"Symbols of Australia offers illuminating and unexpected insights into the symbols that surround us: from Uluru to the Australian flag, the rainbow serpent to Holden cars, the democracy sausage to the Great Barrier Reef. Entertaining, provocative, informative, and often surprising, Symbols of Australia reveals a great deal about the ways nations are imagined and how they imagine themselves." Publisher.
Twenty nine chapters, all written by experts, make up this fascinating book that will intrigue readers who are interested in Australian history. It is easy to scan the Contents page and pick a topic that is of interest to the reader. For example the topic of Vegemite goes into the history of its development, the clever marketing that went behind it, and even the development of the very popular radio jingle "We're happy little Vegemites as bright as bright can be.." Cricket fans will love the chapter on the Baggy Green, while the Opera House and Uluru also feature. Two sections of photographs are included and I enjoyed looking at the depictions of the symbols of kangaroos, wattle, flags, the Opera House and the democracy sausage.
This book is one that will be picked up and browsed through by history buffs and readers who like knowing about Australian icons. It is suitable for home, school and public libraries.
When Emma’s mother is suspected of pushing her drunken abusive husband from their high-rise balcony, the attractive teenager is bullied and harassed by her peers. Eventually she is recognized at the new school after moving in with Nan, her aunt and cousins. Both Mo and Elliot, also around 15 yrs old, take advantage of Emma’s vulnerability and both dump her in quick succession. Emma’s two friends, Soreya and Mathilda, are the studious children of refugees and try to keep Emma on track to finish school. They stand by her as does her drama teacher, Mrs Delerosh, who nurtures Emma’s talents. But Emma starts to skip more school to earn extra cash to help her mother move into a flat of their own – hoping to ease the overcrowding problem and her relatives’ constant recriminations.
Joe and Zane “discover” Emma skiving off school and tell her they recruit models and assist them to become social media influencers. Suze, her unofficial Aunt, tries to warn Emma out of her relationship with a much older man. Suze is right about Zane whose intentions are more sinister. After deciding to leave Zane abruptly, she literally falls into the arms of a younger man, Cornelius (Con). He helps Emma and her mum find a flat, and escape Zane’s influence. But Con also proves unworthy. Can she learn to stand on her own feet?
Emma Hamilton’s character is based on Lord Nelson’s mistress – a beautiful ambitious woman very much exploited by aristocratic men. 21st Century Emma Hamilton is likewise the product of growing up with domestic violence where verbal threats, intimidation, class discrimination and physical abuse are normalized. Comedian, Shappi Khorsandi, demonstrates how Emma’s inexperience and low expectations for herself led her into unequal, exploitative romantic relationships. Recommended for seniors given the dark themes and sexual dialogue.
Themes Bildungsroman, Social media, Sex, Violence, School.
Deborah Robins
A universe of wishes: An anthology by Dhonielle Clayton
Titan Books, 2021. ISBN: 9781789098006. (Age:14+)
With fifteen short stories in this anthology, A Universe of Wishes contains just so many stories - something for everyone: from harvesting magic from the dead, prisoners in foreign countries communicating through letters in their cells, a daughter fighting for the right for her mothers to be together, a colony ship transporting a young crew and their valuable, natural cargo, even a reimagining of Rapunzel, to a genie in a lamp story. As a few of the authors included in this book have written popular YA series (Shades of Magic by V.E. Schwab; Gemma Doyle by Libba Bray), the inclusion of stories that are pre-series or side stories will be a delight to those who have read the main series.
As these stories are diverse in terms of content, genre and authors, there are a variety of writing styles. Each story has a different pacing, though the majority are fast paced due to the length of the story. There are some stories written from the protagonist's point of view, while others move between characters. Some stories leave you wanting more, while others are the perfect length and conclusion. Authors include V.E. Schwab, Libba Bray, Samira Ahmed and Nic Stone. While the authors are diverse in their talents, they have all created worlds that they have then described in such detail that readers will be quickly absorbed into these new worlds.
Themes Fantasy, Science Fiction, LGBTQIA+, Diversity, Magic, Own Voices.
Melanie Pages
Santa loves Australia by Collette Dinnigan. Illus by Luke Sciberras
Simon & Schuster, 2021. ISBN: 9781761103582. (Age:3+) Recommended.
No child will be able to overlook a book about Santa and Christmas, especially looking at the annual present giver and his sleigh filled with gifts travelling across the Australian night sky.
Children will eagerly read of their journey to some very well known Australian sites, as well as meeting some easily recognised Australian fauna with a little flora thrown in for good measure. They will laugh out loud meeting the emu and his chicks at Uluru, chuckle at the kookaburras in the eucalypts in Queensland, dive with the turtles on the Great Barrier Reef, cackle with the cockatoos doing their high wire act. All set with lively and colourful illustrations, evoking intense interest from children when shown detailed and involving images to look at.
Santa and his entourage whistle though the mouth of Luna Park, scoot under the Sydney Harbour Bridge and fly over the Opera House; koalas and wombat are seen in the ACT, and the beautiful back streets of Melbourne appear, before flying over Bass Strait to see Cradle Mountain and the Tasmanian Devils. They follow the Outback Highway to the Flinders Ranges, spying a huge lizard lying across the road, before meeting the Menindie Lakes, then going north to the Kimberley.
A map of Australia would be useful for children to follow Santa’s trail across Australia and I know teachers and parents will have one at the ready to reinforce the continent, its states and territories, unusual sites, animals and vegetation. A whole unit of work could emanate from this book and others like it (Are we there yet? Alison Lester, Amazing Australian road trip, Jackie Hosking, Mr Chicken all over Australia, Leigh Hobbs to name a few)
Themes Australia, Journeys, Travel, Humour, Christmas, Australian flora and fauna.
Fran Knight
Where's Wally? Santa Spotlight Search by Martin Handford
A magic ‘torch,’ like a wand that is really a paper spotlight searcher, illuminates the festive season over six scenes abuzz with Santas, elves, people in holiday activities. Wally’s friends are sure to delight his young fans.
Simple searching games, including a checklist, invite the reader to explore the themes related to Christmas – such as meeting Santa, shopping, a festive ‘bake off’, Santa’s workshop and Christmas Eve. Children will find searching both engaging and amusing.
Extra wands are available to print online – no batteries required.
Themes Santa Claus.
Cate Telfer
Dino love at Christmas by Michelle Worthington and Veronica Montoya
Catch a star, 2021. ISBN: 9781922326348. (Age:1+)
Following the characters first seen in Dino Love, young children will have a lovely introduction to the meaning of Christmas in Dino love at Christmas. Like the first book, love is a dominant theme, and a beautiful reminder that Christmas is a time of giving and getting and enjoying family around you. Starting with the words, 'Christmas is', the young child is given a glimpse into the things that make up Christmas. Christmas is decorating the tree, cooking in the kitchen, feeling excited, giving, and saying thank you. The text is very simple and will be remembered by children who will be able to join in with the book’s reader.
Bright illustrations complement the text, portraying a snowy Christmas, with the dinos riding a sledge, skating on the ice, and building snow dinos. However, the indoor activities like cooking, opening presents in bed and decorating the tree will be familiar to children in warmer climates. The dinos are adorable, and the parental love is obvious.
This is a joyful, feel-good book that is ideal to read to very young children in the festive season.
The glitter fin of each colourful fish sparkles as the young reader is taken on a short journey to ensure that all the underwater creatures are cared for at Christmas.
Rainbow Fish gathers his friends in celebration checking on the striped fish, the octopus, the grumpy moray eel and the sea horse. Surrounding a special mysterious light in the shape of a star is a simple and effective conclusion.
A delightful board book to add to a young child’s stocking.
Another delightful book featuring the familiar TV characters will be a welcome addition to Christmas stockings. Beginning readers and listeners will be familiar with the scenarios portrayed in Bluey Christmas swim. The family gathers at Muffin and Socks’ house to unwrap presents, and Bluey gets a little brown heeler toy that she calls Bartlebee. Then the family celebrates Christmas with a Christmas swim and Bartlebee has to come to grips with Bluey’s family. She is splashed, dropped in the pool and roughly dried by Nana, as well as being snapped at by a crocodile, but it is all Christmas fun for Bluey’s family.
The hard covers and thick pages will stand up to much use from toddlers who love this series. The pictures are very cute and will be appreciated by little children who love the show and there are some funny asides for the adult reader to chuckle at. Children will also enjoy comparing this typical Christmas, with its bright sunshine, swimming, barbeque, and party hats with others portraying snow and ice.
Bluey Christmas swim would be a great gift for a Bluey fan.
Themes Christmas, Swimming, Toys.
Pat Pledger
The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Father Christmas by Eric Carle
Even though our children might be fast asleep on Christmas Eve, there is one person who is extremely busy. First he has to dress in his warmest clothes, feed his reindeer so they can manage their long night, and fill the sleigh with presents. And this year there is a special helper. But will he make the journey too, or will he be left behind?
This is a charming story for our youngest readers as they settle down on this night of nights, and they will enjoy looking for that special little helper on each page. The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a classic character, integral to the reading development of our children, and to team it up with the iconic Father Christmas has to be a winning partnership that will please parent and child alike.
Themes Board book, Christmas, Father Christmas.
Barbara Braxton
Roald Dahl: On the First Day of Christmas by Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake
Puffin, 2021. ISBN: 9780241492888.
On the twelfth day of Christmas a grown-up gave to me... 12 books a-balancing...
And so begins a less-than-traditional countdown to Christmas featuring many of Dahl's most well-known and well-loved characters and Quentin Blake's iconic illustrations. But as well as being a counting book, it is also the best introduction for little ones to the works of this much-loved author whose books, while largely written for more independent readers, will nevertheless entertain our youngest ones if they're shared as a read-aloud. No child should go through their young life without knowing what a whizz-popper is or dreaming of winning that golden ticket!
And when they've heard those classics, there are the other stories featured in this book to work through and then a whole host of others crafted by one of the most popular authors in a primary school library. Can you think of a better, more enduring gift to give a little one?
Barbara Braxton
The Christmas pig by J.K. Rowling. Illus. by Jim Field
Jack's life has changed so much - his parents, his school, his home. The one thing that never changes is DP (Dur Pig), his faithful toy pig. Jack has always been able to tell DP everything, and find comfort when things are bad. But then, Christmas Eve, the worst happens - DP is lost. To Jack's surprise, Christmas Eve is when miracles can happen, things come to life - like toys... even Christmas Pig (DP's inferior replacement). When Christmas Pig suggests they travel to the Land of the Lost to find DP, Jack doesn't hesitate. Finding their way through the Land of the Lost while avoiding getting caught by Loss Adjustors or the toy-eater Loser is going to be a difficult task, but Jack is willing to try.
This energetic, action paced urban fantasy is well suited for primary aged readers and adults alike. To be taken into a world where things have feelings and emotions, readers may begin to treat their belongings with more care - and try to find lost items quickly! Rowling has again created a world where readers are quickly immersed into the main character's life, with plenty of relatable characters, as well as some who help drive the story (love to hate perhaps?). Divided into sections with short chapters and occasional detailed, stunning, illustrations, this engaging Christmas story has something for everyone - adventure, discovery, devotion and persistence, and is sure to be a family favourite for years to come. While essentially a Christmas story, this book can be read year round as its message of hope and devotion will encourage at any time of year.
Peppa's family are decorating the tree and revisiting lots of lovely memories as they add decorations from times and adventures past. But there is an empty branch left...
On Christmas Eve, and Peppa and her family are off to a Christmas fair. There's yummy food, fun games . . . and a carousel with a magical Christmas unicorn!
But what other Christmas magic is in store for Peppa? Will there be something to fill the empty branch?
This is another special story for young readers that brings together favourite times that they can relate to and familiar characters, factors that spread the magic of both Christmas and reading as well as any unicorn.
Barbara Braxton
My First Elmer Christmas by David McKee
Anderson Press, 2021. ISBN: 9781839130540.
It's two days before Christmas Eve, the night Papa Red visits, and the young elephants are very excited. This year Elmer has a special treat in store for the young elephants, if they can keep quiet and out of sight...
Elmer the patchwork elephant is an enduring favourite with our youngest readers and this specially abridged version of the original is shaped like a Christmas tree and designed for little fingers that will add to the anticipation of THE night! Who knew that elephants and their friends celebrated this special time just like we do?
A classic for the Christmas Countdown collection that will open up a whole world of Elmer stories, activities and fun for a new generation.
Barbara Braxton
Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore. Illus. by Raquel Martin
Magic Cat, 2021. ISBN: 9781913520298.
"Twas the night before Christmas When all through the house Not a creature was stirring Not even a mouse."
Are there any more recognisable words than these at this time of the year? This poem, by Clement Clarke Moore (although he called it A Visit from St Nicholas) was first published almost 200 years ago on December 23, 1823, has become the perennial favourite for Christmas Eve as it stirs the imagination of generation after generation. From it we get the names of the reindeer and all sorts of other images that endure today.
While it has been published in many formats over that time and illustrated in many media and styles, the text remains the same and so it is with this new version. However, this one includes a wind-up music box mechanism that allows the reader to listen to the music of Deck the Halls, another Christmas tradition, this one Welsh and dating back to the 16th century although the English lyrics weren't written till the mid-19th century.
An opportunity to round off your Christmas Countdown combining two classics in one.
Barbara Braxton
The Nutcracker by Lily McArdle and Bodil Jane
Magic Cat, 2021. ISBN: 9781913520212.
In 1891, Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky began working on his third ballet, the first two being the magical Swan Lake, my personal favourite, and the second, The Sleeping Beauty. This one was The Nutcracker, an adaptation into music and dance of the original 1816 story by E.T.A. Hoffman, in which young Marie Stahlbaum's favourite Christmas toy, the Nutcracker, comes alive and, after defeating the evil Mouse King in battle, whisks her away to a magical kingdom populated by dolls.
Part of the score for the ballet is the famous Waltz of the Flowers and it is this which sets this version of the story aside from others because the book includes a wind-up music box mechanism that allows the reader to listen to the music as well as the words. So while the story is a somewhat abridged version of the original (although it covers all the main aspects) it will inspire many to not only seek out the story but also the music and the ballet.
It used to be the Sugar Plum Fairy in her tutu that garnered all the attention but now nutcrackers are becoming a common part of Australian Christmas decorations so sharing this story will add extra meaning to the Christmas dinner festivities, particularly if it is also the choice of the background music! A stunning gift for any budding ballerina.
