Be warned: Backyard Birdies may not necessarily provide the reader with true facts on every page. It is a very humorous and light-hearted look at birds that will be familiar to young children. From the seagull (Beach chicken), pigeon (Roof chicken) to the Flamingo (Ornamental) and Swan (Giant inflatable), there are twelve birds on double pages with easy-to-read text with lots of white space. The beautiful water colour illustrations give the reader further information about size, colour, image, habitat on a map of Australia and the Scientific name. There is also a small box for the reader to tick if they see one of the birds mentioned. The book has a simple Contents page with clever silhouettes of each bird. Young readers will love this book for its simplicity and very entertaining information. For example, the giant inflatable swan dislikes sharp objects or if you see a white ibis in your backyard you either have a billabong or a bin. A great book to share with children either at home or school.
Themes Backyard Birds, Humour, Australian Birds, Facts, Fun facts.
Kathryn Beilby
The travelling bookshop : Mim and the baffling bully by Katrina Nannestad
Mim Cohen lives in a travelling Bookshop – a caravan with a magical quality where books choose their new homes based on the needs of the reader. Mim lives with her kind-hearted father and mischievous and fun-loving - and occasionally inappropriate - younger brother Nat who has decided that collecting the letter ‘O’, wherever he might find it, is a worthy pursuit. (Her mother travels the world, but sends gifts and words of love to be treasured.) Mim’s home is filled with love and laughter, and so when she rescues the harried young Dutch girl Willemina from a friendless and bullied existence and welcomes her into the Caravan’s warmth, she is surprised that Willemina is less in need of the Bookshop’s charms than her bully, Gerda. Slowly the power of the Bookshop and its books weave their magic for the local residents and for Willemina and Gerda.
This is a charming story with all of Nannestad’s humour and compassion that will be enjoyed by readers aged 7-11. With short chapters and some amusing moments that will tickle younger readers’ fancies and funny bones, the life of Mim and Nat Cohen will resonate and be an instant winner. There are moments of wisdom shared about friendship and love within family that will make this a lovely book to share with parents as a ‘bedtime book’.
Themes Bullying, Friendship, Books, Family.
Carolyn Hull
The monster of her age by Danielle Binks
Lothian Children's Books, 2021. ISBN: 9780734419736. (Age:Young Adult, 16+) Recommended for film buffs aged 16+.
Ellie Marsden has had a life-changing involvement as a child actor appearing in a horror movie with her famous grandmother. The experience came with trauma and her relationship with her famous grandmother, Lottie Lovinger, has not recovered from being immersed into the horror of the movie experience and the aftermath of life for the child actor. But now Ellie must confront another horror, the death of her grandmother. Despite being feted as a star, Lottie is also human and her life is silently coming to an end and her granddaughter, Ellie, must face her own responses to life, death, forgiveness and fear. As the family waits alongside the dying matriarch, Ellie stumbles across a film obsessed teen, Riya, whose understanding of the horror film genre is intense and revelatory. The relationship between the two girls becomes more than just fan-girl meets actress and must also cope with secrecy surrounding Lottie’s circumstances.
This is an intense story, dramatic and reflective. Woven into the story is Lottie’s Jewish family’s cultural practices, a developing romantic relationship between the young teen girls and some interpretative discussions about feminism and horror movies, as well as introducing a very complex family that has a history of fame in the film industry (that Binks has created within an Australian context – particularly with a Tasmanian flavour). The complexities of waiting for someone to die adds a dramatic element to this romance/family drama. This is definitely a Young Adult drama for those interested in film and non-hetero romance. The Monster of her age may not appeal to all readers, but examining who is the monster in a difficult circumstance makes for interesting consideration.
Themes Horror movies, Family dysfunction, Australian movie industry, Grief, Forgiveness, Fame, LGBTIQ, Jewish culture.
Carolyn Hull
The perfect family by Robyn Harding
Simon & Schuster, 2021. ISBN: 9781760858889. (Age:Adult)
The Adler family live in a ‘picture perfect’ home and to outsiders are living an envy-worthy life. Everything seems to be progressing well … careers and older teen children seem to be developing within the boundaries of normal family stresses until their home becomes the target of an egging. Very rapidly it becomes obvious that each family member is hiding a secret that could perhaps have attracted negative attention. Slowly the tension increases as attacks continue and the family becomes embroiled in the fear of the unknown assailants and cracks appear in their relationships. Alongside the fear is the personal secret of each family member and the hidden shame and guilt of each situation. The all-American perfection is crumbling rapidly under the threats and tension and everything seems to be falling apart!
This is a story that would translate well to a TV series (similar to Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies) as the emotional tension is revealed with increasing weight. From compromising photographs used as a lever to bribery, secret thefts, terrible choices at a USA College, and online sexual behaviour (camming), the secrets are adult and uncomfortable and the ‘perfect family’ are on a terrible journey where the cracks in each life threaten them all. This is a tense holiday-read and although there are teen participants, it is an adult story.
Recommended for adult readers.
Themes Family Drama, Secrets, Sexual behaviour, Online pornography.
Miren O'Malley is the last of the prosperous O'Malley's, whose success at sea came from an old deal with the mer, at the price of one child per generation. Generations later, the O'Malley's have been unable to fulfil their side of the bargain for many years, and have fallen into hard times. With their past glories a mere memory now, Miren's grandmother is determined to restore the family and their fortune, at any cost, including Miren's freedom.
This gothic fairy tale begins with a heavily detailed O'Malley history, setting the background and scene for Miren's story, which picks up when she is in her late teens, just after her grandfather has passed away. The story leans towards horror, as it is a dark fantasy, containing violence and family secrets. Located near the sea, this gothic historical novel incorporates numerous oceanic myths, revolving primarily around mer people. The story has the charm of simple life without technology due to the setting, where homes were light with lamps, horse drawn carriages or horse back riding are the modes of transport and servants are the norm for wealthy families. All this is intermingled with magic and deals with mythical creatures, as the story gains more layers and readers get drawn in further, despite the slow start of the book. In amongst this, Miren fights for her freedom, to learn more about who she is and where she came from, and what she wants to be if she gains her freedom. Ideal for fans of gothic, mystery and historical fiction.
What a gripping read! I could not put When you are mine down and had to re-read the last two chapters because I raced through them so quickly in my frantic attempt to see all the outcomes of the twists and turns of this riveting psychological thriller. Phil McCarthy is a young police officer who has had a struggle to be accepted into the London Metropolitan Police force because of her family’s criminal background. When she is called to a domestic violence crime, she discovers that the perpetrator is a decorated detective, and while trying to help Tempe Brown, the young woman who was assaulted, she comes up against intense opposition from within the police force. In her efforts to help Tempe get away from the detective, she uncovers more secrets from his past and finds herself in the middle of murder and intrigue.
Robotham is a master of the crime genre, winning the CWA Gold Dagger for Life or death in 2015, and again in 2020 for Good girl, bad girl, and the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger for best thriller for When she was good. When you are mine is a stand-alone thriller, with a gutsy heroine in Phil, who narrates the story. Although her family have criminal ties, she believes in justice and policework, but when she most needs help it is her family that comes through for her, not her colleagues at work. Phil too, finds out about friendship, as she grows closer to Tempe, who starts to take over her life even as Henry her partner and her close friends warn her about her obsessive behaviour.
Robotham could have stuck to one main theme, instead he has melded together complex strands detailing serious issues of domestic violence, friendship, stalking, family relationships and police corruption. This is a thrilling adrenaline fuelled story that is sure to be on award winning lists and I cannot wait to see what Robotham comes up with next.
Simon & Schuster, 2021. ISBN: 9781471173776. (Age:15+) Highly recommended.
Gayle Forman is a favourite author of mine with bestselling novels If I stay and the sequel Where she went and I have lost my way among others, so I was thrilled to receive a copy of her latest book. Aaron Stein has been left behind trying to run the failing Bluebird Books store with his father while his friends have gone off to college. His mother has left them and so has his brother Sandy. He feels suffocated by his life and hopes for something good to happen – and it seems to with his meeting Hannah, a clever and upbeat musician.
Aaron is in a mess, his beloved books no longer hold his attention, and he focuses on one only, The rise and fall of the dinosaurs by Steve Brusatte, believing that the bookshop is like the dinosaurs, bound for extinction. When Chad cons him into putting in a ramp for his wheelchair at the shop and the locals come to help, Aaron does not seem to be able to take control of his life. He has found overdue bills and credit cards and knows that the bookstore will have to be sold. He makes a deal with Penny Macklemore, the local land holder, but is too afraid to tell his father or stop the renovations that the locals are insisting must be done.
Although dealing with some very difficult issues like addiction, divorce, grief, and disability, all are handled with warmth and insight by Forman, making this a very compelling story that begs to be read in a couple of sittings. Book lovers will enjoy the allusions to many titles throughout the book and will be thrilled to see the whole list printed at the back, ensuring fun working out what they have read or would like to read.
Ultimately a feel-good book, with very relatable characters, We are inevitable is sure to be enjoyed by readers who enjoy books by Melissa Keil (Life in outer space) as well as John Green, Rachel Cohn and David Levithan.
Themes Dating, Books and book shops, Truth, Addiction, Disability.
Pat Pledger
A brand new band a story about inclusiveness by Penny Harris and Winnie Zhou
Big Sky Publishing, 2021. ISBN: 9781922265753. (Age:4-7)
A Brand New Band is one of eight stories written by an award-winning writer and animator in consultation with experts in education, psychology and linguistics. Each story has a social and emotional theme that is perfect for sharing with younger readers. The books are brightly illustrated and the text is simple to read and follow. In this story Lulu does not bring an instrument to the band practice and offers to sing and dance but is left out. The band does not play all that well together and the audience is fast losing interest. Eventually Lulu makes her own music, and the band asks her to re-join them which she decides to do and the event is a success.
This book touches on the themes of friendship, accepting that we should be inclusive and kindness. For classroom teachers, this book series has been designed to support the Early Learning Framework and the Australian School Curriculum.
Themes Inclusiveness, Concert, Friends, Social skills, Kindness, Wellbeing, Emotional development and intelligence.
Kathryn Beilby
Pollination: the enduring relationship between plant and pollinator by Timothy Walker
Full of close-up photographs of plants, bees and other insects, this beautiful book provides a highly informative description of the interrelationship between plants and animals in the process of pollination. As the introduction tells us, pollination is an essential component of the world’s ecosystems. Without it, there would not be successful plant reproduction, and probably not human life either.
The first chapter provides detailed diagrams of flower anatomy, sexual and asexual reproduction in plants, and pollen grain structure, with images of the stages of pollination. Subsequent chapters explain agents of pollination: wind and water, animals and insects; and the communication of plants to attract and control their pollinators.
Later chapters explore the biological significance of pollination, our critical dependence on the effects of pollination, and the urgent need for pollinator conservation as species become threatened and extinguished. The chapters are clearly set out and well-illustrated with summaries of the main points provided in the end pages of each chapter.
Published by Princeton University Press, I was concerned lest the information might not be so relevant to places outside of the United States, however the book makes a very extensive study of plant and insect / animal interactions around the world. The index can be referred to for specific pages on Australia, South Africa or the United Kingdom, but there are also many incidental references to the plants and wildlife of Australia and other countries. Overall, the book is an authoritative reference for students of botany or biology, or for people interested in the interrelationship between bee pollinators and plants, and deserves a place on school and public library shelves.
Themes Pollination, Bees, Ecology.
Helen Eddy
Flight of the kite a story about persistence by Penny Harris & Winnie Zhou
Big Sky Publishing, 2021. ISBN: 9781922265760. (Age:4-7)
The authors from this award-winning children’s series promoting emotional development and wellbeing have written an uncomplicated story about persistence. These easy to read and share stories begin with an introduction to each of the characters and their personalities. In this story it is a windy day, and the animal friends decide to make kites. Each of them has their own individual way of constructing a kite and they all eventually achieve their goal. However, along the way Pinney ‘Potamus rushes through his kite making and things do not go quite according to plan. His friends try to teach him to be patient and take care and in the end they all co-operate to build one giant kite.
Younger readings will identify with the main characters and for parents and educators there is a valuable lesson to be learnt and shared with children.
Themes Persistence, Kite making, Friends, Windy Weather, Social skills, Wellbeing, Emotional development and intelligence.
Kathryn Beilby
How to be a hero by Cat Weldon. Illus. by Katie Kear
Pan Macmillan, 2021. ISBN: 9781529045031. (Age:9-12) Recommended.
In picking up this book it is obvious the text is small and there is sometimes only one illustration per chapter. This may be daunting for readers under 9 years old.
The book starts a new trilogy from a new author. If you know nothing about Norse mythology (like me) it could have been confusing. But the first two pages include illustrations to help – one of Yggdrasil (an immense tree whose branches hold various worlds) and one map of Midgard (one of those worlds).
Chapter 2 adds ‘A Guide to the Nine Worlds’ describing all the worlds, how they interact and “who’s who in Asgard” – this is excellent and easy to flip back to during reading.
The story is about diverse young misfits who each fear failing: Whetstone is a pale, scruffy orphan boy - an aspiring Viking thief from Midgard. Lotta is a dark-skinned girl with a mass of unruly black curls – she is a struggling trainee Valkyrie from Asgard. Their paths cross in a comedy of errors and they must work together to survive. They both learn they can be brave, as well as learning how to be a good friend and what it takes to be a hero.
The story is complex but is also fast-paced and funny. Silly touches include comical rhymes, songs and names (such as Awfulrick the Viking, and a cranky horse called Thighbiter). The illustrations are cartoony and keep the mood light – they are full of over-emphasised facial expressions and amusing details such as graffiti on a wall of Asgard that says, ‘Loki smells of poOo’.
The story ends with Whetstone and Lotta having proved themselves and Whetstone learning about his parents. He is shown some clues to learn more. Chapter one of the next book is included in a sneak peek in the back along with activities including a Viking name generator – I am Kari the Horse Tickler!
Book two (The land of lost things) has just been released on 13 July 2021 and promises to continue the fast-paced fun.
This wonderful tangle of books, libraries and dinosaurs will win hearts as Leilong tries to go to the library with the children.
An image of the brontosaurus fills each page as he falls into strange and fanciful situations.
On the way to the library he stops to refuel, then in his hurry he is stopped by the police and told to slow down. But how can he be slow when the excitement of going to the library for story time is the lure.
Arriving at the library, the librarian points out that Leilong has no library card and so is sent outside after trying vainly to fit his huge frame through the door. When he hears the children’s voices above him, he reaches up to listen to the story but his size makes the library tremble and shake, books falling to the floor. The librarian tells Leilong to go, but the children then go with him, leaving the library empty. A solution needs to be found.
This lovely story, showcasing the excitement of reading, of sharing stories, of going to the library will be eagerly sought after by readers, especially when the hero is a brontosaurus.
The author taps into kids’ love of anything dinosaurs for this curiously good tale.
Gecko Press in New Zealand publishes books from across the globe, selecting those with an edge, attracted by their quirkiness. And this book reflects their aim at bringing curiously good books to children, having a problem to solve at its heart. The illustrations are full of humour, reflecting the idea of a dinosaur tramping through the streets with a bunch of children on his back, wanting to get into the library but not accounting for his size, while upsetting the librarian who struggles to articulate a reason for Leilong staying outside. The pencil and crayon drawings are filled with colour giving the impression of a lino print, and the array of books over the floor, on the balcony, the shelves and then Leilong’s back, impresses the idea of reading to the audience (as if that is needed!).
Themes Dinosaurs, Libraries, reading, Story time, Problem solving.
Fran Knight
Pear of Hope by Wenda Shurety and Deb Hudson
EK Books, 2021. ISBN: 9781925820867. (Age:6+)
At the bottom of Anna's garden is an old pear tree that is her favourite place and secret hideout. She loves being up in its branches, where it gives life and shelter to all sorts of creatures and allows her imagination to wander. But as autumn and then winter roll in, it loses its magic and wonder, just as Anna does as she succumbs to a deadly illness. The tree stands bare and alone until one day Anna returns and gives it a soft hug. And together they start the journey back to wellness and fullness...
Using the pear as a symbol of hope, as it is in many parts of the world, this is a delicate story of a young girl's battle with cancer and chemotherapy tracing Anna's journey in its illustrations more than its words so the reader really focuses on the parallels between tree and child. Just as the tree loses it leaves in winter but returns to its full glory as the warmer weather returns, so does Anna's hope and resilience build until she is back able to celebrate her 10th birthday with her friends and family, under the shelter of the pear tree.
While some of our students may be in Anna's particular situation, there are many more who are facing other challenges and who need the reassurance that time will pass, and like the pear tree, they will prevail. So this is one to share and talk about so each can take what they need from it.
Themes Hope, Cancer.
Barbara Braxton
Who fed Zed? by Amelia McInerney. Illus. by Adam Nickel
Allen & Unwin, 2021. ISBN: 9781760524432. (Age:4+)
Who Fed Zed? is a humorous rhyming story focusing on the ‘ed’ and ‘ead’ sounds. The story begins with friends Ted, Fred and Ned wanting to play with Jed who has fleas so they watch goldfish Zed instead. They learn from Fred not to feed the goldfish bread as he had to be taken to the vet. They find out the flea powder used on Jed has not yet worked but unfortunately Fred has poured it into Zed’s fish tank and he is nearly half-dead.
The story all works out happily in the end and there is a clever twist. The characters are large and appear clearly on the page which will appeal to young children sitting listening. The repetitive rhyming is clever and will encourage listeners to predict different parts of the text.
An enjoyable read aloud for younger students.
Themes Rhyme, Goldfish, Friends, Fleas, Caring for Pets, Humour.
Kathryn Beilby
Charlie Chaplin : The Usual Suspect by Phoebe McArthur
Sometimes life heads in strange directions. 12 year-old Charlotte Chaplin (aka Charlie, or occasionally Lottie) used to live in the city near Kirribilli, but since her parents’ sudden separation her life is on a freefall. She is moving to the country with her mother and leaving her best friend, who also happens to be the Prime Minister’s daughter. Instead she will have to adjust to the quiet and slow life in Gulgong in Central NSW. On arrival she almost immediately becomes involved in a crime mystery and discovers unlikely friends and realises that country life may not be so bad after all.
This book has been written in the style of a Trixie Belden mystery – a young girl who can solve problems and crimes with only the help of other kids. It will appeal to young readers who love a mystery story. Although there are moments that seem a little contrived and improbable, younger readers will be able to take the leaps over the unbelievable moments. Recommended for readers aged 10-14.
Themes Mystery, Theft, Friendship, Family break-up.
