Ill. by David Legge. HarperCollins, 2018. ISBN 9780733335938
(Age: 5-8) Storytelling. From the creators of the standout picture
book Parsley Rabbit's Book about Books comes this similar
look at stories and storytelling conventions. Regardless, this
doesn't quite live up to the highs of Parsley Rabbit and his
tutorial about the book making process. This clearly aims to give
children some tools and inspiration to create their own stories but
the three layers of text (the author talking directly to the reader,
the story narration and the characters dialogue) make it hard to
follow and needlessly complex. At one point, the reader is asked 'Do
you remember how the story began?' and it is poignant as by then
most children probably won't. There are so many twists and turns in
focus and probably a bit too much text altogether. What it does do
well is explain how visual elements contribute to storytelling
(e.g., how a character's reactions can help a reader to understand
their personality) and how language can be used effectively (e.g.,
how reactions can be conveyed through words). It also touches on
genre, uses visual techniques like close-ups and appropriate
technical language like plot, characters, setting and narrator. As a
tool for teaching story writing this will be handy but children will
require teachers to help them unpack it substantially and it will
probably need to be read a few times before it is grasped fully.
While it aims to educate it has a frenzied pace which helps to
emphasise the creative joy of story telling. It also uses humour
effectively, particularly through the character speech bubbles.
Nicole Nelson
Follow me around the world: maze book by Roger Priddy
Priddy Books, 2018. ISBN 9781783416653
(Age: Pre-schol) Highy recommended. Follow me around the world:
maze book is a colourful book that encourages interaction from
the young reader through cut out/tactile mazes on every page. Each
page in this book follows the journey of the main character Fox, who
is travelling the world, discovering major icons and meeting new
friends along the way.
I gave this book to my 3 year old for bedtime reading, and although
I initially thought that it may be too young for her, she engaged in
both the trailing through the mazes and also the text. She loved
adding to the animal friend list and finding them on each page, and
also playing 'Spot Fox' within the beautiful illustrations.
This book is from the Follow Me series by Roger Priddy,
whose books are amazing tools for young children. I can see this
book (and others from the series) being used in so many ways with
children of a multitude of ages. The three areas of focus in this
book (as stated on the back cover - another tick for publisher
Priddy Books!) are encourages imagination, problem solving and
hand-eye coordination. All of these areas are extremely important to
young readers and to be able to seamlessly weave them into a reading
experience gets a big thumbs up from me. I also really enjoyed the
interaction between parent and child that it facilitated. The
illustrations are colourful and fun, leading to discussions about
animals and landmarks, but also about the characters and what they
were doing.
Lastly, this is very robust book which is great for young hands and
would make an excellent book for travelling. The wipe able pages are
a well-received added bonus! 5 out of 5.
Lauren Fountain
Inheritance by Carole Wilkinson
Black Dog Books, 2018. ISBN 9781760650360
(Age: 11+) Highly recommended. Themes: Aboriginal History; Time
Travel; Historical Fiction. Carole Wilkinson has proved herself as
an engaging author in the Dragonkeeper series, but this book
is a departure from the fantasy style of that series, but proves
that she can tell a story with great power and flair regardless of
the genre. Time travel could fall into the realm of fantasy fiction,
but this book is inherently a Historical Fiction narrative. In Inheritance
Wilkinson has managed to handle the time travel genre with great
skill and some uniqueness, to tell the story of the dreadful
massacre of Aboriginal people in Australia's past. In the present
day, Nic (short for Veronica) is left to stay with her rather grumpy
Grandfather in the family homestead in rural Victoria and
unwittingly discovers the secret of time travel. But is it an
unexpected blessing or a terrible curse? This amazing experience
leads her to discover truths about her forebears that are upsetting,
but yet give her a reason to continue her travel. With a school
project as a stimulus, and a friendship with the local boy (who
reveals his Aboriginal heritage) there is some hope of creating
something that will make a difference, despite the horrors of the
past. As Bruce Pascoe's quote reveals at the start of the book,
"There is a wound in the soul of the world and we're all paying for
it."
This is an awesome book and the revelations of the terrible past add
a layer of significance for a modern-day reader. With hints at
things from history that are inherently interesting, but also with
the personal story of a young teenager coming to terms with her sad
past, and her loneliness, this is a book to be recommended on many
levels. And the zig-zag rift in time is a great way to reveal
history.
Highly recommended for readers aged 11+
Carolyn Hull
The lost man by Jane Harper
Macmillan, 2018. ISBN 9781743549100
(Age: Senior secondary - Adult) Highly recommended. Themes:
Psychological thriller. Domestic violence. Divorce. Suicide. Rape.
In this engrossing standalone novel, Harper takes the reader to the
harsh outback, where three brothers tend the land and face all the
difficulties of being pastoralists as well as the unrelenting hot
sun and isolation of big properties. The book opens with an
unforgettable scene with Nathan and Bub meeting at an old stockman's
grave, where Bub has discovered the body of the middle brother
Cameron. Cameron has been slightly strange over the past weeks. Did
he walk to his death or has something happened to him?
Harper builds up the tension in an unrelenting way as the reader
tries to unravel the many threads in the book. Why has Nathan been
ostracised by the people in the district and will he be able to keep
his sanity? What has been troubling Cameron and who was the strange
woman who contacted him before his death? Did Cameron commit suicide
or did something more sinister happen?
As the story unfolds and the family dynamics and history are
gradually unpeeled layer by layer the reader is taken on a journey
that encompasses domestic violence, the horrors of divorce and
custody battles and the spectre of rape, all under the burning
Queensland sun. Nathan is the central character and the author has
sympathetically drawn his character as he suffers for his mistakes.
Family dynamics play a big part in the book and the reader is forced
to look at each person on the property as Nathan uncovers more
puzzling details about Cameron's death.
Readers who may have wanted to see more of Aaron Falk (The dry
and Force
of nature) won't be disappointed. This is a stunning standalone
novel that was very difficult to put down.
Definitely the best mystery that I have read this year!
Pat Pledger
The TinyWing fairies by Suzanne Barton
Bloomsbury, 2018. ISBN 9781408864876 The TinyWing Fairies is a delightful bedtime story, written
and illustrated by Suzanne Barton, which follows the journey of some
gorgeous fairy friends from Dappletree Woods in their hunt for a
noise in the night. As they go along their way they meet their
woodland friends the mice, owls, and the rabbits who all join in to
help find the cause of the unknown noise. The mystery concludes and
the friends all attend the Winter Fair which is a fabulous end to
their big adventure.
I really enjoyed the language used in this story and felt that it
added to the "enchanting" feeling throughout the whole book. Words
such as snuggled, twinkled, fluttering and dreaming were discussed
and enjoyed by Miss 4, who sat with her eyes fixated on the pictures
and her ears listening intently to the words.
The illustrations are amazingly whimsical, colourful, with patterns
following through each page and cute snowflakes moving across the
scenery.
We loved the colours used and especially the figures of the TinyWing
fairies who had great facial expressions.
According to Miss 4 her favourite parts were when the fairies went
to visit all the animals and how they helped each other out. She
also loved the pictures of the animal families, especially the owls
and the mice. And although he may not admit it - Master 8 listened
in and stated that he thought the pictures were good and that he
liked the rabbits and the owls!!!
This book is perfectly suited to bedtime reading and could be used
for a child who may have some issues with hearing noises in the
night, as it is reassuring and definitely calming.
We really enjoyed this book and will certainly be reading it again!
Lauren Fountain
Incognito by Shelley Johannes
Beatrice Zinker upside down thinker series. Lothian, 2018,
ISBN 9780734417312
(Age: 7-9) Recommended. Themes: Individuality. Friendship. School
life. Problem solving. Shelley Johannes has created a unique and fun
character, a creative thinker whose best ideas come when she's
upside down. While the rest of the girls in her class love to play
vet clinic at break time, Beatrice Zinker and her best friend Lenny
can be found hanging upside down in the maple tree. Their Operation
Upside plan involves leaving special certificates hidden around
school rewarding those kids who need a boost, a reward for their
special talents.
Beatrice is ready to shake things up in third grade at William
Charles Elementary School.
While Beatrice's enthusiasm is heartfelt, her impulsivity causes
problems. The duo has a list of who they're going to give the
certificates to, unfortunately Beatrice's decision to give their
authoritarian teacher Mrs. Tamarack a certificate for being the Most
Strict Teacher causes unexpected issues. The teacher has her
suspicions about the student who put the award in her bag, but
nobody owns up. Beatrice decides to go incognito to school: no more
ninja gear, it's pink dresses to blend in with the other girls.
In the week that follows, Beatrice learns Morse Code, becomes
friends with mysterious Sam Darzi, uses her ninja skills for secret
rooftop meetings and manages to sort out her problems.
Shelley Johannes lively illustrations add fun and drama to
Beatrice's exploits and daily school life. She encourages young
readers to think positively and celebrate their different styles and
personalities. Her creative language uses alliteration, humour and
sensory experiences to build a picture of Beatrice's journey. Incognito
is a delightful junior novel just right for sharing with younger
students in Years 2-4. The author explore themes of emotional
wellbeing, friendship, self-perception and anti-bullying.
Rhyllis Bignell
Dragon apocalypse by DC Green
City of Monsters book 3. Ford Street Publishing, 2018. ISBN
9781925272680
(Ages 11+) Fantasy. Dragon apocalypse is the third book in
the City of monsters series by DC Green. The Dead Gang, a
group of monsters including a giant spider, a vampire, an ogre, a
goblin, a banshee, a mummy, and PT (the 'hume' with a bionic hand),
returns and are on a mission that they hope will save the world.
They need to save the last Dragon, hiding on the Isle of Giants, and
potentially linked to the health of the world, but there appears to
be a traitor in their midst.
The Dead Gang is split into two, off on two separate missions before
coming together, and the story follows the monsters as they try to
save a dragon egg, battle two enemy armies of other monsters and
cyborgs, and reach the last Dragon before the world floods and comes
to an end. Through the battles, several twists take place, and the
dragon egg that was saved cracks open and reveals a baby dragon, who
becomes a new member of the Dead Gang. Does the Dead Gang achieve
success? Who is the traitor? All is revealed as you explore the
mystical world created by DC Green.
DC Green uses an interesting writing style that will appeal to
younger readers, but can be difficult to decipher at times. Some
mini themes may be more suitable for older readers. Without having
read the first two books in the series, it was a bit confusing to
begin with, but the story did begin to make sense; however, I would
highly recommend that readers read the first two books in the
exciting series before embarking on this one.
Christina Abbracciavento
The Knockout Cup by Adrian Beck and Adele K. Thomas
The Champion Charlies book 3. Penguin, 2018. ISBN
9780143791287
(Age: 7-9) Themes: Soccer. Sportsmanship. The Champion Charlies
series has been developed in partnership with Football Federation
Australia promoting teamwork and the enjoyment of the game. The
characters are based on the Socceroos and the Matildas players.
It's time for the Jindaberg Jets to play in the Knockout Cup in
Wombat Creek, a five-hour bus ride away. With eight teams playing
over the three days, the Jets players are up against some familiar
but tough competitors. Captain Dirty Damo from the Wombat Creek FC
is out to win again, by any means necessary. Charlotte's focussed on
the Perfect Prep while the rest of the team spend their training
session working out where to put the trophy.
The Jets board the bus excited and ready for their three days away,
camping and playing football. Their minibus is decorated in green
and gold and the Dancing Dads cheer them on as they pass by Benji's
dad's newsagency.
Camping in icy, muddy conditions, three course meals loaded with
pumpkin and difficult football games make this an interesting
competition. When Coach Highpants falls ill, mysterious bus driver
and school gardener Baldock steps in to help the Jets. Pranks,
tricks and Dirty Damo's targeting of Charlotte on the field make
this a trying time. There's plenty of football action, fancy
footwork and some goals scored.
Adrian Beck's easy-to-read style, great characters and Adele Thomas'
humorous cartoons reinforce positive messages of working together
and valuing each other's skills and abilities. The Knockout Cup
is a fun junior novel for soccer fans.
Rhyllis Bignell
I am out with lanterns by Emily Gale
Penguin Random House, 2018. ISBN 9780143782766
(Age: Adolescent) Recommended. Setting her writing soundly in the
modern world of a big city, Emily Gale plunges us into the blogs,
posts, and the multiple places of internet connection that we use to
connect with others, while slowing us down to read the more
traditional story-telling mode of the novel. The painted name that
begins each section of this novel is reflective of the artistic
world of the young people whose stories connect, clash and describe
their world.
The short pieces told by young people whose lives intersect through
school, family or district, told in the first person, speak of the
dreams, hopes and sorrows that they have endured. Gale's work draws
together the interconnected world that links the writers, ultimately
focusing on the world of the adolescent, on how different families
are defined, by one or two parents, by parents who have separated,
and by parents of the same gender. The ultimate quest of each writer
is to discover what the world means, how do we cope as human beings,
in our desire to find life's meaning, all grounded deeply in Emily
Dickinson's poetic writing, I am out with lanterns, looking for
myself. Her references to the works of Oscar Wilde, Artemisia
Gentilcore, and the quirky Latin saying, 'Boys will be boys', ground
her work in the philosophy of considering what it is that we must do
to make our lives good, meaningful and fulfilled.
This novel demands thought, and its gentle consideration of our
differences, our concerns and our quest to find life's meaning,
lifts us into a self-reflective mode that enables us to be present
more fully in the world. It is beautifully written, with a deep and
loving understanding of our human dreams, foibles, passions and
love.
Wonderful for adolescents, and a source of understanding of the
mystery of life, particularly that of the intersecting years of
childhood and adulthood.
Elizabeth Bondar
The Happiness Quest by Richard Yaxley
Scholastic, 2018. ISBN 9781742991993
(Age: Adolescent - Adult) Recommended. This story is about emotions,
about how we live our lives in the modern world. Richard Yaxley has
composed a story about the angst of human life - that feeling of
confusion which sometimes descends, without warning, on certain
people whose lives, thereafter, are radically changed. We are told
this tale so gently, with the character, Tillie Bassett, revealing
the core of her sadness, her feeling of not fitting in, of not being
who she was before, of being so different that she can no longer
cope with school, family, friends, or indeed with life. While this
story is disturbing, because we all witness such sadness, the
depression that descends on people, young, middle-aged or old, has
at its core, the capacity to thrust the sufferer into a world of
their own, a world into which others cannot either see or enter,
that has walls unseen but strong enough to keep the sufferer
captive.
Beautifully told, with compassion, respect and understanding of the
perplexing state of despair, this story captivates, intrigues and
essentially endows us with the calm spirit of understanding that
life is complex, and that if we can both offer and receive love we
may thereby be content. Yaxley writes with compassion, enabling us
to be elevated into a world where it is just not ourselves that
exist but the individual worlds, often misunderstood, of others. He
endows this narrative with a true sense of the worthwhile nature of
human life when one is surrounded by those, be it family or friends,
workmates or schoolmates, who will work with us to bring back a
sense of equanimity once more, or at least stand by us throughout
the terrors, the blackness, the coldness, or the enigmatic nature of
being so puzzled by what is occurring, and feeling so alone in one's
suffering.
While this narrative is told from the perspective of a confused and
anxious adolescent girl, Yaxley draws us deeply into the sense of
being human, the fears, joys and enigmatic nature of relationships,
leaving us with a great sense of possibility - that we can be
social, we can give and receive love and joy, and that we can seek
and often find that sense that all is well and that there is hope.
In its title, the novel suggests a much deeper quest in the harsh
times of the modern world. As Tillie realizes the healing power of
love and family, so we are drawn into her joy and wonderment at the
world with the birth of a new baby in the family. As we witness the
lifting of the darkness in the sudden resurgence of love felt by
all, so we are captivated by the deeply lyrical conclusion to this
novel. As the jacarandas fall and the ground is covered with the
purple flowers, we understand how the family is drawn together and
life seems to blossom with meaning.
This story would appeal to an audience of all ages because of its
consideration of the confusion, despair and isolation experienced by
those suffering from depression. The plot is certainly plausible and
the narrative captivates the audience through its authenticity and
respect for the young woman suffering from a great and inexplicable
sadness.
Elizabeth Bondar
Beware the deep dark forest by Sue Whiting
Ill. by Annie White. Walker Books, 2018. ISBN 9781742032344
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Themes: Fear, Lost, Forests,
Bravery. A wonderful tale of bravery and resilience is told in this
attractive book, redolent of folk tales of the past. With nods to
Red Riding Hood, amongst others, Rosie dives into the deep dark
forest, despite all the stories she has heard, to find her little
dog, Tinky. He has run where no one dares to run, where everyone is
told not to go, into the forest full of carnivorous plants and
venomous snakes. Rosie's dad and gran hesitate at the beginning of
the woods, but it is Rosie who plunges forward, grappling with the
close standing trees and the vines which wrap around the trunks and
loop between the trees. She strides through the mud, getting a
little wobbly at the sounds she hears. She doesn't see any
carnivorous plants or venomous snakes, but she does come across
several obstacles in her search for her little dog. She navigates a
way around each obstacle with panache, until at last she finds
Tinky. When the last of the obstacles, a menacing, monstrous, muddy
troll is dispatched, she is able to retrieve Tinky and return to her
dad and gran.
An entertaining story about bravery, readers will love the courage
shown by Rosie in the face of unknown hurdles, willing her to reach
Tinky, and not a little fearful along with Rosie about the path she
has chosen. The repetition, 'But she could't see any carnivorous
plants, and she couldn't see any venomous snakes' will be repeated
by all listeners as the story is read to them, reinforcing Rosie's
bravery in the face of rumours about the forest.
The luminous watercolour illustrations will be pored over by the
readers, intent on absorbing the details of the forest, marvelling
at the intricacy of the vines, sometimes snakes, mostly covered with
nasty thorns, sometimes turning into carnivorous plants, but always
filling the page, narrowing Rosie's path. Readers will follow the
paths of the vines on the endpapers, again, alluding to Sleeping
Beauty, or Beauty and the Beast, encouraging them to
recall other folk tales they have heard. A wonderful read aloud, Beware
of the deep dark forest will be read over and over by everyone
who sees it.
Fran Knight
High five to the boys: A celebration of ace Australian men by various authors
Penguin Random House, 2018. ISBN 9780143791782
Highly recommended. High five to the boys is one of the best
children's books I have read in a very long time! This book comes
after the equally wonderful Shout
out to the girls and does not disappoint. With 50
amazing stories, this book is filled to the brim with awesomeness.
The pretext is that this is a celebration of ace Australian men, all
of whom have done something great. Some have bucked the system,
others achieved sporting glory and then there are those whose names
I had never heard of before and will now never forget (like Taj
Pabari and Paul De Gelder).
I read this book quite quickly myself however spread the stories
over a few weeks for my 8 year old. For him it was too much
information to read more than 2 or 3 stories as each interesting
person meant lots of conversations, question and more often than not
some google searching. The stories are quite short, and give an
overview of the man's life, their awesome achievement and then
leaves you with an intention, like this one for Victor Chang
'Victor, you were a pioneer in your field and your skill and
dedication will never be forgotten! We remember your legacy'.
On top of the fantastic stories, every person is also blessed with
art work (portraits) by a huge variety of Australian male artists.
They are colourful, different in style and engage the reader very
easily. As you may have realised, we really like this book! The
stories are engaging, show a huge variety of careers and lifestyles
and will be well read by both my children and the students who
borrow from my library.
It has a multitude of uses as both a book to read and also as a
reference for essays or assignments. It will help all boys feel
uplifted, confident and able to be themselves no matter what.
Do yourself a favour and buy this book (and Shout
out to the girls), your kids and family will love it. 5
out of 5!!!
Lauren Fountain
Disappearing Act by Jacqueline Harvey
Kensy and Max book 2. Penguin, 2018. ISBN 9780143780632
(Age: 9-12) Recommended. Themes: Twins, Spies, Mystery, Espionage.
Eleven-year-old twins Kensy and Max return in Disappearing Act
another thrilling, action-packed adventure. Author Jacqueline
Harvey's second novel in this series is fast-paced, capturing the
interest of both boys and girls who will enjoy the twins' spy
training, their growing friendship with other spies in training and
the further revelations about the family's secrets. As the twins
learn new skills, develop their talents and forge new friendships,
we come to understand more about their own family secrets and the
secret Pharos society.
Max and Kensy are studying spy craft; all of their teachers at the
Central London Free School are all agents assisting in their
training. Their dormitories are located in the stables at Dame
Spencer's mansion, head of Pharos and the twins' grandmother. Late
night forays and early morning explorations uncover hidden family
secrets as the children search for meaning about their family
history and their parents' disappearance.
The twins' race-track lesson, spectacularly turns into a frightening
incident when their car is sabotaged. There are undercurrents and
tensions amongst the adults staying at the mansion but the Christmas
Eve celebrations, complete with festive food, dancing and an ugly
sweater competition lighten the mood.
A planned school trip to Rome suddenly takes on a much more serious
note when Kensy and Max become involved in solving the disappearance
of the Prime Minister's son. Powerful people greedy for money and an
organised gang of young thieves make trouble for the twins. Kensy's
keen skills of observation and Max's ability to navigate through the
streets of Rome past famous landmarks are vital to their secret
mission.
Jacqueline Harvey's Disappearing Act is filled with a cast
of exciting characters with this series appealing to both boy and
girl readers. Advanced technology, special gadgets, coded messages
and old-fashioned sleuthing add to the drama. Her detailed settings
in London, the palatial English country mansion and the vibrant city
of Rome heighten the drama as well. Themes of friendship, family
loyalty, collaboration and the strength of the twins' bond make this
second novel in the Kensy and Max series a highly engaging read. Use
of the Pigpen Cipher throughout gives readers a chance to practice
their code-breaking skills. Of course we are left with unanswered
questions and must eagerly await the next book to reveal more about
the twin's past and see where their future missions take them.
Rhyllis Bignell
The Teenage Guide to Life Online by Nicola Morgan
Walker Books, 2018. ISBN 9781406377903
(Age: 12 - Adult). Recommended. Everyone is aware that the internet
has given rise to a change in how we go about our daily lives;
screen time has increased and seems to continue to do so. Schools
are providing information about cyber bullying, and parents woe
about how much time their children spend with technology. But
perhaps it's not all bad.
This book explores why children (and adults) have a new fixation and
addiction to technology and online life compared to days past, and
discusses the pros and cons of various aspects of internet access
and use. Social media access, privacy, sexting, and cyberbullying
are often the big-ticket items when thinking about the internet, but
this books also explores other sides of social media access,
including how to ensure the information you are accessing is
accurate, being creative online and using online tools, and the
difference between reading on a screen and reading on paper.
Each section outlines the main idea, and discusses both the pros and
cons of online and technology access. Strategies to support the
negatives are outlined, and there is an abundance of resources and
further readings listed. An easy read, The Teenage Guide to Life
Online aims to explore and explain why there is such an
addiction to technology and internet for children and adults alike,
and, rather than spending a doom and gloom message, encourages
individuals to be aware of how technology and internet access
affects their daily interactions.
A must read for both children and adults.
Christina Abbracciavento
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, retold by Tony Mitton
Ill. by Mike Redman. Orchard Books, 2018. ISBN 9781408351673
Highly recommended. Themes: Christmas; Charles Dickens; Generosity;
Poetry; Rhyme. This is wonderful poetic rendering of the classic
story from Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol. Mitton has
told this story of transformation in a clear and simple way, with
rhyme seeming unforced and natural and therefore very appealing for
a young reader. The younger generation are unlikely to read Dickens'
original work, but references to the old Miser Scrooge who is
changed on Christmas Eve when confronted with a number of ghosts,
has become part of the common experience and vernacular and
therefore this story is worth sharing in this easy to read form.
The illustrations provided by Mike Redman are delightful, with
initially dark and sombre detail befitting Dickens' work. (Scrooge's
work chair is impossibly high, and his office is grey and dismal).
When Scrooge finally repents of his former ways and generosity flows
to Bob Cratchit and his ailing son Tiny Tim, colour flows more
freely.
This is an easy to read book and can quite easily be used by many to
reflect on the need to consider others at Christmas and to be
generous with what we have . . . before it is too late.
Highly recommended.
Carolyn Hull
