This is an enthralling story, an immense and captivating quest story with Arabian mythology woven in the fantasy tale. Loulie al-Nazari (or Layla) is a young woman living with the sadness of a personal history in which her family is destroyed by attackers and she lives with an aching need for justice. But in the meantime, she works as a collector and seller of magical relics. She is the Midnight Merchant. Her faithful ‘bodyguard’, Qadir, is in fact a jinn (a genie) from the magical underworld that interacts with humanity with a mysterious and usually restrained power. Within the Sultan’s royal household is a history marred by violence and interactions with the jinn world. The older Prince Omar is a hard and violent pursuer of the magical jinns at his father’s direction. Younger brother Prince Mazen is a gentle and peaceful contrast to his older brother. He wishes he could impress his father the Sultan, but is only adept at sharing the folklore stories of his Arabian culture. When Omar concocts a plan to uncover more jinn relics and appropriate their magic, he sends the Midnight Merchant and Qadir on a quest through the desert to uncover more of these relics. He also uses his brother as a scapegoat for other evil actions, by sending him on the quest. With them is one of his forty thieves, Aisha, a woman with her own need for justice. Or is it revenge? The quest is marked by magical interactions and mystery and is a fantastic saga of Arabian mythology intertwined with human tragedy and power. There are battles and mystical interactions, and humans learning to deal with their own uncertainties and frailties.
The Stardust Thief is absolutely awesome in its scope and enchantment, not just because it is 467 pages of story. I was hooked from the beginning and did not want to stop discovering more of this amazing charmed tale. With the cultural influences of the oral story-telling traditions of the Arabian regions, this is a book that is unique, but yet it has the magical qualities of a Lord of the Rings – style dramatic quest. Some actual stories are interlaced through the epic tale in stories that Mazen relates, but the flavour of the mythology or folklore stories are neatly woven in the entire saga. With an author with a Kuwaiti family background and an education in USA, there is a wonderful symbiosis of the literary craft of the two cultures. This is a book that will be loved by enthusiasts of fantasy and magical quest stories, as well as by those who are intrigued by cultural folklore stories. There is violence with a magical quality throughout the story, more like an epic computer game with two forces pitted against one another. Consequently, this is suited to readers from age 15 to Adult readers. But it will be much enjoyed and treasured. It is truly a magical story.
Themes Magic, Storytelling, Arabian legends, Royal intrigue, Quest story.
Carolyn Hull
What we all saw by Mike Lucas
Penguin Random House, 2022. ISBN: 9781761045936. (Age:12+) Highly recommended.
On the cusp of their teenage years, four friends growing up in the south-west of England, share a disturbing summer holiday. Sam, Charlie, Gray and Shell have all very different personalities and characteristics yet are all strongly connected to each other. Blind Shell is intuitive and wise yet allows the boys to think they are stronger than her. Asthmatic Charlie appears the weakest of the three boys, yet his persuasive storytelling leads them into a situation out of their control. Tough and unpredictable Gray with a difficult home life, quick to be provoked and to do the provoking, is always searching for something more. Finally, there is Sam who tells the story of that summer. He is the follower, the quiet one experiencing the throes of first love, lacking confidence to express his own opinion when it is so desperately needed.
The four children do what they have been told not to their whole lives, they go into the woods and to the Old Quarry where a shocking tragedy takes place. They panic and keep their part in the tragedy a secret as they are not certain of what they all actually saw, and if what happened really took place as they each think it did. But they cannot let it go and begin to search deeper until what they feared they imagined becomes very real.
This YA debut by South Australian author Mike Lucas will have readers on edge as they follow the frightening journey of the children to uncover the truth. A wonderful read.
Kind: A call to care for every creature by Jess McGeachin
Allen & Unwin, 2022. ISBN: 9781761066047. (Age:3+) Highly recommended.
Sometimes a book is published that leaves you with a sense of joy. Kind by Jess McGeachen is one such book and is absolutely stunning in both text and illustrations.
In this book you’ll find Many kinds of things Some have slippery scales Some have feathered wings
But kind is more than type Kind is how to care For creatures that you meet And places that we share
This delightful book is encouraging its readers to show kindness and care to all creatures including spiders, crabs, snakes, whales, beetles, fish, frogs, owls, monkeys, penguins, and those with horns.
The beautiful yet simple four-line rhyme about each different species on a double-page spread flows easily. The accompanying detailed and colourful images of creatures from that species will engage readers both young and old. Each animal is clearly labelled and may encourage young readers and their teachers or parents to research further.
In the final pages the reader is encouraged to be kind to where we live, to each other and themselves. Every home, classroom and library should treat themselves to a copy of this wonderful new publication.
Themes Animals, Rhyme, Kindness, Well-being.
Kathryn Beilby
A Kunwinjku counting book by Gabriel Maralngurra & Felicity Wright
A Kunwinjku Counting Book is a stunning new release celebrating the Kunwinjku language of the Bininj people whose home is West Arnhem Land, a region in the Northern Territory. Artist Gabriel Maralngurra has presented his traditional style of rock painting with a contemporary touch, in a wonderful counting book which showcases twelve different animals on a double page spread with a full-page illustration plus a page of easily accessible and interesting information.
Each of the animals is introduced in English which is then followed by the same introduction in Kunwinjku. For example: One sharp crocodile with many sharp teeth - Nakudgji kinga kakarrne kunyidme. Following this is information about the animal, their habitat, behaviour and how the Bininj people interact with the animal. Included in the animals of this region are the knob-tailed geckos, snapping turtles, freshwater prawns, barramundi, dragonflies, snake-necked turtles, goannas, spoonbills, wallabies, echidnas, and water pythons.
In the final pages of the book is valuable information on the Ancient Tradition of rock art, Tools and Techniques, and the seasons of the West Arnhem Land. There is also a wonderful introduction to Gabriel Maralngurra, followed by a Note on Pronunciations.
This very special book has a place in all libraries. A wonderful resource for both primary and secondary students.
Themes Bininj - First Nations People, Storytelling, West Arnhem Land Northern Territory, First Nation Language - Kunwinjku, Flora, Fauna, Rock Art, Ecology.
For children of any age who have a relative, friend or neighbour living with Alzheimer’s disease, this thoughtful and gentle picture book will be a wonderful read to deal with understanding the progression and complexities surrounding the disease. Grace is young girl who lives next door to Phyllis and regularly visits her with homemade biscuits, cake and jelly. They share similar interests and Grace copes well with the forgetfulness, mouldy food and confusing stories from the past. Over time it becomes clear that Phyllis’s memory is continuing to fade, she is struggling to be home alone, and eventually she is placed in a nursing home. Grace, who has a strong bond and a beautiful friendship with Phyllis, continues to visit her where they talk about Phyllis' love of horse riding. This leads to an opportunity for Grace to ride Phyllis’s old horse Starbright, which Grace is able to share with Phyllis through photos.
The charming illustrations in soft pastels tones combined with the sensitive text will make this a valuable and important read with children who may not understand what might be happening to an elderly acquaintance.
Caryl Hart and Zachariah OHora have collaborated on a vividly coloured board book that will appeal to young children and fans of Salina Yoon. Friends Sonny, Boo and Meemo are playing hide-and-seek when Sonny spots a box. Even though he can read the label that say 'For: Honey' he is intrigued and want to know what is inside. He pokes at the box and sniffs it. When his two friends appear, he shows them the box and then opens it. It contains a beautiful chocolate cake decorated with strawberries and Sonny and Memo cannot resist having a taste. Poor Honey is very upset when she finds that her cake has been eaten, and Sonny knows that he has to say sorry. But Honey keeps crying until Sonny has an idea….
The text flows along beautifully and is a pleasure to read aloud, while the illustrations of the cute little animals are a delight. I was particularly drawn to Meemo the little dog who makes a 'Woof!' to show his displeasure at the actions of Sonny and Boo. Unfortunately, he is ignored, even when he shows them the tag that reads 'For Honey'. Older children who are just beginning to read would enjoy trying Sonny says sorry! as the illustrations complement the text.
This is a book that could be used by caregivers and teachers to discuss with children the importance of not touching things that do not belong to them. Saying sorry if they do something wrong and finding ways to make things right is also emphasised. Activities are available on the author’s website.
Themes Emotions, Honesty, Problem solving.
Pat Pledger
Zadie Ma and the dog who chased the moon by Gabrielle Wang
Gabrielle Wang, Australian Children's Laureate for 2022–23, has written a beautiful middle-grade novel about one young girl’s dream. Zadie Ma, a fourth-generation Chinese Australian girl growing up in post-war Melbourne, desperately wishes to have her own dog to love and cherish. Zadie also has a hidden talent for story writing and magically often what she writes has a way of becoming reality. Hence, she begins to write her story of ‘The Great Beyond’ where she creates her dog, Jupiter. She shares this with her younger much-loved brother Teddy, who truly believes that Zadie has a superpower to make things happen.
Zadie’s family situation is one of great stress. Her father has returned from World War Two a changed man and it is left to her mother to run the local Milk Bar and raise Zadie and Teddy. Zadie and her mother have a strained relationship which is central to the story. A young adventurous neighbour, who calls herself Sparrow, becomes Zadie’s new friend. Together their friendship grows, and quiet, reserved Zadie is brought out of her shell. Their friendship is tested by a bully and a hurtful racial misunderstanding, but the girls weather the storm. Zadie does find her own Jupiter, and after some difficult challenges he finally has a place with her family.
Zadie Ma and the dog who chased the moon has a distinctive and appealing presentation. It engages young readers with the main story, interspersed with other short symbolic and connected stories, as well as the use of graphic novel features. A truly wonderful read that would be a welcome addition to a home, school or public library and would make an excellent class novel.
In the author’s notes, Award winning author John Scalzi says that The Kaiju Preservation Society is ‘a pop song. It’s meant to be light and catchy…’ And it is certainly memorable. Jamie Gray is stuck working for füdmüd, a food delivery service that is doing well during the pandemic. After providing the boss with a great idea, Jamie is sacked and ends up as a delivery driver, the only way to keep the rent paid. Then an old acquaintance suggests a job working for an animal rights organisation and Jamie is keen to finally leave the job of delivering pizzas. But the animals are not on Earth, they live in an alternate dimension, and are huge dinosaur like creatures with internal nuclear reactors. When the kaiju and Earth are both threatened with extinction, Jamie and a group of young scientists must produce solutions to save them all.
The wit and humour that Scalzi brings to the story makes it very easy to read. Jamie’s snarky asides highlight the heartlessness of billionaires who have no thought for employees or endangered species and are just out to make a huge profit. Readers will recognise the troubles that the gig economy offers young employees but also the hope and resilience of young scientists and collective action by people hoping for a better future.
Scalzi sets a great pace as Jamie and friends face the kaiju and a hostile environment. The science is unique and believable, and the ending is wonderful.
Fans of Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton would enjoy this novel. Some strong language may make it more suitable for older adolescents, but the examination of the gig economy and endangered species within action and humour is sure to entice fans of science fiction.
Themes Science fiction, Animals - Moral and ethical aspects, Humour, Satire, The gig economy, Life on other planets.
Pat Pledger
The lost whale by Hannah Gold. Illus. by Levi Pinfold
Author Hannah Gold, who wrote the prize-winning novel, The Last Bear in 2021, has once again written another compelling and thoughtful story. The Lost Whale is centred around a young, troubled boy, a grey whale and finding one’s strengths in times of adversity. This new publication, complete with beautifully illustrated pages and a gorgeous embossed dust jacket, is a wonderful story where the author has cleverly combined her knowledge of grey whales with a powerful narrative involving family, mental illness, and survival.
Eleven-year-old Rio is sent from Britain to California to live with his estranged grandmother when his mother finally understands she needs professional help to deal with her mental illness. Rio is both taciturn and angry when he meets his grandmother Fran and rejects her efforts at building a relationship until one day Fran gives Rio a box of items belonging to his mother. Amongst the items are drawings of whales, in particular a drawing labelled White Beak. Right from the onset of arriving in Ocean Bay, Rio has felt a growing sense of connection to the ocean and begins to understand these unfamiliar feelings when finding out more about his mother’s early years.
After a challenging incident with his grandmother, Rio reconnects with local girl called Marina, whose father Birch is skipper of a whale-watching boat. At first, they develop a tentative friendship and Rio is taken out whale watching where they meet White Beak. It is while onboard the Spyhopper that Rio discovers he has an uncanny ability to hear the whales. He is offered the opportunity to crew on the boat with Marina and help find whales for the tourists. White Beak becomes central to the story and with Fran, Marina and Birch, Rio is able to rescue her from a life-threatening situation and free himself from his inner turmoil.
Throughout this story readers can gain a greater knowledge of grey whales as well as the environmental damage and threats to their safety brought about by human ignorance. The author shows a deep understanding of mental illness and its impact on family members, and sensitively deals with this in the unfolding story. An absolutely wonderful read that would make a perfect class novel.
Carl Merrison and Hakea Hustler, authors of the award winning Black cockatoo return with another atmospheric novel that will thrill fans of rural noir mysteries and those who are interested in issues facing teens, especially those of Aboriginal descent. Dek Archer arrives at school excited about the prospect of professional football recruiters coming to town. He is going to try out and hopes that it is a way out of the small country town for him. However, it is the news that Mr Henry, an old man who sold grog on the sly, has been found murdered, and that a bus load of Year 12s is missing that becomes his focus. Among the Year 12s are some of his relatives and Jenny a girl that he is interested in and at the back of his mind is a worry that a prank he participated in may have led to an accident with the bus’s tyres. He must make a choice: meet the recruiters or go tracking the bus with his grandfather. What follows is a journey into Country that will change his life forever.
Narrated in the first person by Dek, readers will sympathise with his dilemma about missing the recruitment team and the guilt that he feels about the prank with the bus. They will learn much about Aboriginal life and culture and the racism and injustices that First Nations Peoples have experienced. The growing tension that Dek feels of being watched as he and his grandfather track the bus, leave the reader wondering just what is happening. As with all well written mysteries the result is unexpected and thought provoking.
Tracks of the missing would make an excellent class novel or Book Club choice and extensive teachers’ notes are available. It could be paired with Dark emu by Bruce Pascoe and Sorry Day by Coral Vass. It is a must for all libraries.
Themes Aboriginal Social Life and Customs, Aboriginal history, Stolen generations, Hope, Respect.
The stunning cover design of the picture book, Miimi Marraal Mother Earth, with its appealing illustration and tactile feel, will immediately draw the reader’s attention to this beautiful story. Written for babies and very young children by Gumbaynggir storyteller, artist and designer Melissa Greenwood, the story tells of the deep connection First Nations Peoples have to Miimi Marraal (Mother Earth) from the moment of conception. Told in the first person of a mother talking to her baby, the story revolves around sharing the love and hope of a mother for her child as well as the connection to the land: how it provides for us, protects us and how we need to care for it. Simple yet expressive text is surrounded by vibrant illustrations in the spectacular palette of pinks, reds, browns, greens and blues. This striking new release would make the perfect gift for a new mother.
Not getting the answers right in class, feeling like the others are cleverer than he, this cookie felt left out, alone, bereft of friends until he found the thing he is good at.
Cookie went to school in a gingerbread house and here he expected to do well, but he did not. His grade were not what he wanted, he found that he did not raise his hand in class to answer questions as his answers were sometimes wrong. His teacher was encouraging, but he felt sad. Then one day his teacher gave them a homework assignment, one that made him have an ‘aha’ moment. At first he was flummoxed at her request that the class produce something original and present the next day. He thought and thought and his ‘aha’ moment came when he decided to write a poem.
The next day each of his fellow students presented an amazing array of original things. He felt embarrassed to present his poem amongst so many good offering, but his teacher encouraged him. While reading out his poem, he noticed that the other students were engrossed, nodding at some of the things he said. When he had finished his poem to his great surprise, all his classmates congratulated him, and his teacher told him that no one but he could have written a poem like that.
After that he no longer felt alone at school, he was unafraid to raise his hand in class, even if her gave the wrong answer.
And one night he put on a poetry night to present all his poems to his friends. He had learnt that although he may not be as good as the others in his class at some things, at one thing, he excelled.
Using very funny nods to all things food and cookery, the authors have created a funny picture book, encouraging all readers to be themselves.
This is one on a series of books by these authors, focussing on self worth and confidence. The bad seed, The good egg, The couch potato and The good bean make up the set, ensuring readers will laugh at the jokes within the pages while taking heed of the message given.
An introduction to some of Australia’s icons through an A-Z will have readers thinking of their own words they could use in their place. And at the same time join in the rhymes, sing along with the short refrains, laugh at the goings on on each page and wonder at the variety of things shown.
Not content with an A-Z of animals or buildings, Racklyeft gives us a range of things identifyingly Australian. From a jillaroo, to eucalyptus, island, goanna or hakea, lamington, rain, Perth, and Vegemite, some of the words will surprise and delight the readers. They will recognise the animals and possibly learn a few more they have not heard of, but will take in the lovely images before their eyes. These illustrations, in watercolour and digital collage will intrigue readers as they spot the detail adding to the interest in the animal or image shown. An echidna makes his presence felt on a number of pages and younger readers will love following his antics with glee.
I was intrigued to see how the last few letters of the alphabet were included in the A-Z, and younger readers will be delighted learning an Aboriginal phrase and a new town in Western Australia.
While the Z takes us back to the word Dreaming and all is revealed on the back cover.
An inviting an involving book for younger readers before bedtime.
Themes Sleep, Australian icons, A-Z, Humour.
Fran Knight
The devil makes three by Tori Bovalino
Titan Books, 2022. ISBN: 9781789098136. (Age:15+)
As a fan of stories set in libraries and featuring ancient manuscripts, I was drawn to the blurb of The devil makes three: “When Tess and Eliot stumble upon an ancient book hidden in a secret tunnel beneath their school library, they accidentally release a devil from his book-bound prison, and he will stop at nothing to stay free. He will manipulate all the ink in the library books to do his bidding, he will murder in the stacks… “
Bovalino has written an engrossing horror story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats, wondering what will happen next. She creates a chilling atmosphere with some gory moments that are not for the faint hearted. The idea of ink bleeding from the pages and a devil possessing bodies is sure to please fans of the horror genre.
The author’s two main protagonists, Tess and Eliot, are well developed and easy to relate to. Tess is a rock, solid and determined that her younger sister will have the life that she deserves, even though it means she will miss a place at a prestigious music school. Eliot, the son of the principal of Falk, appears to be a spoilt young man, but gradually his background and the love he has for his magical mother is revealed. The pair gradually get to know each other better and must rely on each other’s abilities to defy the devil and stop him possessing other people.
Readers who enjoyed Sorcery of thorns by Margaret Rogerson may enjoy The devil makes three, and the setting of an old library and a romance is sure to appeal to other readers.
Pat Pledger
A Shorebird Flying Adventure by Jackie Kerin. Illus. by Milly Formby
A fascinating new CSIRO release, A Shorebird Flying Adventure, provides all readers, both young and old, with insightful information into what may be an unfamiliar topic about an amazing species of birds. In Australia there are over 50 species of shorebirds, many of whom travel thousands of kilometres to the Artic Tundra to breed.
The journey of the shorebirds is well-documented by pilot, zoologist and illustrator Milly Formby who has combined with author Jackie Kerin to present a wonderful factual picture book style read that will immediately appeal to younger readers. The pages are bright and colourful with beautiful illustrations, and full of interesting information. The clever use of text boxes, labelled drawings of different birds encouraging the reader to spot them on the page, as well as detailed maps and diagrams, will engage the reader from beginning to end.
Did you know that shorebirds are one of the most endangered species of birds in the world due to changes in their wetland habitat? The impact of agriculture, development, climate change, aquaculture, hunting, human and animal disturbance plus invasive plants is having a detrimental effect on their existence. This is clearly represented in a clever double page spread followed by another double page showing how and why wetlands are important to all.
There is a fabulous website by Milly Formby which students can access to find out further information, Wing Threads. There are also excellent teacher notes.
This book would be a significant and worthwhile resource for all school and public libraries.
