Reviews

Sabriel by Garth Nix

The handsome cover of the hard back 25th anniversary edition of the award-winning Sabriel (Aurealis Award) enticed me to re-read this classic fantasy, and from then I had to re-read the whole Old Kingdom series, despite having a tottering tower of books to be read. Sabriel is a young woman spending her last year at boarding school in Ancelstierre, when she feels that her father is in danger and knows she must go back to the Old Kingdom in search of him. Her father is the Abhorsen and has the power to lay to rest the Dead. She is the Abhorsen-in-Waiting, beginning her training with bells and magical sword to one day take over the onerous duties of her father. Arriving in the magical kingdom Sabriel’s quest leads her and her companions into danger as she follows the trail of broken Charter Stones and a very evil enemy.

Nix’s world building is wonderful. The contrast between Ancelstierre and the Old Kingdom is vividly described. When Sabriel ventures into Death, I held my breath at the danger she faces in this strange place, while the Dead creatures are very frightening. Not only is the world unique, the use of magic is also original. Seven bells can control the Dead, and each has a distinct personality and the idea of Charter magic, with all its shining marks, is fascinating.

There is adventure galore, but Sabriel is a heroine who doesn’t rush into danger thoughtlessly. She has self-doubts, but it is her determination and courage that keeps her on her quest to find her father and defend the Old Kingdom. The companions that she gathers along the way include Touchstone, the young prince that she awakens and Mogget, an ancient spirit forced to live as a cat. These are fully realised characters while Kerrigor is a frightening villain. Mogget’s wry asides and clever says bring some light relief when events are dark and threatening.

 This is fantasy at its best and The Old Kingdom is a series that should be in every library.

Themes Fantasy, Good and evil, Quests, Magic.

Pat Pledger

Lirael by Garth Nix

Winner of the Ditmar Award for Achievement in Australian Science Fiction and the Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novel, Lirael takes the reader back to The Old Kingdom, this time to the glacier, the home of the Clayr. Lirael is a misfit, her father is unknown, and her mother left her when she was very young. Unlike the rest of the Clayr, she doesn’t have the Sight, and she is lonely and downcast. When she is given a job in the Great Library and meets the Disreputable Dog, her life begins to improve as she learns some of the secrets of the Clayr. Meanwhile Prince Sameth, Sabriel and Touchstone’s son, is reluctant to take on the job of Abhorsen-in-Waiting, although evil is stirring in the land. The fate of both Lirael and Sameth is linked as an ancient and powerful evil arises on the borders of the Old Kingdom and Ancelstierre forcing them to work together and overcome their self-doubts.

Lirael is a wonderful character. It is very easy to empathize with her as she struggles to belong to the Clayr, desperately wishing to gain the gift of Sight, and often so despondent that she contemplates suicide. With help of the Disreputable Dog, a fabulous magical creature, she finally gains the confidence to use the skills that she has been given. Meanwhile Sameth is very troubled and although he knows he should be learning how to be the Abhorsen, cannot bring himself to open the Book of the Dead and it is not until he meets Lirael that he finds the courage to use his own skills of Charter Magic. And of course, Mogget, that wonderful cat creature, features with his dry wit and uncanny knowledge

There is action aplenty and some mind-blowing moments as the evil tries to take over the land. A cliff hanger conclusion ensures that the next in the series, Abhorsen, will be picked up immediately.

Themes Fantasy, Good and evil, Quests, Magic.

Pat Pledger

It's owl good by Renee Treml

This first installment in the new series The Super Adventures of Ollie and Bea is a perfect introduction to the graphic novel format for young readers. It will appeal to fans of the Duck, Duck, Porcupine series by Salina Yoon, the Elephant and Piggie series and Renee Treml's other graphic series, Sherlock Bones.

Ollie is an owl who wears glasses. Bea is a bunny with very big feet. This first book in the series shows how Ollie and Bea become friends and how they help each other find their super power. Ollie knows that all owls are supposed to have great eyesight... so why does he need to wear glasses? He can't be Super Owl with them on can he? And Bea's big feet can't be a super power can they? They are only good for tripping people over, and that's only good if you are a bad guy. Can Ollie, Bea and their new friends help to solve the mystery of the missing super powers? Children will love the humour injected into each page (e.g., Ollie mistaking Bea for a kangaroo) and the fun, fast-paced dialogue. Renee Treml's (Sleep tight, Platypup) full-colour illustrations are crisp and clear with a superb focus on the changing emotions of Ollie and Bea. 

This is such a fun and fast-paced read that reminds readers that our differences are what make us unique and to embrace our bodies and abilities with pride and humour. There is also a nice undertone about maintaining a positive attitude and sense of self rather than relying on others to lift us up - a crucial message for young people in today's world. 

Themes Friendship, Super powers, Graphic novel.

Nicole Nelson

The house at the edge of magic by Amy Sparkes

I am always skeptical when a book likens an author to Diana Wynne Jones, however in this case I think it is justified and I loved this book.  I have already recommended it to several people as it is well written with the magical element sitting so well within the real world and characters who are believable and mostly likeable. 

The story follows Nine who is an orphan pickpocket who dreams of escaping from the Nest of a Thousand Treasures.  When she steals a strange tiny house from a lady's purse it sets off an adventure like no other.  Nine is a feisty self-reliant girl who only helps if there is something in it for her, she refuses to say sorry or thank you and has learnt to never show weakness of any kind.  The House she steals is magical and inside are trapped an oddment of characters that only Nine can help.  Flabberghast is a young wizard who lives in the house and is unable to leave, along with the other house inhabitants they have been trapped in the cursed house with a toilet that moves, a tea cupboard that won’t open and a garden they can’t access.  As the story develops, Nine and the other characters must work together to solve the riddle to break the curse on the house.

I loved this book as it really appealed to the sense of fun; Amy Sparkes has created a story that is wildly imaginative and will appeal to a wide audience.  This is a book that could be used as a read aloud or read along class novel but either way it will be a book that is enjoyed by the reader, with the sequel being much anticipated.

Themes Magic, Sibling rivalry, Orphans, Curses.

Mhairi Alcorn

A song of flight by Juliet Marillier

Marillier brings her fantasy trilogy to a very satisfying and compelling conclusion in A song of flight. Prince Aolu of Dalriada has been abducted, his friend and guard Galen left seriously injured. The Swan Island warriors are asked to investigate, but because Galen is Liobhan’s brother, it is felt that she is too personally involved, and she is initially left behind when the search begins. Meanwhile times are very difficult for Brocc because of his involvement in the secrets of the Crow Folk and he and his young daughter set off on a difficult and dangerous journey. It gradually becomes apparent that the disappearance of Prince Aolu’s and the use of the Crow Folk to attack people are connected and Liobhan, Brocc and Dau must each play a role in solving the mysteries.

The most memorable part of A song of flight for me was the path that Brocc takes in his efforts to understand the Crow Folk. There are some unexpected twists in his story that had me holding my breath in fear for him. He is determined to communicate with them and believes that they are not all evil, but his efforts lead to disaster, and he puts his young daughter and himself in great danger. Liobhan and Dau both prove their bravery and intelligence in their separate quests and Marillier’s fans will be very happy to meet Blackthorn and Grim again.

All the threads from the previous two books, The harp of kings and Dance with fate have been brought together in a stunning conclusion. The descriptive prose is beautiful and the world building wonderful. This is a series that I will be returning to reread and one that fans of fantasy will not want to miss. And readers new to the fantasy genre and who like a touch of romance, a Celtic setting and memorable characters may find a series to love.

Themes Fantasy, Good and evil.

Pat Pledger

Pow Pow Pig: An Unexpected Hero by Anh Do

This brand new series by Anh Do packs an almighty punch and is sure to be a huge hit with children of all ages. Filled with action, humour and adventure, Pow Pow Pig and his mates are engaging, fun characters within a well-thought out and fast-moving storyline.

The story is set in a dystopian 2050, when the world is dealing with the fallout from a terrible decision: the rich animals of the world voted to stop helping the poor. The rich animals are fighting for more, the poor animals are fighting to survive and the world is generally a mess. There are still some good animals around though and Pow Pow Pig wants to be one of them by joining CHOC (Creatures Helping Other Creatures). But how can he and his friends (Danielle Duck, Chelsea Chicken and Barry the Goat) change the world when they are always given clean up duty?! It isn't until something truly earth shattering happens that they get the chance to prove their skills on a time travelling mission. Can they change history and reverse the dire fate of the world? 

Fans of Anh Do's previous work (Weirdo and Ninja Kid) will be obvious fans but this will also appeal to a slightly younger audience as well as older readers who prefer shorter, illustrated texts. Generous spacing and small amounts of chunked text on each page make it friendly for newly independent readers as well as making a fantastic read aloud, especially due to the awesome action-packed illustrations (by Peter Cheong) on each page. This is so engaging, so readable and the cliffhanger will leave readers hanging out for the next installment. Give it to avid readers, give it to reluctant readers; it truly has universal appeal. The juxtaposition of the social problems occuring because of greed and a lack of humanitarianism alongside the teamwork and kindness of Pow Pow Pig and his friends is also a clever way to introduce these themes to young children. 

Themes Adventure stories, Time travel, Humourous stories.

Nicole Nelson

Seahorses are sold out by Katja Gehrmann and Constanze Spengler

Seahorses are sold out is a very humorous story that will appeal to younger readers. Mika’s very busy father works from home and does not have time to go on a trip to the lake as he has a deadline to meet. After trying to stay quiet and not interrupt him too often, Mika finally suggests that if her dad lets her get a pet, she would have company and not annoy him. Her father gives her his credit card and she happily purchases a mouse. Unfortunately the mouse goes missing so she next buys a puppy to sniff out the mouse. Then the puppy makes a mess in the bathroom so Mika buys a seal to help out. After spending time in the bathtub, Mika realises the mouse cannot swim so buys a penguin to teach it how to. Mika continually adds to her menagerie and when her dad finally finishes his work, he is most surprised to see the collection of animals. The ending is quite special and will be a surprise for the reader. Children will enjoy the humour, the fun that Mika has and the joy that owning a pet can bring.

Themes Families, Pets, Communication, Working from home.

Kathryn Beilby

Too much stuff by Emily Gravatt

Following on from the brilliant picture book Tidy, Too Much Stuff is set in the same forest but this time the main characters are Meg and Ash the Magpies who are trying to create the best nest for their family.  The nest starts off as a normal birds nest but when they discover a magazine ad lining their nest they become obsessed with adding “things” to their nest.  This results in the nest crashing to the ground and the eggs being misplaced.

This is a beautiful story about materialism and the inevitable overwhelming consequence of hoarding and collecting things.  As a read aloud it is wonderful as the rhyming text flows and the illustrations allow the young reader to engage with the story.  As a classroom book it will work well as it fun while still sharing the message and children will love looking through all the items the magpies collect. 

I would highly recommend this book to any reader.  I really enjoyed the subtly of the environmental message as it allows the book to be enjoyed without feeling like a lesson must be taught.  Emily Gravett’s humour and illustrations definitely make this a book to add to the library and it is wonderful that it continues the story and characters of Tidy.

Themes Environmental Issues, Sharing, Materialism, Rhyme.

Mhairi Alcorn

Underground : Marsupial Outlaws and Other Rebels of Australia's War in Vietnam by Mirranda Burton

At a time where the post-traumatic stress many Veterans of the Vietnam War suffer is becoming more well-known it is timely to reflect on the way the war was perceived at the time. In this beautifully illustrated graphic novel we are first introduced to wombats, great Australian diggers and survivors, then to the Artist Clifton Pugh, recently returned from WW2, who in 1952 with other artists, bought land on the edge of Melbourne and established an artist colony which became Dunmoochin. Soon Marlene Harvey moved in with him and began taking care of orphaned wildlife. It was a time where the communist threat was seen everywhere and one of the people concerned was their friend Jean Crosland whose Russian Jew mother had taught her to be wary about war and propaganda. In chapter two we are given a snapshot of Australia in 1965 and an explanation of conscription. Twice a year “voteless young men turning 20” had a one-in-ten chance of being selected for national service to go and assist the U.S. military fight communists in Vietnam. There is a particularly dramatic illustration on pages 18 and 19 of "… the death lottery” with two young men marching among skeletons with lottery balls as heads. Chapter three, Save our Sons, explores how Jean, Marlene and others started the women’s movement against conscription. As Australians watched the war on their TV’s every night opinion gradually shifted and the movement garnered increasing support as the war dragged on for years.

This 250 page book proceeds to look at the war from different perspectives including that of volunteer Bill Cantwell and Mai Ho, a Vietnamese refugee. The timeline shifts backwards and forwards keeping the narrative engaging. Always the stark black and white images leap from the page, often skilfully scratched into a blackness that adds drama and depth, while the wombat, Hooper Algernon Pugh who was allegedly conscripted in 1972, is a charming character and deserves his own children’s book. There are notes and references on all the chapters and biographical notes on the main characters, making this an important and accessible insight into the period. The recent release of Carolyn Collins book “Save our Sons: Women Dissent and Conscription During the Vietnam War” suggests that the time is right for such examinations of women’s roles in Australia.

Themes War, History, Resistance, Conscription, Refugees, Mental health, Women.

Sue Speck

Lego Fire Station: A Push, Pull and Slide Book by Lego Books

No young child who likes Lego could resist the push, pull, and slide features in this strong board book. Even before the book is opened, busy fingers will discover a bright yellow ring to pull and move the Fire Chief and fireman up and down on the front cover. Opening the book, the reader is instructed to sound the alarm to alert the crew, and by pulling out the yellow tab, the siren is sounded, and a helicopter is seen racing through the sky. On the next page, instructions are given to “load the kit, check the ladder, don’t forget the hose” and everyone hops on board the fire engine. A slide shows equipment and hose, while a pull-out tab asks how many firefighters can be found. The station door is  then pushed up, the engine is ready to go, and the helicopter is hovering above. The final double page spread shows all the firefighters going to save the day with a pull tab that kids will really enjoy, showing the engine speeding along, followed by a fire car, motorcycle, and truck, all with sirens going and lights flashing.

The text is minimal; it is the brightly coloured brick figures and objects that will keep the reader’s attention, while the illustrations revealed by the push, pull and slides provide lots of details to discuss. The reader will learn about a modern fire station in the city and no doubt will be interested in making a fire station of their own. Lego enthusiasts are sure to welcome this book and it would make a perfect gift.

Themes Fire stations, Firefighters, Lego.

Pat Pledger

Lego Building Site: A Push, Pull and Slide Book by Lego Books

Fans of diggers will immediately be captivated when they pull the yellow tab on the front cover and see the digger digging and emptying bricks. Turning the page all the things that you can see on a building site are brought to life with bright illustrations. There is a wrecking ball that can be pushed up and down to break down a wall, workers stride around in hard hats and the reader can search to find a flashing light. A tip truck has a load delivered to it by pushing a tab and a wheelbarrow is full of rubble. Children are asked to find the cones on this double page spread and will be fascinated by the worker breaking up cement. Getting a crane to lift red doors will be sure to intrigue, while a cement mixer churns away. Then searching for three spades will keep readers glued to the illustrations, noticing new things that are happening. The final double page spread shows the finished project – a school – with a tower and cheering children revealed by pulling a tab.

As well as having fun pulling, pushing, and sliding tabs, young children will learn all about the jobs that occur on a building site, and their vocabulary is sure to be improved as they identify all the equipment and the different workers. This is a very well-made strong book that will withstand many readings and would be a perfect gift for a toddler or fan of Lego.

Themes Building sites, Diggers, Cranes, Workers.

Pat Pledger

The woolly bear caterpillar by Julia Donaldson & Yuval Zommer

As the woolly bear caterpillar eats her way through the garden, particularly the dandelion leaves, she wonders what sort of moth she will become. When the gardener pulls up all the dandelions in her part of the green, she is forced to travel further and in doing so meets other caterpillars. The first she sees is a sycamore caterpillar, singing a song about how handsome she is. Rebuffed by her assertions that the woolly bear caterpillar will be plain and ordinary, she moves on and spies a red spotted caterpillar. He is also singing about how handsome he is, inviting people to look at his beauty. Woolly bear tells him that she too will soon be a moth and the red spotted moth tells her dismissively that she will be dull. And on it goes, the woolly bear caterpillar meeting caterpillars all convinced that they are the most beautiful.

But she feels the need to slow down, crawls under a leaf and begins to spin her cocoon. In the garden the others do the same thing, and the sycamore, puss and vapourer moths hatch from their cocoons to reveal a trio of very dull looking moths indeed. They flutter off to see how the woolly bear caterpillar is doing and are amazed to see her emerge as a bright, colourful beautiful moth, the queen of the air.

The vivacious illustrations will attract the readers, encouraging them to scan each page carefully, noting the range of things in the garden, the other animals, leaves and flowers, the gardener’s hand being the only intrusion from the world outside. I loved spying the different things illustrated, and the detailed observation of the ways of caterpillars and their brief lives.

Children will learn lots about caterpillars, and this information is reprised in a booklet in the back of the book, a non fiction summary of the life cycle of caterpillars and moths which will intrigue and educate young readers.

Themes Life cycles, Caterpillars, Moths, Garden.

Fran Knight

The world’s most pointless animals by Philip Bunting

The world’s most pointless animals written and illustrated by Philip Bunting is his latest release that readers will find filled with both comical and fascinating facts. The appealing cover of the book asks the question: 'The world’s most pointless animals. *or are they?' There is a detailed contents page with reference to more than seventy animals. Each creature discussed is drawn in a simple pastel true Philip Bunting style and is surrounded by handwritten labels that are both informative and amusing. As well as the labelled diagram of the animal there are segments of text with interesting and quirky facts to build upon the labelled information. Children will be able to find out some very unusual and possibly unknown facts such as the adult mayfly has no mouth, the male sugar glider gets a bald spot, or the parrotfish poops up to 400kg of sand per year. In Philip Bunting’s well-known humorous approach, he has crossed out the animal’s scientific name and replaced it with his own version. For example, the Guinea pig’s scientific name is Cavia Porcellus, but the author has called it Squeakius fuzzballi. For those children who are writing information reports this will be a perfect resource. While searching for information, the clever use of humour will engage the reader and encourage the successful completion of the report.

This highly entertaining book will be one which both adults and children will return to time and time again. A welcome addition to home, school or public library.

Themes Humour, Animals, Facts.

Kathryn Beilby

Ham Helsing: Vampire Hunter by Rick Moyer

The Helsing family of courageous, if not very clever, pigs have always been vampire hunters; so when Mud Canyon advertises for help with their vampire problem Ham answers the call.  The rats running the visitor centre (one of whom carries a thesaurus to enrich his vocabulary) are doubtful that mild mannered Ham is capable of killing a vampire but with no alternative they set out to find one. Soon they are confronted by a Lobos (werewolf), in dog form, which chases them before turning back into a child when darkness is dispelled. They can't leave a child alone so it joins the group. On the way to the vampire castle they meet Ronin a tree pig and Knuckles the bear who has also been engaged by the villagers to hunt the vampire. Ham wishes his brave brother Chad was there to help but like the rest of his family, adventurous Chad is thought to have died in a wingsuit accident. They face many bizarre challenges, like a mechanical armoured chicken and not everyone turns out to be what they seem.

This richly coloured, engaging cartoon book skilfully uses perspective to create a feeling of movement and place with lots of action to propel the story. There are funny visual jokes scattered through the pages and the story is interspersed with flashbacks to Ham’s family’s extreme exploits. The overall message that bravery and courage don’t mean absence of fear and that we achieve more with a group of friends makes this a satisfying read.

Themes Adventure, Friendship, Vampires.

Sue Speck

Paris takes over the world by Kyla May with Zanni Louise

This new series co-written by Zanni Louise features fabulous full-colour illustrations by Kyla May (Diary of a Pug, Lotus Lane series) and follows the travels of a young girl named Paris as she explores cities around the world. In this first installment of her travel diary, 10-year-old Paris is visiting her favourite city, Paris. While she is there, she meets a girl named Amelie who has lost her dog. To find the puppy Paris helps Amelie retrace her steps though the city, visiting many landmarks along the way, including the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Elysees and the Luxembourg Gardens. 

Paris is an appealing main character: she is happy go lucky, adventurous, kind and confident. Children will delight in her solo adventures around the big city with a chauffeur at her disposal and her constant need to stop for sweet treats. Maps, landmarks, and smatterings of French make this perfect for those learning French at school or wanting to know more about Paris itself, but it's a delightful story regardless and makes for a great read aloud or shared read. There is also quite a lot of information about the landmarks worked into the story. Bright, fun illustrations take up much of each page, with small chunks of large text interspersed throughout. This is a fun adventure around Paris, perfect for readers who like stories about independent female characters such as Ivy and Bean and Clementine Rose or those who love learning about other places around the world. 

Themes Paris (France), Travel.

Nicole Nelson