Rory Branagan (detective): The Deadly Dinner Lady by Andrew Clover and Ralph Lazar
HarperCollins, 2019. ISBN: 9780008265922.
(Age: 8 - 12) Highly recommended. Themes: Detectives - fiction,
Murder - fiction, School stories, Teachers - fiction, Performing
Arts - fiction. Rory is a boy who loves to solve crimes, and, in
this book, he is faced with the deadliest crime committed during the
school Talent contest. Already famous for solving other crimes Rory
sets to work with his sidekick Cassidy (The cat) to find out who has
murdered the nastiest Dinner lady at the school and why. This
comedy-crime book is very funny and really entertaining to read. It
would not be one to read to a class because of the large amount of
visual component, but Rory's character is one most children will
relate to easily. The teacher characters are also a great feature of
the book as the author has taken traits common to many teachers and
created some memorable ones in this book. The very serious Mr Bolton
who has composed a Rap about Grammar and Mr Meeton who thinks he is
the most popular teacher in the school.
Rory Branagan and the other main characters are introduced in
picture form at the beginning of each novel in the series. This is a
great reference guide for students who find names in books difficult
to read. The illustrations are by Ralph Lazar who illustrated the Happiness
is . . . series of books.
The series has 7 titles and The deadly Dinner Lady is the
fourth book in the series. I would class this as a Graphic novel as
the text is spread out between a generous amount of entertaining
illustration. It looks very much like a long novel as it over 270
pages which makes it perfect for a child who wants to cover up the
fact that they can't read quickly, are reluctant readers or are
daunted by too much text.
There is a Rory Branagan website
which children can use to find out more about the characters and the
books, including information about the creators. There is an
entertaining section called Minis which is worth looking at.
Gabrielle Anderson
The princess and the fangirl by Ashley Poston
Quirk Books, 2019. ISBN: 9781683691105.
(Age: 12+) Recommended. Romance. If you are not a fan of Comicons,
you might struggle at first with this latest Geekerella title by
Ashley Poston. Set at the 25th annual EcelsiCon in Atlanta, the
jargon and language is disorientating at first but is soon
internalized - certainly a lot quicker than grasping an entirely new
world, typical of your average high fantasy novel.
Alternating both main characters' perspectives helps unpack the
strange world of the EcelsiCon Convention through the eyes of newbie
Jess and Imogen, the veteran. Based on the storyline of The
Prince and the Pauper, celebrity Jessica Stone switches places
with her fangirl doppelganger (Imogen) in order to find freedom from
the commitment and from relentless social media trolls, who erode
her self-worth.
Imogen ironically wants to save Jessica, AKA Princess Amara, from
being written out of the film franchise. A case of mistaken identity
brings the disillusioned actress and the naive but genuine fan, into
conflict. Jessica wants nothing to do with saving her character and
blames the role of Amara for stunting her acting career. When
someone leaks the script of the next sequel on social media, Imogen
agrees to switch places, to help identify the person before Jessica
gets the blame.
As in the original fairytale, the grass only seems greener on the
other side. Numerous complications alter the perceptions each has of
the other's life. On the bright side, being someone they are not,
has an unexpected effect on their social lives. Both girls fall
deeply in love, with a boy and a girl who help them see that they
are not imposters as they fear - but amazing and talented and
capable of making a real difference to the world. Now that's a
message worth internalizing.
To subscribe to excerpts from future Geekerella books visit here.
Deborah Robins
Thanks, Mum! by Matt Cosgrove
Scholastic, 2019, ISBN: 9781760664039.
(Age: 3-6) Matt Cosgrove's new amusing picture book expresses thanks
for the many ways mothers help their children. He uses a simple
rhyming style with the refrain of 'Just call-shout-howl or sing
MUM!'
When little red fox has misplaced his shoe in a rather messy
bedroom, Mum is there to solve his problem. Young tiger needs a big
push and his mother steps in to send him 'high in the sky.' A kiss
from mama hippo helps her youngster after a skateboard accident.
Each scenario is easily recognizable, and events around the house,
yard and playground all need a mother to watch, help and guide the
child. Cosgrove adds a dash of humour as well, especially when
little elephant needs a new roll of toilet paper to help his sticky
situation. With a special celebration in May, take time to cheer and
say 'I love you and thank you to your Mum'.
Bright colour digital illustrations with cute animal characters and
scenes that families will relate to make 'Thanks, Mum!' a picture
book perfect for sharing. Themes: Mothers, Parent and child,
Gratitude.
Rhyllis Bignell
The next level by Tim Cahill and Julian Grey
Illus. by Heath McKenzie. Tiny Timmy book 9. Scholastic,
2019, ISBN: 9781760666118.
(Age: 7-9) Recommended. Themes: Soccer, Competitions, Peer Pressure,
Self-esteem. Tiny Timmy's a dedicated young soccer player who knows
to practise hard, listen to the coach's instructions and eat the
right foods to stay healthy. After a great practice session, Coach
Roach calls Timmy and his friends Ricardo and Mike over for a chat.
Studs and Hacker tag along as they hate being left out of anything.
Coach Higgins wants the three boys to try out for the trials with
the possibility of making The Blues, the state team.
The weekend is filled with warm ups, practice drills and team games,
as the five coaches observe the players who stand out, showing their
individual strengths, team spirit and drive. Coach Valance is a
comedian as well, trying to lighten the mood as many of the players
don't make the final cut. Hacker and Studs try to muscle in on the
practice, hiding in sports bags and jumping out to surprise
everyone. The coaches agree they can come to the State games to look
after the equipment and clean the boots!
The excitement and anticipation build, and when Timmy is chosen,
he's in awe of some other bigger confident guys especially Toni and
his friends. Over the weekend of the state competition, Timmy learns
some valuable lessons on and off the field: he realises the need to
stand up for himself, not to give in to peer pressure and believe in
himself.
Tim Cahill's soccer tips, game play and personal experiences add
realism to the Tiny Timmy series. This easy to read chapter
book features text with different sizes of font, words in bold and
in graduated sizes, animated words and bigger spacing. Heath
McKenzie's line drawings are humourous snapshots of Timmy's life,
his friends and the soccer games. This series is great for high
interest, lower reading age students as well.
Rhyllis Bignell
Peppa Pig: Puddle playtime : A touch-and-feel playbook
Peppa Pig series. Ladybird Books, 2019. ISBN: 9780241375860.
(Age: 1-4) Recommended for fans of Peppa Pig. Lots of fun for little
fingers in this touch and feel book that even has some sticky mud to
feel, as well as a shiny bucket of mud and shimmery raindrops. Peppa
and George really enjoy playing in the rain muddle, as can be seen
by the expressions on their faces. Mummy Pig get them to put on
their rain clothes so that they can enjoy themselves and what a good
time they have.
Children will adore this sturdy board book and will love the
touching and feeling that goes with it. The shimmery raindrops are
gorgeous, and the bumpy frog is fun to touch. The illustrations are
all done in bright yellows, green and blues and are delightful. The
expressions on the friend's faces as they experience the raindrops,
listen to the frog that goes 'Ribbit! Ribbit!', watch the fluffy
duck and her ducklings and finally jump in the sticky mud really
show the enjoyment that all the family has playing out in the rain
and mud.
This is definitely a book for the toddler who loves Peppa Pig and
will bring lots of enjoyment to little people.
Pat Pledger
The set-up by Jack Heath
Liars book 3. Scholastic, 2019. ISBN: 9781742993416.
(Age: 13+) Recommended. Jarli is tech-savvy - to the extreme! His
latest contest involves a robotic battle. But everything goes wrong
when Jarli gets chosen (but it feels like he has been abducted) by
the security of the Minister of Defence to provide evidence that the
politician is telling the truth. Jarli's Truth-app has become widely
used and hacked, and truth is the victim. Along the way things
become even more complex and Jarli is placed into an impossible
situation and is charged with attempted murder. Will truth be able
to be revealed, or is Jarli's normal life about to end?
This is another of Jack Heath's action-packed adventures involving
cyber crime, and young people doing amazing and risky things. The
action will continue into another book as Jarli's arch-nemesis,
Viper, is still on the loose and is not prepared to release his
assault on the young man with the awesome cyber skills. This is a
series that will enthral both male and female readers, particularly
those who enjoy the spy adventure novel, and those with an interest
in the cyber world. There is action on nearly every page, and
although the danger is extreme (and unlikely), it is still a very
compelling story. This is certainly a series that will be worth
recommending for those wishing for an adventurous read. Even
reluctant readers will be hooked by the action . . . and all readers
will be keen to find out what happens next.
Themes: Espionage; Lies and Truth; Cyber security; Action adventure.
Carolyn Hull
Mum for sale by Zanni Louise and Philip Bunting
Scholastic, 2019, ISBN: 9781742996080.
(Age: 3-5) Zanni Louise and Philip Bunting's Mum for Sale is
a fun picture book perfect for reading aloud to youngsters. Errol
the penguin is a cute little character with one big problem, his mum
is always talking on her mobile phone. Mum's busy sharing news of
the Fryer family's incident at Ice Mart. She faces away from Errol
and continues to elaborate on the problems of an iceberg splitting
and the family's dilemmas. While Mum continues to gossip, sharing an
intensely interesting story over the phone, Errol tries repeatedly
to gain his mother's attention.
Errol first calls out 'Mum', then repeats this to no avail. The
smart little penguin then resorts to a series of more and more
humourous actions. He leaves the scene to make a 'Mum for Sale'
sign, he wants us to make an offer! What about a wagon full of
snowballs to swap, or even a fish offered by a nearby seal who pops
up from a hole in the ice? Errol can't be swayed by a jar of
jellybeans, as his mum is driven away on the tray of a red truck.
Errol's icy adventure continues as he asks a snowman, an octopus and
a fish for help. Who does he need to help undo the jellybean jar?
Philip Bunting's fun illustrations take Zanni Louise's to another
level. Against a simple linear, yellow, green and white background,
Errol's story unfolds. Here the humour is illustrated through the
interaction between Errol and the animals who offer assistance, and
the underwater scenes are a highlight. Errol even manages a bathroom
break!
Zanni Louise's amusing text provides opportunity for a class to
share taking the penguin and the mother's roles.
'Mum for Sale' is a reminder as well for parents to pay attention to
their children instead of using their mobile phones.
Themes: Penguins, Parental behaviour.
Rhyllis Bignell
The Super Secret Club by Meredith Costain
Illus. by Danielle McDonald. Ella Diaries. Scholastic, 2019.
ISBN: 9781743818084.
(Age: 6 - 9) Recommended. Ella and Zoe, her BFF (Best Friend
Forever), seem to be left out of a big secret. The mystery, and all
the whispering and giggling is causing Ella and Zoe to feel the pain
of exclusion. Will they ever find out? When a fancy pink envelope
turns up to explain the super-secret mystery of the created SOAP
organisation (Secret Organisation for Amazing People) will all the
uncertainty vanish to be replaced by something awesome?
Written in the style of the personal diary record of Ella, it
reveals the comic nature of her life, and the family interludes into
the mystery, as well as her personal angst about her school
friendships. Her created words and struggles to spell some of the
more complex vocabulary choices adds an insight into her unique
thinking.
Illustrated with the naive cartoon drawings of Danielle McDonald to
add additional comic touches, this will be a book enjoyed by young
readers who have come to know Ella through her other diary entries
in the Ella Diaries series.
Themes: Friendship; Diaries; Secrets.
Carolyn Hull
Saying Goodbye to Barkley by Devon Sillett
Illus. by Nicky Johnston. EK Books, 2019. ISBN: 9781925335965.
Olivia and Barkley are best friends who do everything together,
especially catching the bad guys. With her trusty cape and his
sensitive nose, they were two pieces of the same puzzle, but then
Barkley got sick and instead of helping Olivia, he just lay in his
basket all day. Olivia tried to understand and to go on without him
but it just wasn't the same and when he died she was totally bereft.
Like everyone who suffers any sort of loss of a loved one, the
bottom fell out of her world and she was too sad to do anything.
Sleeping didn't even help because if she dreamed of him, he was gone
when she woke up. And life would never be right again, because every
superhero needs a sidekick.
But then, slowly, even though she was still grieving she was able to
think about the fun they had together and when she woke up one
morning, she had a plan . . .
Every one of us loses someone who is dear and sadly, that is as true
for children as it is for adults. Devon Sillett, author of both Scaredy
Book: It's not always easy to be brave! and The Leaky
Story is gradually building a body of work that shows she is
in touch with the thoughts and emotions of our youngest readers and
is able to help them recognise, articulate and share those feelings
with others. This is a gentle, tender story of the loss of a loved
pet but one which has a happy ending that shows that while the loved
one can't be replaced, there is still life to live and love to give,
even if it's different from what you imagined.
Nicky Johnston's illustrations are as soft and gentle as the words
and add to the poignancy of the whole story and from the front cover
to the final endpaper the love that Olivia has to give is on
display. In fact the endpapers cleverly preface the story - Barkley
hiding under the covers at the front, and Spud pulling them off and
the astute adult sharing this story might even prepare the child for
its content and theme by wondering aloud why there are two different
dogs. Teachers'
notes to assist in exploring and explaining the story are
available.
This is an essential addition to both home and school library as it
is a sensitive approach to a situation that so many of our little
people will face but will not understand without some adult
guidance.
Barbara Braxton
Tad by Benji Davies
HarperCollins, 2019. ISBN: 9780008212797.
Tad was the smallest tadpole in the pond - so small she had to
wiggle her tail twice as fast as her brothers and sisters to keep up
- but that didn't deter her from being brave. Even though the others
warned her about Big Blub, a great, big, nasty fish who was as old
as the mud he lived in at the bottom of the pond, she wasn't afraid
because she not only refused to believe in him but also made sure
she kept to the shallow, sunny parts of the pond or hid carefully so
he couldn't find her - just in case he was real. But as the days
went on, Tad's sisters and brothers seem to be dwindling in numbers
until at last she was the only one left. And here comes Big Blub. He
is REAL. What will she do?
Benji Davies has created a beautiful story that not only introduces
young readers to the life cycle of frogs - a common topic in early
biology curricula - but also to the concept of growing and changing
and being brave enough to take the next step, generally. With its
stunning illustrations, it is full of opportunities and ideas to
talk about, consolidating that special bond between reader and child
and the stories they share.
Barbara Braxton
The Rosie Result by Graeme Simsion
Don Tillman book 3. Text Publishing, 2019. ISBN:
9781925773477.
(Age: Adult - Senior secondary) Highly recommended. Fan will welcome
the return of Don Tillman as he tries to juggle his life as a
genetics expert with bringing up his son Hudson and keeping his
family intact. With the quiet humour and empathy that readers of the
previous books expect, (The
Rosie project and The
Rosie effect) Simsion brings his trilogy to an end in a
masterful way that readers will love.
Some big themes are gently explored in the book as Don goes about
the Hudson Project, trying to help his son fit into school life and
hopefully be accepted into the high school of his choice. Does
Hudson have autism, or is his environment and actions of his father
affecting him? Should children with autism go to a special school or
should they go to a mainstream school? How do parents overcome the
stereotypes that teachers may have of children who are different?
Can Rosie overcome the prejudice surrounding a working mother?
While Hudson is grappling with fitting in with school, Don is
grappling with setting up a cocktail bar and trying to work out what
he wants to do with his life as well. Both learn lots of ways to
cope, especially that friends are essential in life, and the reader
is left thinking about little gems like why if people are coached
and practise hard for physical excellence, the same can't be done
for fitting in and getting along with the system.
Readers will not be disappointed in this excellent conclusion to a
feel good and very entertaining series.
Pat Pledger
No adults allowed by Gavin Aung Than
Super Side Kicks book 1. Penguin, 2019, ISBN: 9780143795865.
(Age: 7-10) Cartoonist Gavin Aung Than's graphic novel champions the
underdog in the super hero world, the sidekicks. When Junior Justice
- JJ - decides he wants to be a superhero instead, he calls a
special meeting at a secret warehouse location. He's tired of his
subordinate role and wants to stop cleaning up after Captain
Perfect, washing his costumes and organising his headquarters. It's
time to turn things around.
He chooses Flygirl who's tired of being sidekick to Rampaging Rita
who loves to destroy everything. Dinomite brings his communication
skills - he can speak 47 languages and has a quantum physics degree.
Watch him transform into any shape and size dinosaur, a flying
pterodactyl or large and menacing T-Rex. Goo's slippery, slimy body
allows him to fill spaces, block gaps and help fight crime. He's run
away from evil Dr Enok's laboratory and is willing to help JJ and
the other child super sidekicks.
After a cheesy photo and chocolate chip cookies, the sidekicks share
their fantastic array of skills. When confronted by their angry
adult superheroes who want their offsiders back, an all-out battle
ensues, while Rampaging Rita bashes everything in her path, Blast
Radius shoots lasers into the melee. When Dr Enok captures Goo and
takes him back to the lab, Junior Justice, Dinomite and Flygirl,
creatively work as a team to rescue the sticky creature.
Than's action-packed cartoons showcase the cast of quirky characters
and their special abilities. He's created a world reminiscent of the
1960s' superhero shows, as good and evil battles against each other.
JJ and his friends learn to value each other's skills, develop their
friendship and utilise their problem-solving skills. No adults
allowed is a super-exciting cartoon novel just right for super-hero
loving readers.
Themes: Superheroes, Villains, Good and Evil.
Rhyllis Bignell
Silver on the Road by Laura Anne Gilman
The Devil's West book 1, Saga Press, 2015. ISBN:
9781481429689.
(Age: 16+) Recommended. Endeavour Award Nominee (2016) . An original
take on a Western, this fantasy features a 16 year old young woman,
Isobel who makes a choice to work for the devil in the Territory.
The devil is an enigmatic figure who controls all the Territory and
anyone who wants to live there must abide by his rules. When Isobel
signs an Agreement to become his left hand, she doesn't realise just
what that means. Setting off with her mentor, Gabriel Karsun, she
travels the land, meeting magic and chaos on the way.
The setting is fabulous, the loneliness of the land is vividly
described as are Isobel's lessons in managing to learn how to cope
on the road. Acquiring the skills of horse riding, camping and
gathering knowledge of the magic on the road and meeting the
pioneers who are trying to make a living off the land provide a
fascinating background to the strange thing that is eating
communities and spreading disease.
Izzy proves herself to be a capable and sensitive woman. Once she
overcomes her shock about what being the left hand of the devil
really means, she displays great leadership skills, not being afraid
to stand up for what she believes her boss, the devil wants her to
do. The character of the devil is one that will intrigue readers as
they wonder if he is supposed to be the devil portrayed in the bible
or some mystical figure from folklore. And Gabriel too has secrets
that are not revealed in this first book of the series and that is
tantalising as well.
This is a book for fans who are looking for something different in
their fantasy stories. Fans of road trips and readers who enjoyed Tess
of the road by Rachael Hartman may also enjoy the road trip.
Pat Pledger
Last words by Michael Koryta
Mark Novak book 1. Hodder and Stoughton, 2016. ISBN:
9781444742619.
(Age: 16+) Recommended for fans of thrillers. This was the first
book I have read by Koryta, a New York Times bestselling author, and
I couldn't put it down. Not only was it exciting, I was uncertain
until the end just how the plot would resolve itself. Private
investigator Mark Novak looks at a cold case involving the death of
a young girl in a dangerous cave system, names Trapdoor. Ridley
Barnes the man who brought her body to the surface and who many
thought was her killer, had contacted him in an effort to find out
who was the murderer.
It is the setting that makes this an engrossing read. The dark cave,
its underground passages, perilous waterways and the almost
supernatural nature that Ridley Barnes believes the cave has, all
evoke a compelling atmosphere of danger that will keep the reader
gripped to the pages. Mark Novak is a man on another mission, that
of solving the murder of his wife and only takes the case in an
attempt to hold onto his job.
There are many plot threads that will bamboozle the reader. These
include not only the mysterious cave system, but the appearance of a
hypnotist, the dead girl's boyfriend, a curt sheriff and a small
town mentality that is not helpful for Novak's investigation.
The conclusion was gripping and complex and leaves the reader ready
to tackle the next book featuring Mark Novak, Rise the dark,
as he tries to find his wife's killer.
Pat Pledger
Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall
Orchard Books, 2019. ISBN: 9780316362382.
On the highest rock of a tiny island at the edge of the world stands
a lighthouse. From dusk to dawn, the lighthouse beams, sending its
light out to sea, guiding the ships on their way. As the seasons
pass and the waves rise and fall, outside, the wind blows; inside,
the lighthouse keeper writes, and the rhythms of his life unfold.
But change is on the horizon . . .
Whatever the season, whatever the weather, the lighthouse keeper
must keep the light going to warn ships of the dangers nearby. and
this stunning book by Australian illustrator Sophie Blackall takes
the reader back to a time in history when men lived on these
far-flung beacons, isolated from civilisation and charged with
keeping the ships and their sailors safe, regardless of whatever
might befall them. Set on a lighthouse on the tip of Newfoundland,
the story unfolds of the loneliness and the joy of a typical
lighthouse keeper who has a duty above all else.
In 2016, Blackall was awarded the Caldecott Medal, the first
Australian to receive if for her work on Finding Winnie and
now, in 2019, she has won it again for Hello Lighthouse. 'Masterful
ink and watercolor illustrations illuminate the story of a
lighthouse and the family inside. Stunning images of the lighthouse
in all kinds of weather alternate with views of intimate interior
detail and circular motifs. Blackall's skill with composition, line
and close attention to detail have created an exquisite book.'
But apart from the quality of the illustrations, this is a book that
will resonate with so many who are familiar with lighthouses as
there are over 350 of them dotted around our coastline. While there
are no longer any manned, nevertheless they still hold an appeal and
this journey back into another time because regardless of its
position, life was pretty much the same for all those who tended the
beacons.
Something very different that deserves a place in any collection.
Barbara Braxton
