Illus. by Kim Geyer. Faber & Faber. 2020. ISBN: 9780571346851.
288pp
(Age: 8+) Highly recommended. What a beautifully written mystery for
young readers, who will delight in the sights and smells of Paris as
Penelope Magnificent tries to find Perrine, nicknamed Pear, the au
pair that her parents had sent away. Pear had promised to take her
away from her awful parents but her letters had stopped six months
ago and Nell is determined to find her. When her parents take her to
Paris, she befriends a young bellboy, Xav, at her posh hotel and
with a group of friends explores the Paris catacombs and tries to
uncover what has happened to Pear.
Readers are very fortunate - they have the joy of following not just
one mystery but two in this adventurous romp through Paris. Not only
does Nell have trouble finding Pear, but all the bakeries in Paris
are suffering from a strange spore called the Thing which makes
their bread and cakes go mouldy. How is this happening and why are
the Pain-tastique bakeries not suffering from the same trouble?
Eagle's characters are well developed and believable. Nell is such a
determined girl and the characters of the children and adults she
meets are beautifully created. And what horrors her parents are -
readers will shudder at their uncaring ways and really want the
beloved Pear to be found.
Readers who enjoy action and adventure will enjoy the thrills of the
chase as Nell's group works out what is happening. There are lots of
heart-stopping moments, especially when Nell is crawling around in
the dark in the Paris catacombs and when she is captured and held
prisoner. A believable happy ending will also satisfy readers and
the black and white illustrations by Kim Geyer bring the Paris of
bakeries, fashion and underground homes to life.
Those who enjoyed this may like to read Rooftoppers
by Katherine Rundell. Themes include betrayal, friendship, greed and
mapping.
Pat Pledger
The very hungry caterpillar's hide and seek by Eric Carle
Puffin, 2020. ISBN: 9780241425657. Board book.
(Age: 0+) Highly recommended. Lovers of The very hungry
caterpillar are in for a real treat with this latest offering
showing what lives in the forest and finally where the little
caterpillar hides. As always the illustrations are exquisite; bright
colours pop out from the pages and all the animals in the forest are
beautifully depicted, each having their own personality, and are so
happy and active.
Starting with bees the large sturdy lift-the-flap show a bright
yellow hive: Who is in the forest where it's bright and sunny? Busy, buzzing bees making tasty honey!
Other scenes show little green frogs leaping, and a large brown duck
looking for food, wild birds soaring in the sky, fluffy mice
underground and a fox prowling in the woods.
All the flaps are very well made and will stay the distance for
little fingers that will want to lift them again and again. The
young child will have fun searching for the very hungry caterpillar
on different pages, and the lovely verse is ideal for adults to read
aloud and enjoy.
There is much in this book to delight over - animals to name, little
creatures to find and time to discuss animal habitats and as the
cover states, a finger trail for little fingers to follow.
This is a book that is sure to be a favourite and one to keep for
the next generation.
Pat Pledger
Little disasters by Sarah Vaughan
Simon and Schuster, 2020. ISBN: 9781471194900
(Ages: Senior secondary/Adult) Recommended. Sarah Vaughan's latest
book deals with issues which are familiar to anyone who has been or
is a parent. It is only a matter of degree as to the effects
parenting has on the family. A group of friends who met at antenatal
classes seem on the surface to be successful, financially and
socially, but all harbour secrets and their veneer of contentment
hides self doubt to varying extents.
Jess and Liz's contact has lessened recently. Liz has a demanding
job as a paediatrician in a London NHS hospital, her shifts and
rosters mean she has little time for her friends and at times even
for her own young family. While Jess is a stay-at-home mother who
has recently given birth to her third child, she seems to all who
know her to be the perfect mother. Her home is always ordered. When
she entertains all is considered, thoughtful and beautifully
presented. She is a wonderful mother, successfully dealing with her
second child Frankie who is demanding and hyperactive.
However Jess is not coping - she is finding her baby Betsey
difficult. She finds herself caught up in a regime of cleaning,
sterilising, tidying and ensuring her home is a safe place. All at
the expense of emotional support not only of Betsey but her other
children. Her husband Ed has always left the child rearing to her
and spends much of his time at work and lately has avoided coming
home to where he increasingly feels an outsider.
Alarm bells ring when Betsey is admitted to hospital and Liz is on
duty. Betsey has a fractured skull and protocols demand police and
social services are called. Suspicions are roused and Liz finds
herself in a precarious position. She cannot believe that her friend
would ever harm her baby, but also feels Jess is not telling the
whole truth about the circumstances of her baby's injury.
The incident triggers Liz's own childhood memories of her mother, a
distant cold figure struggling with two children while running a
cafe. The treatment of her brother's serious burn injury has always
been cause for distress. These thoughts come into focus when her
mother's health begins to fail and she confides a long held secret
to her.
The truth about Betsey's injury eventually comes out. There are
guilty feelings by those close to Jess, who were unable to see she
was not coping. Even after Betsey's hospitalisation it takes some
time before it is recognised that Jess is in need of mental health
support. Little disasters highlights the need for support for
parenting. There are always doubts when trying to deal with children
and how unprepared we are to cope with childrearing. Especially when
expectations around children and their development are
highlighted in the media. Many parents may be worried that they are
perceived as failures or inadequate in comparison to their peers.
This story highlights the difference between reality and perception
and makes a plea for greater understanding for all parents. Themes:
Crime fiction, Parenting, Friendship.
Mark Knight
What stars are made of by Sarah Allen
Puffin Books, 2020. ISBN: 9780241427965.
(Ages: 10+) Highly recommended. Twelve year old Libby Munroe has
Turner Syndrome. She is missing a chromosome, her heart is three
times too big for her body and she copes with other physical and
neurological conditions that become evident throughout the story.
Added to this Libby has incredible resilience and stamina, a
brilliant brain and a love of all things Science related. Her
parents are her greatest supporters as well as her older married
sister Nonny who lives in another state but returns home when her
husband is retrenched. Nonny is pregnant and this becomes a worrying
time for Libby. She comes up with a plan to support her sister and
keep the baby safe. Libby excels in her school work and when the
opportunity arises to take part in a national Smithsonian Women in
STEM contest Libby utilises this to firstly study her favourite
female scientist Cecilia Payne and secondly to help Nonny's family.
This is not an easy path chosen by Libby and along the way she
builds a relationship with her American History teacher Ms Trepky,
and more importantly finds friendship with the new girl Talia who is
subjected to bullying and like Libby struggles to be accepted. This
is Libby's first real experience of friendship and both girls
support each other through difficult times.
There are some challenging events in the story and the clever use of
short chapters to convey the seriousness of one such event gives the
reader a distinct indication of the possible heartbreak to come. The
author Sarah Allen has Turner Syndrome and the details that she
shares naturally with the reader leads to a growing understanding of
the complexities of the condition.
Libby is an endearing and honest character whose telling of the
story will engage the reader to the very end. The story is cleverly
told in the first person narrative and the reader will feel Libby's
heartfelt attempts at friendships, her disappointments and
struggles, and her deep love and concern for her family. Themes:
Family, Turner Syndrome, Medical Conditions, Friendship, School
Bullying, STEM.
Kathryn Beilby
World of the Five Gods: Penric & Desdemona series by Lois McMaster Bujold
Penric's Travels. Baen, 2020. ISBN: 9781982124571. Penric's Progress. Baen Books, 2020. ISBN: 9781982124298. The Physicians of Vilnoc. Spectrum Literary Agency, 2020.
ASIN B088D695MK.
(Age 15+) Highly recommended. I am a fan of any work by Lois
McMaster Bujold who writes with wit, warmth and always has a unique
world. In this series of novellas the reader follows the adventures
of young Lord Penric who when stopping to help at an accident of a
Temple divine, is overtaken by the five demons that reside within
her. These strange powers change the course of his life. He finds
himself studying to become a Divine and a scholar and is called upon
to solve mysteries and problems in his world with the aid of his
demon Desdemona.
First published as e-books, the first three novellas have been
published in hardback as Penric's Travels, and include the
Hugo nominations Penric's Demon and Penric and the
Shaman. The next three have been published in Penric's
Progress, and the latest two, The orphans of Raspray
and The Physicians of Vilnoc as e-books. The Physicians
of Vilnoc has Penric called to solve the reason that an
epidemic has struck the army fort of Vilnoc, and with the help of
dedicated colleagues, he must root out the origins of the deadly
plague. Readers who are familiar with the series can read this
comfortably in difficult times, as Penric although facing severe
trials, is usually triumphant.
All the novellas feature Penric and Desdemona and their witty
interactions often bring a smile to the face as they face adversity
and adventure. They are easy to read, well written novellas and for
readers who like a hard copy the collections will be a boon. The
novellas are set in the world of the Hugo winning fantasy series, Chalion,
and readers may want to pursue The curse of Chalion and Paladin
of souls.
Pat Pledger
The Book of Chance by Sue Whiting
Walker Books Australia, 2020. ISBN: 9781760651367. 277 pp.
(Age: 10 +) In recent years, Sue Whiting has emerged as a talented
writer of Young Adult literature, as well as an awarding winning
writer of picture books for the young. Missing,
published in 2018, was received very well and The Book of Chance
follows with a strong teenage voice and believable characters. The
book addresses social media and the way it affects decision making
for the right or wrong reasons. Protagonist, Chance Callahan,
arranges for a reality TV team to make over her house; in the
process, the discovery of some past newspaper cuttings reveal
secrets, which must be faced, but will cause her world to be turned
upside down. The Book of Chance is an easy read, but well handled with
polished dialogue, a strong narrative voice and a mystery which
holds the reader's attention. Teacher's
notes are available.
Julie Wells
Good question by Sue Whiting
Illus. by Annie White. Walker Books, 2020. ISBN: 9781760650841.
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Wily Fox is striving to appease his
hunger but keeps getting into the wrong fairy tale, causing some
disquiet amongst the other characters.
Readers will eagerly follow his exploits as he tries to find food,
causing ripples of laughter as they recognise the story he has
invaded. We see him first in a forest hiding from a giant with a
huge cudgel, searching for Fox to add to his pot of stew. Fox is
adamant that he was doing nothing wrong trying to take the giant's
goose, after all that is what foxes do. And we find over the page
that the rascally Jack had thrown the goose at the fox while he was
climbing the beanstalk. The next question to ask is why he was on
that beanstalk. We find out that Fox was hiding from Wolf, the same
one whose Pig Fox tried to steal when Wolf puffed Pig's house down.
And Fox only tried to catch the Pig because he was hungry after
being chased by the Bears from their home when he tried to eat their
porridge.
And on it goes, each page asking the question about what Fox is
doing in this particular story, and winding its way through many
beloved fairy stories until at last, we see the initial story that
began all the mayhem.
A great deal of fun will be had reading this story. Children will
laugh out loud recognising favourite stories and characters and
seeing the predicament Fox is in while wandering through each tale.
It is great fun, especially taking note of the subtitle, A tale
told backwards, and is a wonderful story beautifully told, with
illustrations that match the chaos of the story, encouraging a
veiled sympathy for Fox as he does what foxes do. The use of
different fonts and font sizes adds interest and delight as the
reader turns the pages, noting the movement within the lines of text
and the way they interact with the illustrations. And of course,
there is a good question on every double page, impelling the reader
to turn the page to find out why the Fox has become part of that
story. This book will provoke the readers to seek out the
fairy tales mentioned and reread them as well. Teacher's notes are
available and a video
showing the author. Themes: Fairy tales, Fox, Twisted fairy tales,
Hunger.
Fran Knight
The sin eater by Megan Campisi
Macmillan, 2020. ISBN: 9781529019100.
(Age: Adolescent - Adult) This vibrant story plunges us into the
world of the Middle Ages in Britain, Campisi vividly reflecting
historical Elizabethan world in a tale that focuses on the
particular role of the 'sin eater' in that era. The narrative is
centred on a young adolescent woman, who, struggling to survive
alone with no family, job or money, is arrested for stealing.
Inexplicably, she is not hanged with the other young female
perpetrators of minor misdeeds, but is told, bluntly, and clearly
with no choice, that she will now be a 'sin-eater'. She is forced to
undergo the torture of having the 'S' for sin-eater burnt on to her
tongue and a brass collar clamped around her neck, then told that
she is to fulfill this new role in silence, and thus to have nothing
to do with anyone else, as she is now and will be, for the rest of
her life feared as an untouchable.
Within a short time she is called to do her first sin-eating,
escorted to a home, and given particular foods that are chosen as
appropriate for the story of a newly-dead person's life. After each
'eating' she returns to the small room where she manages to live
alone with almost no possessions. As Campisi draws us deeply into a
world where poverty dominates, we become aware of her gradual
acceptance of her 'work', and of the strangeness of this life. In
the realisation that the task will enable her to eat, she accepts
that she has a position where it is a law that no-one may speak to
her, but neither should they ever hurt her, because she is tainted
by her role, and this would endanger others.
Through her construction of a re-imagined and startlingly vivid
world set in Elizabethan England, Campisi depicts the squalor and
poverty of that time, especially that endured by the poor, seen in
such stark contrast to that of the rich, especially of the royals.
We note some specific aspects of that era through her clever
adaptation of words, Campisi having constructed alternative names
and places for what we know historically. In her vibrant,
descriptive story-telling, she reveals much about the lives of those
who are poor and struggling to survive, while also describing many
'probable' aspects of how those, whom we recognise as 'the royals',
lived. Plunging us into this world of rigid and distinct social
classes, Campisi inferentially enables us to make sense of time and
place, to work out who is the ruling monarch, and thus to read this
story as representation of real history. The sin eater is
indeed an exciting read and a vibrant, wonderful creation. It would
be suitable for adolescent and adult readers.
Elizabeth Bondar
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Puffin, 2020. ISBN: 9780241387177. 277 pp.
(Age: 10+) Many readers will remember the popularity of the 12 year
old genius, Artemis Fowl, introduced in the first book of eight
fantasy novels, who wants to capture one of the Fairy People and
hold her to ransom in order to restore his family's fortune. This is
not an easy task - Artemis' skills (ingenuity, confidence and
courage, plus a gift for decoding Fairy messages) will be enlisted
on all levels. This makes for an exciting, face-paced and often
humorous read and, obviously, for all new readers (which there will
be), there are the joys ahead of reading the seven books which
followed the original. This is a special edition of the first story
issued in 2001, coinciding with the imminent release of the film, Artemis
Fowl (Disney), produced and directed by Kenneth Branagh. It
contains a new author's note, a letter from the Branagh and photos
from the film. Artemis Fowl is set to appeal to a new
generation of readers, the older ones of us included.
Julie Wells
James Gong : The Big Hit by Paul Collins
Hybrid Publishers, 2020. ISBN: 9781925736441. 161pp.
(Age: 10-13) Recommended. James Gong is the anti-hero of this
humorous novel told in the first person. James is a 14 year old
average Australian school boy who is very good at taekwondo. The
reader soon realises that James has an overly high opinion of
himself. In fact he is quite self-centred, picks his nose and is an
annoying younger brother to his sister, Caitlin. His taekwondo
skills become noticed by some film makers who enlist him as an actor
in their film, Ham Solo : Revenge of the Fist. Along with
his wiser friends, we become aware that the film is not the
Hollywood standard that it is purported to be by the film makers.
James' acquaintances are expert skateboarders; James worries about
having to kiss one of the actors and he ends up organising all the
publicity for the film. Throughout most of the novel James continues
to make excuses for his own failings and the lack of professionalism
by the film makers.
You fear he will never wise up and take on responsibility for his
own actions. There are several major reveals in the last few
chapters, which help us learn about James' endearing side and
understand some odd behaviour earlier in the novel.
There's plenty of light weight, crazy action which will maintain the
appeal for middle to upper primary boys. It is ideal for reluctant
readers, although not necessarily readers with reading difficulties.
The author has brought his considerable knowledge of taekwondo to
the story and given this some authenticity. There are quite a few
references to old movies and TV series which may go above readers'
heads. However it is grounded in today's multicultural Australia and
younger male interests. The cover has an attractive manga design and
small illustrations also feature at the beginning of each chapter. Teacher's
notes are available.
Jo Marshall
The Night Country by Melissa Albert
Penguin Random House UK, 2020. ISBN: 9780241370285.
(Age: Young Adult/Adult). Recommended. The Night Country,
sequel to Melissa Albert's 2018 debut The
Hazel Wood, is a dark and twisted tale of murder,
friendship and the search for belonging. Part fairy tale, part urban
fantasy, part horror, this book is recommended for older teens and
adults. The Night Country continues the story of Alice Proserpine,
the former fairy tale character or 'Story' after her escape from the
realm known as the Hinterland. Alice enrols in high school, gets a
job at a bookstore and tries to put the past behind her as she
navigates life as a teen in New York City. Her attempt at normalcy
soon derails however when former Hinterland residents begin to
gruesomely die and Alice becomes the chief suspect. Forced back into
a world that she tried to forget, Alice begins a desperate search to
find a murderer, save her friends and prove her innocence. The Night Country is also the story of Ellery Finch, Alice's
former classmate and love interest. While Alice fled, Finch remained
behind in the Hinterland; trapped in a world that is disintegrating
around him. Desperate to return to both New York and Alice, Finch
embarks on his own perilous journey of understanding as he tries to
find his way home. The narrative alternates between Alice and
Finch's viewpoints, weaving their story lines together and
culminating in a clever climax and conclusion. The Night Country is a unique but very enjoyable young adult
novel. Albert's macabre take on the fairy tale genre may be
unsettling for some younger readers but, ultimately, The Night
Country is a bloody and brilliant conclusion to Alice and
Finch's story. Themes: Fairy Tales, Death, Identity, Love,
Friendship, New York City.
Rose Tabeni
First, we make the beast beautiful by Sarah Wilson
MacMillan, 2017. ISBN: 9781743535868.
(Age: Adult) A book for the times, perhaps, a reprint of Sarah
Wilson's book about anxiety has now been published. Over-researched
and wordy, the book is a mix of un-referenced research snippets,
therapy ideas and confessional anecdotes. It rattles along at the
pace of a hyper-anxious mind. Wilson makes her references available
on her website but there
is no numbering of notes and the curious reader just has page
numbers and the lead-in words of a sentence to try to find relevant
sources. Yet as a self-help book it seems to have resonated with
many if one can go by the comments collected in the preface and
online. There are so many ideas, it is almost inevitable that there
will be something worth taking away, so anxiety sufferers will
probably recognise some shared experiences and find suggestions for
ways to live with their anxiety. On the last page there is a list of
professional sources of help.
Themes: Anxiety, Obsessive compulsive disorder, Mental illness.
Helen Eddy
The list of things that will not change by Rebecca Stead
Text Publishing, 2020. ISBN: 9781922268679.
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. Rebecca Stead is a favourite author
of mine, and she always writes with warmth and compassion about
difficult topics. In this book she looks at the effects that divorce
can have on a child and the notion of what makes a family. Bea keeps
a list of things that will not change after her parents have
divorced. Most important, both will still love her and she is happy
when Dad decides to marry his boyfriend Jesse. She is thrilled at
the idea of having a sister, even though Jesse's daughter Sonia,
lives far away. She writes a series of letters to her, but Sonia
finds it more difficult to fit into Bea's new family.
Bea's visits to a counsellor and the insights she gains there about
her past actions and how she can manage her fears will resonate with
middle grade readers, while appreciating the love that both parents
give Bea. Stead does not paper over the difficulties of children who
belong to families that are not the norm, but the love that the
adults give Bea shines through the story and the support that she
receives from them and her friends is heart-warming. Children who
belong to families with two dads, or two mums, will be strengthened
by this insightful portrayal of family love and children who belong
to traditional families will gain an understanding of family love
and the importance of friends helping each other.
It is a story that demonstrates tolerance, resilience and empathy
and would make a wonderful literature circle novel, as would others
by Stead, including the award winning When
you reach me, Liar
and spy, Goodbye
stranger and Bob. Teacher's
notes are available.
Pat Pledger
Scribbly Gum Secrets by Dannika Patterson
Illus. by Megan Forward. Ford Street Publishing, 2020. ISBN:
9781925804485. Unpaged
(Ages 6+) This rather unassuming picture book has taken me by
surprise. The reader goes on the same very special journey that the
family does. Mum decides that the children need to accompany her on
a nearby bushwalk. Reluctant at first, they are soon distracted by
simple yet delightful discoveries as they walk along a dry gravel
track through semi tropical bush.
The illustrations, though lacking in sophistication, are evocative
and deceptively meaningful. Just as the creatures are hiding, the
illustrations only gradually reveal the detail and variety of the
surroundings.
A number of double page spreads encompass extensive parts of the
bush, alternating with close up views of newly discovered things.
Megan Forward has combined softly drawn watercolour hues with the
occasional photographed detail of leaves, blossoms and feathers.
This technique works well.
The text is simple but effective and provides for more thoughtful
exploration by the reader. Teacher's
notes are available.
Julie Wells
Editor's note: I loved this book. Highly recommended.
Me, Frida, and the secret of the Peacock Ring by Angela Cervantes
Scholastic Press, 2018. ISBN: 9781338159318. 220 pp.
(Age: 10+) I purchased this book with my young granddaughter in
mind. She has a love of the art of Frida Kahlo. Paloma is travelling
for the first time to Mexico City, the birthplace of her deceased
father. Her mother, who has been awarded a four week literary
fellowship here, wishes her daughter to experience some of the
cultural rewards this country offers. She will be able to learn some
Spanish and find out about Frida Kahlo, who was Paloma's father's
favourite artist; therefore, keeping alive those precious memories
of her father. While her mother attends the university, Paloma
attends school in Mexico and has the chance to explore the city art
galleries and La Casa Azul (the Blue House) where Frida lived in
Coyoacan. She meets Lizzie and Gael who want her to help them find a
valuable ring that once belonged to the artist herself.
Paloma sees herself as Lulu Pennywhistle, the mastermind of the spy
books she loves reading. An intriguing set of unexpected discoveries
take place, as the young ones try to solve the mystery of the lost
ring. The book has all the ingredients of a well-paced adventure; at
the same time it introduces the young reader to an important piece
of art history and, as her story progresses, Paloma comes to
understand the importance of friendship and how much both her
parents mean to her. This is an engaging and memorable story.
Julie Wells
