr Bat is delighted - 'hats are so last season anyway'. The last page, showing Mr Bat coveting a pair of roller-skates, provides perfect post-reading discussion material.
This is a good book for conversations about not taking things that belong to others, doing the right thing, fixing mistakes and about kindness begetting kindness. The moral of the story is completely front and centre and it acknowledges the difficulty of making the right choices and how sometimes we can be conflicted between getting something we want and being kind to others. The simplicity of the story is what makes this perfect for the target age group, all of whom will identify with Mr Bat's dilemma or of being in the position of the baby and how it feels to have something precious taken from them. This can lead to discussions about how we can pause to look at things from someone else's perspective before taking action. It also provides opportunity to talk about what to do if you have a friend like Mr Bat, as in the story the friends are just going along with his appalling behaviour rather than calling it out. Some people might be put off by Mr Bat being rewarded for giving the hat back, considering he stole it in the first place, but I think for children it's a perfect example of how mistakes can be fixed, and if taking the perspective of the baby, how we can be forgiving.
Described as 'speculative fiction' Eugen Bacon's collection of short stories are a highly original mix of myth, sci-fi, supernatural, and dystopian genres that provide a black, predominantly female, exploration of issues including gender, class, migration, military dictatorships and climate change. That might sound like a wildly eclectic range of themes, but that is exactly what Bacon manages to achieve with her imaginative and intriguing stories rich with poetic language and imagery.
In the titular short story, the 'danged black thing' is 'Embu', the sleek black laptop that Champ, the narrator, buys for her husband, Slade. The notebook is described in sexual terms as a 'dark truffle', and 'black velvet', a seductress that gradually wraps Slade in the silk of her web, until the jealous Champ is driven to smash and destroy her rival. But that is not the end of the story . . .
'The water runner' is a futuristic story of a water starved planet where water runners have the job of harvesting salvageable fluids from the dead. Picking up on this theme, another story 'When the water stops' describes volunteers giving 'bleeds' for their water content, until volunteers are exhausted, and yet blood must still flow for the survival of the species.
For me the most touching story was 'Still she visits' set in a psychiatrist's room with Segomotsi remembering her little sister Mokgosi, her name meaning 'a call for help', a sweet little sister who always stood ready to defend and protect; a little sister who dies of AIDS back in Africa, whilst Segomotsi is 7,000 miles away in Melbourne, unable to visit.
There are a variety of other stories, fascinating to read. Transit Lounge is to be commended for publishing this collection by a Tanzanian-Australian computer scientist turned author, whose work has, in the main, only been published in the U.K. and the U.S.
Themes Short stories, Dystopia, Technology, Cultural diversity, Black experience, Migration, Women.
Helen Eddy
The Viking who liked icing by Lu Fraser and Mark McKinley
In wonderfully infectious verse, the story of Nut the Viking unfolds, irresistible to all kids listening to the tale of someone who does not quite fit in. Born into the Viking clan in a cold region of the world, Nut’s sister Leaf does all the things Vikings do. She loves her sword ands practises with it as Nut reads recipe books, she bravely swings out over the water, while Nut practises in the kitchen, she can fire an arrow and hit the target, whereas Nut’s attempts cause people to hide. But Nut’s worst day of the Viking calendar is here; Viking Sports Day. He will be expected to do all the things his sister does: fire an arrow, run heartily, swim and climb, and he knows that he will come last for every event. And he does. He falls into the water while running, sinks while trying to swim and fires his arrow into Erikson’s bottom. But worse is to come. It is the horn throwing competition. All the entrants unscrew their horns and throw them, but Nut does not have a horn so he throws the only thing at hand: a cake.
It hits the Chief on the head and as the pink icing falls down on his face, he wipes it with his tongue. It is delicious. He decides then and there that Nut will be in charge of the next banquet, because at baking cakes he is the first.
This delightful tale of being who you are, of being yourself, will make kids laugh out loud as they recognise the problems associated with not fitting in. Nut’s tale encourages them to stand up for who they are, of not being expected to be what others want them to be, in an easily digested verse story.
Grace and the Christmas angel by Lucinda Riley and Harry Whittaker
Macmillan, 2021. ISBN: 9781529049800. (Age:5-8) Recommended as a gift book.
Set within a northern hemisphere fishing town just prior to Christmas, Grace and her younger brother Nicholas are ready for the school Christmas Eve concert, appearing as shepherd and sheep. Grace is also ready to perform a solo, and to share Christmas Day with their fisherman father . . . if he can escape the wild ocean to get back in time. The storm upsets Grace and her pleas for the storm to stop are heard by a guardian angel called Hope who does not understand the word “impossible”. The Christmas Day miracle has a magical quality and ultimately Grace gets to delight her father with her solo carol singing.
With mother and son authors, this book may yet be part of a series of guardian Angel books written with a magical quality rather than an overtly faith-based message. The book opens with an introduction with the idea of Guardian angels explained as helpful agents in times of distress. The rest of the picture book is a longer narrative which could be enjoyed by readers 5-8 years old, with winsome and detailed colourful illustrations by Jane Ray. For Australian children the idea of Christmas with school concerts, cold weather and roaring log fires is perhaps slightly foreign, but the mysterious intervention of a Guardian Angel (acting like a wish fairy) fits with some people’s notion of the magical quality of Christmas. The hardback book also includes a ribbon bookmark with an angel attached.
Saving Celeste is a modern dystopian fable. The 14-year-old boy who tells this highly unique and slightly disturbing tale is nameless. He lives alone in a vast apartment on the 40th floor of the !mmencity Tower. His mother is a corporate executive for !ndustry who he barely talks to, instead dealing with his mother’s PA. Fortunately he has a friend called Bryce who visits him to help eat the monstrous food deliveries and play the computer games organised by the PA. Based on a past romantic humiliation he is very wary when he meets Celeste a new student at school. Yet he is also very drawn to her. She doesn’t return to school so he tries to find her, but when he finds her she is very unwell with strange marks on her skin. His attempts to help her turn sinister, and he finds ways to trick his mother and authorities into helping save Celeste.
This is a very slim volume but it packs a punch. It is an English translation by the author of another unique story, Toby Alone. Timothee de Fombelle creates a truly original setting of kilometre high buildings which tower into the polluted air. There are carparks of vertically stacked cars like bookshelves and lifts which also have shops in them. It conjured up Shaun Tan illustrations for me as I read this. Although you hope the boy saves Celeste and you feel empathy for his solitary bizarre life, it is the mystery of what is happening to Celeste that is important and the driver of the story. It’s a book with depressing undertones however it also has a message of hope for the power of humanity to find solutions for a better world. It is a book worthy of discussion in middle grades classes.
Themes Dystopian world, Climate crisis.
Jo Marshall
The What on Earth Institute of Wonder by Lisa Nicol
Twelve-year-old Sal has a connection with animals, her younger brother is a prepper (for any disaster known to man or boys) and her mother has begun to study the moon obsessively, and they all are missing Sal’s Dad who recently left them unexpectedly. Each of them is perhaps demonstrating some strangeness, but Sal’s animal connection has even enabled her to talk to the kakapo who is now a semi-permanent resident. When the elephant arrives in town and follows young teen and next-door neighbour, Bartholomew, and his boom-box music, Sal and Roy’s life takes an unexpected turn. They become advocates for the inexplicably displaced elephant and attempt to rescue her. However, they get themselves in trouble with the local obnoxious Postman and their small-town community. Sal must decide if standing up for the environment is important enough to persist in the face of opposition.
This is a delightful story with elements of fantasy, environmental activism, family dilemmas and friendship all woven together with whimsy to create a charming story for young readers. The humour is gentle, but chuckle-worthy and even the issues of crime, bullying, family distress and environmental concern have a comic veneer. Despite some tears and challenges, this story is ultimately uplifting and warm, and quirkily appealing with a touch of the impossible. Readers aged 9-12 will enjoy this book.
Fearless with Dad by Cori Brooke. Illus. by Giuseppe Poli
New Frontier, 2021. ISBN: 9781925059625. (Age:2+) Highly recommended.
Originally published in 2015, entitled Fearless with my dad, here is what the reviewer had to say about it (and I think that it would be very appropriate to read to very young children):
(Age: 6+) Highly recommended. Fearless with my Dad is a beautiful picture book, following a young boy and his dad. Together they are pirates, flying like an eagle and travelling to the moon. The underlying theme is a child can be anything and do anything as long as they have their dad there to support them.
The beautifully illustrated text will engage younger readers and encourage new vocabulary as children and their carers discuss all the amazing adventures of this boy and his dad. Older readers could create their own version and the main character could be changed to a girl.
It would make a great gift for a father on Father's Day - no matter their age - but would be a great gift for a first time dad.
Highly recommended for all readers - whether they read it independently (aged 6+) or with a parent.
Kylie Kempster
Themes Fathers, Imagination.
Meet Ella: New Teacher by Rebecca McRitchie and Danielle McDonald
Ella and her best friend Zoe have started school and Ella enjoys having Miss King as her teacher. All is going well until Miss King announces that she is going on holidays for a while and will be replaced by Mrs Shoe.
Mrs Shoe does things differently and can’t even get Ella’s name right. Ella is very unhappy with the changes but is comforted by her mother who asks Ella to give Mrs Shoe a chance.
This small novel deals with the excitement and anxieties of starting school and the impact of change on younger students.
Ella enjoys being with her friend, reading and ballet, but she worries about her teacher being replaced. These are problems that other young students will be able to relate to. Ella is encouraged by her mother to work out her issues and be more open to accept the new replacement teacher.
This book is the second in the series and is “from the world of Ella and Olivia” stories which are extremely popular with the younger students in my school. The first book in the series is Spotty Puppy.
An appealing cover, large font, lots of illustrations by Danielle McDonald and short chapters will make this book attractive to newly independent readers.
I recommend this book for 4–7-year-olds.
Themes Teachers, School.
Jane Moore
Mummy! Where are you? by Charmaine Oates. Illus. By Jelena Jordanovic-Lewis
Little Steps, 2021. ISBN: 9781922358912. (Age:2+) Recommended.
‘Mummy! Where are you?’ is a very familiar cry for young mothers, especially Charlie’s mother as she tries to get a myriad of household tasks done while being trailed by a toddler and his dog.
This is a delightful story what will appeal to young children and to the adults who read it to them. The illustrations and layout of the book are clever and very appealing. On each double page spread, the reader sees a scene, with the words 'Mummy! Where are you?' and then on the next double page spread is a lift the flap that shows mum trying to do some work and Charlie asking if he can help. On the following double page spread is the refrain 'Mummy! Where are you?' while the illustrations show the chaos that Charlie and his dog have left behind. He piles things over the bedroom floor, scatters the laundry and knocks plants out of the wheelbarrow. Finally, after a very busy day, Mum and Charlie go to sleep.
The text is short, and toddlers will love to repeat the refrains, 'Mummy! Where are you?' and 'Charlie help too' and beginning readers may find this a lovely book to try out their first words. The love and warmth in this little family shines through both in the narrative and the illustrations. The gentle pastel colours of the illustrations are gorgeous and Charlie, Mum and the dog come alive on the pages.
This book is a keeper for me.
Themes Family, Children, Mothers, Housework.
Pat Pledger
No one is angry today by Toon Tellegen and Marc Boutavant
Gecko Press, 2021. ISBN: 9781776573455. (Age:9+)
No One is Angry Today is a picture storybook written by Toon Tellegen who was born in the Netherlands. The book has been translated into English and provides ten short stories discussing responses to anger. The interactions between the animals and how they manage their feelings of anger is at times confusing and unusual. Some of the stories are reasonably gentle and others are quite confronting, particularly the first story, 'The Firebelly Toad and the Hedgehog'. The bullying behaviour of the toad is both violent and completely unexplainable. His unrestrained anger and the nasty actions that follow are trying to provoke the other animals to match his feelings, but they almost appear shocked by what has transpired, and their reactions are more muted. Each story appears to portray a different level of anger and how each animal deals with it. For younger readers this book would be better shared with an adult as there would need to be further explanations and follow-up discussions. The illustrations by French artist, Marc Boutavant, are both appealing and complementary to the text. Anger wears many disguises and is often misunderstood and hidden. This book may be trying to open more dialogue about this complex feeling.
Themes Animals, Anger, Short Stories.
Kathryn Beilby
Unleash your creative monster by Andy Jones. Illus. by Olaf Falafel
This new release aimed for the middle primary to early secondary student market provides an honest and entertaining guide to the creative writing process for children. The book is full of tools and tips on how to write and has wonderful story prompts to engage both the reader and budding writer. Written in the first person, author Andy Jones has cleverly used his wit and writing skills to give younger writers a step-by-step guide through the process of creating a story.
The book has a detailed Contents section divided into four sections: Training your Creative Monster, Monster Mistakes, When your Monster Gets Stuck and Feeding your Creative Monster. Each section is then sub-divided further into short chapters. The book begins with an introduction to both the author and illustrator and then moves onto an explanation of the use of the monster analogy. These imaginative and detailed monster illustrations spread throughout the book, add so much to the text and are often accompanied by speech bubbles, labels and amusing information.
The book has been written in a way that the reader/writer can either work through at their own pace as there is clear pathway to be followed in each section or chapter with lots of ideas and the all-important story prompt at the end. Or the book also could also be used as a quick reference for a particular writing skill when required.
Classroom teachers may find this book a very valuable resource when working through narratives with their students. The humorous approach provided by both the author and illustrator will entertain and provide reassurance that narrative writing can be fun.
There are two worthwhile YouTube clips that would be perfect to share with children before using the book:
Themes Creative Writing for Children, Story Prompts, Ideas.
Kathryn Beilby
Title fight: How the Yindjibarndi battled and defeated a mining giant by Paul Cleary
Black Inc., 2021. ISBN: 9781760642846. (Age:Senior secondary / Adult)
Cleary’s book is a detailed description of the incredibly protracted process of negotiation and litigation between the powerful Fortescue Metals Group and the Yindjibarndi people over access to their country for mining interests. Central to the story is the way the white dominant culture assumed that it knew best how to compensate the traditional owners, with the idea of providing training and jobs in the industry it created, practical intervention, rather than royalties or compensation to the Indigenous owners who presumably might squander the wealth unwisely. It might sound good, but at the heart is the idea of ‘we know best’, a complete disrespect for the knowledge, integrity and decisions of the Aboriginal people. Even more than that, the FMG company ruthlessly sought to have unfettered access to the land, offering only minimal compensation, exploiting differences between groups, orchestrating events to their advantage, relentlessly engaging in litigation, and destroying heritage sites in their path.
However led by Michael Woodley, the Yindjibarndi people stood their ground. Under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous people have the right to self-determination, to freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development. The group persisted through thirteen years of legal battles with the mining giant, to achieve recognition of their ongoing spiritual connection and responsibility for their country. It is a David and Goliath story, and while David slays the giant, the story exposes the inequalities between mining companies and native title groups, a power imbalance that continues today and is desperately in need of reform.
I would put this book alongside Maralinga by Garry Hiskey, as another important historical record of the ultimately successful win by an Aboriginal group, despite the incredibly aggressive legal assault they endured. Michael Woodley stands out as a calm and persistant leader of his people, and fortunately the Yindjibarndi people prevailed in the end. That it should have been such a long and costly process shows the many failings of our legal system to support and respect our Indigenous people. For those interested in Aboriginal culture and native title law, this is another essential read.
Themes Non-fiction, Mining, Native title, Aboriginal land rights.
Helen Eddy
Four all at sea by Sophie Masson. Illus. by Cheryl Orsini
This is an early chapter book written for newly independent readers by the noted author Sophie Masson. A sequel to Four on the Run, the characters are all vehicles (tractor, two sedans and a motorbike) that are capable of communication. They are on their way by ship to star in a film production. Unfortunately, a storm causes their container to wash overboard, and they are marooned on a deserted island hoping they might be rescued. Working together and using their combined mechanical wisdom, they also outsmart the resident tank guardian of the island.
This is a simple, no-frills story with impossible characters who self-drive and display human characteristics, but young readers will engage with the fanciful and enjoy the farcical scenario. Illustrations by Orsino are simple line drawings, and apart from an error in detail in comparison to the written text, are in keeping with the naive text. With mechanical characters, this book will also provide a connection for young male readers who would prefer stories about cars rather than animals or children. Recommended for children aged 5-7 who are beginning as independent readers.
Pony is an extraordinary story by the American author of Wonder. The central voice is a 12-year-old boy called Silas Bird. It begins in a small town called Boneville, Ohio, in 1860. Silas’ beloved only parent, Pa, is kidnapped by a bunch of outlaws. Against Pa’s wishes Silas chooses to risk his life and follow them, riding a mysterious pony which seemingly returns for him. He faces personal fears in the woods and fortunately convinces a Marshal to take him on his quest to hunt down the kidnappers. Pa has been targeted because of his ability to take photographs using new scientific techniques. Their intention is to use his skills for counterfeiting money. Fortunately, Silas has an imaginary friend only he can see called Mittenwool. Mittenwool guides Silas on his perilous adventure. Silas likens Mittenwool to a ghost/spirit and Silas realizes he can communicate with other such spirits.
There are many great characters in Pony. Silas is a philosophical principled boy who grows stronger and wiser as he faces violent and nail-biting challenges. Sherriff Chalfont’s and the gruff Deputy’s relationship with Silas add humour and kindness. The spirit/ghosts are not light weight and silly but feel real. There are interesting seeds sewn in the plot, such as the violin case Silas inexplicably takes with him. Historical and scientific tidbits also enrich the story.
I particularly enjoyed the authentic language and unfamiliar words and phrases like “I don’t cotton to folderol like that”. As an Australian who is not so familiar with US children’s literature, I found myself drawing on films like True Grit by the Coen Brothers to understand the time and place. Also, Little Women since it is set in the times of the Civil War. This book is gutsy with shoot-outs and deaths but also has emotional impact and strong themes of goodness and love. Each chapter has a quote to ponder and an old photograph of a person whose image inspired Palacio. It was refreshing to read such a unique story and I believe it will be appreciated by both young adults and adults alike.
Deep in the Scottish Highlands, many years from now ...Gertie Gif, a lowly cleaning droid from the village of Loch Lan, sets out on an heroic quest to liberate her fellow robo-folk from the curse of a legendary, battery-draining laptop who lives in the castle on the hill.
And with this introduction, Graeme Base creates a story that will appeal to all readers, the computer obsessed and the art lovers, the children who adore rhyming stories and the parents who are looking for something a little different to amuse and engage both themselves and their children. This is not a book that will scare children but it will keep them on the edges of their seats until the end.
The curse of the Vampire Robot is set in the future where robots have replaced humans to the point of sharing all of our emotions and idiosyncrasies. The main character is a brave cleaning drone who travels to the castle on the hill to battle the “vampire” laptop – an energy draining beast. Along the way she meets many characters including a (soft)ware-wolf and policeman PC Web and witnesses the aftermath of an attack by Voltoid. The text is full of references to computers with some amazing rhymes set in a format that would be familiar to readers of Graeme Base’s other books. Unlike his other books, all the illustrations are black and white and this adds to the story and the ominous nature of the story without making it too scary for young children. The added details that are synonymous with the authors style, such as a desk-top mouse that looks similar to the real animal and a bat-like lap-top flying above the castle will ensure that even the youngest readers can find something to giggle about and love about this book.
I loved this book and would recommend it highly, it is a book that would fit in any bookshelf and would be brilliant for the classroom to use for story telling, art lessons and book studies.
This book has many links to classics tales that older readers could use for a book study; an ordinary person who becomes a hero, a journey of danger and a battle between good and evil, all set in a computer-centric world, although they would also enjoy the story on its own too.
