Reviews

Rise of the Mythix: Mighty Minotaur by Anh Do

Illus. by Chris Wahl. Allen and Unwin, 2020. ISBN: 9781760876401.
(Age: 9-13 years). Highly recommended. 'The world will suffer at his hands yet hope remains. With the return of long-forgotten magic, slumbering spirits released from Purgatory will find new homes in human souls. The Golden Unicorn, the Minotaur and the Griffin will be born again as children of humanity. Only these three united in common purpose can fell him who seeks to triumph over all.' (Anh Do p43)
Mighty Minotaur by Anh Do is the second much anticipated book in the Rise of the Mythix series. This story begins with Kelly's mother being held captive by William James aka The Collector of Souls. She is eventually punished for not answering questions about Kelly and painted onto a canvas forever. Meanwhile Kelly and her mentor Stanley Solomon are hidden beneath the city, concentrating on learning about and refining her amazing unicorn powers. One of which is her ability to read the minds of others and as she later discovers her ability to control minds to help others remember information long forgotten. While in hiding, news breaks of a possible lead on the whereabouts of another mythical creature, the Minotaur, who has been discovered in the city. Kelly and Stanley track the teenage boy down and after a terrifying battle against Hornets and the Elite eventually team up together to try to find Kelly's mother and others who have been painted onto canvas by William James. The journey taken to discover these lost souls is fraught with danger, battles and clever twists and turns.
Anh Do keeps the reader entertained throughout this compelling story and when the Griffin appears on the last page to aid the three trapped main characters, there is a sense that Book 3 will have a powerful and gripping climax to this exciting story. Once again Chris Wahl has cleverly interpreted the author's story and characters with eye-catching and impressive illustrations. The fine detail gives the reader a wonderful insight and understanding of the story.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable read that will appeal to students from middle to upper primary.
Themes: Fantasy, Myths, Legends, Dystopia, Adventure, Power, Good vs Evil.
Kathryn Beilby

Squidge Dibley destroys everything by Mick Elliott

Lothian Children's Books, 2020. ISBN: 9780734419460. 174pp.
(Age: 8-12) Squidge Dibley has amazing powers to invent things plus fight evil. In this novel the crazy exploits are told via his best friend Padman. They are in 6UP at Craglands South Primary and have an eccentric teacher who appreciates all her class' unique personalities and behaviours. The comical class characters have strange habits, eg. Shane who bites his toenails and Nathan who eats paint. The Principal of their school, Hoovesly, has been demoted to janitor and puts a dastardly plan for revenge into action. He particularly has 6UP in his sights but his plan also involves robotic head lice which will take over the town and all its inhabitants. 6UP must stop him and this involves underground bunkers, tunnels and sewerage. The plot rolls from one outrageous thing to another. As Padman says near the end of the book, "off-the-scale weird".
There is no subtlety or nuance in this novel. It is just plain entertainment. Squidge Dibley destroys everything is one in a series of illustrated books pitched at a primary aged audience who like farts, poop, butts and burps. There is quite definitely a place for these humorous stories because they get kids reading, much like the Captain Underpants or Tom Gates series. There are fun cartoon style illustrations on every page and these are integral to the action. The design is highly marketable and smart.
Jo Marshall

A new name for the colour blue by Annette Marner

Wakefield Press, 2020. ISBN: 9781743057018.
(Age: Adult) Highly recommended. Scotoma can occur when our brain does not register something the eye sees because it does not fit within our mental framework. In Annette Marner's novel, a simple exercise in a training session at work leads arts administrator and artist, Cassandra, to ponder what else she does not see, or sees incorrectly. From the intense but violent relationship with Stephen the saxophone player, to the central mystery of her life, the disappearance of her Aboriginal childhood friend Tania, Cassandra is trapped in a role where her rage, or her sadness, is always stifled, and she continues a life of not seeing, of not wanting to see; a life of submission.
In the first chapters Marner vividly and realistically portrays the intensifying path of domestic violence, and then moves on to expose the long term influences of men's oppression of women, and the mirror of the colonial oppression of the Aboriginal people and the country that belonged to them.
Cassandra's childhood in the southern Flinders Ranges is one of harsh men and long suffering women, boys' cruelty and girls' fear, and of stolen land and Aboriginal dispossession. Tania's disappearance is in fact a collusion to not face truths, to cover up and deny; something that has a long history in Australia.
Marner's novel is not a simple mystery story; it is a complex interweaving of many themes from Australia's dark past along with the story of a woman's journey towards self-understanding and empowerment. As an artist Cassandra has to find her vision, and new names for colours that have always been labelled by the dominant culture. There are many references to famous artworks that complement and enrich the narrative.
Themes: Domestic violence, Racism, Aboriginal rights, Women's rights.
Helen Eddy

No! Never! by Libby Hathorn and Lisa Hathorn-Jarman

Illus. by Mel Pearce. Hachette, 2020. ISBN: 9780734418906.
(Age: 3+) Highly recommended. The face on the front cover says it all: a defiant young child saying, 'no, never' will recall tantrums such as this in most families, as parents, siblings and teachers alike cringe with the remembrance of such unacceptable behaviour. Georgie always has something better to do when Mum calls her to go for a walk, or when dinner is on the table, or she is asked to tidy her room. 'No! Never!' is a constant ring on every page as the child refuses to comply with the wishes of her parents. She refuses to listen to a story before bedtime, ignores the ducks in the bathwater, is even rude to Grandma. She loves this game and thinks it really clever to answer back with the same words. That is, until the tables are turned on Georgie.
When a friend comes around to ask her out to play, Mum replies 'No! Never!', when Dad brings home a new book and Georgie wants to hear it, he replies, 'No! Never!' When her neighbour comes in with a brand new puppy, asking Georgie to come and play with the dog, her parents say, 'No! Never!'
Georgie begins to realise that perhaps saying no is hurting her, keeping her from her friends, keeping her from her family. She watches as her baby sister is cuddled and eats with their parents, has books read to her, plays in the bath with Mum, and is allowed to go next door to see the puppy. The penny finally drops when Georgie realises how sad she is and tells her family that from now on she will say 'Yes!'
A lovely versified cautionary tale full of the interactions that beset families, revealing a simple and effective course to take when one member refuses to go along with the rest of the family.
The illustrations will charm the readers, revealing the two sides to little Georgie, an aggressive rude child and one more compliant and understanding. I love looking closely at how Pearce shows us what the protagonists are feeling: just a slight downturn of the mouth or wider eyes, sloping eyes, and a tilt of the shoulders tells the reader so much about the characters. A fun read for reader and listener with read a loud very much a necessary prospect for the children to yell out Georgie's repeated phrase to her parents. Themes: Tantrums, Behaviour, Family, Verse.
Fran Knight

The Cobra Queen by Tara Moss

Pandora English, book 4. Echo, 2020. ISBN: 9781760686260. 298pp., paperback.
A fun and quirky urban fantasy, young adult romance with a little bit of tame horror.
After a seven year wait Pandora English returns to our book shelves in The Cobra Queen. The fourth book in the Pandora English series by bestselling author Tara Moss.
I'm a big fan of Tara Moss', Makedde Vanderwall crime series so when I got the chance to read The Cobra Queen I jumped to it not knowing it is a supernatural series. I still enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading the first three books in the series. The Cobra Queen did remind me of the Twilight series. There was love, family, ghosts, vampires and crossing species boundaries.
I loved reading about the history, myths and legends of Ancient Egypt especially about the female pharaoh Hatshepsut. It brought back lots of memories of when I studied Ancient Egypt. Pandora is still grieving the loss of her parents and discovers more about what happen to them in Egypt.
Pandora was an interesting character who was discovering her powers living in a normal world. She finds out that she is the Seventh and discovers what that means with evil around the corner trying to invade New York. It all starts with an Ancient Egypt exhibition Pandora is involved in at The Met.
While this is happening there is a Blue Moon approaching and Pandora also manages to find love and build her relationships with her spirit guide from the Civil War, Lieutenant Luke and Deus the Sanguine and a few other characters.
If you like reading supernatural romances where powerful forces threaten to up end the balance of life and death, then you need to try The Cobra Queen.
Maria Komninos

The Eyes of Tamburah by Maria V. Snyder

Archives of the Invisible Sword, book 1. Harlequin, 2019. ISBN: 9781489252807.
(Age: 13+) Highly recommended. Fans of exotic worlds and brave heroines will love The Eyes of Tamburah and long for the next in the series. Shyla is an outcast with yellow hair, cursed for being sun-kissed by the Sun Goddess. Brought up by monks she has left the monastery and now lives in the underground city of Zirdai, trying to make a living as a researcher who finds the location of lost relics for treasure hunters and the archaeologists. She keeps her head down and is shunned by everyone except Banqui, the Water Prince's archaeologist. When he begs her to help him find the legendary Eyes of Tamburah, which can give great power to the one who wields them, she finds herself embroiled in chaos. Banqui is imprisoned and Shyla is blamed for the theft of the jewels. With the Water Prince and the Heliacal Priestess determined to have the Eyes of Tamburah, Shyla tries to find them, with soldiers and deacons in hot pursuit.
Snyder has written a fast moving adventure story set in a believable world, where it is so hot that everyone must live underground and where water is really valuable. The reader is taken from level to level as Shyla searches for the Eyes and gains an insight into the class system that exists, with those who can pay for it given access to water and food, and a large group of people who live apart stealing food and water. The opulence of the Water Prince's level contrasts with that of the ones who live away from society, and the level where prisoners are kept and tortured is grim indeed.
Shyla's role as a researcher is pivotal to the story. She is intelligent and curious and determined to do the right thing, even when it is most dangerous to herself. She won't leave Banqui to die or those living on the edge of society to be tortured. Instead she is prepared to make huge sacrifices for what she believes in.
Add a slow burning romance, a secret society, plenty of action and suspense, twists and turns and you have a wonderful story that will make the reader want to pick up other books by this talented author, like The glass trilogy.
Pat Pledger

Trailblazers: 100 inspiring South Australian women by Carolyn Collins and Roy Eccleston

Wakefield Press, 2019. ISBN: 9781743056905. 312pgs., hardcover.
Highly recommended. Did you know that South Australia was the first place in the world, that's right the world, where women won both the right to vote and the right to stand for parliament in Dec 1894? We had the first female prime minister, Julia Gillard. The first female to win an Archibald Prize for portraiture, Nora Heysen. First Australian saint, Mary Mackillop.
That's only one of many things I learnt reading Trailblazers. I never realised how many females we have had over our history in South Australia that were the first in Australia or the world to achieve a variety of things or just being remarkable. I didn't even realise some of them were South Australian.
Carolyn Collins and her husband Roy Eccleston have put together a fantastic book that highlights 100 South Australian trailblazing, very extraordinary women whose feats have inspired many and will inspire the next generation. I loved the layout of a whole page photo of the inspirational female followed by stories to tell us more about this person and their history, and what they have achieved. It was a great history lesson for me. It also wasn't an overload of information. A student would find reading the information easy to follow.
I truly believe that Trailblazers is a must in all South Australian schools, libraries and shelves. It is a great source of information for teachers and students on past and present South Australians.
I still can't believe that so many females are from South Australia have made such an impact in history or who have inspired all of us. Mentioned are women from all walks of life and different fields. There are teachers, politicians, musicians, sporting stars, scientists, our first nations people, suffragists and many, many more.
I am glad to see many First Nations females mentioned like Josie Aguis. Students will also recognise many modern females like singer/songwriter Sia, footballer/basketballer Erin Phillips and many more. And yes there are so many missing from this book. I did like reading about some females I grew up with and have worked with. It was great to see people I knew and was inspired with in this book.
See if you can find some.
Maria Komninos

200 minutes of danger by Jack Heath

Scholastic Australia, 2020. ISBN: 9781760660857. 140pp. paperback
(Age: Middle years+) I can still feel my heart racing. 200 minutes of pure edge of your seat adventure and excitement that any reader would love. Especially reluctant readers.
Jack Heath is amazing. He manages to write 10 stories that should only take about 200 minutes to finish. So each story should be around 20 minutes long, which to me is brilliant because that is usually how long my silent reading lessons take. So, it's a perfect book for reluctant readers but extra special because it's a brilliant book. They are quick and different in their own way but intertwined with each other while also making the stories a standalone read.
Each story is action packed which grabbed me as soon as I started a different one. They were so good that it only took me one sitting to finish the entire book. All stories were well written and easy to follow. There is a mixture of characters from different backgrounds and sexes. Basically, ten ordinary kids in ten extraordinary situations.
If you want a fantastic, well written middle year read for any type of reader, especially reluctant readers, I wouldn't go past 200 minutes of danger. This is definitely going on my class reading shelf.
Maria Komninos

The yellow bird sings by Jennifer Rosner

Picador, 2020. ISBN: 9781529032437. 294pp., paperback.
(Age: Secondary). Historical fiction. Sniff, sniff (wipes tears away from eyes).
What a captivating and emotional tale about the love between a mother and daughter with a wonderful connection to music and how far a mother would go to save her child.
The yellow bird sings is a wonderfully written debut novel from Jennifer Rosner.
Poland 1941, Roza and Shira manage to sneak away as Nazi soldiers are rounding up Jews in their home town. They find safety in a dirty old barn hiding in the hayloft. Here in the hayloft the aim for Roza is the wellbeing of Shira her 5-year-old daughter. She nurtures, educates and protects her as much as she can. Roza invents a story based on a little yellow bird to keep Shira occupied. Shira is a musical prodigy who hears entire passages in her head but she cannot make a sound while she is in hiding. This imaginary little yellow bird helps keeping her safe.
The early chapters tell us the story of living in the barn with the help of the farmer Henryk and his wife Krystyna but there is a price to pay. Then due to dangers a decision is made and both Roza and Shira are separated and are at the mercy of unknown dangers.
The yellow bird sings is an emotional historical fiction book based around true stories of Jewish children being hidden during WWII. We learn of some of the atrocities committed against Polish Jews and glimpses of the Resistance movements with not too much graphic details, so it's a bit safer for students to read.
I loved reading The yellow bird sings and think it's a great addition to a library. If you enjoyed The boy in the striped pyjamas I'm pretty sure you would love this.
Maria Komninos

Do you love bugs? by Matt Robertson

Bloomsbury, 2020. ISBN: 9781526609519.
(Age: 6+) I will say at the outset that this book will break some poor entomologist's heart. The ease with which Robertson mixes bugs (sucking insect) with beetles (insect), spiders (arachnid), snails (gastropod) and worms (animal) is surprising, and an astute teacher will use the opportunity to differentiate between these species as the book is read.
That said, I enjoyed the humour in this offering, each double page showing readers creatures with which many people have a 'don't touch' relationship. So we are presented with ants, butterflies, moths, spiders, stick insects, bees, worms, grasshoppers, snails and dragonflies, all surrounded by a splatter of facts which will intrigue younger readers.
The funny anthropomorphic illustrations will cause readers to laugh out loud as they dip into the pages full of facts and hints about the animal being observed.
The opening pages of this fun paperback gives a plea for children not to be taken aback by these creatures, but to love them as they have been around since the dinosaurs. Robertson also gives some rules on engagement: do not bother bees, be respectful of the stick insect, step over the snail, and so on, impelling children to look more closely at the creatures in their gardens.
Two pages tell of moths and butterflies, telling the reader why the butterfly is so colourful and how delicate its wings are. The next page is about the moth and we are told why they come out at night and how they get their moisture. All very interesting to the curious minds of younger readers.
The information is interesting, but as the book is part way between an information and a fun read, it will not be easy to use without a contents page and index. Themes: Insects, Beetles, Arachnids, Garden creatures.
Fran Knight

As fast as I can by Penny Tangey

Slime by David Walliams

Harper Collins 2020 ISBN: 9780008349141.
(Ages: 8+). Highly recommended. Slime is another humorous and entertaining read by bestselling children's author David Walliams. The frenetic energy and action conveyed in the story leave the reader racing through to the final, hopefully calm and happy, ending. Wheelchair bound Ned is the main character who suffers at the hands of his older extremely horrid and unkind sister Jemima. His birthday is coming up and she has devised the cruellest and most dastardly trick to play on him yet. However Ned is on to Jemima and beats her at her own game. The accidental creation of Slime leads to Ned exacting revenge on all those adults who have wronged the children of Mulch Isle. With Slime on his side Ned is able to payback Sir Walter Wrath, Headmaster of Mulch School for Revolting Children who delights in expelling children, Edmund and Edmond Envy, the toyshop owners who hate children and steal their money, Madame Solencio Sloth, the laziest and meanest piano teacher ever, Captain Pride, the park keeper who allows no child into the park, Glen and Glenda Glutton, the ice cream van owners who trick the children into handing over their money and drive away. The worst adult of all, Aunt Greta Greed owns Mulch Isle, has 101 cats all called Tiddles and is related to Ned.
Reminiscent of Roald Dahl, the adults all get what they deserve plus more in hilarious moments and very child appealing ways. Throughout the story are clever illustrations and bold words keeping the reader focused and engaged in this highly amusing tale. Themes: Humour, Siblings, Slime, Cruel Adults, Disability, Revenge.
Kathryn Beilby

Elizabella and the Haunting of Lizard Lake Zoe Norton Lodge & Georgia Norton Lodge

Walker, 2020. ISBN: 9781760651855.
(Ages: 7-9) Recommended. Sisters TV presenter and comedian Zoe Norton Lodge and graphic designer and illustrator, Georgia Norton Lodge continue with the hijinks and humour of their Elizabella series. What pranks can Elizabella and her friend Minnie pull off at the annual Year 4 camp - food dye in the showerheads or in the teacher's coffee machine? With Mr Gobblefrump Acting Principal of Bilby Creek Primary School in charge, will there be any opportunities for fun at all?
When Elizabella's frill neck lizard Lizzie overhears their campsite is at Lizard Lake, he decides to stowaway in her bag. With high hopes of meeting lizard friends, he can communicate and philosophise with like-minded creatures. 'Don't worry, be happpy' is the camp motto, and Agapantha/Christine, Star, Minnie and Mo are the happiest counsellors ready to help the kids have the best time. Even Mr G-Frump's swept up in happiness, his strict ways are set aside. The Opportunity Course proves challenging, but the campers and even Mr G-Frump prove themselves able to conquer their fears.
With ghostly hauntings, midnight lake escapades in a canyes not a canoe and curious dreams, Elizabella and Minnie find themselves solving mysteries and making a new friend. Lizzie's explorations add to the fun; who knew camp lizards spoke Lizish and not English? With plenty of delicious food cooked by Miss Goose, loads of fun activities and time to uncover camp secrets, Elizabella's time at camp is brimful of happiness.
Georgia Norton Lodge's fun illustrations capture the highlights, from the happy mantras to Dougal the missing counsellor's reappearance and Lizzie and Barney's foodie forays. Zoe Norton Lodge's descriptive style, her love of unusual names and word twists to promote happiness add to the appeal. Elizabella and the Haunting of Lizard Lake is just right for readers who enjoy quirky characters, humour in school and family stories. Themes: Camping, Mysteries, Humour.
Rhyllis Bignell

The Republic of Birds by Jessica Miller

Text Publishing, 2020. ISBN: 9781922268044.
(Age: Primary school students) Olga and her family have been exiled to an inhospitable outpost due to her father's inability to successfully complete the Sky Metro transport system in the capital city. The move is labelled a promotion, but it is all too clear that their father has been punished and moved to cold and dangerous lands, where he needs to deal with the growing tension between humans and birds.
Olga's younger sister Mira is the darling of the family and her dancing delights and entertains everyone. Their actress stepmother is suffering by being away from the social life of the city and her audiences.
Olga displays jealously and annoyance towards her sister, but it is only when Mira is kidnapped by the large birds that she realises her love for Mira and knows she alone must complete her rescue.
This journey for Olga becomes one of self-discovery as she uncovers her real abilities, becomes involved with the magical yagas and understands why she has a deep attachment to cartography and explorers.
There are aspects of this novel I really enjoyed, Olga's developing magical skills, the descriptions of the yagas and their chicken legged homes and the meeting with her personal hero, a long-lost explorer but there were parts of this story that I felt were not developed fully.
Olga's visit to the Bleak Steppe Finishing School for Girls of Unusual Ability seemed to be rushed and didn't provide the depth of learning and skill that Olga needed to complete her quest. The journey from ordinary to magical was hurried and I felt unconvinced that Olga had the talents to complete her adventure.
More time was needed to develop Olga's character and her quest which would have made the story more exciting and believable.
This novel, inspired by Russian folklore, would be suitable for primary students who enjoy fantasy stories. Teacher's notes are available.
Jane Moore

ANZAC Sons: Five Brothers on the Western Front by Alison Marlow Paterson

Big Sky, 2015. ISBN: 9781925275148. 52pp., pbk.
In the years of 1914-1918 over 330,000 Australians served their country in a war far from their homeland, more than 60,000 of them died. Five of these Australians were brothers; three of them were destined to never return to the home they loved. The Great War brought enormous sorrow to families all over the world. In Australia there were few who escaped the fear, nor the tragedy.
This is the story of the Marlow brothers. This powerful children's book brings their story to life for future generations. It is a tragic tale of mateship, bravery and sacrifice; a heartbreaking account of a family torn apart by a devastating war. It is a pledge to never forget.
Based on the original title Anzac Sons; the Story of Five Brothers in the War to End All Wars, this important children's book compiled by the granddaughter of a surviving brother tells the true story of brothers' service, the impact on the family and community and weaves through the facts and history of the Great War and battles.
Combining beautiful prose and imagery including photographs, maps, letters and facts, the book will reach children of a variety of ages. Children,teachers and parents can read the letters her ancestors wrote from the trenches, walk in their footsteps and remember all those who have served throughout the generations to defend our freedom and our way of life. This and Dreaming Soldiers have been released as a special 2020 ANZAC Day book pack with a number of accompanying resources. Details are available here.
As we prepare to commemorate an ANZAC Day like no other in living memory, with services online and driveway commemorations, this is a book to be shared at this time so we can think about the sacrifices made by those who have gone before to keep us safe, and renew our commitment to what we have to do now to keep others safe. And if you can't get this one in time for this year, there are plenty of other suggestions here.
Barbara Braxton