Nosy Crow, 2019. ISBN: 9781788003872.
(Age: 8-12) Highly recommended. Cosmo is an aging golden retriever
who has long accepted that his role in life is to 'doggedly' love
his human family and make them happy. Keeping them happy proves to
be a challenge when it becomes obvious that the marriage of Max and
Emmaline's parents is disintegrating. Max and Cosmo decide on a plan
that they hope will keep them together into the future, helped by
recently returned veteran Uncle Reggie.
Carlie Sorosiak's beautifully written book invites the reader in
from the very first page. I laughed at the antics of Cosmo and in
the process learned quite a bit of dog psychology including learning
about Cosmo's attitude to bacon and the evil sheepdog who lives down
the street. I hurt with Max as he watches his parents arguing and
tries to protect his sister Emmeline from the angst and confusion of
parents doing their best to parent as their own relationship fails.
Uncle Reggie provides stability and a safe place as he teaches Max
and Cosmo how to dance for an upcoming competition whilst grieving
for his own dog left behind in a war zone.
Children will learn about family dynamics, acceptance of tough
situations, enduring love, forgiveness, and how misunderstandings
can be resolved and relationships repaired, all whilst enjoying the
beauty and simplicity of Sorosiak's language and her enjoyment of
the simple things in life.
Such a lot of implicit learning packed into a book that both adults
and children will enjoy reading.
Jan Barwick
Little Nic's big day by Nic Naitanui
Illus. by Fatima Anaya. Allen and Unwin, 2019. ISBN: 9781760876876.
(Age: 5+). Highly recommended. Themes: Rhyming stories, Diversity,
Multi-culturalism, Differences, New Beginnings, Schools. Little
Nic's Big Day is written by well-known Australian AFL West
Coast Eagles footballer, Nic Naitanui. This entertaining picture
book begins with young Nic's apprehension about his first day at a
new school and whether he will fit in. The clever rhyming text
begins with conversations with Nic and his mother on what might
happen at school. His mother reassures him as does his teacher when
he is introduced in the classroom. Throughout the day Nic finds
companions and settles into his new school. The story strongly
promotes the theme of diversity and that being different is easily
embraced in the school setting. The author sensitively reflects on
what languages the classmates speak, the foods they eat and how
different things make them happy.
The illustrations by Fatima Anaya are bold and brightly coloured.
They beautifully complement the contemporary rhyming text where
emphasis is placed on significant words on each page.
This picture book is a welcome addition to any school library
especially at the start of the school year where children are
entering new schools and new classes. Children often worry about
being accepted in new situations. This book is an easy and
entertaining read that may allay a little of that worry and will
appeal to students of all ages. Little Nic's Big Day would also be a
wonderful read celebrating Harmony Day.
Kathryn Beilby
No more kisses! by Rebecca McGregor
Illus. by Olivia Godbee. Little Steps, 2019. ISBN: 9781925839401.
(Age: 4+) Themes: Touching, Kissing, Comfort, Family, Likes and
dislikes. When Sam turns five, he declares that he is past the
kissing stage: those hairy, air born or smoochy kisses, hair
ruffles, chicken pecks or snogs, cheek scrapes or snotty kisses,
nuzzles or wet, sloppy bone breath licks. All of these will never
lighten his cheek again, ever. He is adamant and tells everyone so,
drawing attention to his declaration with signs, sky writing, bill
boards and notes on his door.
Readers will love attaching the style of kiss to the kiss planter:
Grandma with her sticky lipstick kisses, the dog with the bone
breath lick, Mum with a smooch, nuzzles from the aunts and cheek
scrapes from the uncles. Air kisses and hair ruffles get a mention
which will be recognised by many readers as things they do not like.
Funny illustrations show Sam in situations where these kisses are
given, and will be instantly recognised as places to be avoided by
the readers.
But towards the end of the story something happens which makes Sam
change his mind for now, and places him in a situation where hugs
and kisses are acceptable, even wanted.
A neat story of childhood, of growing up and therefore growing out
of some behaviours seen as childish, this story will enable children
to talk about behaviour that belongs at home or in the classroom, or
in the playground, seeing a difference between what is acceptable in
one place but not the other.
Kids will get a thrill out of listing all the names they can find
for kisses, and attaching these names to the person who gives it.
Fran Knight
Don't butt in by Heath McKenzie
Scholastic, 2019. ISBN: 9781760665593.
(Age: 3+) Recommended, Bums, Anatomy, Animals, Humour. After the
success of Butt
out! (2018) it is not surprising that a sequel follows,
imploring kids to think about interrupting, or butting in, and using
all the fun words to do with butt along the way. Baboon dons his new
pants and interrupts the other animals on every page, showing off
his new clothing. Giraffe is simply trying to buy something from the
bakery when Baboon drops his behind on the counter to suggest that
Giraffe buys buns. Two turtles are mortified when at the bus stop,
Baboon tells them that the butt not the bus has arrived, while a
birthday party becomes a buttday party and a newspaper headline
showing that a road crack has been repaired, has Baboon showing off
his new stripy pants with his crack well covered. All good fun with
Baboon using all the words younger children use for behind, in a
series of word plays, puns and jokes.
Readers will love spying Baboon in his cheeky new strides, looking
for the word to do with the theme as they read. But as his antics
grow more and more invasive, people become less tolerant of his
behaviour and he is told in no uncertain words to not butt in.
A wonderful lesson about interruption for the classroom as well as a
very funny read, Don't butt in is deceptive in its
simplicity, its puns and word plays offering a stream of playfulness
with a group of kids.
Fran Knight
Gregory Goose is on the loose! On the Moon by Hilary Robinson and Mandy Stanley
New Frontier, 2019. ISBN: 9781925594867. Board book, 20pp.
(Age: 0-3) Recommended. Gregory Goose is having a ball swooping
around in space and little children will love to follow his
adventures. He zooms around in a rocket, tries to catch a falling
star, bounces around the planets, and hides out in Mars. Finally he
lands on the moon for a very special picnic.
A great read aloud, the narrative by Robinson flows easily
and children will have lots of fun finding Gregory Goose where he is
hiding in each double page spread. Sometimes he jumps out at the
reader who will chortle with glee at finding him, other times, both
adult and child will need to take a little time to find him as he
hides out in space.
The illustrations are delightful, the little alien creatures have
happy expressions on their faces, Gregory Goose is outfitted in an
incredible spacesuit and the bright colours are alluring.
Adults and children will enjoy this book and time could be spent
looking at the different colours and talking about space and the
planets. Teacher's
notes are available.
This would be a lovely book for a toddler, making for a happy
bedtime experience.
Pat Pledger
I'm ready for preschool illus. by Jedda Robaard
Puffin, 2019. ISBN: 9781760891602. board book, 14pp.
(Age: 3-5) Recommended. Little Koala is very excited about trying
something new - joining the big kids and going to preschool. All the
preparations have been made - name tags are on the clothes, backpack
is packed, lunch box is ready and even though there are some nervous
moments, the teacher is smiling and there are many kids to get to
know.
This would be an excellent book to read to children well before they
go to preschool as well as just before, as it would give young minds
enough information to allay fears and let them know what they could
expect at preschool. They would learn that it is OK to be worried
but that there are lots of toys, dress up treasures and many friends
to be made once they became familiar with their new surroundings.
The little Koala is very cute and the Australian animals and
backgrounds drawn by Robaard will delight young children. The final
scene where the teacher is reading a book and Koala is not ready to
go home is delightful and a thoughtful conclusion to the story.
Pat Pledger
Beverly, right here by Kate DiCamillo
Walker Books, 2019. ISBN: 9781406390704.
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. Themes: Homelessness, Running away,
Bingo, Old age. When Beverly, aged fourteen, leaves home, catching
a lift with a neighbour after the burial of her beloved dog, Buddy,
she has little idea of what she will do. She knows that life with
her indifferent mother is not what she wants, and wants to set out
on her own, without needing other people. Meeting Iola at the local
caravan park sees her having a bed for the night. She finds work at
a local fish cafe, clearing the tables. Here she must deal with
Freddie the waitress always on the lookout for her opportunity and
the sad Mr Denby the owner. She meets Elmer at the local Zoom City
and they become friends, and she eats with Iola each night, taking
her to the bingo once a week, driving her in her big old Pontiac.
Slowly Beverly becomes a part of the community she has found,
becoming part of the lives of the people she meets, allowing them to
see a little of herself.
Readers will readily follow Beverly's journey to self
understanding, seeing the connections she makes with others,
allowing herself to reveal a little of what is inside her. She is
bristly and rude, short on words and keeps her feelings to herself,
and as the story unfolds we learn to love her as a character, flaws
and all. Those she meets along the way too are full of interest and
will keep readers alert to their traits.
A dance allows Beverly to learn some steps and dance with Elmer,
finding that is the best night of her life. But more is to follow as
Iola wins the turkey and everyone who Beverly has met is invited to
Christmas dinner in August.
This charming tale will bring smiles to the readers, as Beverly
finally rings her friend back home, Rayma, to ask to be picked up.
She has decided what she wants. We first met the abrasive Beverly
in Raymie
Nightingale. Teacher's
notes are available.
I love DiCamillo's work, subtle and plausible, showing characters
from backgrounds not usually seen in books, engaging and
entertaining.
Fran Knight
Millie Muffin written and illustrated by Alisha Henderson
Storybook Sweet series. Bauer Books, 2019. ISBN:
9781925695984.
(Age: 4-8) Highly recommended. Themes: Self-esteem, Confidence,
Belonging, Well-being, Acceptance, Recipes. Millie Muffin is
the very first tale in the Storybook Sweet series written by
young Melbourne baker, Alisha Henderson. Millie feels that she is a
plain old boring muffin and does not have much to offer the rest of
the sweet treats on Buttercream Bend. She aspires to be like the
Cupcake Girls who are all glitzy and glamorous with their icing
decorations. While on her daily stroll she meets other treats who
are also feeling lost and lacking in confidence about how they look.
Millie kindly points out what makes them special and realises that
she is not the only one unhappy with her looks. She finally realises
that what is on the inside counts for so much more than looks.
The reader is drawn to the simple, yet colourful illustrations. The
clever rhyming text further enhances the story and keeps the reader
focused. The writer has also included five recipes at the end of
story which children can bake with an adult. This picture book will
be an asset to any classroom or home where children are struggling
with low self-esteem and lacking in confidence.
Kathryn Beilby
Bold tales for brave-hearted boys by Susannah McFarlane
Allen and Unwin, 2019. ISBN: 9781760524715.
(Ages: 6-9) Susannah McFarlane's book of 'tilted' fairy tales gives
an interesting slant to four traditional tales; Jack and the
beanstalk, Hansel and Gretel, The Emperor's new clothes
and Sleeping Beauty. It is beautifully illustrated by
Brenton McKenna, Simon Howe, Matt Huynh and Louie Joyce. I love the
thoughts expressed in the preface poem, which tells boys that they
can be 'clever, honest and bold of heart' and 'strong is more than
muscle and might: it's following your heart to do what's right'. The
four stories are not greatly different from the original and it
could be an interesting class exercise to compare the originals with
these, to look at how the characters vary from the originals and how
that impacts on the adaptations. Titles that imply the book is for
one gender only are not my cup of tea and this one has not really
endeared itself to me. Written as a companion to the author's Fairytales
for feisty girls, the book subtly tells girls they can do and
be anything they want, but it does not seem to give the same message
or permissions to male readers. Whilst Hansel is able to come up
with the idea of how to escape, he has to rely totally on Gretel
having the courage to rescue them. Prince Leo is simply following
the family business and doing what he has spent his life training
for, whilst Aurora breaks the stereotype of what princesses can do
and be. This book has shown me that I prefer my fairy tales to have
characters that are larger than life rather than ones that are as
ordinary and mundane as the rest of us.
Jan Barwick
Through the animal kingdom by Derek Harvey
Illus. by Charlotte Pepper. DK, Penguin Random House, 2019. ISBN:
9780241355442.
Recommended for library collections for younger Primary students.
Themes: Animals, Environment. In this book the globe and all
continents are traversed, revealing the animals that reside in
various environmental regions in the world from the Arctic Tundra to
Antarctica. With small paragraphs to describe behaviour or
adaptations that enable survival, this is a book that provides an
overview only, with little benefit for inquiry learning or research
for younger students.
The illustrations by Charlotte Pepper combine collage and
photographic representations to realistically represent the
environment and array of animals that can be seen in the different
habitats.
Carolyn Hull
Blood in the water by Jack Flynn
Macmillan, 2019. ISBN: 9781447298281.
(Age: 15+) Recommended. 'Homeland Security agent, Kit Steel, is
committed to avenge terrorism. And she's after the blood of her
nemesis, one of world's most ruthless and dangerous criminals,
Vincente Carpio. He has the blood of her husband and young son on
his hands, and Kit is unwavering in her determination to see him
kept behind bars forever. . . Harbour Union chief, Cormack
McConnell, has lived his life close to the wire above and below the
law, and he controls everything that happens on Boston's waterfront.
Someone wants him out of the way, fast.' (Publisher)
The easy to follow storyline and highly readable text make this
action packed story very enjoyable. It brings up terrorism and
criminal behaviour.
This is recommended for older YA from 15 onwards and is most
suitable for those who like thrillers as there are many twists and
turns.
Vincent Hermann
The Magnolia Sword: A Ballad of Mulan by Sherry Thomas
Allen and Unwin, 2019. ISBN: 9781760876685.
(Age: 12+) Highly recommended. An engrossing retelling of the
ancient ballad of Mulan will have fans of historical stories and
martial arts with a dash of romance, grabbing this story as soon as
it comes their way. It is China, 484 A.D. Mulan has trained to win a
duel against her family's enemy, but when the Rouran invaders come
into the north each family has to send one soldier to fight. Mulan's
brother is too young and her father paralyzed, so disguised as a
man, she sets out to join the army. Then she meets up with a young
princeling with secrets, and together they cross the Great Wall of
China, trying to find a traitor who is betraying their army.
Thomas is an author who previously has written award winning adult
historical and romance novels, including two featuring a skilled
Chinese heroine with a martial arts background, so she is eminently
suited to writing this novel. Her descriptions of life in the
Chinese court, the buildings and the upper class provide an in-depth
background to the feud between the two families. The life of a
soldier too, with all its trials, is vividly described and the
readers will find themselves holding their breath as Mulan and Kai
try to find where the enemy is camping and identify who is the
traitor. Lots of twists and turns, deception, friendship and loyalty
make this a great read.
It was interesting to find that the story is based on the real Ballad
of Mulan, translated here.
Thomas has also provided an interesting Author's note and Notes on
language and historical miscellany. Teacher's
tips are available from the publisher's website.
Anyone who enjoys a grand adventure with lots of action, great
characters and splendid setting will love this story. Fans of
Kristin Cashore, Robin Lafevers and Rachel Hartman will be happy to
find another author who writes about a young woman who loves her
family but is strong enough to break the stereotypes of her society.
Pat Pledger
Funny Bones ed. by Oliver Phommavanh, Kate Temple and Jol Temple
Allen and Unwin, 2019. ISBN: 9781760524333.
(Age: 5+) Highly recommended. Funny Bones is one of the best
compilations of stories I have read in a really long time!
It has 'over 100 stories for kids from Australia's bestselling
authors, illustrators and funny people', and does not disappoint. It
is a huge book, which could be quite overwhelming to some readers
but upon opening and flicking through it is quickly evident that
this book is filled with an array of stories of all different
lengths. Some are just text (but only a few pages long), some have
small funny pictures and some are humorous cartoons!
The book has been edited by Kate and Joel Temple and Oliver
Phommavanh, and is so clever in the order of stories, poems, and
cartoons through out the book. My 9 year old son and I read this
book, and we loved the different text types and didn't feel the need
or want to flick past stories to find something else.
The authors who contributed to this book are some of Australia's
finest, including Andy Griffiths, Zoe Foster-Blake, Terry Denton,
Sally Rippin, Josh Pyke and Madeline West. Readers are going to be
very familiar with lots of the names, drawing them into the text
with familiarity and then they will certainly have trouble putting
it down after they begin reading all the hilarious tales.
The stories are all very funny, lots were even laugh out loud
material! There is toilet humour, funny poetry, hilarious cartoons
and scary stories. We particularly liked 'Punbelievable or: a series
of punfortunate events' by Fiona Katauskas (who doesn't love a
pun!), 'Disgusting Things' by Josh Pyke (a poem fit for the
stinkiest of children!), and 'Dr William's big, bad Dad joke word
search' by Sean Williams (which is really a word search with answers
completing all the terrible Dad jokes).
I could go on and on about our favourites but truely we really did
enjoy all of the stories. This book would suit an 8-9 year old
reader as it has a range of text types that require a higher level
of comprehension knowledge, but children as young as 5 would find
many of the stories funny when read out loud by a parent or older
sibling. We give this book 5 out 5 and think it would make an
awesome holiday book, or present for any fart-loving friend!!!
Lauren Fountain
The beach wombat by Susannah Chambers
Illus. by Mark Jackson. Allen and Unwin, 2019. ISBN: 9781760631857.
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Themes: Wombats, Australian animals,
Beach, National Parks, Wilson's Promontory. This charming tale of a
young wombat exploring his environment has instant appeal. Its
simple rhyming structure will draw in the readers as they predict
the rhyming words and learn the lines with its wonderful use of
alliteration adding to the fun.
Sea, sand, sun and smoke figure prominently during the morning as
the wombat baby and mother wander along the beach, eventually
becoming rain, twilight, starlight and moonlight as evening draws
near. Adventure at the beginning and end of each day sees them
trying to get the sand out of their fur, running to get the smoke
from their eyes, sheltering from the rain with other animals and
finally finding a place to rest.
At the national park, we see the interaction between human and
animals, as each goes about their activities separately, not
intruding on the other, each making use of the environment, although
the fire gives a nod to the negative impact of humans. The
illustrations are wonderful, showcasing this lovely Australian
marsupial in its natural setting. It coexists with others:
kangaroos, pygmy possums, crabs, gulls, spiders, frogs and birds,
and its day is set against the Australian bush with its scrubby
trees, large buttress trees, ferns and coastal rock formations.
Readers will enjoy looking at the range of Australian landscapes
presented, and thrill when the endpapers reveal a map of the
wombats' journey, which they can follow with ease.
Wonderful to read aloud, allowing the listeners to predict the
rhyming word, readers will ask for it to be read again and again,
poring over the informative illustrations, learning more about their
natural environment as they read and look. I love the small touches
of humans: a fence post, a plastic shovel, a bucket on the sand, one
whole page depicting a family on the beach, but in the main, the
beach belongs to the animals.
Fran Knight
Weapon by Lynette Noni
Whisper, book 2. Pantera Press, 2019. ISBN: 9781925700503.
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. Wow! Some unexpected twists and turns
made this a compulsive page turner which I had to finish in one
sitting. Following the 2019 Gold Inky Award Winner, Whisper,
Noni has upped the tension and suspense in the sequel, Weapon,
as Lyss tries to fit in with the Remnants, and save her friends who
have been left behind in Lengard. Stopping the evil scientist who
has been torturing those who have been brought to Lengard is a
priority and she has only 24 hours to stop him. She is also
desperate to learn to control her powers as a Speaker, but is
confronted by secrets and lies from those around and even more
disturbing, strange memories of her early life begin to emerge. What
and who can she believe? Who is Riley the strangely familiar young
man? What has happened to her family?
The setting of tunnels under Sydney's Taronga Park Zoo, Luna Park
and a laboratory under Centre Point Tower will enthrall readers who
live or have visited Sydney, and others will definitely want to go
to see the sights of this magnificent city. A chase through the
amusement section of Luna Park brought shivers as Lyss tries to
rescue a young man on the run from the scientists at Lengard.
Characterisation is strong in this duology. Lyss is a very strong
young woman who is able to determine right from wrong and who is
fiercely loyal to her friends. The problems of communal living and
leadership are also explored and friendship is a major theme.
There is much to like and remember in the two books in this series,
and I look forward to reading future books by this author who is
'currently collaborating on a project with #1 New York Times
bestselling author of the Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas'. (Publisher)
Pat Pledger
