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
Unholy by Bill Bennett
Palace of Fires, book 2: Penguin, 2018. ISBN 9780143783800
(Age: 12+) Recommended. Lily's plight continues with book two of the
Palace of Fire series. A recently initiated white witch, Lily
must do the impossible - rescue her mother from black Baphomet
witches without any formal training and before the night of Unholy
when her soul will be torn from her body and offered to Satan. But
Lily isn't alone, as always Skyhawk is at her side and together they
will stop at nothing to find Lily's mother and ensure that Cygnet,
the organisation of white witches survives.
Picking up where the last book left off, Lily is battling the poison
from one of the twin shape-shifters who stung her as a scorpion.
With the dark poison coursing through her veins it seems that her
only hope lies with Skyhawk's mother in their little village of
Needle. But their destination isn't difficult to guess and while
Skyhawk's mother works on the unconscious Lily, they are joined not
just by Uncle Freddie, the second in-charge of Cygnet, but by the
two detectives, Olivier and Marley, just moments after an attack by
Baphomet witch Kritta, and her two crazed familiars.
Struggling at every turn, can Lily and Skyhawk work together to save
Lily's mother before the night of Unholy? Or will everything go
terribly wrong and Cygnet lose not just Lily's mother but Lily
herself?
A book that demonstrates methods of coping and simplifying problems
when it seems like your world is falling apart, I would recommend
for fantasy lovers aged 12 and up.
Kayla Gaskell
Ninja Kid 2 - Flying Ninja by Anh Do
Scholastic, 2018. ISBN 9781742999579
(All ages) Highly Recommended. Nelson returns as the nerdy 'Flying
Ninja' in this second instalment of the Ninja Kid, showing us it's
more than OK to be different - it's beneficial.
When the evil Dr Kane takes over all the machines in Duck Creek, his
grandmother and his side-kick, cousin Kenny, place all their faith
in Nelson. In this Sci-Fi comedy, Nelson's efforts at protecting his
class from rampaging machines and escaped Zoo animals are not
appreciated at first - usually because of Charlie's vainglory in
pinching the credit.
Living by the junkyard, with an inventor as a grandmother, Nelson's
character draws more on fictional gadget heavyweights like Inspector
Gadget, James Bond and Maxwell Smart, than on Ninja skills. This
says more about the author's comedic background especially when his
characters utter dialogue like, 'If that guy's a doctor, I'd like a
second opinion.'
The bold words and phrases will delight children, especially when
read aloud by teachers or parents. Jeremy Ley's black and white
illustrations add visual provocation because Ninja Kid 2, is
an amusing first chapter book, with uplifting messages about
embracing our differences and mustering courage. Junior primary
readers will smile repeatedly and broadly - what child could
restrain themselves after poo lands on the teacher!
Deborah Robins
Dinosaurs rock by Beau Young and Shelly Craft
Ill. by Suzy Boyer. Book and CD pack. Scholastic, 2018. ISBN
9781742765921
As a stand alone book it was described as 'Okay' by Master 8 and
Miss 4, presumably because it was slightly difficult to read in the
correct rhyme, and it sounded kind of clumsy! But once we had
listened to the sound track it all made a lot more sense.
The songs are catchy and were easily remembered by miss 4 after only
hearing them a couple of times, which I think is a pretty good
recommendation.
Once we had listened to the songs a few times the book made a lot
more sense and then every time we read it, it was not read - it was
sung!
The stories/songs introduce dinosaurs such as the Triceratops,
Stegosaurus, T-Rex, Diplodocus and even the Parasaur. There is also
lots of information added within the songs such as what they like to
eat, what they do, noises they make and their individual features.
On top of the catchy songs, there are some lively illustrations
showing happy dinosaurs gallivanting around their habitats. They
pictures certainly aren't historically correct as you would find in
a non-fiction book but they are engaging and aimed at the 3-6 year
old age group.
We liked the book but admit that I am a little over the super catchy
tunes! Otherwise, it's an enjoyable book that can teach some
interesting dinosaur facts in a fun, musical way! (Just watch out
though as you may well find yourself singing the songs hours after
you stopped listening!!!)
Lauren Fountain
The dam by David Almond
Ill. by Levi Pinfold. Walker Studio, 2018. ISBN 9781406304879
(Age: all) Highly recommended. Themes: Conservation, Environment,
Music, Dams, Loss, Hope, Picture book for older readers. Based on a
true story told to Almond by musicians Kathryn and Mike Tickells, The
dam celebrates the power of the human spirit and the beauty of
music. In the 1980's, the largest artificial lake in the UK, was
formed. Farms and houses were submerged and a village drowned, as
the Keilder Valley was dammed and allowed to fill with water over
the following two years. This wild and beautiful part of North
Northumberland would be inundated. But before this happened a father
and his daughter visited each of the houses in turn, the girl
playing her fiddle and the father singing for the last time within
the walls.
This part of England is well known for its rich musical history and
the work done by the girl and her father heralded the importance of
music to the people whose houses were disappearing. Their music
evoked the very essence of the houses and the people, ensuring its
survival. The lake is now a beautiful place, full of history and
music which can never be stilled. While the past can be mourned, the
present remembers the past through the music which can still be
heard, if people stop to listen. Behind the dam Within the water
the music stays, Will never be gone.
Beautifully illustrated by Queensland illustrator, Levi Pinfold,
this poignant picture book will stay with readers as they think
about change and its impact on us all. The musicians and their music
come alive on the pages, the love for music shining through the
pages, with people singing and dancing on the banks of the lake as
the music is celebrated even though the landscape has undergone
incredible change.
This is an unforgettable picture book, with author and illustrator
combining to give the reader a story full of the sadness of change,
but using music to garner the forces which remind us of what has
gone before, impelling us never to forget. The luminous
illustrations, sepia at first, adds more blue to the palette as the
story gathers force, reminding us that although change happens, the
past can be remembered and celebrated through music.
The sweeping vistas of the Northumberland landscape will astound the
readers, their brooding vastness there to be seen and almost touched
in these illustrations. The wonderful squat stone houses, empty for
the rising water are gorgeously portrayed, redolent of the past and
now filled with music waiting for the inundation. A book to savour.
Fran Knight
Papa Goose by Michael Quetting
Subtitle: One year,
seven goslings, and the flight of my life. Black Inc, 2018. ISBN 9781760640750
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended.
Non-fiction. Scientific researcher Michael Quetting zealously cares
for 7 goose eggs - these are to become his little gosling family,
each bird a character of its own: from the glorious firstborn
Gloria, adventurous Nemo and his foolhardy love of water, to the
moody Frieda, to feisty Calimero, gentle Maddin, loyal Paula and
little Nils - we get to know them all. Quetting has the challenge of
raising the goslings to become a flight crew of geese gathering data
about weather and flight patterns. The geese have to learn to accept
Quetting as their doting parent and follow his lead, eventually
learning to fly alongside his ultralight plane carrying data
recorders on their back. At first things seem to go smoothly, the
goslings snuggle up to their foster dad, rush immediately to his
side at the beep of his rubber horn, and they are unperturbed by the
sound of the plane propeller. But as the goslings grow into teenager
geese, there are the first signs of contrary independence and
rebellion.
Quetting had just been through the ordeal of a divorce, and the
budding relationship with the little balls of fluffy feathers brings
him a new sense of peace and calm, away from the demands of his old
life. He becomes content just to be with them and enjoy the simple
things in nature. It is so heartwarming to read of the goslings'
complete trust in him, trotting out in a line behind him across the
fields, and snuggling up beneath his jumper when they are tired . .
. and then gradually gaining the confidence to stretch their wings
and fly in formation alongside his plane. But there are many hazards
along the way, and not everything goes smoothly.
This story is a real delight to read; as we get to know the
personalities of the geese, and share in the interactions Quetting
has with them. It is not easy to accept that eventually there will
be a parting of ways as the experiment comes to an end. Along the
way there are laughs and many lessons to learn about trust and love,
and finding inner peace.
Helen Eddy
Shoo grumpers shoo! by Josh Lawson
Ill. by Shelley Knoll-Miller. Omnibus Book, 2018. ISBN 9781742991955
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. We all have days when we feel like the
world is against us, or simply we just rolled out of bed on the
wrong side - we are grumpy! And Josh Lawson (Australian actor best
known for TV sitcom 'House of Lies') calls them Grumpers.
'When you find yourself with a grumper, or two, you need to tell
those grumpers to shoo for it's grumpers that bring out the grumpy
in you'
A Grumper can best be described as a small winged creature that
causes chaos in your life and just really gets you down. They make
you huff and puff, frown, screw up your face and even whinge and
whine. BUT... there is help and this book gives a whole heap of
ideas for even the most grumpiest of child (or adult!) to shoo those
grumpers away.
I really liked this story and for so many reasons!
I loved that it takes the all too familiar feeling of grumpiness and
gives it a face for children. This can then be used during these
times to distract and turn a bad day into a good one.
The list of activities to do are also amazing, and easy to do
anywhere - such as sing, dance or laugh.
The illustrations are so lovely and show the bond between a mother
and child that can sometimes be frustrating but also so much fun.
In essence, I found this book really relatable and able to be
re-read at grumpy times and even just discussed. The phrase 'Are
there some grumpers around here?' Is now familiar in our house.
A great book for both home and in the classroom. 5 out of 5.
Lauren Fountain
Broken things by Lauren Oliver
Hodder and Stoughton, 2018. ISBN 9781444786859
(Age: 14+) Recommended. Themes: Thriller. Murder. Friendship.
Secrecy. Diversity. Fandom. Brynn and Mia are reunited five years
after the brutal murder of their friend Summer. Everyone believes
that they, along with their friend Owen, killed her although there
is no conclusive evidence to prove that and they have been wrongly
accused. Given the name The Monsters of Brickhouse Lane they are
shunned and harassed by the townspeople. Determined to prove their
innocence they must confront what happened in the woods that
dreadful day.
Oliver deftly takes the reader into the minds of three young girls,
all lonely and misfits, who are obsessed with a novel called 'The
way into Lovelorn', which ends in mid-sentence. They begin to
write a sequel and become immersed in a fantasy world, with a
strange figure, the Shadow, featuring prominently. Told in
alternative chapters by Brynn and Mia, with excerpts from 'The
way into Lovelorn' and their fanfiction sequel, events in both
the past and present gradually unfold. Then the two friends get
together with Owen, and assisted by Abby and Wade, try to trace what
really happened leading up to Summer's murder.
One of the strengths of Broken things is Oliver's in-depth
characterisation. The reader gets to know the three girls really
well when they are young 13 year olds trying to navigate through
school and friendship crisis, as well as five years later, having to
manage to survive through the townspeople's abuse and family
difficulties. There is brash, gay Brynn who feels she can't go home
and with the help of her cousin Wade, fakes drug tests to stay in
rehab, shy Mia who has problems getting words out and who is in love
with Owen, and Summer, charismatic yet often cruel and brutal with
her friends and boyfriends. Their sidekicks, Wade and Abby, are
fascinating as well - Abby is overweight and proud of it and is
popular online, while Wade, very intelligent, is not very likeable.
This was a compulsive read and will appeal to readers who enjoyed
other books by Oliver, Panic
and Vanishing
girls or We
were liars by E. Lockhart and One
of us is lying by Karen M. McManus.
Pat Pledger
The awesome book of space: The world's most awesome facts by Adam Frost
Bloomsbury, 2018. ISBN 9781408896501
(Age: 8+) Highly recommended. Subjects: The Universe. Space. General
Knowledge. Award-winning UK author Adam Frost continues to deliver
another exciting information book jam-packed with the strange, the
record-breaking and the amazing. His focus is the Universe
beginning with Arthur the alien, who wants to return home using
helium balloons! For his size - 26 kgs - he will need over 2000
balloons! Written in a conversational style directly addressing the
reader, Frost takes us on a wild ride, up into the thermosphere,
then looks at freefalling back to Earth being caught in a giant net.
How many pairs of underpants would you need for a year on a space-
station? There are no washing machines, so what happens to the used
ones - they become shooting stars! What happens when the next
asteroid hits the earth? Scientists have suggested catching it with
a giant drawstring bag and setting robot drills to eat the rock and
return the smaller pieces into space.
Each double page spread is creatively designed with bold
backgrounds, fun fact boxes, colourful diagrams, graphs and
cartoons. Hero or Zero discusses the impact of zero gravity in a
space station, tears just stay under your eyes, magnetic cutlery is
needed and your bed is strapped to the wall or ceiling.
Adam Frost has gathered information from all over the Universe,
recorded alien sightings, birthdays on other planets, even extreme
exoplanets. The awesome book of space is a mini-almanac of information
that can be enjoyed by the space enthusiast, shared with family and
friends or as an excellent resource for the classroom and library.
Rhyllis Bignell
Monster party by the children from Rawa Community School with Alison Lester and Jane Godwin
Magabala Books, 2018. ISBN 9781925360554
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Monster party is a book co-created by
the wonderful Alison Lester and Jane Godwin, alongside the middle
primary children who attend the Rawa Community School in the Pilbara
region.
After some quick internet research I found that this project
occurred in 2017 and was aimed at increasing the students skills in
creative writing and art making.
The story follows a funny band of monsters who come out from the
ground to visit the children, keeping them awake with lots of noise
and crazy activities.
Each page has a monster that has been designed and created by the
children, matching the verbs within the text and showing lots of
different facial features and body shapes.
The text is written in rhyme, making it very easy to read to younger
listeners and easy to ready by older siblings or children around the
age of 6.
My favourite pages say 'There's a happy smiling monster, one that's
like a mouse, and a complicated monster that looks like Yapu's
house'. The illustrations are bright and vibrantly coloured and the
monsters faces are happy and not scary like we are usually
accustomed to.
My two children, aged 4 and 8, both enjoyed different aspects of the
book. Miss 4 liked the pictures and pretending to be a monster
whereas Master 8 liked the rhyming and big words like 'galumphing',
'slobbering' and 'prowls'. It was also a great book for role play
and silliness - lots of crazy noises and moves to be had when
reading this book.
A fun and easy book to read, 4 out of 5.
Lauren Fountain
