LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts at Christmas by Elizabeth Dowsett
Dorling Kindersley, 2021. ISBN: 9780241469392.
Next year, 2022, celebrates the 25th anniversary of the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and I can still remember receiving a copy and thinking, "Who will read a book with that title." At the time, I was a member of the UK School Libraries Network and suddenly the chatter started, led by someone who generally annoyed me, but this time I was so grateful I read what he had to say! It started a love affair with arguably the most enduring characters to have emerged in recent literature which has included many hours spent reading a genre I'm not in love with, and many dollars on the original merchandise - all of which my grandchildren would like left to them in my will!
So to have new things coming out all these years later is wonderful. In this book, we are introduced to Harry's first Christmas at Hogwarts, exploring and sharing his excitement at what is effectively his first real Christmas ever. Illustrated with figurines and models made from Lego and including a Harry Potter figurine to use, we get to know the main characters and share their Christmas with them. While it is not a building guide, there are lots of opportunities to be inspired by things to make to build new or re-create familiar scenes and objects.
This is the 16th book in the bestselling Wimpy Kid series, which chronicles the humorous musings of middle-grader Greg. This one is obviously perfect for existing Wimpy Kid fans but particularly for any kid who's ever been a terrible player on a terrible sports team. Greg already knows he's hopeless at sport and his previous experiences with team sport have convinced him that he's just there to make the other players look good. But despite everything, he isn't ready to give up on sports just yet. When he somehow ends up on a basketball team filled with all the kids who weren't picked for the real basketball team he finds himself somehow still the worst of the worst. Is there any hope for a win? The funny twist that comes right at the end is out of left field and will leave readers chuckling.
The humour in this comes from the naivety of Greg and his attempts to make sense of the madness of the world around him. His outings to the gym and a football game with his father are comical, as are his mum's attempts to teach him about misleading food labels and advertising. As with some of the other books in the series there are some references to physical violence and verbal insults so best suited to a slightly older audience than many other illustrated chapter books. There are, however, some positive messages about extreme perseverance and teamwork. Overall, Big Shot is relatable, fun and super readable: another fantastic addition to the Wimpy Kid series.
Themes Team Sports, Basketball, Humourous Stories.
Nicole Nelson
The Great Book-Swapping Machine by Emma Allen and Lisa Coutts
Late one night, a thing appears in the paddock next to Fabio's house, way out in the outback where people just drove past without stopping.
His dad calls it 'space junk' and rang the Space Agency to come to take it away. But Fabio figures it is more than just junk and when he opens the hatch and climbs inside he discovers books. Books about the galaxy; big, fat books; books full of poems. On the pilot's seat is a book called A Daydreamer's Guide to the Galaxy and he can't resist taking it home, staying up late into the night reading and learning. Next morning he feels he is ready to fly but when he pulls the big red lever, nothing happens and he throws the book out in disgust. The next morning it is gone - but not too far. The girl from next door is reading it and she hands him one of her books. It is the first of many swaps made among all sorts of people, all of whom have to band together to stop the persistent people from the Space Agency from taking the "space junk" away.
This is one of the most enjoyable stories I've read and reviewed this year - but then, given its focus, that's hardly surprising. With its funny, original and imaginative story, whimsical illustrations and an informative fact section, it's a book about the joys of reading and the importance of community, both of which are dear to my heart. While the usual fact pages at the back of any NLA publication give information about the National Library itself ( a familiar, favourite stomping ground for me) and little street libraries it opens the door to investigating the many different libraries in the world such as The Library of Ashurbanipal, the oldest known in the world, to the packhorse librarians of the Appalachians to their local children's library and all stops in between.
I adore stories that send me down rabbit holes of discovery and this one has all the elements to do just that. Listen to the author speaking about the book here.
Themes Books and reading, Community life.
Barbara Braxton
Ho ho ho! by Kathy Creamer
Little Pink Dog Books, 2021. ISBN: 9780648652885. (Age:4-7)
This is a festive (almost) wordless graphic picture book with a unique twist at the end. The illustrations follow Santa as he loads up his sleigh and heads up into the skies. 'No chimney', he thinks as he looks at a little house in a snowy winter landscape. So through the front door he goes, finally finding little Lily fast asleep in bed. Or is she asleep? Hearing Santa's 'ho, ho, ho' as he leaves, Lily runs outside to greet him. But then something strange starts happening: a shiny blade is slicing throught the snowy ground. The reader is left a bit confused until all is revealed on the last pages; the story is taking place on a Christmas cake which is being cut into by a happy family.
This is an interesting tale which will amuse Christmas lovers, simply by the fact that it features Santa and lots of shiny presents. It might require a little explanation for younger readers though, as it is somewhat difficult to understand what is happening and how the two worlds of the story fit together (the world on the cake and the real world). The illustrations are simple but fun and filled with energy.
Gustavo is a ghost. He is good at doing all sorts of paranormal things, like walking through walls, making objects fly and glowing in the dark. And he loves playing beautiful music on his violin. But Gustavo also has a problem. He is SHY. Which means some things are harder for him to do, like getting in a line to buy eye-scream or talking to the other monsters. But Gustavo longs to be a part of something, he longs to be seen. More than anything, he wants to make a friend. So, plucking up all his courage, he sends a very special letter: "Dear Monsters, I would like to invite you to my violin concert at the Day of the Dead party."
But will anybody come?
This is a most delightful, award-winning story that will resonate with so many who find their shyness crippling, to the point that it really impacts their life and stifles their dreams. Based on the creator's own childhood, it offers hope to those who would really like to make a friend by encouraging them to discover their strengths and passions, play to them and share them. Even for those who are not as shy as Gustavo, a lack of confidence in who we are can prevent us from making the most of the situations that present themselves, and this has been quite noticeable after months of having to be at home without the physical contact of our friends. So sharing Gustavo's story, considering the worst that might happen in a situation and then suggesting strategies that could be used if it does can be a starting point to taking that first step. If Gustavo can find a way, our children can.
One to share with all our students as the social season really starts to take off, and even if it's making the first move to make a new friend in the caravan park at the beach, it will open up new horizons.
This is book two of The Odds trilogy and follows on immediately from the first instalment. Book one introduced us to quiet Kip and her graphic-novel-writing dad who woke to find ten imaginary characters had come to life in their apartment.
Now those characters are causing chaos - the apartment is too small and too noisy; the neighbours are complaining, and Kip's dad can't concentrate on his work. And just when things seem bad, they get even worse when a mysterious Woman in a Suit turns up asking questions.
Kip's dad decides they need a change of scenery and bundles everyone into his car, heading off to a quiet cabin in the woods. As you might expect with so many different personalities all crowded together, there are disagreements and misunderstandings.
The character development and lessons learnt during this book are explicit (there is nothing subtle about them) but are the absolute standout.
All the relationships between characters improve, thanks to discussions about recognising and valuing differences, and about making time for each other. Kip realises that she shares emotions and qualities with all the Odds – bravery, fearfulness, wonder, worry, etc – and that this exact mix is what makes her special and her imagination powerful.
And she realises that to face fears you need to stop running away from them. The book ends ‘to be continued’ as Kip is readying herself and all the Odds to face a new unknown. They all look toward this confidently, holding hands in a row and knowing they can do anything together.
Darwin, 1967, is a harsh and unforgiving place. The men are hard, rough, heavy drinkers, while the women wait at home. Still is set before the time of Cyclone Tracy, and Nable provides a vivid description of the stifling heat and the stillness that might come before such a storm, with people living on the edge of violence. It is a story of police corruption, entrenched racism and brutality, and it slowly builds in tension as bodies are discovered, but are too readily dealt with by a disinterested police force.
Ned is a good but flawed man. He is a Senior Constable trained in detective work, and he wants to investigate but finds himself drawn again and again into the heavy drinking culture that pervades the place, until a decisive moment when he has to decide how much he values his relationship with his young wife and baby daughter.
Charlotte, the unhappy wife of a rodeo rider come fire-serviceman, also becomes enmeshed in the mystery. Ned and Charlotte are two characters living separate lives, and with separate problems, but each has a part to play in solving the crimes. It is a slow burning story; the tension is drawn out until the end. The threads are all there, and they all come together neatly at the end, but the real interest lies in the characters of Ned and Charlotte, two very ordinary unheroic people, or people for whom heroism is in the small things.
Complex characters, an extreme environment, and disturbing crimes, all make for an engrossing detective story.
The mosque as both a place and the way of life it represents plays such a significant role in the lives of so many of our students that this book that explores how it is used by families, friends and communities for worship, learning, eating, helping each other and playing will be welcomed by many. For not only does it reflect the lives of so many - and we know the power of reading about ourselves in books - but it also demystifies the building and what happens within for those who are unfamiliar.
Based on the author's visits to many mosques around the world, it shows both similarities and differences and how through these there is unification overall. Illustrated by the artist behind The Proudest Blue the reader is taken inside a place that radiates peace and love and the simple commentary of what happens explains much.
An important addition to the collection of any library that serves the followers of this faith, as well as others as we try to break down the walls by offering insight and understanding.
Author and illustrator Phillip Marsden begins his latest book with a message as to the story behind its publication. He was watching the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and was amazed at the talent of the female athletes but also their personality and efforts outside their chosen sport. This led him to think more broadly, and this thoughtful compilation is a great reference book for young readers. The athletes are in alphabetical order using their first name and each have a full page of their own. The graphic style image of the athlete is placed in front of their national flag and above this is an inspiring quote from them. Below the image is a paragraph giving more information about them, their life work and their sport. The Australian athletes presented are Ariarne Titmus, Ash Barty, Ellyse Perry, Jess Fox, Kaylee McKeown, Madison De Rozario, Sam Kerr, Stephanie Gilmour, Taliqua Clancy and Mariafe Artacho Del Solar. Interspersed amongst the Australians are athletes from around the world including Simone Biles from the USA, Jade Jones from Britain, Elaine Thompson-Herah from Jamaica and Lisa Carrington from New Zealand as well as many others. There are athletes who have represented their countries in the Para Olympics, basketball, tennis, fencing and some of the youngest athletes to compete including 13-year-old Japanese skateboarder Momiji Noshiya. The last athlete is Yusra Mardini who does not have a national flag as she is a voice for refugees all over the world. Her story is quite amazing.
This is a very timely publication with the recent Olympics being fresh in children’s minds. A worthwhile resource for home, school and public library.
Themes Females, Role Models, Sport, Sporting Heroes.
This is book one of a new series by the comedy-writing duo behind the award-winning children's TV show, Hardball. It is highly illustrated and packed full of over-the-top silliness and groan-out-loud grossness, including a principal called Phaart who drinks her own wart-pus smoothies .. eww!!
It is the day of the school sports carnival and animal friends Eddie, Mabel and Princeton are determined to beat cheater Echo this year. They support each other in a series of unlikely sporting events and are encouraged by the not-so-lofty aim of coming in second last, rather than last.
The story moves fast and has a host of characters to meet. As there is a lot going on, younger children may enjoy having this read to them or alongside them (if parents can handle the grossness!) while readers from around 8+ could be let loose on their own to enjoy.
With such a silly story I was pleasantly surprised to find that a moral was snuck in towards the end – a pep-talk given to one of the animals about there being no need to be the fastest, most fearless, or fittest but that the main thing was just having each other’s backs and being a team. After that it really doesn’t matter who wins!
The cover title is neon-pink and very appealing for young readers; the text inside includes an abundance of large bold fonts for actions and emphasis, and the story is generously supported by heaps of zany greyscale illustrations. The back of this book contains an epilogue titled ‘the bit after the end ends’ which neatly wraps up the story while including a book two teaser.
Pan Macmillan Australia, 2021. ISBN: 9781760987800. (Age:3-6)
Based on a popular television show featuring a cast of Aussie animals training to be lifeguards, these board books of the same name will be appreciated by fans of the series. Gemma, Pounce, Neville and Frizzy are facing big waves and learning how to dive under them. Pounce is scared but he is too proud to admit it. 'I've dived under so many waves before, it's easy-peasy', he says. His friends are open with their emotions and their struggles, providing for easy comparison between the two different approaches to fear. 'I keep getting dunked', says Neville, asking Pounce to show them how it's done. Pounce keeps up the pretence that he knows exactly what to do, but when Gherkinn gets into trouble with a big wave and Pounce struggles to help him, his cover is blown. 'I thought you were confident in the waves', says Big Trev. 'I was pretending to be', says Pounce, finally admitting his fear and accepting Big Trev's help.
Perfect for the summer and for initiating discussions about the dangers of the beach, Brave the Waves encourages children to be open and honest about their feelings and emphasises that asking for help and admitting fear is the best way to overcome it. Big Trev even admits that he used to be scared of the big waves, showing that confidence is not innate but comes with practice and having a go.
Beach Buddies colouring book and Fun in the Sun sticker activity book are also available.
Themes Bravery, Swimming, Water Safety, Board book.
Nicole Nelson
I wish I had a wookiee and other poems for our galaxy by Ian Doescher
Young fans of Star Wars will love this newly published book of poems. It is cleverly written and explores all aspects of this much-loved movie phenomena related to everyday life. The poems are all about children who interact with numerous characters, objects and settings. For example, the following poem is titled ‘Star Barber’:
In the Star Wars galaxy, When a barber cuts your hair, Does she use a razor with A little lightsaber in there?
Some of the poems encourage children to be or do their best like the one called ‘Role Model’ where young Sophie wants to be like Mon Mothma and knows she will have to work hard at it. The poem named ‘The Fetts’ has a message about good and evil and mentions that Jango and Boba may not be all that bad and ‘sometimes they must have just been a kid and his dad.’ Another poem with a thoughtful message is the lovely, ‘A Galaxy of Families’ where the final verse says:
All families don’t look the same. What types can you think of? The galaxy has many kinds- Their common theme is love.
The illustrations by Tim Budgeon are beautifully drawn in tones of black and grey with a single pop of colour. This book would make a perfect Christmas gift for Star Wars obsessed children and is a brilliantly creative way of encouraging younger readers to read poetry.
Wow! This is a book that is hard to put down! When Ivy, Mateo and Cal meet in the high school car park one morning they decide that it is a perfect day to skip school. Although they were no longer friends, they had had 'The Best Day Ever' when they had left a boring excursion when they were in middle school, and all had reasons to want another best day ever. On their way downtown they spot Boney Mahoney who is also truanting and almost witness his murder in an empty apartment building. The day turns out to be a disaster. They must evade the police, a witness claims to have seen a blond woman leaving the apartment, wild speculations that it is Ivy come from classmates and all three have secrets to hide. Why was Boney killed and who is the murderer?
McManus is an excellent writer of mysteries and thrillers. The pacing is fast and keeps the reader on the edge of the seat as one twist follows another. Fans of her previous books, One of us is lying,Two can keep a secret,One of us is next and Cousins will be queuing up to read this compulsive thriller. I could not put it down and read it in a couple of sittings.
But it is not just the plot that makes this a compulsive read. The characters are well drawn and easy to relate to. The story is told in the alternate voices of Ivy, Mateo and Cal and their background difficulties become evident through the narrative. All three have problems. Ivy is a high achiever who is very jealous of her talented brother. Mateo is working three jobs to help pay for his mother’s medical expenses while Cal is facing the results of a disastrous relationship. They are all keeping secrets from each other, all of which could lead them into danger.
Readers who enjoy this may want to watch the 1986 classic movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Other books that will appeal are The Inheritance games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes and A good girl’s guide to murder by Holly Jackson.
Themes Murder, Jealousy, Poverty, Relationships.
Pat Pledger
If not us by Mark Smith
Text Publishing, 2021. ISBN: 9781922330796. (Age:14+) Highly recommended.
Hesse and his widowed mother live in the small Victorian coastal town of Shelbourne. He loves to surf, taking every opportunity to do so, despite his mother’s misgivings after her husband’s disappearance at sea. Towering over the town is the coal mine and smelter, the smoke often noticeable in the fresh sea air, the mine offering work to many of the town’s inhabitants and sealing its place by supporting local clubs and community events.
But some, including Hesse’s mother, Imogen are unhappy with its pollution. And with uncertainty about the future of coal, the mine is not doing as well as it once was, and is up for sale. A group forms to rally against the mine, meeting at Hesse’s place and he becomes involved listening to the talk in his lounge room. An exchange student from The Netherlands, Fenna, comes to the town, surprised to see a coal mine still in operation. Fenna sees it all from a European perspective, making Hesse question things he has taken for granted.
With the title, If Not Us, take from a statement by John F. Kennedy, printed with a statement by activist Greta Thurnberg in the front of the book, the major theme shines through as the political aims of Hesse’s group clash with those of the mine and its supporters. Hesse’s speech at the forum ignites passions, Hesse thrust into the gaze of the world when his speech and its support goes viral. But with the accolades from those supporting Hesse and the action group come the trolls and detractors, one of whom holds Hesse and Fenna in his spotlight before firing a warning shot.
A tightly packed thriller of a read, the story leads itself to a wide range of eager teen readers: those who applaud action taken over climate change, those interested in how opposition groups work, many following the love story between the two main characters, while the presence of the coal mine at Shelbourne parallels the issue holding Australia back from confronting climate change with conviction. If Not Us is a triumphant look at modern Australia, its prevarication, the fence sitting, the divide between those who think coal has a future and those who question its production. The book focuses on questions about people’s loyalties and convictions, and would be an ideal vehicle to encourage discussion and thought with secondary students and readers.
Smith’s Winter trilogy has similar issues close to its heart, with a group of teens surviving after climate change destroys the life they once knew.
Smith is an able writer for teens, encouraging them to think outside the square, to participate in issues that matter, leading them to question the platitudes of those with power. Teacher's notes are available.
Themes Climate change, Activism, Coal power stations, Conservation, Environment.
Fran Knight
The last kids on Earth and the Doomsday race by Max Brallier. Illus. by Douglas Holgate
Full disclosure: I was delaying reading this book as it is book seven of a series I had not seen or heard of before. Then my 12-year-old son spotted it in my review pile and excitedly told me about the fantastic cartoon Netflix series, before promptly stealing the book.
I stole it back from his bedside table and was immediately hooked. Yes, there are some things that, without any background story, don’t completely make sense to start with, but the characters are engaging and funny, and the story and relationships unfold neatly so that more information and context are revealed along the way.
13-year-old Jack Sullivan is living in a world populated with monsters and zombies. He and three friends (Quint, June and Dirk) are a monster-fighting gang, each with special skills and powers to aid in the cause. Jack can control zombies, so his zombie squad of Alfred, Lefty and Glurm are also along for the ride. The gang are having a short break after a victory at the end of the previous book, where they survived a skeleton army and escaped with an unusual slime-producing creature they’ve named Drooler. They are planning to find Thrull (the main monster antagonist) and save the world.
This book starts with a massive centipede-type monster hoovering up the gang during their break and depositing them into a mega shopping mall which is already inside of it. The mall is packed full of peaceful monsters who are ruled by The Grand Protector. It turns out Jack’s gang have met The Grand Protector before, and they are suspicious of his motives to protect and watch over all these monsters.
Jack’s gang work well, supporting each other and solving problems together. They are almost like siblings, teasing and joking one minute then ferociously defending one another the next. And the defence is absolutely necessary, with several long fight scenes described in detail - I can easily imagine the TV cartoon!
This is a highly illustrated novel where the detailed grayscale pictures are an integral part of the story. A very entertaining and humorous read.
