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
The Quest Diaries of Max Crack by Jules Faber
Macmillan, 2019, ISBN: 9781760783907.
(Age: 8+) Themes: New school, Friendship, School life, Family life.
The Quest Diaries of Max Crack is Jules Faber's first
children's book. he's the popular illustrator of Ahn Do's Weirdo
series. Written in a diary format with lined pages, filled with
humourous cartoons, action diagrams and funny conversations with
speech bubbles, only child Max is anxious to fit in at his new
school. The stream of consciousness style gives the reader insight
his school and home life. To help him settle in, he's prepared a
Quest, a list of tasks and challenges some harder than others to
fulfil.
Max meets his soon to be best friend when he lands in a flooded
drain and hits his head on a submerged trolley. Frankie comes from a
big, rambunctious family full of older brothers fighting. They speak
in a descriptive new way and welcome Max, who is an only child, into
their home. Frankie and Max's relationship is built on a shared love
of drawing cartoons, after school adventures, practising for the
upcoming Spelling Bee and completing the Quest. He wants to make a
new friend, explore his new town, win a trophy, solve a mystery and
have his photo in the local paper.
Max and Frankie learn to trust and help each other and as all
friends do compete against each other, fall out and then reconnect.
Along the way, there's a search for buried treasure, an epic bike
ride, a chance to earn money by selling copies of their comic book
at the school fete and plenty of joking around. Each boy has a great
sense of humour and love to talk in puns.
Faber's cartoons add humour to the fast-paced action, they are
integral to Max's diary entries. The Quest Diaries of Max Crack
gives the reader insight into the chaotic mind of an eleven year as
he copes with a new town, home and school. Exploring themes of
friendship, acceptance, identity with a dash of mystery and
adventure, this is an engaging addition to the diary genre.
Rhyllis Bignell
Undying by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
Unearthed book 2. Allen and Unwin, 2018. ISBN: 9781760292164.
(Age: 13+) Recommended. Themes: Science fiction, Adventure,
Diversity. Fans who were left breathless by the non-stop action in Unearthed
will be delighted to pick up where Mia and Jules off and continue
with their adventures. Helped by a short summary at the beginning of
the book the reader is reminded of what happened in Unearthed and
will plunge into the story, following the pair as they attempt to
get back to earth to warn authorities of the danger that the
Unearthed pose to humanity.
With the hijacking of a spaceship, imprisonment by authorities, a
wild chase across Spain to Prague, a deadly virus attacking whole
cities and Mia and Jules racing for their lives, the reader is in
for a thrilling ride in Undying. There is also some new character
development that makes for a more thoughtful understanding of the
Unearthed. Twists and turns and unexpected plot developments keep
the reader engaged with both the action and the characters and the
authors manage to bring this duology to a satisfying conclusion.
Fans who get tired of long series, but are reluctant to leave much
admired characters, will be happy with the pace and plots in this
series and look forward to anything else these talented authors
write.
Pat Pledger
I need a parrot by Chris McKimmie
Ford St, 2019. ISBN: 9781925804287.
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Themes: Wants and needs, Humour.
McKinnie's quirky play with words and illustrations will appeal
widely as the boy in the story says simply, I NEED a parrot. Ideas
will stream into the readers' minds as they too ask the question,
what do I need? A parrot is probably the last thing many would admit
to needing, so the question arises, why a parrot? With that question
in mind, the ideas will come thick and fast as the illustrations
show the boy rejecting a parrot hand puppet and a turkey,
questioning a whale in his bath (blue of course) and a shark in his
pool, telling the reader that he already has a bear (although not a
real bear) and a cat. He promises that he will clean its cage, teach
it words, feed it and love it.
Up to this point, the boy is adamant that a parrot is what he needs
and the reader will go along with story but seeing the parrot in a
cage will stop them in their tracks and make them take a breath. The
story changes from a boy's wanting a parrot to the awfulness of a
large bird kept in a cage, where once he had a sky full of blue in
which to fly. And that point is underlined with a page filled with
blue, a huge sky for the bird to fly freely. The boy now says 'Oh',
realising the consequences of his demand. But over the page,
McKinnie brings another bolt of humour, one all readers will
recognise.
McKimmie's humour packs a wallop: lulled into the voice of the hero,
going along with his well rehearsed reasons and promises to persuade
his parents about the inclusion of a parrot in the household, the
aim of the story changes to more of an environmental one, where the
parrot's needs, not the boy's, are paramount.
It makes for a thrilling read, laughing along with the recognisable
wheedlings of a child in wanting something, then pushed into the
thought for something other than themselves, children will question
the need of a parrot in their lives. The idea of a parrot, or any
pet bird in particular, is brought into question with the series of
cages shown throughout the story.
McKimmie's illustrative style is most distinctive, and readers will
recognise the images he uses, a multiplicity of techniques including
collage, paint, pencils and gouache, with ease, recalling other books
they have read.
The images build a domestic background against which the boy pleads
his case, his face looking directly at the reader, forming a bond.
Laugh out loud illustrations will evoke comment as the theme changes
in the book, pushing the readers to give more thought to their
requests.
Fran Knight
The music makers by Meredith Costain and Danielle McDonald
Olivia's Secret Scribbles book 8. Scholastic, 2019, ISBN:
9781760660048.
(Age: 6+) Recommended. Themes: Musical instruments, Diaries, School.
Olivia loves to share her special thoughts and record her school
life in her secret diary, scribbling, sharing her feelings and
drawing her activities. After The Music Makers give a special
performance at the school assembly, they share their musical
instruments with Olivia's class. When Bethany suggests their Year 2
class perform a musical item at next week's assembly, all the
students come up with lots of fun ideas. Mr. Platt their teacher
suggests they play a recorder song, but that doesn't work out.
With a little creative planning, Olivia comes up with an exciting
concept: create new musical instruments by reusing and upcycling
things from home and school. With everyone on board, some of her
class research ideas on the computer and Olivia seeks help from Mr.
Snarski in the library. To add to the excitement and creativity,
there's a little mystery when their instruments are sabotaged at
night. What a special super-duper performance, each class member has
a special role, even Mr. Platt helps create a unique sound wall! The music makers is Meredith Costain's delightful eighth book
in the popular series, filled with bright bubbly characters, plenty
of creativity, teamwork and fun. Splashes of purple bring a
liveliness, with Danielle McDonald capturing the excitement, the
preparations and the unique musical instruments.
Rhyllis Bignell
Misrule by Jodi McAlister
Valentine book 3. Penguin, 2019. ISBN: 9780143793465. pbk,
404 pgs.
(Age: 14+) Recommended. Themes: Paranormal, Fairies, Murder,
Diversity. Fans of the Valentine series will be thrilled with this stunning conclusion. It is
best to read the series in order (Valentine, Ironheart
and Misrule) as each book continues immediately after the
other one with the story of Pearl Linford and Finn Blacklin taking
centre stage. Pearl is all alone. Finn is a captive back in
Fairyland and there has been a gory murder in her neighbourhood.
Pearl is determined to find out what is happening and to come up
with a plan to rescue Finn depending on a fairy holiday called
Misrule. Misrule is not for the faint hearted. There is plenty of gore
and rather scary moments to give the reader breathtaking chills as
Pearl struggles with the machinations of the fairies, not knowing
who she can trust and what to do. However as fans of the first two
books will be very aware, Pearl is no swooning heroine, but
strong, intelligent and resilient and with the help of friends and
occasional allies, attempts to thwart the Fairy Prince's plans and
rescue the love of her life.
Without giving away too much of the plot, it is enough to say that
the action is fast paced, the characters are well developed and the
combination of normal life with a Fairy Court all make for a
gripping read. And the snarky narration by Pearl will also keep the
reader engaged with the plot.
Fans of Holly Black will love this series and I look forward to
reading any future books by the author.
Pat Pledger
