Reviews

Whispering in the wind by Alan Marshall

Ill. by Jack Newnham. Text Classics, 2018 (c1969). ISBN 9781925773064
(Age: 5-8) Themes: Australian children's stories, Fairytales, Read aloud. This is a story about an Australian country boy's search for a princess to rescue. He is given a pouch of magic leaves and a magic whip by his mentor, an old man called Crooked Mick with whom he lives. Peter barely begins his quest when he meets Greyfur, a very special Kangaroo that can pull anything out of her pouch, including an elephant! And armed with these, he is able to solve any problem he encounters. Each chapter presents a challenge that is often solved by a magic leaf. There is an array of unusual characters including talking winds, a Willy Willy Man, a giant, a witch and a bunyip. This story was not without its charms but for me a castle with a moat and a King and Queen did not sit comfortably in the Australian bush. There were references to well known Australian cities which I found disconcerting as it had the effect of pulling you back into reality just when this reader was trying to immerse herself in the story.
With the complexities and sophistication of other fantasies in circulation this story presented as very simple and young.
I would recommend it to parents wanting to read an Australian classic to young children perhaps 5 to 8 years of age.
Joyce Crawford

Ella and Olivia: Sister's day out stories by Yvette Poshoglian

Scholastic, 2018. ISBN 9781743817735
(Age: 6+) Recommended. Early chapter book with a hard cover and full colour illustrations. 'Meet Ella and Olivia. Big Sister. Little Sister. Best Friends!' (Publisher).
Six brand-new Ella and Olivia stories are collected together in this treasury, now illustrated in full colour. It is a very special story collection in this ever-popular Australian series that all girls LOVE.
Follow Ella and Olivia in six all-new adventures as they get a new pet in The new kitten, wear beautiful flower girl dresses at their Aunt's wedding in Flower girls, have fishing adventures at Nanna and Grandad's house in The fishing trip, visit an alpaca farm in Group leaders, bake cupcakes for the school fete in The school fete and take a trip to the circus in The littlest clown.
This treasury would make a popular gift ideal for fans of the series and young children who want to read a larger book.
Donna Isgar

Maddie's First Day by Penny Matthews

Ill. by Liz Anelli. Walker Books, 2018. ISBN 9781925381351
(Age: 4-5) Themes: Starting School. Penny Matthew's picture book Maddie's First Day explores the range of emotions this little girl encounters on this special day. She uses easy to understand descriptions of Maddie's happiness, her nervousness, worry and joy. Liz Anelli's lively images capture the warmth of the family environment, the overwhelming and noisy playground and the activity in the classroom. Different views, from bird's-eye to closeups capture the energy of Maddy's classroom, the engagement of the new students and the warmth and care of Miss Rose their teacher.
Waking up, Maddie looks very excited, she has a new uniform, shiny shoes and a backpack filled with new stationery. Dad's packed her lunchbox and Mum kisses her goodbye as she leaves for work. The decision to slip her favourite blanky in her bag is one that will cause some concern later in the morning. When her friend questions Maddie about her comfort toy, the little girl's tummy feels wobbly. Her worries grow as she can't read the writing on the whiteboard and her voice won't come out when they sing a new song. Luckily for Maddie, at recess Charlie her friend shows her something he has hidden in his backpack.
This picture book approaches that important day in a young child's life from waking up to going to bed. Penny Matthew's simple, descriptive story is reassuring and realistically shows the range of emotions a youngster can experience. The parents are shown as loving and caring, and the teacher is shown as understanding and willing to listen. From being overwhelmed to finding friends, playing in the yard, singing in class and circle time, Maddie's First Day is just right for pre-schoolers introducing them to a typical school day. This is a delightful story to share as a family, discussing Maddie's emotions and how she coped with the challenges.
Rhyllis Bignell

Stories for kids who dare to be different by Ben Brooks

Lots of frogs by Howard Calvert and Claudia Boldt

Hodder Children's Books, 2018. ISBN 9781444939644
(Age: 2-6) Recommended. Themes: Counting. Frogs. Tommy Fox has a box that he takes to school for show-and-tell. Of course, as the box jumps right and left, Tommy sneezes and the frogs leap away. The children are delighted and the teachers shriek as the frogs play hide-and-seek.
This is a very humorous story that will have children giggling out loud at the antics of the frogs. They poke their tongues out at the teacher, sit on the teacher's chair and even jump in the head teacher's hair. When Tommy tries to catch them with a net, there is even more fun. The expressions on the faces of the frogs are priceless, each unique, and the frogs featured on the end pages are just hilarious. Tommy's cheeky personality is evident from the illustrations of him trying to catch the frogs. All the drawings are in bright, eye-catching colours.
The rhyming text is very well constructed and would make a great read aloud for the young, while the rhythm and rhyme, and shortness of the text would help emerging readers work out the words. Children will be happy to predict what is going to happen next, especially after Tom finally gets all the frogs in his box and then smiles wide.
Children will have lots of fun counting the frogs on different pages, as the number in Tommy's net changes as does the number that are free to get into mischief.
I can see this becoming a firm favourite for bedtime stories with the very young and a brilliant book for beginning readers to try.
Pat Pledger

Unpacking Harper Holt by Di Walker

Walker Books, 2018. ISBN 9781760650599
(Age: 11+) Recommended. Harper Holt never fully unpacks when her family moves - they move sometimes two or three times a year! An only child in an exclusively nuclear family, Harper follows her father's contract work from city to city. Hugh and Helena have yet to fully comprehend the negative impact upon Harper, leaving old friends behind each time and having to start afresh at a new school.
However, the loss of a new school chum or two, doesn't compare with the sudden loss of her mother in a car accident, shortly after their latest move to Melbourne. As Hugh completely unravels, Harper starts a new diary to vent her despair as she struggles with the loss of Helena - the lynchpin of their little family. Dad and Harper have the support of strangers - both the diligent hospital social worker, Monica, and Leanne, the relocation agent; but especially her new friend Eve and Eve's mother Victoria.
The school bully, Rowena, is no match for Harper's courage - in part her mother's legacy and in part because Harper has hit rock bottom and has no time for the games of teenage girls. Naturally there is a showdown or two but Harper's forthright attitude soon makes her popular and admired. We are angered by Rowena's lack of sympathy and as suspense builds, the author provides solutions even if she cannot bring Helena back.
Di Walker has taken an insular family, very new to the area, before completely untethering them with a devastating loss. She has taught us a great deal about our need for community. Whether extended formally or voluntarily, the kindness of strangers made a difference to this family rocked by sadness and loss of purpose. She also shows that age is not a barrier to shouldering responsibility and that people can process loss very differently. Given the currency of Walker's two main themes, the end papers list both grief and bullying websites for our interest or support.
Deborah Robins

The top secret undercover notes of Buttons McGinty by Rhys Darby

Scholastic, 2018. ISBN 9781775434979
(Age: 7+) Riefglum Talent Night - let your star shine! Roll up! Roll up! The shining star of madcap mayhem RHYS DARBY delivers out-of-this-world absurdity with his first hilarious mystery-comedy book for kids! 'Crack the crazy Morse codes and unleash the action with bogus buddies, a burly bigfoot and McGinty's mission to find his parents, who are pronounced missing, presumed missing!'
Darby has certainly hit the wants of the market with this book for children aged 7 and up. With the addition of graphics including speech bubbles and lists, this book will appeal to the lovers of graphic novels who enjoy a funny read. Readers will enjoy following the hair-raising adventures of Buttons McGinty and enter into the amazing world of DNA manipulation. With moving bookcases, secret agendas and agents and throw in rats with special abilities, humour is at the forefront of the book. Like all good books from this genre, trust is an issue and sadly a life lesson that not everyone can be trusted. This will be a popular read for fans of books such as Tom Gates and Diary of a Wimpy Kid and suitable for ages 7 and up.
Kathryn Schumacher

Princess in practice by Connie Glynn

The Rosewood Chronicles. Penguin, 2018. ISBN 9780241334454
(Age: 11-14) Following on from book one, Undercover princess, this is a delight to read. It perfectly balances drama, adventure, friendship, secrets and self-discovery and the characters are wonderful and instantly likeable. Each chapter ends with a small cliffhanger and leaves you wanting to read more every time.
Rosewood is a magical place to get lost in and explore with the characters. Lottie Pumpkin is an ordinary girl who longs to be a Princess; Ellie Wolf is a princess who longs to be ordinary. When fate puts them in the same dorm at Rosewood Hall, the two come up with the perfect solution: to swap places. The story shows great character development and how they've grown so far.
Back for their second year at Rosewood, Connie and Ellie are close as ever, and learning more about their new roles. But strange things are happening at Rosewood. With pupils being poisoned, it seems like the threat of secret organisation Leviathan is growing closer. Lottie and Ellie are determined to find the culprit. But is danger closer than they think?
Donna Isgar

The traitor's game by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Scholastic, 2018. ISBN 9781742997643
(Ages 12 +) Recommended. Fantasy. After being in hiding for several years from her father and the cruel king of Antora, Kestra Dallistor is forced to decide whether to betray her father or lose loved ones.
The story is set in medieval times and follows two main characters, Kestra Dallistor and Simon Hatch. Both are stubborn, brave and loyal, but have come from different backgrounds and are forced to form an alliance. Kestra is kidnapped by the Coracks who plan to kill the king with the Olden Blade and overtake the kingdom. Much of the story is set within castles and forests. The king's soldiers have hearts with iron in them. The Coracks are able to detect when the soldiers are coming because they can detect the iron in their hearts and this gives them an advantage when they go in to battle.
The king's army comes and tries to kill the Coracks and Kestra after they get the Olden Blade back but the suspense does not stop there, as the magic of the Olden Blade is quite complicated. Only certain people can touch the blade including 'The Banished', and if anyone else touches it their hands become seriously burnt.
Neilsen cleverly illustrates the many twists and turns in the traitor's game, leaving the reader guessing and intrigued to find out what will happen next.
This book is recommended for 12+ and people who love to read fantasy.
Lara F., Student, Year 7

Lenny's book of everything by Karen Foxlee

Allen and Unwin, 2018. ISBN 9781760528706
(Age: 10 - Adult) Highly recommended. Themes: Brothers and sisters. Physical impairments. Books and reading. Lenny's book of everything is a powerful, emotional and warm-hearted story seen through third-grader Lenny's eyes. She narrates in an intensely authentic style, we feel her anger, her joy, experience her dogged determination and her unwavering love of her younger brother Davey. Set in the early seventies, Karen Foxlee perfectly presents a credible world view, where men have just landed on the moon, knowledge comes from books and encyclopedias and children experience a freedom and responsibility different from today's world.
The Spink family live a hard knock life in a tiny apartment in Grayford, Ohio, opposite the Greyhound bus station. Peter Lenard Spink is a continually absent father looking for work in faraway places. He disappears when Davey turns five and leaves all the responsibilities to his hard-working wife Cynthia. Lenny's mother knows her son Davey is different, she has a dark feeling in her heart about his medical condition. Across the hall, their elderly Hungarian neighbour Mrs Gaspar lovingly babysits the children watching over the young boy as he rapidly grows from a healthy toddler to a large child.
When their mother enters and wins a competition for a set of Burrell's Build-It-at-Home Encyclopedias, their small world is opened up to the majesty and wonder of nature, far-off lands, animals, birds and insects. Each weekly delivery lets their imaginations soar, taking them out of their small existence. Lenny dwells on bugs and beetles, while Davey loves the birds of prey; he creates an imaginary golden eagle, Timothy, who helps him cope with his medical condition. Lenny and Davey dream of running away to Great Bear Lake, living a self-subsistent existence. Mum's acerbic letters to receive the free book covers to build the set, show her strength of character and her unwillingness to give up. Slowly, they become friends as she shares Davey's progressive illness with Burrell's General Sales Manager Martha Brent.
Foxlee's decision to begin the chapters with a record of the date and Davey's height are a portent of Davey's struggle with his form of gigantism. The author's ability to take us on a deeply emotional journey and place her story in a time before the impact of technology, makes this a novel for readers from ten to adulthood. The gorgeously detailed front cover with multiple layers, cut from old encyclopedias that outline the flying eagle is a wonderful entry into Lenny's book of everything. This book resonates with my 1960s childhood, when our world was made richer with a set of encyclopedias.
Rhyllis Bignell

Elizabella meets her match by Zoe Norton Lodge and Georgia Norton Lodge

Walker Books Australia, 2018. ISBN 9781760650544
(Age: 8+) Recommended. 'Elizabella - ten and a quarter - is a Poet, Fixer of Fairytales and the biggest prankster in the history of Bilby Creek Primary. And when her plans involve making a swimming pool in the playground without consulting a single teacher, the students are behind her every step of the way. But what happens when Minnie, an even bigger prankster, shows up? Can Bilby Creek handle them both? And more importantly, can they handle each other?' (Publisher)
Elizabella is a likeable character and will fast become a favourite with the reader. She is cheeky, strong willed, at times full of sass, and throw in the odd naughtiness how could you not love her? I had wonderful memories of Enid Blyton's The naughtiest girl flooding back. I am sure the reader will connect with Elizabella who is kind-hearted with good intentions but at times can make the wrong decision. She can be influenced by those around her causing her self-doubt and a common thread that tends to rear it's head in friendships - jealousy. But who doesn't love a spunky girl who is at times naughty! Elizabella shows us that it is ok to make mistakes and that self-forgiveness is in fact a necessity.
This is the first in a new series that is sure to be a hit. A must have for the library collection - suitable for children aged 8 and up.
Kathryn Schumacher

The Sisters Saint-Claire and the Royal Mouse Ball by Carlie Gibson

Ill. by Tamsin Ainslie. Allen & Unwin, 2018. ISBN 9781760523640
(Ages: 5-8) Themes: Appearances. Clothing. Fashion. Friendship. Rhyming stories. This is a beautifully illustrated follow-up to The Sisters Saint-Claire. It is the tale of five mice sisters who live with their mum and dad in a humble dwelling in France. We are introduced to each of the sisters in turn: Harriet loves shopping for second-hand clothing gems, Violet loves everything Parisian, Beatrice has a thing for shoes and is good at getting a bargain, Minette saves all her money until she has enough for something special, and little Cecile turns all the hand-me-downs into fashionable outfits. When the family are invited to the Royal Mouse Ball the sisters are in disarray; yes, they love their outfits, but they are simply not good enough to be seen by the Queen! The Saint-Claires are not the only ones who turn down the invitation - the only one going to the ball is the Queen! When the Queen visits the Saint-Claire household to change their minds they come up with a way to get everyone to the ball and along the way they realise that though they may not have riches and jewels their lives are filled with treasure. The story ends with the Queen speaking to the mice at the party: 'I live in a palace and wear a fine crown. I glisten and sparkle in each evening gown. I sit at a table where food never ends. But it all feels rather dull without friends. I welcome you all to my home with such pleasure. You shine so much brighter than all of its treasure'.
This is a heart-warming story for slightly older children, particularly girls and those into fashion and craft. In the back of the book are instructions to make Sisters Saint-Claire finger puppets. It might even inspire some young ones to have a go at making their own clothing from scraps of material and other bits and pieces.
Nicole Nelson

The football book: The teams, the rules, the leagues, the tactics by David Goldblatt and Johnny Acton

David Goldblatt and Johnny Acton
Ill. by Phil Gamble, Mike Garland, and Mark Walker. Dorling Kindersley, 2018. ISBN 9780241332856
(Age: 8+) Recommended for sports fans. Subjects: Soccer. Team sports. Football. The football book, published by DK, is a comprehensive compendium of football, from the history of ancient ball games, to how the game is played, even the results of the 2018 World Cup. This is a visually outstanding information book with graphics of team players, maps, diagrams of the evolution of the pitch and text boxes filled with statistics. Each double-page spread is set out in an easy-to-read format, just right for a quick read, to find relevant information about teams from across the globe, tactics and techniques.
Four thousand years ago, the Chinese played cuju with two teams and a ball, kicking towards a fixed goal. Spectator ball sports developed in Mesoamerica three thousand years ago. Football has evolved over the centuries into a variety of different games with five players a side, beach football, freestyle, indoor games and Paralympic football. Detailed descriptions of how the game is played, each player's position and quotes from famous players are included in 'How the game is played.'
'The footballer's anatomy' looks at strength, height, shape, muscular structure and discusses the hypothetical ideal player. This includes Beckham's right foot, Rinaldo's upper body and Maradona's left foot! Detailed diagrams of spectacular moves, spins and turns, shooting for goals, heading the ball, all help players both young and older to study the techniques.
'Planet Football' takes us across the globe with the FIFA Confederations and its more than 200-member countries divided into six geographical areas. Starting with the English clubs and an inside look at Wembley Stadium, we branch out across the United Kingdom then into Europe. 'Australia's Stat Attack' describes the Socceroos, our national team, the A-League teams, and the origin of the Old School teams, Sydney City was founded in 1939. The football book is packed with data and statistics, finishing with the International Awards and Records, including Women's World Cup Winners; Men's and Women's Player of the Year and Club World Cup winners.
The football book is a most comprehensive, all-inclusive visual encyclopedia of football perfect for sports fan, families to delve into, armchair players and anyone who loves the game.
Rhyllis Bignell

The legend lurking in your lunchbox by Yves Stening

Ill. by Nigel Buchanan. Dinner Detectives series. Publish-Creative Books, 2018. ISBN 9780648008729
(Age: 4+) Themes: Lunch. Food. Humour. The third outing in the series, Dinner Detectives, promotes the theme of healthy eating, while contemplating some of the things which may appear in a lunchbox and humorously informing the reader about why it is so. Clementine and Aksel discuss the meaning of the word 'sandwich' as they eat theirs at school. They offer many alternative words, including 'bum crack' which some readers may like to avoid, until they offer the meaning behind the word, 'sandwich' with Lord Sandwich at his gaming table.
After this an interesting look at various sandwiches in various cultures around the world introduces readers to the idea of alternatives to sandwiches: hamburger, meyzo bread, rotis, kebabs, tacos to name a few, ending up with a recipe for a poached chicken on rye sandwich for children to try.
Funny illustrations will amuse younger readers and they will enjoy the history lessons along the way.
Fran Knight

Tiny Timmy: On holiday by Tim Cahill

Tiny Timmy series, book 8. Scholastic, 2018. ISBN 9781742997650
Fun for all ages, especially 7-9 year-olds. Recommended. Easy to read. The Tiny Timmy series is a light fun-filled series with plenty of heart. Written by Australian Soccer champion Tim Cahill, this is a series for little battlers with big dreams. Tiny Timmy is not a natural when it comes to football, but he is super keen and willing to practice - eventually becoming a valuable member of his local team, the Lions.
With school holidays approaching Tiny Timmy is super excited as he has been planning on going to soccer camp. This would mean seeing his 'friends' and getting to play 'every' day. To his dismay Dad informs the family they are going away on an 'island holiday'. While Timmy thinks the holiday sounds like a lot of fun, he is worried that he'll lose all his soccer skills. So, can Timmy stay sharp while he is away?
In this eighth book, the storyline is about being a team player, trying your best and not giving up. It is great for both boys and girls interested in soccer as it has lots of hints and terms related to soccer. It will also appeal to fans of the Wimpy Kid and Weirdo with its similar style.
Simple drawings add to the appeal. The story is applicable to many situations in life, outside of sport as well.
Donna Isgar