Treehouse tales by Andy Griffiths. Illus. by Terry Denton
Pan Macmillan, 2022. ISBN: 9781760987275. (Age:6+) Highly recommended.
Treehouse Tales, written by world renown creators Andy Griffiths and his partner in crime, Terry Denton, have been entertaining their audience for years. This new novel is crammed full with 13 fun filled, action packed short stories to keep you enthralled and entertained. Griffiths and Denton have again combined together with amazing wittiness and jest. This latest book is, without a shadow of a doubt, another side-splitting sensation. And if you are unfamiliar with their Treehouse series, then you are certainly missing out on some fun, laughter and mayhem! All are a must read for anyone that loves a good laugh!
Featuring the same goofy characters, Andy, Terry and Jill, Treehouse Tales contains 13 chapters, each comprising of a short story. Each one is hilariously funny and will keep the audience captivatedly reading and wanting more. Who could have thought that after 11 novels in the Treehouse series you could find anything funnier than those, but I think Treehouse Tales beats them all! Packing a quick punch with every chapter, there are indeed gigantic laughs to be had. From magic wands, to chairs on noses, toilet capers to piano fiascos, you never know what Terry and Andy are going to get up to next. What other adventures could Andy, Terry and Jill possibly have…. and more to the point, what else could possibly go wrong?
Australia’s famously funny author Andy Griffiths and illustrator Terry Denton are both hilariously witty and compelling creators. They have again worked together to develop another fast paced and highly entertaining selection of material that always keeps the audience wanting more. The written format of the book is cleverly interwoven with cartoon style illustrations and gives the reader plenty to be captivated by. The layout of the book makes for an easy and extremely engaging read for all ages. If you love a good laugh, enjoy a little fun and shenanigans then this story is not to be missed!
Fans of the Harry Potter books and the Harry Potter films will be thrilled with this movie scrapbook that shows friends and foes as well as some characters that could fit into either category.
The Contents page gives an introduction, and then the three categories: Friends, Foes and Friend or foe? Fans will immediately recognise the friends, starting with Ron Weasley. There is a profile, some background on the real-life friendship of Harry and Ron and some photographs from scenes from the films. This format is repeated throughout the book. The Friends pages contain information about Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom, and many others, while the foes include Voldemort, Dolores Umbridge, Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy and Bellatrix Lestrange. Severus Snape and Alastor ‘Mad-Eye’ Moody are among the friend or foe group.
As well as the fascinating information and gorgeous photographs, readers will get a glimpse of how the characters developed over the series, with interesting little sections that make for great reading. In addition, there are stickers, posters, and postcards that fans and collectors will love.
Beautifully produced, this hard back book will be a boon for fans and a perfect gift for lovers of the Harry Potter books and films. It is a perfect companion to Harry Potter - Magical creatures: A Movie Scrapbook.
Aquatic scientist and environmental science teacher, Tracey Gray, has written a very important book about the earth’s oceans, the crucial role they play in our lives and the damage being done to them through our usage of plastic. This very appealing and strikingly presented book contains glossy pages in tones of blues, greens and purples, filled with stunning photographs, labelled diagrams and graphic style images.
The book begins with the contents page followed by a thought-provoking introduction, a page on how to use the book and ten interesting and varied chapters beginning with Chapter One discussing the role of our oceans, and the final Chapter looking at action for our oceans. The detailed information is accessible for children from middle grade through to high school readers, as well as the adults in their lives. In addition to the factual content, through the clever use of well-presented diagrams, the reader is given visualise explanations of scientific occurrences such as the water cycle, gravitational spin, ocean gyres, and the ocean currents.
As the reader delves further into the chapters on plastic, the information shared is quite alarming. The page titled ‘Can you outlive your lunchbox?’ is a wakeup call for all school children and their families. Common food items such as chip packets, squeezy yoghurts and muesli bar wrappers will take over 100+ years to break down. The final chapter gives manageable ideas and recommendations for ways in which all readers can make a difference to the wellbeing of the ocean. This is followed by further online sources, a comprehensive glossary, and an index. Teacher's notes are available.
Oceans of Plastic is a wonderful resource that will be a worthwhile addition to any school, both primary and secondary, or public library.
Themes Global Issues, Oceans, Plastic, Sea Creatures.
Award winning author and activist, Onjali Q. Rauf, has written an engaging and practical book about helping the younger generation tackle issues of concern. Growing up in today’s fast paced and digitalised world, young people are constantly bombarded with so much information that they often lose focus on what really counts in their own lives. This book explains, with honesty and humour, how they can go about making a difference and become a change maker when they feel something is unjust.
Hope on the Horizon begins with a very personal note to the reader about some issues discussed in the book which could cause concern and may need a trusted and understanding adult to be supportive as topics related to discrimination, injustice and prejudice are raised. Following this is the introduction, where the author asks the reader to answer some questions about themselves. Once this is completed, Onjali shares all kinds of information about herself which is enlightening and refreshing to read. Above all else, Onjali believes kindness is the most important of all things to be considered.
Throughout this non-fiction handbook are stories and suggestions from a variety of different places. Each of the ten chapters is based on one or more of the attributes of kindness: empathy, compassion, offering friendship and hope, and creating change. There are discussions, ideas presented and the opportunity for the reader to learn valuable skills in making a difference, however big or small. Included are graphic images throughout, text bubbles, highlighted words and sayings plus the chance for self-reflection. The final pages include an excellent reading and viewing list, a detailed glossary and links to resources and charities including Australian organisations, Kids Helpline and headspace.
This new release could be used as a valuable class discussion text when looking at life skills or well-being concerns.
A Murder Most Unladylike Mystery. Penguin, 2018. ISBN: 9780141373782. (Age:10+) Highly recommended.
The sixth mystery from the bestselling, award-winning author of Murder Most Unladylike is a must read for lovers of the series and the mystery genre.
When Hazel’s grandfather passes away, she and Daisy set sail for Hong Kong. When they arrive, Hazel is astonished to find that she has a new baby brother, and it seems as if she is now passed over as less important in the family. When Hazel is framed for a murder, the two girls must use all their ingenuity and intelligence to find out who is threatening Hazel’s family and who kidnapped Teddy her baby brother.
The setting of Hong Kong in the 1930’s makes this stand out from the others in the series. It is fascinating to see Hazel in her own milieu and to see the differences between her standing in her Hong Kong family and how she is treated in England. It is a shock for Daisy to find that she comes second in Hong Kong, and the fact that she an Honourable is not very important. Hazel comes into her own, with her knowledge of customs and people while Daisy must come to grips with the fact that Hazel’s father has two wives, and that family life is very different.
The book is very well written, and readers will be captivated not only with the descriptions of Hong Kong but with the notion of gangsters, private detectives, British parties, and a very sinister murder. This is an outstanding series and A spoonful of murder is a wonderful read.
Themes Murder, Hong Kong.
Pat Pledger
Take a breath by Sujean Rim
Allen & Unwin, 2022. ISBN: 9781761066597. (Age:3+) Recommended.
Through the image of a young bird attempting to fly, flapping its wings ferociously and not getting anywhere, Rim presents the reader with a scenario that all of us can identify with - that of life getting just too hard. The little bird flaps its wings in vain. It tries again, and again, saddened by the thought that it may never learn to fly. Readers will laugh out loud at the many attempts the bird takes to get into the sky. But a passing crow shows it how to get over its despondency, and it learns to fly with the other birds.
But first it must learn to breathe. Illustrations show the crow teaching the younger to breathe correctly and deeply, expelling all of its worries and fears. Once the little bird masters this skill, it is ready to take another shot at flying, and it does, getting better and better with each attempt.
The wonderful pencil and watercolour drawings create an image in the readers’ minds of a despondent bird, frustrated after many failed attempts to fly, scrunched on the ground. Anyone seeing the bird and its situation would recognise a moment in their own lives. But the intervention of someone probably older and wiser saves the day and the illustrations show clearly the way to breathe. Just as taking a breath could simply mean to take a little time out, so too it means breathing correctly, and in doing so, being able to do things that before seemed too difficult.
Carnegie Medal-winner Kevin Crossley-Holland and former Children's Laureate Chris Riddell have collaborated in a breathtaking retelling of the Arthurian legends, from Arthur’s early childhood, the sword in the stone, the Knights of the Round Table, the quest for the Holy Grail, the love of Sir Lancelot and Guinevere and Merlin in his house of glass. The contents page sets out eleven key chronological events commencing with Arthur’s childhood and continuing to last of the legends. It also contains portraits of the twelve knights of the Round Table, each with distinct features and having a shield with an emblem behind.
Crossley-Holland’s language is lyrical and beautifully descriptive: “Arthur! called the knight across the dark and shining water, “You will live, and live for ever. Our always king.” The pageantry, the castles, the magic, and the chivalry all come alive for the reader. The author’s retellings are not simple stories for young children and will appeal to an older audience. They could well become a valued part of an adult’s collection.
Each legend is complemented by Riddell’s wonderful illustrations. Many are stunning full page or double page drawings, all in vivid colours, giving the reader an insight into the characters in the stories as well as a background of the castles, clothing, and happenings. Other drawings form borders, some in full colour, others in black and white and the horses in particular stand out. Readers will want to flick through the pages repeatedly to look at particular illustrations, each time finding more details to marvel at: beautiful castles, blood and gore, a fierce Green Knight and a Fisher King in agony.
Arthur: The always king is a sumptuous production and a must for fans of the King Arthur legends. It is one that will be treasured by those who are lucky enough to own it and will be sought after in libraries for its outstanding retelling. Readers interested in Arthurian legends may enjoy The sword in the stone by T.H. White or the Merlin series by Mary Stewart.
Themes King Arthur, Legends, Folklore, Middle Ages.
Wow! I found myself chuckling aloud as I read Lionel eats all by himself. Every parent and grandparent who has watched toddlers learn how to wield a spoon and feed themselves will really relate to the very funny portrayal of Lionel learning how to eat his meal all by himself. He is not interested in having his father help him but of course Daddy’s praise, ‘Well done, Lionel’ as he eats his peas and ‘Good job, Lionel’ as he eats his pumpkin all spur him along to make a big effort with cake, banana, and pudding, leaving so many food remnants on his face that he can no longer be seen. With a huge roar of a burp, he gets the last bits of his food off his face and then says ‘Linel wan gedarn.’ And the readers and listeners will have fun working out what he is saying.
Lionel is an engaging little character. Eric Veille has drawn a very cute little lion, with amazing expressions, just with a few black lines. The text is short, done in bold black print on a bright yellow background and is very easy to read aloud and hold the interest of very young children.
Like Lionel poops, this board book will be a delightful addition to a family’s collection of books, and one that grandparents may love to give as a gift.
When war is declared between Germany and the Allies it creates a storm for everyone in England as new regulations and plans are introduced to protect the residents of London in the face of the threats of attack. For Noah, the difficulty of farewelling his father to serve and the likelihood of evacuation is compounded by the Government’s demand that his dog, Winn should be put down, along with the other pets in London. Time pressures means that there is little time to come up with a plan to save Winn, but Noah and his intelligent and wise friend Clem, desperately want to save their pets. Noah always has ideas, some of them good, that Clem seems able to iron out using her reasoning skills and intelligent responses. But this time, commandeering his father’s dilapidated river boat and finding a haven for the animals he has gathered along the way (including the local bully’s pet python, a donkey and some rescued kittens) comes with all sorts of dilemmas that even Clem with all her wisdom cannot solve. But persistence and team work give them a chance to attempt to save their ‘Noah’s ark’ of animals and leads them to discover that the bully, Col and his python, can help too.
This is a brilliant story of the courageous actions of young people in the face of the awfulness of the war’s impacts on a community. The friendship between Noah and Clem is powerful, but the promise that Noah made to his father to protect Winn drives the young boy to action. This story reminds me of Michael Morpurgo’s war stories written for children. It is mature in its thoughtful dealing with a difficult time in history, but child-focused in that it deals with the children’s love for their animals and their impetuosity to save them, and is written in a child-friendly style. There is a quest-like aspect to the journey along the Thames that is exciting and action-packed, and some decisions made are ill-conceived and potentially life-threatening. The courage and quick-thinking of Noah and Clem are woven into the 1939 historical period, and yet the story has a fresh contemporary feel that will appeal to young readers aged 10-14. I loved this story and it is worth promoting to young readers who will definitely recommend it to their friends.
Themes World War II, Evacuation, Animals, Friendship, Perseverance.
Dan Marshall, the author of Super Duper, is certain to stimulate the imaginations of his young readers. With the help of some amazing children, he has invented some exciting ways to use a superpower. Cooper is Super Duper and is strong, and can fly, laser and run and leads the young reader through the book looking at different superheroes. There is Scott who with his skunk power that scares people off with his pong and Faye who become wi-fi and flies through the air. There is Cam who can camouflage and Glitter who shoots lightning through his shoes and finally a section where people use their superpowers to help everyone. Hope wants to build someone a house in less than an hour and Ian would help to cool down global warming.
The rhyming narrative flows along smoothly and makes it a delightful read aloud for young children, while older children would have fun trying to make up a book with some superheroes of their own. The illustrations are bright and cheerful. Each superhero is unique with a very happy facial expression and the details are sure to appeal to young children. Readers can also follow Cooper complete with red cape and boots and blue body suit as she goes from double spread to double spread each showing off the superpower that a child has imagined.
This would be an enjoyable and valuable book to emphasise the importance of the imagination and the power of individuals to do good.
This is a dramatic story from a debut author that will appeal to teenage readers, particularly those that like gentle mystery and romance combined. Clarissa (also known as Reece) is in a world of pain. She is broken. The cause is a secret to the community in her new home town. Having left her old High School behind, where her pain is most potent, she has to resettle into a new school for her final school year. Her family is now living within the community where her Grandmother was well-known. She has had to leave everything (including her other best school friend, Nina, behind), but carries her struggles and pain with her. Sadly, the death of her Nan, a former renowned surgeon, adds to her pain and Reece is a shadow of her former self. The inheritance of some unusual gifts leads Reece into some strange historical territory, but it is the connection to the hunky Gideon, who pulls her from the ocean rather than leave her drowning in her own grief, that ultimately gives her an opportunity to see a way forward. The new friends that she makes help her to see a future that deals with the past and builds new connections.
For a first-time author, this is a well-crafted story dealing with teenage friendship and romance as well as a psychological journey into grief and the struggle of dealing with trauma. The secret carried by Reece remains suitably ‘hidden’ for a considerable part of the novel, which magnifies the psychological difficulties for the central character and leaves the reader wondering. It is good that she has a strong and loving family (her younger brother is a gay teen who is comfortable with his sexuality and accepted by his family, but is exploring his own romance journey). The romance aspect of the story will appeal to lovers of teen romance fiction, and there are a number of slightly steamy scenes but without extreme description. Beware though giving this to very young readers, it is targeted to readers at the end of their High School journey when exams, future decisions and romance complications may collide, sometimes uncomfortably. The difficulties of trauma and grief and the psychological impacts for a teenager would best be appreciated by readers aged 15+.
Lionel Poops, a small board book, could become a very welcome and humorous addition to a family’s collection of books, this one tackling the fun and games of training a toddler to use a potty to poop in. Lionel is a cheeky little lion with the most delightful grin on his face. He is having lots of fun bouncing on the trampoline ‘when all of a sudden he needs to poop.' Then begins the fun when he poops on some cows, some wild cats, some tennis balls, some polar bears, a bus, the Eiffel Tower, mountains, and the sun, all before he finally poops in his potty.
Toddlers will enjoy singing out the refrain, ‘No, Lionel, No’ as Lionel poops in the most inappropriate places and will love seeing the triumphant expression on his face as he finally uses his potty and takes a bow to the applause of ‘Well done, Lionel.’
The illustrations are very engaging, and Lionel is a delightful character, his actions full of mischief and enjoyment. The board book is sturdy and brightly coloured and will appeal to its toddler audience, while adults will enjoy the amusing depiction of toilet training.
A fun gift for the family, Lionel poops would also be very useful in childcare centres. Take a look inside the book here.
Themes Humour, Toilet training.
Pat Pledger
Where's Wally? Through History activity book by Martin Handford
Walker Books, 2022. ISBN: 9781529503159. (Age:7+)
Where’s Wally books are favourites with children and adults of all ages. Often the most sort after books in both school and public libraries for certain age groups, they both entertain and challenge readers to find that tiny hidden character. This latest activity book takes the readers through times in History including dinosaurs, Ancient Egypt, the Middle Ages, and even a gold mine. Children have the opportunity to draw, memorise, sequence items, find out facts, use a word wheel, complete a word search, find flags and colourful characters, and even do a cross word puzzle. There is also a page of over 100 stickers. A welcome gift for a Where’s Wally fan.
Themes Puzzles, Games, Searches, Stickers.
Kathryn Beilby
Get me out of here! Foolish and fearless convict escapes by Pauline Deeves. Illus. by Brent Wilson
Allen & Unwin, 2022. ISBN: 9781760526993. (Age:8+) Highly recommended.
Australian History has been full of convict folklore and this latest release, Get Me Out of Here: Foolish and Fearless Convict Escapes, adds another dimension to this genre. Written by Pauline Deeves, this book includes seven stories about some foolish and fearless escapees, some of whom may be unfamiliar to the reader. Each story is wonderfully illustrated by Brent Wilson who uses bold colours and graphic-style images. The stories begin with a large portrait of the escapee followed by a brief fact file which includes date of birth, birthplace, occupation, description, crime, sentence, transported to, arrived in Australia, and escaped from. The easily accessible story, told at times in the first person, is presented over several pages with a final page about the outcome of the escape. This is then accompanied by a double page of fun facts related to each individual story. The story of William Buckley, who lived with the Wadawurrung People for many years, and was not trusted by either white settlers or the Wadawurrung People in the end, has been reviewed by the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation. Mary Bryant’s escape story with her family is one of great determination, danger, and hardship. The final pages of the book give an overview of the Australia’s Convict Prisons, a glossary, index, answers to some questions posed throughout the book plus further research suggestions.
An excellent resource for school or public library.
Themes Australian History, Convicts, Escapes, Humour.
This is such a beautiful portrayal of young love, about two young people, hesitant at first, but who come to realise that each other is ‘the one’. Ray is wary of relationships, having seen how love ended sadly for her mother, and spends her time creating ‘found poetry’ from the words that leap out from literary texts. Orion is a high achieving swimmer, driven by his father’s expectation of him, but clumsy when talking to girls. He has sensory processing disorder, unable to process competing sounds. But his honesty and openness about his condition, and his feelings, makes him more attractive to Ray.
Both young people are dealing with loss and grief in their lives. They are drawn to each other, unaware that their separate family secrets link them in an unexpected way. And the climax hits in a Romeo and Juliet scenario that threatens to separate them forever.
Finding Jupiter by Kelis Rowe is a wonderful new contemporary novel about Black teens, worthy of listing alongside the authors of the Blackout love stories. The novel speaks for love, trust, honesty, and communication. Kelis Rowe is clearly a rising young author to watch out for.
Themes Black Americans, Love, Romance, Loss, Grief, Diversity.
