Story Time Stars: favourite characters from Australian picture books by Stephanie Owen Reeder
National Library of Australia, 2019. ISBN: 9780642279408.
(Age: All) Highly recommended. Recognise these characters? Horace
the elephant, Blinky Bill, Ginger Meggs, Billy the Punk, The
Watertower, Mr Huff, Edward the Emu, Hattie, Koala Lou? I could go
on. And on.
I love that this book makes heroes of the characters from a wide
variety of Australian children's picture books, many familiar to me
and some unknown. I now have a list of new characters that I want to
meet, introduced to me in this eminently readable book.
This is a truly all-age book. The format will intrigue younger
readers with its illustrations and interesting facts. Older readers
will journey back into memory lane as well as finding new characters
to introduce to the children in their lives. Teachers and parents
will find it a delightful book to peruse and a useful resource.
The book includes over 100 years of old favourite and newly-met
characters, is organised by the decade of publication and is
indexed. Each double-page layout includes a full-page illustration
of the character from the original book, a precis of them and their
story as well as sections titled Brought to you by (author and
illustrator), Debut, Encores, Stage and screen, International
appearances, Awards, and Special recognition.
The afterwords section speaks of the important work being done by
both the Children's Literature Collections in the National Library
of Australia and the National Centre for Australian Children's
Literature in preserving and celebrating the treasures in this
popular genre of Australia's publishing history.
The book complements the National Library of Australia's exhibition
Story Time: Australian Children's Literature (held 2019-2020).
There are many things to recommend this book to you: the
illustrations, information, format, size and price. I am sure it
will be enjoyed and utilised for many years to come.
Jan Barwick
Ravi's roar by Tom Percival
Bloomsbury, 2019. ISBN: 9781408892183.
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Themes: Temper tantrums, Family, Size,
Emotions. Ravi is the youngest in his family. When the family goes
to the park, the others are able to run and jump and play with the
equipment, but Ravi is too short to reach the things he wants to
try. He is not only the youngest of the four siblings, but also the
smallest. He can not reach the monkey bars, or walk across the logs
that are too widely spaced for his small legs, and he definitely can
not go on the big slide. But the last straw occurs when he goes to
get an ice cream and finds there are none left.
He becomes very cross, so cross that his face becomes hotter and
redder, a tail appears behind him, his hands develop claws and his
face becomes striped, and he can roar like a tiger. His tiger
attributes are very handy, stomping around the park scaring people
from the seat he wants, or getting an ice cream of his own to eat.
But sitting by himself he realises that no one wants to play with
him, and he needs to think about what to do next.
All children will recognise the emotional turmoil and eventual
temper tantrum put on by Ravi. Most will have succumbed themselves
or seen others lose their tempers at home, in the classroom or in
the playground. This book shows them that it is not unusual, and
gives a very satisfying resolution to the problem. Ravi loses his
temper, but he realises that there are consequences and a way of
controlling that temper for the betterment of his family. And with a
neat twist, the author shows that there are some situations where a
small show of fierceness is appropriate.
A wonderful fluorescent green cover will attract readers to this
book, the pages inside showing a close and loving family dealing
with the problem of Ravi's temper.
The illustrations promote the close ties of the family, Dad engaged
and helpful, the family unit doing things together. Readers will
love picking out the things they can do in the local park, recognise
the different people that use the park, and emulate the children's
activities there.
Fran Knight
World Heritage Sites of Australia by Peter Valentine
National Library of Australia Publishing, 2019. ISBN: 9780642279422.
(Age: 14+) Recommended. This large format reference book contains
comprehensive information and beautiful photographs about
Australia's unique World Heritage sites. An introduction is provided
by former Environment Minister and musician, Peter Garrett, and the
first chapter provides background information about the 1970s
development of the International Union for the Conservation of
Nature and the Convention that underpins the World Heritage
Committee's ten natural and cultural criteria used for the inclusion
and exclusion of properties of great interest, importance or value.
Sites include: Kakadu, Great Barrier Reef, Willandra Lakes, Lord
Howe Islands,Tasmanian Wilderness, Gondwana Rainforests, Uluru-Kata
Tjuta National Park, Wet Tropics of Queensland, Shark Bay (WA),
Fraser Island (K'gari), Australian Fossil Mammal Sites, Macquarie
Island, Heard and McDonald Islands, Greater Blue Mountains,
Purnululu National Park (WA), Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton
Gardens, Sydney Opera House, Australian Convict Sites and Ningaloo
Coast.
Peter Valentine, a professional geographer, provides an informative
account of each of Australia's 19 sites, beginning with the listing
of Kakadu National Park in 1981. Kakadu, was an excellent choice as
Australia's first mixed cultural and natural choice as a World
Heritage site. It has 50,000 years of Indigenous occupation,
wonderful x-ray and handprint cave paintings, sandstone escarpment
of the Arnhem Plateau, tropical savanna woodlands and floodplains,
exotic birds and reptiles. The author also highlights threats such
as mining, introduced species, climate change and the management of
annual visitors numbering around 200,000.
Each World Heritage site is described with a location map, whole
page photographs, a short introduction, a personal impression, and a
history of the 'path to world heritage'.
Students of environmental studies or geography in middle and senior
high school would find plenty of useful information about the
qualities and management of each property. The 293 page book
includes a useful index.
The concluding chapter of the book highlights the future of world
heritage in Australia, which includes not only the role of UNESCO or
the Australian Government but also the role of local communities
being more involved, particularly in the light of increasing recent
threats from climate change and invasive species.
Paul Pledger
Nobody's victim : fighting psychos, stalkers, pervs and trolls by Carrie Goldberg
Virago Press, 2019. ISBN: 9780349010533. 295p
(Age: Adult-16+) Non-Fiction. Themes: Cybercrime, Privacy Laws. Nobody's
Victim is to be applauded for the detailed explanation and
examples of privacy and sexual cybercrimes from stalking and revenge
porn to sextortion and framing someone for terrorist acts, and
everything in between. Holistically, the author Carrie Goldberg is a
beacon for anyone in any situation who has felt isolated - a
friendless, powerless, maligned or misunderstood victim because
persuasive, convincing sociopaths are not what they seem and our
laws are inadequate to stop them.
Carrie Goldberg founded a victims' rights law firm to combat the way
vindictive lovers, con men and sociopaths hide behind the lack of
internet and social media regulation. Rather than a treatise,
Goldberg uses a conversational style, peppered with cybercrime
jargon unfamiliar to most, to track the growth of her legal advocacy
beginning with her own personal victimization.
Goldberg candidly narrates her own date rape and another personal
ordeal where her 'ex-boyfriend' threatened her, had her arrested on
false charges, and sent nude photos without her consent to her
friends and family. Her clients include: a Grindr user whose
ex-boyfriend invited an incessant stream of strangers to have
intercourse with him at home and at work; a girl manipulated into
filming pornography; a school girl sexually assaulted by a classmate
who was suspended for reporting it amongst others. To compliment
these cautionary tales Carrie Goldberg cites judicial rulings and
legislation, some of which led to the law making revenge porn
illegal, earlier this year. Her extensive footnotes and her wide
array of clients demonstrate that there is something universally
amiss. Finally, we come to understand the knowledge, diligence and
persistence required to meet a niche or rather neglected legal
services demand and establish a successful business.
One of the biggest hurdles discussed is section 230 of the
Communications Decency Act, which protects online providers from the
content uploaded by users. It shielded companies like OK Cupid and
Grindr from criminals destroying her life and the lives of so many
of her clients. However, there are so many other nuances and
barriers cleverly overcome by Goldberg's growing legal organization
and network of change agents, explained here. Finally the #MeToo
movement begins to balance the scales in the victim's favour.
Whilst details are confronting, she discusses the social attitudes
that work in favour of the criminal against innocent victims. The
jargon, breadth of human relationships and sex crimes are all likely
too confronting for secondary school collections - certainly not
teenagers under 16 years of age. On the other hand, children much
younger are amongst the victims described. Nobody's Victim could be a useful and compelling resource for
those teaching Cyber Safety, Legal Studies, Philosophy in Action,
Life Skills etc. Goldberg's Acknowledgements, Footnotes and Index
will be invaluable when selecting appropriate case studies for class
discussion.
Deborah Robins
Scoop McLaren detective editor by Helen Castles
Illus. by Beatriz Castro. New Frontier, 2019. ISBN: 9781925594836.
134p.
(Age: 9+ ) Recommended. Themes: Mystery. Scoop's father is the
editor of the 'Higgity Harbour Gazette'. Our young narrator is
following in his footsteps by editing her own newspaper online.
'Click' is a first for Higgity Harbour but certainly not the only
digital edition of the news.
A new online publication becomes immediately problematic. 'The Dark
Times', written and edited by Sony Fink is published daily at one
minute past midnight. Sony Fink has a supernatural ability to
predict unusual and increasingly catastrophic events - mouse
plagues, cyclones, frog rain . . . and that's just for starters!
Whilst Scoop ponders this new mystery with the help of Evie, her
roving reporter, she must try to identify Sony Fink by a process of
elimination - often pointing the finger at the wrong person, like Dr
Blaxland's daughter, Imogen. Thankfully, with every pronouncement of
new and interesting suspects, a useful insight saves the day.
Whilst Higgity Harbour is not the Cabot Cove of Murder She Wrote,
Scoop proves herself a competent amateur detective. Freedom of the
press is crucial, particularly in our current political climate. The
Scoop McLaren series could prompt timely discussion about
ethical journalism and political influence upon the media.
In addition to Helen Castle's fast paced narrative, compounded every
day by another fantastic or disastrous event for Higgity Harbour,
Beatriz Castro's illustrations arouse our curiosity. The back cover
demonstrates authentic front page layout with masthead, headline,
byline, columns, images etc.
The narrator may lose credibility with each setback, but she
persists in her singular quest for the truth as the attacks on the
town continue. Each sparse article, whether published by Scoop, Dad,
Kenny (the delivery boy) or Sony, employs essential generic
features. Indeed, Scoop appends 12 practical writing tips for
budding journalists to the novel, and, Helen Castles has uploaded Teacher's
Notes that will help tie this middle school novel, to a unit
of work based on Newspaper reporting.
Deborah Robins
The boy who could fly and other magical plays for children by Ursula Dubosarsky
Illus: by Amy Golbach. Second look Publishing, 2019. ISBN:
9780994528094.
(Age: 9+) Themes: Plays; Myths - Ancient Greeks and Romans. Taking
ideas from ancient Greek and Roman literature and mythology, Ursula
Dubosarsky has applied her deft touch to transform these ancient
stories into simple play scripts suited to performance . . . or just
reading for pleasure for younger readers. In the stories we are
introduced to mythical and legendary characters that are sometimes
well known, with other characters that are less 'famous', and all
eleven stories detail their struggles and destiny to overcome their
own personality faults or to deal with the vagaries of the gods.
Mostly we see the humour in the actions of humans and gods, and the
play-scripts are whimsical and easily read. Introducing the traits
of characters like Icarus, Narcissus, Midas, Venus, Juno, Apollo and
the impossibilities of being turned into animals are all inherently
amusing and yet sometimes salutary. The illustrations by Amy Golbach
are simple, cartoon-like black and white drawings that add
light-hearted detail. A book of plays is not to everyone's delight,
but this is a good format for these stories, and also adds the
benefit of introducing the script as a text-type for young writers.
This would be a good book to recommend to children who have an
interest in mythology or drama, or even as a resource in schools for
introducing alternative text types. Suited for ages 9+.
Carolyn Hull
Monuments by Will Kostakis
Hachette, 2019. ISBN: 9780734419224. 280p; p/b.
High schooler Connor gets caught up in the affairs of the world's
creator gods, Monuments, after stumbling across a hidden sanctuary
at his school. The action-driven plot engages the reader almost
immediately and goes in unexpected directions that keep things quite
fresh. It sets up nicely for a sequel while still resolving enough
of its own questions to not feel unsatisfying. The humorous,
light-hearted tone makes the novel a treat to read. The quick pacing
fits the story's circumstances of being suddenly thrown into an
unbelievable situation, but it does sometimes feel like the focus
changes a bit too fast to keep up with. The novel's characterisation
is quite strong, with Kostakis doing a good job fleshing out even
tertiary characters in the short amount of time they have.
The novel explores themes of duty and responsibility, both to roles
and other people. Connor and others struggle with their duty that
comes from inheriting the Monument's power, and later experience
guilt when they realise what they've caused to happen to others.
Interestingly, Kostakis seems to imply that not going along with the
Monument Jivanta's plan wasn't entirely incorrect, which is a
refreshing take on a message that can otherwise be kind of trite.
The novel is set largely in a modern real-world Sydney, with the
addition of the fantasy elements. The realistic setting is
established well enough without being belaboured, and the fantastic
additions are explained clearly enough to get used to.
Vincent Hermann
Taking Tom Murray home by Tim Slee
Harper Collins, 2019. ISBN: 9781460757864. RRP $32.99
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. The inaugural Banjo Prize
competition attracted 320 entries but it was Taking Tom Murray
home that took out the first prize with its truly authentic
Australian voice. Tim Slee's novel bristles with laconic wit, quirky
characters and bitter-sweet emotions and underlines with eloquence
the dilemmas faced by so many of our rural Aussies who are doing it
tough.
When the bank forecloses on Tom Murray's dairy farm he is determined
to go down in a blaze - literally. He sells off his stock, empties
the house of his family's possessions and burns it down.
Unfortunately Tom is trapped in the fire probably due to his weak
heart problem and loses his life. His widow Dawn refuses to allow
his death be in vain and decides to take his body to Melbourne for
burial thinking the several hundred kilometre 'funeral procession'
from their small rural town will offer people pause for thought on
the plight of so many struggling country folk. She is persuaded to
take the coffin on the back of a neighbour's vintage horse-drawn
milk cart for even more impact and so begins a poignant, fraught and
dramatic passive protest.
Told from the viewpoint of Jack, son of Tom and Dawn and twin of
Jenny, the journey begins with a local drama when the town bank
burns down. Immediately, the whole protest/procession takes on a new
and controversial aspect. As the travellers move slowly towards
Melbourne they are joined by supporters of all types, thwart the
frustrated police who try to find ways to stop them and alerted to a
wave of fires that are erupting around the country targeting banks
and supermarkets - who are seen as the corporate buddies threatening
the livelihoods and lives of the farmers. Rallied by stirring words
and the community spirit the grief and loss and frustration are
eased and bolstered by hope and possibilities.
The twist in the end is both a surprise and a damning indictment of
the pressures put upon the families who are fighting for their
survival and will give many readers cause to reflect on actions that
could make a difference to those who are the 'backbone' of our
country.
While essentially a novel that would be equally enjoyed and
appreciated by readers both young and old, there is a liberal
sprinkling of swearing which might preclude younger readers if you
were to put this in your school library.
Highly recommended for readers from around 14 years upwards.
Sue Warren
Survival for beginners: A step-by-step guide to camping and outdoor skills by Colin Towell
Australian edition. Dorling Kindersley, 2019. ISBN: 9780143796954.
(Age: 9-14) Recommended. Themes: Survival, Camping skills. With
Dorling Kindersley's art of presentation, this is a simple but
clearly presented handbook for campers and to aid survival in
difficult outdoor circumstances, with an Australian focus. With
chapters under the sections of Navigation, On the trail, Campcraft,
and First Aid, there is basic information for those heading into the
outdoors in a variety of environmental conditions. A little like an
army survival guide for children, this is an easily read and clear
handbook and would even be enjoyed by older students who are
studying Outdoor Education, as it covers scenarios not often
encountered in a normal camping experience. The basic information is
presented with clear illustrations and with numbered steps to
demonstrate the process in different survival or camping situations.
Some basic skills, eg lighting a camp fire and packing for a hiking
trek, are included in the book, but also some more extreme
circumstances are covered, eg surviving quicksand or an avalanche.
Illustrated mostly with drawn illustrations alongside boxed text
with clear headings, there are also some photographic images at the
beginning of each section.
Carolyn Hull
Atticus van Tasticus by Andrew Daddo and Stephen Michael King
Penguin, 2019, ISBN: 9780143796541.
(Age: 7+) Recommended. Themes: Pirates, Imagination. Step back to a
time when pirates sailed the seven seas with Andrew Daddo and
Stephen Michael King in Atticus van Tasticus. On Atticus's
tenth birthday his wealthy Grandnan invites him to choose a special
present from her vast collection. His cousins, uncles and aunts even
his brother and sister haven't chosen wisely, now it's his turn. A
fortuitous sneeze leads him to discover a trapdoor with a pirate
ship hidden beneath the floor.
Yes, it's to be a pirate's life for the ten-year-old, a life of
amazing adventures, once the ship's hauled to the port. Hulk and
Hogan, Grandnan's two strong assistants, three carts and a whole
bunch of asses help. Gathering a rather motley crew, a feisty First
Mate and a stowaway puppy Atticus is ready to set sail. Every
Captain needs a plan, a treasure map and some ideas about how to
navigate. Grandnan's left three chests. Which one will reveal the
clues? Under her old shopping lists the young captain discovers the
map.
Surviving the perfect storm, shark encounters, alien dreams, crazy
arguments with wild Captain Trumptree with his hairy treasure chest,
Atticus and his crew experience a wild and dangerous life on board.
Of course, there's another pirate ship to attack, the Pegasis,
with a surprising captain creating more challenges for Atticus and
his crew.
Andrew Daddo's created a cast of crazy characters, a wild and
exciting pirate adventure, with loads of fun, pirate slang, puns and
humour, Atticus van Tasticus is a thrilling book to read
aloud with middle primary students. Stephen Michael King's humourous
illustrations add to the pace, propel the story forward and add
vigour to this pirate tale. The addition of the puppy stowaway comic
strip and instructions on how to draw Atticus at the conclusion are
fun for the reader. Where to next for the captain and his crew?
Rhyllis Bignell
Peppa Pig: George's train ride
Ladybird, 2019. ISBN: 9780241375891.
Board book. Themes: Trains, Transport. Peppa Pig's family returns in
this book, taking a train journey for Daddy Pig's work. George loves
to ride the train and has lots of questions for his family. On the
way the reader will find out all the details of being on a train
that has a sleeper compartment. The story starts off with a picture
of the train on the railway tracks and then the family is seen
sitting in the carriage. They explore the cabin and after Daddy Pig
presses a button, four bunk beds appear, and then the bathroom is
found through a secret door. What fun when Daddy Pig presses a
button and the water from the shower falls down on his head! Then
the family put on pyjamas and go to bed. In the morning they have
breakfast and when they arrive Daddy Pig has to check some concrete
on the station platform.
The book is illustrated in the bright colours that the reader will
associate with the Peppa Pig series and each picture shows
the Pig family happy and helpful and just loving their train
journey. The narrative is fairly dense for a board book, so it is
one that would be read to a young child by an adult. What makes this
board book stand out is of course, the six sturdy wheels that make
the book appear like a train and make it into a toy as well.
Children will love to wheel this around and the heavy cardboard
construction should be able to withstand some heavy use.
A fun novelty book/toy, George's train ride is sure to
appeal to all the fans of Peppa Pig.
Pat Pledger
Peppa Pig: Australian fun by Ladybird
A Touch-and-Feel playbook. Ladybird, 2019. ISBN:
9780241402412, Boardbook. 10p.
(Age: 0-3) Fans of Peppa Pig will welcome another board book, this
time looking at how things feel. Peppa loves exploring Australia and
finds the touch of the sand to be rough and scratchy, the waves big
and bumpy, the koala fluffy and soft, the boomerang smooth and
bendy, and the pink dress happy and bright. Each thing that is
touched is put on a separate page with the narrative on the page
beside it. The materials that are touched are sturdy and should last
for the touch of little fingers many times.
The Pig family and Mr Kangaroo and Kylie Kangaroo are all painted in
very vivid colours with a bright background for each page. Peppa and
Kylie are outfitted in floral hats and cover-up swim wear when they
are at the beach and everyone wears a hat throughout the book as
they go exploring. The illustrations are amusing - especially the
koala with the big word Snuffle printed above his funny little face
and soft nose that children will love to touch.
This will be a happy read aloud, with words like 'Woohoo!' as Peppa
rides a wave, and 'Woo! Woo' Woo' Woo' as she throws a boomerang,
encouraging the young child to join in. This is a fun book for the
very young and pre-school child.
Pat Pledger
The Harp of Kings by Juliet Marillier
Warrior Bards book 1. Pan Macmillan Australia, 2019. ISBN:
9781760783297.
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. Themes: Fantasy, Coming of age,
Music. I am always thrilled when a new book comes from Juliet
Marillier. The harp of kings is a wonderful fantasy set in
the same world as her Blackthorn
and Grim novels, and incidentally letting the reader
know what happened to them after the conclusion of that series. Told
in three voices, that of sister Liobhan and brother Brocc, musicians
and warriors and Dau a young warrior, the story opens with their
training on Swan Island, each hoping to be chosen as one of the this
elite fighting group. The three are selected to go on a mission to
retrieve the Harp of Kings, which has gone missing. It is an ancient
instrument that is always played when a new king is crowned and it
is feared that the kingdom will be thrown into chaos if it is not at
the coronation ceremony.
Liobhan is a tall, strong spirited young woman who is determined to
become the best warrior in her group. Brocc, too, is a strong
warrior but also totally immersed in his music, always making up new
songs that play constantly in his head. Dau is a handsome young man
who harbours secrets about his past, which he longs to leave behind
him. All three have an important part to play in deciding who to
trust and how to act in a spirit of wisdom and justice as their
quest grows more dangerous.
Faced with the difficult choice of following their mission and
allowing the unsuitable Crown Prince to become king or doing the right
thing by the kingdom, all three will have to examine their hearts
and heed the needs of both fae and human as they attempt to retrieve
the harp.
I raced through this book and finished it in a couple of sessions,
as the action and suspense about what will happen to the three main
characters was gripping. A second re-read, at a more leisurely pace,
gave me the opportunity to see the flaws and growth of the team, the
perils that they faced and also gave me time to think about the
qualities that a good person would demonstrate as a leader.
I also managed a re-read of the Blackthorn and Grim series,
so I had a most satisfying dose of high fantasy set in ancient
Ireland. Marillier's books will appeal to readers who enjoy books by
Sharon Shinn, Robin McKinley and Robin Hobb.
Pat Pledger
Who's afraid of the quite nice wolf? by Kitty Black
Illus. by Laura Wood. New Frontier Press. ISBN: 9781925594706.
(Age: 5+) Highly recommended. Themes: Wolves, Fairy tale, Fractured
fairy tale, Appearance. With the bad wolves living up to the
reputation of big bad wolves lolling against the wall, our tea
drinking hero just doesn't add up. All the fun of a fractured fairy
tale is here as our quite nice wolf trains the sheep to stand up for
themselves in the face of the wolf pack.
Our hero, Wilfred loves tending his garden and having afternoon tea
with the sheep and chickens, much to the dismay of the wolves that
howl in the background. The wolves try and teach Wilfred how to be a
big bad wolf, but it just doesn't work, especially when he tells
them that he is a vegetarian.
They tell him that they are to attack the flock of sheep the next
night and he is to be with them. He considers how to avoid this
hideous task, and in waking Mildred tells her his plan. When the
wolves attack the flock they are frightened off by the skills the
newly trained sheep exhibit and get into their car and go away.
This is a wonderful laugh out loud read. Children will guffaw at the
images of the big bad wolf, the group's dress contrasting mightily
with Wilfred's neat slacks and braces, bow tie and buttoned up
shirt. He picks flowers, uses a watering can, tends his garden,
makes cakes for morning tea, reads books and wears lovely spotted
pyjamas.
Children will have fun seeing the contrast between the big bad wolf
image promoted in some fairy tales, and the image within this story,
leading to a discussion of the term parody and looking at other
fractured fairy tales.
Fran Knight
Lemonade Jones and the Great School Fete by Davina Bell and Karen Blair
Lemonade Jones, Book 2. Allen and Unwin, 2019. ISBN:
9781925266740. 57pg.
(Age: 6-8) Highly recommended. Themes: School fetes, Mothers.
Delightful children caper across the pages of this appealing book
which is ideal for children who want to move from a bigger picture
book but are not quite ready for a longer chapter book. Lemonade
Jones is determined that her mother be the lead singer in the Year
One Mum Band and puts forward her name without asking her. Mum is a
bit daunted as she never sings but caves in and says that she will
do it. The day of the fete arrives and Lemonade Jones has a great
time trying all the different food and she courageously rescues her
mother when she freezes on the stage.
I loved the illustrations in this book, especially Lemonade doing
the Pony Punk Funk dance. The humour of the book stands out with
wonderful expressions on all the people's faces as they all dance to
the band and the woe-begotten face of Marcus Crackle's dad is
amazing, not to mention the cranky little mud spattered boy.
Lemonade is a character who is able to problem solve and realises
when she makes mistakes and the relationship between her mother and
her is beautiful.
This is a well written, feel good, heart-warming book, and will
appeal as much as the first in the series, Lemonade
Jones. I look forward to reading about this feisty little girl
in future books.
Pat Pledger
