Reviews

Animalphabet by Julia Donaldson

Ill. by Sharon King-Chai. Two Hoots, 2018. ISBN 9781509801633
(Age: 3+) Recommended. Themes: Cut out. Animals. This alphabet book of animals will easily draw children's eyes across each page as they predict the next letter of the alphabet and wonder which animal will be offered when turning each wonder-filled page. The descriptions of each animal take in some of their characteristics, ensuring the reader learns a little as they read. On the first page we see a little ant and the reader is asked what is more beautiful. Turning the page they see a beautiful butterfly in all of its glory, and then they are asked what has more legs. Turning the page the answer is the caterpillar, and then the elephant follows with its size outstripping that of the caterpillar. In this way, Donaldson asks the reader to predict the animal starting with the next letter, and they can compare each as it appears. From A to Z, the animals appear, looming large on each page, filled with colour and wondrous backgrounds. But much more is there to lure the young reader.
Pages sometimes have a flap to lift, revealing the answer to the question posed on the previous page, or more information, while others have cut-outs to peer into the next page, or emphasise the shape of the animal in question. Each page will dazzle and delight, inform and tease, excite and enthral as the readers' eyes take in the detailed drawings before them. King-Chai, now living in London, brings a different style of illustration to this work, full of design features with enormous appeal.
Fran Knight

The Champion Charlies: The grand finale by Adrian Beck

Ill. by Adele K. Thomas. Penguin Publishing, 2018. ISBN 9780143791300
(Age: 7+) Recommended. Easy to read. Champion Charlies is a hilarious junior fiction series of books for boys and girls that celebrates the great game of football. The grand finale is Book 4 in the series. Others reviewed are The mix-up and The Knockout Cup.
The Jets have reached the Grand Final against their arch rivals, The Hammerheads. The build up to the game is intense and a few of the Jets are starting to crack under the pressure. To make matters worse, CJ's sworn enemy, Lenny 'the gorilla' Lincoln, is leading the attack for the Hammerheads. It's up to Charlotte to get the Jets back on track. But will her tactics be enough when they're out on the field?
Donna Isgar

The Bogan Mondrian by Steven Herrick

University of Queensland Press, 2018. ISBN 9780702259982
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. Themes: Coming of age, Domestic violence, Alcoholism. Herrick once again delivers a stunning look at adolescence with some very strong themes of responsibility and friendship threading throughout the easy to read novel. As Charlotte says: 'There are worse things than school.' When Luke becomes friends with her things begin to change. He has been trying to get over the death of his father, wagging school and spending time at the reservoir, but with a visit to Charlotte's house, comes the discovery that wealth and power can hide some awful things.
I found this to be a very compulsive read and managed to finish it in one sitting. Herrick is a master at delving into the mind of young men, and his portrayal of Luke is thoughtful and compelling. Luke's father was a smoker, drinker and spent his money gambling but he was also loving and cheerful. His death has had a huge impact on Luke, who spends his time taking photos around his Blue Mountains home. He has a great relationship with his mother and knows that he is loved. Charlotte on the other hand has arrived in town, with rumours about her expulsion from school and hints of a new start. She comes from a wealthy family and her home and money is an eye-opener for Luke who comes from the wrong side of the highway.
It is Luke's sense of responsibility and loyalty to his friends that shines through the novel and could provoke a lot of discussion if The bogan Mondrian was used as a class novel.
I love the funny talk about verse novels: 'Why didn't the poet just tell the story in the normal way?' and the exposition of Mondrian's art work is fascinating. Country life in the Blue Mountains is also compellingly described as are the interactions with Luke's teachers and friendly neighbours. And the dog Buster is a character in himself.
Lyrical prose, excellent representation of life at school and some thought provoking themes make this an outstanding read for classroom and a must have for libraries.
Pat Pledger

The puffin book of summer stories: eight favourite Australian picture books

Penguin Random House Australia, 2018. ISBN 9780143793540
(Age: 3-7) Highly recommended. Themes: Summer, Beaches, Ocean, Grandparents, Dogs. This is a stunning collection of eight outstanding picture books about summer. The titles include many classics stories that will be familiar as well as some that have not been in print for some time:
Summer by June Factor, illustrated by Alison Lester (1988)
Grandpa and Thomas by Pamela Allen (2003)
My hippopotamus is on our caravan roof getting sunburnt by Hazel Edwards, illustrated by Deborah Niland (1990)
Eve and Elly by Mike Dumbleton, illustrated by Laura Wood (2016)
Castles by Allan Baillie, illustrated by Caroline Magerl (2005)
Seadog by Claire Saxby, illustrated by Tom Jellett (2013)
There's a sea in my bedroom by Margaret Wild, illustrated by Jane Tanner. (1984)
Max by Marc Martin (2013)
All the stories are wonderful and have been carefully selected by the publisher to bring alive summer in Australia. The Australian experience of the seaside is evoked vividly in Grandpa and Thomas, as the pair build a sandcastle and cavort in the waves, while June Factor's text in Summer, brings to life Australian Christmas traditions, with gorgeous evocative illustrations by Alison Lester. Eve and Elly is a personal favourite, depicting the dismay of a child who has lost her favourite toy elephant and the problems that her loving parents have in trying to replace it. Castles by Allan Baillie was new to me and I love the fantasy elements in it as a young girl, a Princess, built a castle on the beach and enjoyed it until a Pirate came along. Caroline Magerl's illustrations show a soaring castle in the clouds and galleon with cannons that toppled the castle's towers and both illustrations cleverly combine the ordinary day at the beach with the imaginative world of the two children. Our dog is a seadog will particularly appeal to children who own dogs as he scatters gulls and jumps and chases the waves. The story of the little girl in My hippopotamus is on our caravan roof getting sunburnt by Hazel Edwards is a celebration of the imagination, as she tries to convince everyone that there is a hippopotamus on the caravan roof or riding a surfboard making waves. There's a sea in my bedroom by Margaret Wild has all the fabulous aspects that one expects from this author and illustrator as an exuberant little boy imagines he has unleashed the sea from a large seashell he had found and discovers that he is no longer afraid of the sea. Children will be delighted as Max the seagull finally finds Bob who has left his fish and chip shop for another location.
This collection contains an outstanding group of picture books. It would be a wonderful gift for young children and would greatly enhance any unit of work about summer and the seaside in the classroom.
Pat Pledger

Girls of paper and fire by Natasha Ngan

Hodder and Stoughton, 2018. ISBN 9781473692190
(Age: senior secondary) Highly recommended. Not suitable for young readers. Contains scenes of violence and sexual assault (not described but heavily implied). Themes: YA, fantasy, LGBT+.
Lei is a member of the Paper caste, the lowest and most persecuted class of people in Ikhara. Ten years ago, her mother was snatched by the royal guards, and her fate remains unknown. Now, the guards are back and this time it's Lei they're after - the girl with the golden eyes, whose rumoured beauty has piqued the king's interest.
Over weeks of training in the opulent but oppressive palace, Lei and eight other girls learn the skills and charm that befit a king's consort. There, Lei does the unthinkable - she falls in love. Her forbidden romance becomes enmeshed with an explosive plot that threatens her world's entire way of life and Lei, still the wide-eyed country girl at heart, must decide how far she's willing to go for justice and revenge.
Girls of Paper and Fire is an intriguing analysis of significant societal issues including racism, abuse, and consent, with Ngan's writing opening many pathways for discussion. The characters come from various Asian backgrounds and are diverse and complex, a brilliant example of well-rounded representation. Their unique, masterfully crafted backstories and motives allow the reader to connect and identify with the struggles of both main and minor characters. Lei's characterisation and continued defiance of the oppressive ruling system emphasised the importance of continuously opposing injustice and never giving in to despair. Ngan's description of the way Lei fell in love was beautifully written and philosophical, revealing the great lengths people will go to for people they care about. While the story is confronting, it critiques and challenges these issues and starts much-needed discussions. Ngan writes with elegance and poise, handling these serious topics with grace.
Despite the story's dark nature, it conveys positive messages for people who have experienced traumas similar to those of the paper girls, detailing the value of healthy relationships, the power of female strength, and reminds the audience of humanity's ability to find hope in darkness, to not just survive, but to live through struggles.
This novel was an engrossing read which, while dark, aims to lift its readers and remind them of their own power and ability to create change.
Stephanie Lam

The Silk Roads by Peter Frankopan

Bloomsbury, 2018. ISBN 9781408889930
(Age: 10+) 'Set your sails east with this stunningly original new history of the world. Peter Frankopan, number one bestselling author and historian, explores the connections made by people, trade, disease, war, religion, adventure, science and technology in this extraordinary book with a remarkable voyage at its heart - the journey along the Silk Roads. From ancient world laws laid down by Kind Hammurabi and the mighty Persian empire, to terrifying Huns, the rise of Europe, two world wars and politics today, The Silk Roads moves through time and history sewing the threads from different peoples, empires and continents into a phenomenal history of the globe.' (Publisher)
This book is absolutely exquisite. The illustrations are to die for and the detailed accounts of the times in history are informative and easy to read. The book centres around Europe and the Middle East, with other countries being mentioned briefly. It begins with Medieval times and passes through centuries finishing in the 2000s. Each chapter is divided into an historical period and the significant events that influenced it. The book does not provide indepth information about each time, but it does entice the reader to seek more information. The book is unique in that it delivers the historical content from an Asian perspective, rather than the traditional USA and English.
This would be a welcome addition to the collection for readers 10 and up or it would make a beautiful coffee table book.
Kathryn Schumacher

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