With the series Shadow and Bone on Netflix, fans of the Grisha books will be delighted to see the King of Scars duology coming to its conclusion. The story is once again told in three voices, that of King Nikolai, his general the stormwitch, Zoya Nazyalensky and Nina Zenik, a spy deep undercover in Fjerda. The reader is taken on a fast-moving adventure as they try to keep their enemies out of their country. Nikolai must face the demon within him and attempt to control the darkness, while Zoya must recognise the power that she has been given and use it to defend her country. Meanwhile Nina faces the deception of her life as she pretends to be a young peasant girl accompanying Hanne, the wealthy daughter of Brum who is active in the politics of Fjerda.
Each of the narrators’ voices are distinct and sometimes it is tempting to flick over and just follow one main character as the action is so exciting, but of course Nikolai, Zoya and Nina’s stories are all cleverly interwoven, and hints are given in each section of important things that are happening. Bardugo’s characters are all finely drawn and even the minor characters stand out each with distinctive characteristics.
Much action and suspense will keep the reader engrossed as the trio fight for their country. The political intrigue, romances and surprising twists are all very gripping. And readers will be left satisfied with the clever wrap-up of all the threads, while a hint about Kez Brekker and the Crow Club from my favourite of the Grisha books, Six of Crows hopefully leaves room for another adventure.
Themes Fantasy, Good and evil, Conspiracies, Quests, Magic.
Pat Pledger
Three weddings and a proposal by Sheila O'Flanagan
Delphie manages to secure a surprise plus one to her brother's wedding - most of her male friends are now married and unavailable, which doesn't help her case as her family keeps asking why she's still single, pointing out that she'll miss her chance, she's going to be lonely if she doesn't settle down soon. But Delphie has been career-oriented for years, and it has been paying off. She loves her job at Cosecha, working directly for her millionaire boss, Conrad Morgan. Then she gets a phone call while at the wedding, a bad news call that shocks Delphie and changes everything. After years of loving her life, job, friends and her dream house, what do these changes mean for Delphie?
This was quite an enjoyable read - set in Ireland, this contemporary novel shows a strong woman taking care of business. Determined, good at her job and happily single, Delphie sets a great example for young women today. O'Flanagan's writing style is appealing due to its simplicity, with interesting characters, various relationships and an Irish setting (as well as the occasional Irish slang – or swear word!). Written in a relatable way, Delphie and the other characters are easily conjured in your mind. As readers will be immersed into Delphie's life and that of those around her, this book is ideal for fans of Marian Keyes. Through the navigation of dealing with loss and changes which are universal themes, this novel encompasses human relationships, career direction and life choices, and doing what is best for you.
Themes Ireland, Career, Self Determination, Loss, Death, Weddings, Human Relations.
Melanie Pages
Pranklab by Chris Ferrie, Byrne Laginestra, Wade David Fairclough
This highly readable and engaging non-fiction book will provide hours of enjoyment to those children who one: love the idea of a prank and two: are fascinated by science and the many experiments that arouse curiosity and questions. The detailed introduction prepares the reader for a careful and fun-filled pranking time. However it is stressed that the prankster needs to choose the right moment, plan and take care - it can get messy.
The book is divided into four chapters: Making a Mess, Wanna Bet?, Clean Classics and Messing with a Mind. Every experiment comes with a list noting the Victim, Mess, Danger, Funniness, Difficulty and Science rated out of ten. There is also a shopping list and on the following page a section titled “Warnings to Future Me”. The pranks are clearly set out in a numbered step-by-step manner with excellent visuals. There are ‘Did You Know?’ sections, humorous comments, emojis, notes, fast facts and prank reviews. The science behind each experiment is explained clearly and there is anecdotal information throughout often showcasing a person of history in the study of Science. There is a very detailed glossary explaining a myriad of scientific terms.
This book would be a valuable library and classroom resource for writing a procedural text as well as engaging students in science experiments. It is a refreshing and contemporary look at how children can learn Science through having fun.
Post World War II Sydney had a sinister issue - women using household poison thallium (rat poison) to kill inconvenient family members. Yvonne Fletcher poisoned two husbands while Caroline Grills poisoned her stepmother, family friend and her brother and his wife. These victims often were completely unaware, due to thallium being colourless, odourless and tasteless. Their symptoms were written off as being in the victim's head, or old age, or simply unknowable. The Husband Poisoner is the story of these women who took matters into their own hands, to rid themselves of abusive partners or family members they considered a burden - or that had caused them grief over the years.
This non-fiction book is full of facts and historical occurrences, but as it is written in almost a story like manner, readers will be quickly immersed into the lives of these husband poisoners in Post World War II Sydney. Following their daily lives and their every move, the author has managed to create the world these women lived in so completely, that readers will picture everything, possibly forgetting that these are real stories, real people. The pain the victims suffered is described in as much detail as those who provided statements could assume or had witnessed. The medical profession, unaware of the reasoning behind these symptoms, was inadequate to assist most of the victims, with their pain and suffering usually being drawn out. Readers will question what was going through the husband poisoners' minds as they continued to add thallium to tea, food, even lollies, and watched their family members slowly deteriorate. The book follows the police and the detectives responsible for investigating the deaths, and the dangerous threat that thallium posed to the public. As a fun addition throughout the book, at the end of many chapters, recipes that were popular at the time are included.
Themes Non-Fiction, True Crime, Australian History, Post WWII Sydney, Poisoning, Thallium, Medical History.
Fans of Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone series and Six of Crows duology will welcome King of Scars, (Locus Award Nominee for Best Young Adult Book (2020), Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction (2019). Set in the Grisha world, Nikolai is now king and works desperately to keep his enemies away from his weakened country. Zoya, who is his General, assists him ably, and when the dark magic in him grows to difficult proportions, he travels to the magical places in Ravka in search of a cure. Meanwhile, Nina, who the reader may have met in the Six of Crows stories, is facing her own problems as she embarks on a spying trip for King Nikolai, finding and recruiting Grisha fugitives.
Told in three voices, Nikolai, Zoya and Nina, this story of intrigue, dark magic and adventure draws the reader in. The book was very difficult to put down once I started reading about their quests, although some familiarity with previous books would probably be helpful. However, each of the characters are well drawn and it is easy to empathise with them as they face difficult challenges.
With the Shadow and Bone Netflix production available, there is no doubt that readers will want to pick up all Bardugo’s books and will look forward to Rules of Wolves the next in this duology.
Themes Fantasy, Quest, Magic, Good and evil, Rulers.
Pat Pledger
The internot by Josh Lawson. Illus. by Sofya Karmazina
The Internot is an entertaining rhyming story focusing on children and the world of technology. Written by award-winning director, Oscar nominated screen writer and actor Josh Lawson, this book tells the story of young Lizzy who is addicted to her screen time on multiple devices. Lizzy refuses to listen to her worried parents and even the offer of a pet does not tempt her. Then one day the Internet crashes and Lizzie is fraught with angst. She does not know what to do. She goes outside to try to find the problem, discovers a kitten who follows her around and meets a neighbour called Matt. He is reading a book and tells Lizzy all about it and hooks her in. So much so that she forgoes her devices once the Internet is reconnected.
The illustrations by Sydney-based book designer Sofya Karmazina are bright, colourful and appealing and she has cleverly captured the emotions Lizzy is feeling throughout the story. This book will be an enjoyable read-aloud for all age groups.
Themes Rhyme, Internet, Devices, Reading, New Friends, Humour.
Lauren Tobia is an experienced English illustrator who brings us her first solo effort in this wordless picture book.
Oscar has arrived to stay at his Nana’s place while his mum must go away for a little while.Nana lives in a tower block and although he loves it there, he really misses his mum.To pass the time Nana decides to harness Oscar’s interest in gardening and they plant lots and lots of seeds.The best part of the story is what he decides to do with them when the plants start to overtake Nana’s flat.
This heartwarming story is presented in a mixture of full page and small panel illustrations in which Laura shows us the story of Oscar’s remarkably successful gardening efforts.The illustrations are colourful and the detailed vignettes convey all the emotions and activities that make this book one that can be “read” again and again.Talking and noticing are an essential part of learning to read so wordless picture books are an important contribution as they provide a fantastic medium for adults and children to talk and make stories come to life.
A Ruth Galloway mystery is always a treat to read. In The woman in blue Ruth’s friend Cathbad sees what he believes is a vision of the Virgin Mary, a woman in a blue cloak standing in the cemetery. The next day a woman wrapped in blue is found dead. Ruth’s friend Hilary, an Anglican priest, has been receiving poisonous letters and Ruth believes that the two incidents may be related.
The setting of this novel is intriguing. The medieval town of Little Walsingham is a centre for pilgrims and a Good Friday Passion Play. It is also the place where a group of female Anglican priests, including Hilary, have come to a conference about training to be a bishop. The town and its architecture, churches, cemetery and religious activities are so skilfully described that I felt that I was there, and indeed would love to visit the real town.
Griffiths deftly weaves murder against a background of religious beliefs, opposition to women priests in the Anglican world, jealousy and the familiar interplay between DCI Nelson and Ruth to make a very easy to read, stimulating mystery. Fans of mysteries would perhaps be better introduced to Ruth Galloway in her early books, especially book 1, The crossing places, but after that it is not difficult to read them up out of order.
Lured in by a big friendly red dinosaur on the cover, being chased by a small girl on a scooter, children will be sure to enjoy this rollicking tale of a dinosaur who stole Granny and ran away with her. Told in fabulous rhyming language and with the refrain of 'Stop that dinosaur!', this book begs to be read aloud and is sure to have children chanting the refrain over and over. The little girl is frantic, desperate to rescue her Granny. She chases the dinosaur down the street, across the playground, through the long grass and into the wood, all the time calling out 'Stop that dinosaur!’ When she trips and falls over, crying noisily for her gran, the dinosaur relents, saying that he really wants a gran of his own to look after him. Children will have fun predicting what the little girl and her gran will do in answer to the dinosaur’s pleas.
The illustrations are bright and eye-catching. Cort perfectly captures the fear on the little girl’s face as her Gran is kidnapped, and the determination that she has as she chases after the dinosaur. Gran looks like a modern grandmother, wearing a striped skirt with her hair cut in a bob, while her face shows the love and kindness that is part of her personality. The dinosaur, coloured in vivid red, is a real character too, and kids will identify with his need for someone to help his loneliness.
Themes of love, resilience, stealing, and acceptance are woven throughout and could lead to some interesting discussions. But it is the humour, great rhythm and gorgeous pictures that will win the reader over and make it a story that could well become one that is read over and over again.
Allen & Unwin, 2021. ISBN: 9781760526825. (Age:12-17) Recommended.
Mini does not know much about planning an Indian wedding. In fact, she does not know anything at all. But she is determined that her big sister Vinnie will have the big Bollywood wedding her mum would have wanted. Neither Vinnie nor their father have the time or resources to help so Mini is on her own, determined to deliver a perfect day. With less than two months to go, Mini has no time for distractions or complications, particularly those that come in the form of the good looking and mysterious Vir, who has an uncanny ability to appear whenever Mini is in need of help.
Sister of the Bollywood Bride is a fun and light-hearted read for young adults. Mini is an extremely likeable and sympathetic character and an unusual lead for a young adult romance. It is refreshing to read a story highlighting a first generation immigrant Indian family in the United States. While the premise of the novel – a teenager organising an elaborate wedding almost singlehandedly – may be a little implausible, it is an interesting focus around which to showcase Indian culture and traditions.
Sister of the Bollywood is not a complicated read but Bajpai does touch on the continuing after effects of grief and what that can do to family relations. The novel is also a shining example of what can be achieved when communities rally around to help one of their own. The straightforward writing, appealing romance and climatic third act will ensure that this book is enjoyed by teenagers of all ages.
Themes Weddings, Indian Culture, Family, Romance, Community, Grief.
You're the best Mum is a joyous book. Part of the internationally best selling series featuring Little Wombat, You're the best Mum!, like the rest of the series, exudes warmth in the rhythmic pace and soft watercolour illustrations. Little Wombat is full of open delight and his experiences with his mum are all about security as she takes him everywhere to experience and learn about the world.
In every illustration, Little Wombat displays open hearted joy and delight. His mother is always with him as a very physical presence. The typesetting comprises two large and fun fonts which catapult about the book matching the swirling fun of the action of the story as Little Wombat swings in the air, dances in the rain and learns to love "... all the living things."
Children will enjoy finding new things in every picture so You're the best Mum will withstand multiple rereadings. It's happiness provoking and the experience of having this read by a loved one will ensure that this book will be requested again and again.
In the Australian context, I'm not sure that a wombat is seen often in the snow and Halloween is an introduced American custom - not really Australian. However, perhaps this is forgiven as it could be part of the whimsy of the story.
Gritty atmospheric texts like this one, really show up the inadequacies of plot summaries. On spec, the narrator, is a sensitive teenager and self-appointed carer to John, a returned soldier with PSTD. His father’s state of mind and skill set make John vulnerable to exploitation by a local underworld crime boss. In parallel, the boy’s underworld, is full of primeval symbolism, woodlands survival, food gardening and poetry - wonderfully ethereal imagery to accompany the active events.
Mol, the old stray, becomes the boy’s companion while John is incarcerated. Her loyalty and acceptance grounds the boy who is not mature enough to access more than a sense of the dangers surrounding his father’s predicaments – somewhat lulled by their shared dreams of an escape to the Scottish wilderness reunited as a happy family.
A dark and majestically illustrated novel in three parts, be assured it is encapsulated in the prefaced quote by John Steinbeck. “There is no other story. A man, after he has brushed off the dust and chips of life, will have left only the hard clean questions: was it good or was it evil?”
Part one introduces us to the traumatized, to nature, to love, to memory, to antiquity, and to good and evil. Part two reunites the boy with his father, fresh from prison, testing him, toughening him with a bogus hiking holiday. Lastly, Part 3 finds the pair truly destitute. John both decides to do a job for Toomey and changes his mind, as if orchestrating the only possible end to his own psychological torment.
The key to John’s struggles emerges in his nightmares concerning his platoon’s mascot, a boy who stepped on a mine in Afghanistan – memories his family are ill-qualified to help him salve. The narrator’s uncertain phase between childhood and maturity is reminiscent of Carol Joyce Oat’s cautionary tales, describing the natural confusion, half-truths, misjudgments and misinformation so cataclysmic for protagonists coming of age in stressful situations.
For narrative cadence, gothic visuals and strength of character, this illustrated hardback is the stuff of group study in schools. Shades of the psychological A Monster Calls might lead to film rights for some astute creative? On all levels this author definitely embraces Steinbeck’s grasp of the writer’s purpose – We were wolves has succeeded in “exposing our many grievous faults and failures, with dredging up to the light our dark and dangerous dreams for the purpose of improvement.”
The Bookshop Cat is a wonderfully told story of a gentle book-reading cat who does not quite fit into his busy working family. He says to his family who are always encouraging him to find a job . . . ‘With a book, I can go anywhere and be anything I want.’ And that is exactly what he does. He travels around the town and he eventually finds his perfect job as a bookshop cat. He and his young employer Violet set out to create a warm and inviting reading space. They tidy the shop, make new displays, order new books and soon the Children’s Bookshop becomes a busy and welcoming place. Unfortunately a huge rain storm causes a pipe to burst and flood both the store and the street. Sadly the shop is not visited for days after this. Violet has an idea to take the books and place them all over the town with a map leading back to the store. The family of cats all help as well and soon the shop is up and running again.
The illustrations by Cindy Wume are both vibrant and very appealing. This is a perfect story about the power of books and reading and would be ideal for all bookshops and libraries.
After the successful You can’t take an elephant on the bus (2015), You can’t let an elephant drive a digger (2018), and You can’t call an elephant in an emergency (2020) comes the equally hilarious expose of an elephant and other animals going on holiday. Kids will laugh out loud as they spy the elephant trying to grab the ice cream cone from the top of the ice cream van, or the surfing orangutan, the meerkats playing mini golf, the bison sitting on a very small boat in the English Channel shipping lane surrounded by rather large container ships, or even piranha fish in the backyard wading pool. Each illustration accompanies a verse outlining the plight of the holiday makers having to contend with a strange assortment of animals.
The very funny verses will attract children immediately, putting themselves in the place of the hapless holidaymakers, wondering what might happen when such an animal becomes part of their family holiday. Kids will love predicting the rhyming words, learn some of the verses to read with the adult, and join in with the merriment as the story unfolds. The illustrations will certainly delight as the ostrich tries to sit on a deck chair, the lion’s efforts at being a tour guide fall flat, the rhino finds camping a little messy and the albatross makes a bee line for candy floss.
Each illustration is intriguing, detailed and hilarious, adding to the humour of the book. And the last few pages where the animals group together, complaining that they only want to have fun, putting aside their attempts at a family holiday where after all, they can enjoy all the fun of a fair, signals the next outing of this hilarious story. Can’t wait!
Themes Animals, Holidays, Humour.
Fran Knight
Little Days Out: At the shops by Sally Garland illus.
Catch a Star, 2021. ISBN: 9781922326256. (Age:1+)
Young children will recognise the familiar trip to the supermarket and have fun identifying the different food that can be purchased there. In this brightly coloured lift-the-flap book, Mum gets ready to take her two children to do the shopping. She decides to carry the baby. Children lifting the flap will discover that a little girl is coming too, riding on her scooter. After a walk, the supermarket’s sliding doors will open to reveal the interior. Baby is put in the shopping trolley and opening the flaps the reader will discover that the little girl wants bananas to eat in the fruit section. More shopping for vegetables, freshly baked bread and finally a treat follows.
Toddlers will enjoy this book and will easily recognise the things that are put in the trolley. Their vocabulary will increase as they point out things that they don’t recognise and learn new words and ideas about healthy eating. The book is very sturdy and the lift-the-flaps will last the heavy use of eager little fingers opening and shutting them.
The little family is shown as a loving one with happy faces on the mother and her children and it is obvious from the illustrations that shopping is a pleasant adventure for this family. Bright colours are used to illustrate the different types of food and will draw the reader’s attention. The prose is sparse, just right for young children who are listening and easy to remember for older children who might want to memorise the text.
