Reviews

Simon Sidebottom 2: Too cool for school by P. Crumble and Dean Rankine

Koala Books, 2018. ISBN 9781743810392.
Simon Sidebottom doesn't have time to be an endearing fleshed out character. His goal is to say and do ridiculous things and have ridiculous things said and done to him - over and over. Being forced to clean up his sibling's projectile vomit doesn't sound like a particularly nice or realistic home life, but a school full of repellent staff and students isn't that nice either. Perhaps Simon too, is a revolting boy? Perhaps this is the typical fate of the comic novel anti-hero?
At the beginning of term, Simon falls asleep while his new teacher (Ms Graff aka Ms Giraffe) and the Principal (Mr Smart-Felling aka Mr Fart-Smelling) are team teaching. Waking abruptly, he disrupts the class meeting and as punishment he is made to play the part of the school mascot (a ferret) for the entire year. His reluctance to comply leads him to be in the wrong places at the wrong times, usually flashing his underpants, and, where he will no doubt continue to say, do or experience incredulously stupid things. These include: retrieving the school ferret from the sewers where it has fled, or jumping inside Prof Nutbeam's time machine, or listening to Mr Spitnpolish's confession that he is actually Simon's future self!
The book is not a linear narrative but of the Pick-a-path / Choose-your-own-adventure genre. Setting a hectic pace, middle schoolers will appreciate the toilet humour. There's plenty to choose from - farts, stinky sewers, ratty toenails, swollen bums, plagues of cockroaches, snot, vomit, underpants, trousers full of ferrets, boogers, hairy legs, girl germs, dog poo, ferret poo, toilets, Principals with rubbery arms, etc. After each active event, (there are no stative events) the reader is confronted by the phrase, "Then a funny thing happened..." followed by a choice of prompts with page numbers. Readers choose exactly what further nonsense Simon may navigate. After many ridiculous events, readers develop a strong urge to choose a path that leads to one or more of the proffered endings and the relief of reading, "The End".
If you like frenetic, totally gross, non-stop action, then you will thoroughly enjoy the empowering to-ing and fro-ing, retracing your steps so that you miss none of the gross bits on your journey to each potential solution.
Deb Robins

Fiona Fairybread and the colour red by Cheryl Ann Knights and Leigh Hedstrom

Little Steps Publishing, 2018. ISBN 9780648267331.
(Ages: 4-6) Themes: Colours. Poetry. From scarlet to ruby to cherry red, Fiona Fairybread's world is awash with her favourite colour. Cheryl Ann Knight's rhyming picture book introduces a wonderful lady whose world is coloured red, from her house to her hair. She's surrounded by colours bold and bright, everything she wears, all her dishes, her tablecloth, her vase, even her china cabinet. Her grey cat Scarlet who 'wears a red collar was bought from the shelter for only one dollar!'
What's for lunch Fiona? Yes, there's tomato, capsicum and vegetable broth, with delicious berries and cherries for desert. From her ruby earrings to sparkly shoes, Fiona has a fun fashion sense. Jellybeans come in many colours, but she only eats the red ones; just for fun the cat sometimes hides them! Driving to the shops in her shiny red car, she sometimes forgets to move when the lights change from red to green. Fiona's life is filled with joy, even the flowers in her garden are colourful and bright.
Leigh Hedstrom's digital illustrations capture the many shades of red, there's bold splashes of colour and closeup's of Fiona face with her red curly hair. Look out for the cat as it weaves its way through the pages. Cheryl Ann Knights' picture book is an amusing story, just right for sharing.
Rhyllis Bignell

Giggly times, giggly rhymes 3 by Richie Cotton

Ill. by Bookwood Illustrators. Little Steps Publishing, 2018. ISBN 9781925545968.
(Ages: 4-7) Themes: Poetry. Humour. This is the third of the Giggly times, giggly rhymes picture books. They are mostly nonsensical rhymes that could be used to encourage children to write their own rhymes. They range from a wheelie bin going surfing ('There's a wheelie bin in my street... I've seen it at the local beach; in those waves, out of reach; swishing in and out of curls; blowing kisses to the girls') to a boy turning into a frog ('I've turned bright green with bulgy eyes; Somebody please... find me some flies'). Some are more pleasing than others and some go too far beyond nonsensical, where words are just thrown in anywhere because they rhyme.
The illustrations match the craziness of the rhymes but are lacking sharpness. The rhymes are short (all 4, 6 or 8 lines) so good for young children to read aloud and could be useful for encouraging imaginative writing and poetry.
Nicole Nelson

We are displaced by Malala Yousafzai

Hachette, 2019. ISBN 9781474610049
(Age: 12+) Highly recommended. Non-fiction.
Nobel Prize winner and campaigner for every girl's right to complete 12 years of free, safe and quality education, Malala Yousafzai presents not only a short version of her own story in this new publication, but has gathered together the stories of many brave refugee girls she has met in the years following the attack on her by the Taliban. Her aim is to help people understand the enormity of the current refugee crisis, the biggest refugee crisis in history, and to hear the stories of the people caught in it, ordinary people caught in conflict and forced to leave their homes, choosing life over death.
The refugee stories are gathered from around the world: Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Colombia, Guatemala, the Congo, Myanmar, Uganda. The stories are quite short but oh so powerful! The first tells of Zaynab and Sabreen, two teenage sisters, who fled the bombs in Yemen and travelled to Egypt to apply through the US Embassy to be reunited with their mother who had already reached safety in the United States. Zaynab, the eighteen year old, was granted refugee status. Her sister, sixteen, was inexplicably, senselessly, rejected, and left on her own. Zaynab was able to fly to Minneapolis and undertake college education. Sabreen was left to risk her life on a boat with other refugees crossing the Mediterranean to Italy. The different fates of the two girls were cast by a careless and cruel administrative decision.
Marie Claire's family fled the Congo, running from wild militia groups terrorising the country. Marie Claire saw her father stabbed in the head, and her mother brutally murdered, sacrificing herself to save her children. Marie Claire and her extended family were lucky to be approved by UNHCR to go to Pennsylvania, and be welcomed by Jennifer, a warm-hearted volunteer with a refugee support organisation.
There are other stories, of young girls in desperate situations, seeking refuge and determined, like Malala, to build a better future. They are sad but also inspiring stories, of people who if just given a chance, are able to rise up to achieve their dreams.
The coloured photographs of each of the girls reinforce that these are real people, who just by the chance of the place they were born, have had to deal with the most terrible life circumstances. Their stories reveal that they are also very strong, independent and determined people deserving of our admiration.
Proceeds from We are displaced go to the Malala Fund for girls' education. But the message of the book is that we can all help, not only by donating money, but by educating ourselves about the refugee situation, giving time and attention, having empathy, and being kind to someone who has been displaced.
Helen Eddy

The world of Ruby Red Shoes: A book about Ruby's day by Kate Knapp

Angus and Robertson, 2019. ISBN 9781460756935.
(Age: Preschool - 7) Recommended. Ruby Red Shoes is a little white hare and in this volume she shares her day with her readers. Using rhyme to good advantage, the reader is taken from the time Ruby wakes up, gets dressed, has breakfast and goes off to school. Then it is time for her to play, have lunch and a rest, get some exercise and share the day with a special person. At home she spends some time in the garden, meditates and after dinner and a bath it is time to go to bed.
Readers will love the soft illustrations of Ruby and her friends, all of which will resonate with the young, as they follow Ruby's familiar routine. Some will want to try Ruby's quiet time:
Here is a secret I'd like to share
About how I remain a very calm hare...
I close my eyes and start at my nose,
Relaxing my body, right down to my toes.
This would make a lovely read aloud for younger children and those who are just learning to read might like to have a go at some of the rhymes in the book.
A feel good book A book about Ruby's day is sure to be a keeper for those who are lucky enough to own it. Others about Ruby Red Shoes are Learn with Ruby Red Shoes series and Ruby Red Shoes goes to London.
Pat Pledger

The world of Ruby Red Shoes: A book about Ruby's feelings by Kate Knapp

Angus and Robertson, 2019. ISBN 9781460756928.
(Age: 3-7) Recommended. Ruby Red Shoes is a little white hare who loves to share her feelings with readers. With beautiful, soft illustrations all of Ruby's emotions flow off the pages of this delightful little book, which will prove to be one that is shared again and again. 'When I feel happy, all the world seems light' starts off Ruby, who then goes on to talk about feeling shy, curious, surprised, grateful, cross, sorry, tired, scared, peaceful, sad, worried, safe and love. Each feeling is described in six or eight rhyming lines and often the reader is given advice on how to control the feelings, in a way that is easy to understand and very useful. For example, when Ruby feels scared:
So to calm my nerves I breathe deep and slow
Then away in a minute the scared feeling goes.
There is so much useful information packed into one little book in an easy to read aloud style which doesn't feel didactic or forced. The advice given would be welcomed by any adult reading the book aloud to a preschooler, as well as for any child who, captivated by the gorgeous drawings, has a go at reading it alone. It would also fit in beautifully with a Wellness program run in a school.
Pat Pledger

The little grey girl by Celine Kiernan

The Wild Magic Trilogy book 2. Walker Books, 2019. ISBN 9781406373929.
(Age: 9-13) Recommended. Themes: Fantasy. Ghosts. Witches. Scary books. In the second book in The Wild Magic Trilogy, following Begone the raggedy witches, Mup and her family travel to the castle, where Mam is greeted, to her dismay, as the new queen. But the old queen is still powerful and the kingdom is in danger. Mup sees a little grey girl, a ghost who has extraordinary powers, and discovers that she can make anyone exceptionally sad as she haunts them with terrible memories from the past. What can she do to help heal the kingdom?
This is a book that will appeal to children and young adults who like ghost stories with brave protagonists who try to fight evil. The little grey girl has frightening powers and children with vivid imaginations will be able to see the terrible things that she remembers from the dungeons under the castle. (It is not a story for the faint-hearted to read at night.) However many readers will be able to concentrate on the closeness of Mup's family, her friendship with Crow, and her determination to help everyone, including the little grey girl.
Mup is a very strong character who can stand up to witches and ghosts, while acknowledging when she is wrong and being able to apologise when her actions hurt someone. Throughout the story she gradually learns about her powers as a witch and uses them to do the right thing.
Kiernan's prose is vivid, sparse and easy to read and it takes the reader on an adventure with Mup soaring through the air, sitting on the castle roof with Crow, and using her witch light to explore the tunnels and dungeons that are hidden under the castle floors.
Tiny illustrations throughout the book add atmosphere and add to the tension. Readers who examine the front cover, too, will get a shiver down their spines when looking at the shadow of the fierce dog depicted there.
Older readers might like to continue reading about ghosts with City of ghosts by Victoria Schwab, and younger readers might like the style of books by Katherine Rundell.
Pat Pledger

There are fish everywhere by Britta Teckentrup

Big Picture Press, 2018. ISBN 9781787410763.
As summer draws on, it is likely that many of our young readers will have either been fishing or will have eaten fish or perhaps seen them 'in the flesh' over the past few months. While those who have caught them in rivers, lakes or the sea may be able to identify the species of their catch, with over 33,600 described species in the world, fish are the most diverse creatures than any other group of vertebrates found in aquatic environments all over the world.
'Big or small, spiny or flat, spiky or blobby, bright or exactly the same colour as the sand', fish have inhabited the planet for about 420 million years, and in this richly illustrated, informative book from Britta Teckentrup, young readers can investigate all things fishy, from the biological characteristics of fish to their evolution to what lives where. Focused on providing initial answers to a variety of questions it is a broad-ranging text that will satisfy the reader's curiosity and perhaps inspire them to investigate further. With information in manageable chunks and accessible language it is an ideal starter text for the independent reader, and with invitations to search for things, including the rarely seen but most common fish on the planet, the bristlemouth, they are encouraged to read and look carefully. Ideal for those with an interest in these amazing creatures.
Barbara Braxton

Where happiness lives by Barry Timms

Ill. by Greg Abbott. Little Tiger, 2018. ISBN 9781848699519.
In the beginning Grey Mouse is very happy and satisfied with his sweet little house which has enough room for each mouse to have fun, plenty of windows to let in the sun where he is safe and never alone. But one day while he is out walking he spots a much larger house that is hard to ignore, the home of White Mouse who invites him up to the balcony to view an even more impressive house high on a hill. Together they set out to visit it, so focused on reaching their destination they are oblivious to all the sights, sounds and smells that surround them on their journey.
When they get there, it is indeed a house like no other, and they are welcomed in by Brown Mouse who delights in showing them round her magnificent mansion. Grey Mouse and White Mouse feel more and more inadequate as its features are revealed until they come to a room that has a large telescope and they peek through it.
Told in rhyme and illustrated with clever cutouts and flaps to be lifted, this is a charming story for young readers who will learn a lesson about bigger not always being better, and the difference between wants and needs, as well as being encouraged to reflect on what makes them happy. Is it things? Or something else? Is the grass always greener?
Both the story and the presentation have a very traditional feel about them, making it perfect for young readers who relish the places books can take them. And with the aid of boxes, rolls and other everyday items they can have much fun creating their ideal home!
Barbara Braxton

Feminism is... by A. Black et al.

DK, 2019. ISBN 9780241228029.
(Age: 14+) Highly Recommended. Non fiction. Feminism is... follows on the heels of the recently published Feminists don't wear pink and other lies - a collection of feminist essays edited by Scarlett Curtis. Both books consolidate the concept of intersectionality but Feminism is...takes the form of a lively reference book. It might be a contradiction in terms, but familiar frames for lucid explanations reward every page turned. The thought-provoking topics form double page spreads within each section, including a handful featuring key historical identities. Each topic fans out across the gutter to engage with stylized diagrams, bold boxed headings and a monochrome photo.
It's a ready reference with all the accessible features plus a directory, glossary and index. Textbook sized, the topics are classified into broad sections: A political and social movement, Body and identity, Relationships and families, Education and work and Culture and society. The simple language explains complicated academic concepts and the spectrum of topics range from 'No Means No' to 'Feminism and Sex Work.' A further delight is that every topic gives equal weight to the opposing views of different schools of feminist thought.
Like its counterpart, the gambit of feminism is linked by a central idea - that intersectionality is at the heart of feminism. Feminism cannot exist in a vacuum. The majority of humankind identify with or belong to more than one marginalized and exploited group. Feminism champions equal rights for everyone who is a victim of patriarchal institutions - in reality that means fighting for as many men (of character) as women. The media, legal system, education and religion are the pillars supporting tyranny of a privileged system that filters through family, language, work, politics, culture and sexuality.
Feminism has evolved. The book may be aimed at youth, but it provides everyone with access and clear understandings of hitherto complex academic theories. Secondary schools should stock a feminist reference book so thoroughly executed, if only for the simplest definition proposed by Gemma Cairney in the foreword: 'It's a hopeful term to associate ourselves with - it means you believe in human rights'. As a result, Cairney was invited to take part in the 'My Life in Objects' series for The Pool. Meet her online on YouTube.
Deborah Robins

Show stopper! by Shamini Flint

Ill. by Sally Heinrich. The Susie K Diaries. Allen and Unwin, 2018. ISBN 9781760523701.
(Age: 7-9) Recommended. Themes: Science. Performing arts. Life skills. Problem solving. Shamini Flint's The Susie K Diaries are an engaging series with a one of a kind protagonist. Show stopper is centred around the school talent show; Susie's over-the-top mother signs her up, much to her daughter's dismay. Susie is a problem-solver, analytical, she converses with George the class fish and likes playing with Bones the skeleton. Once again, this feisty girl needs to use her scientific skills, her creativity and resolve to stand up to her mother's demands.
Susie's mother is always looking out for her daughter to be the best she can be; however, she doesn't always understand her. Stories of her mother's difficult childhood don't help with Suzie's self-confidence. With her five step plan Susie decides to identify and analyse the problem, then find and test the solution, repeating this step if necessary. Literally, she thinks of locking the hall doors and throwing away the key or maybe a fire; no that won't work. Excitement builds at school, as everyone is busy practising and counting down the two weeks until the event. Susie tests out her skills; her singing scares the birds and sets the dogs howling. Dancing with George in his glass bowl is nearly a disaster, and dancing with a group leads to a pile-up of dancers on stage. Poor Susie K. Nothing seems to work and even her classmates, teachers and family aren't able to help. Suzie's 'Eureka' moment and surprising performance make a fabulous finale. Along the way, she's helped others with their confidence and proved herself to a supportive friend.
Sally Heinrich's fun cartoon sketches add liveliness to the humorous story, with Susie K's amusing expressions, her problems solved by drawing scientific diagrams and her disastrous attempts at other talents. Shamini Flint's The Susie K Files are just right to share with Year 2-4 classes, perfect for introducing problem solving skills, for creative writing and for teaching scientific strategies.
Rhyllis Bignell

Lost by Tracey Unthank

Little Steps Publishing, 2018. ISBN 9781925545937.
(Ages: 3-6) Themes: Penguins. Antarctica. Homes. A young emperor penguin named Fluffy lives in Antarctica with his mum and dad. Fluffy loves to play hide and seek with his friends Angel and Jet. One stormy day Fluffy ignores his mum and dad's calls to come back to them and he gets lost in the wind and snow. When the storm clears he is picked up by a white-bellied sea eagle and carried far away. After many hours the eagle grows tired and drops Fluffy in very unfamiliar surroundings; he is staring at Uluru! Fluffy is determined to get home so he sets off, asking for help from the animals he finds along the way. Finally, a kind pelican flies Fluffy home to his grateful family and friends. 'And since then, Fluffy, Angel and Jet never wandered too far from their parents' side. Fluffy didn't want to get lost again'.
The painted illustrations are pleasing enough, with quite realistic animals and landscapes, and there is a didactic tone to the story, advising the young to listen to their parents.
Nicole Nelson

Lift-the-flap Engineering by Rose Hall

Ill. by Lee Cosgrove. Usborne, 2018. ISBN 9781474943659.
Highly recommended for your STEM collection. "Engineering is not just about engines. Engineering means designing, testing and making all kinds of useful things. To do this, engineers use mathematics, science, and - above all - their imaginations." Engineers work in teams to solve puzzles, whether the puzzle is big or small. They follow a series of steps including:

• asking questions to ensure they understand the problem
• imagining possible solutions by letting their brains go wild
• making detailed designs of their ideas
• making models to test their ideas
• having the final version built and checking it carefully.

Fairy stories for little children by Lorena Alvarez and Susanna Davidson

Usborne, 2018. ISBN 9781474951784.
This selection of five well-loved fairytales - Cinderella, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood and The Princess and the Pea - has been lovingly recreated in words and pictures to appeal to the young reader, either as a read-along or one who is verging on independence and knows the stories well enough to predict the text.
Fairytales never go out of fashion and there is always a new generation of children coming through to enjoy these age-old tales so a new, revamped version is just the thing for sharing with them. The illustrations in this edition are very modern although still retaining the charm of the past, making this a suitable book for those children who are older but who are learning English as another language, and who are expected to be au fait with these traditional tales. They may even have similar tales in their own language that they can compare and contrast these with. Cinderella, for example, has a version in many different cultures. Similarly, the stories could be used to compare other versions of the same story or even the movie versions so their appeal is not limited to just emerging readers.
Barbara Braxton

Malala, my story of standing up for girls' rights by Malala Yousafzai with Patricia McCormick

Wren and Rook. ISBN 9781526361592.
(Age: 7-10) Highly recommended. Auto-biography. The extraordinary true story of the Pakistani girl who stood up for girls' rights to education and was shot by the Taliban is now available in a new publication for a younger audience, so that they too can learn about the young girl who refused to give in to terrorism and believed that truth must prevail.
Malala was fortunate to have a father who encouraged her independence of thought and her aspirations for education, allowing her to participate in a BBC website on the daily life of a girl in Pakistan under the rule of the Taliban, highlighting to the wider world the issue of girls' rights to education. Hoping to silence her, Taliban supporters stopped her school bus, and fired shots to her head. The ensuing airlift to medical services, first in Pakistan then to Britain as the seriousness of her injury became apparent, brought her once again to the attention of the world. When Malala's bravery is recognised with the award of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, the youngest person to ever receive it, it means that instead of being silenced Malala's message will continue to be heard.
This version of Malala's life is written simply with short chapters and large font. There are explainer boxes on some pages to explain topics such as the celebration of Ramadan, the shalwar kamiz clothing, the difference between an internally displaced person and a refugee, the Malala Fund charity etc. And simple black and white drawings by Joanie Stone further enhance understanding of the text. At the end there is also a glossary of terms, a guide to pronunciation of some words, and a timeline of significant events in Malala's life.
All in all, this is a very accessible book, and would make a worthwhile addition to every school library. The story of standing up for one's beliefs and refusing to give in to bullies, is one that will continue to be relevant to young readers.
Helen Eddy