Ill. by Emma Middleton. Wombat Books, 2018. ISBN 9781925563337
Picture book. George was a day child - he loved to run and play in
the sunshine and light. But it was a different story at night time
when it was time to snuggle down and sleep. No matter what he did,
he could not sleep. Even following the suggestions of his family
like counting 100 sheep backwards and drinking hot milk did not
work.
Deciding to try something new, he crept into Gran's room but her bed
is cold without her cuddles to make it cosy. But as he slips
forlornly to the floor, she slips into the room and tells him a
story about a magical bird that will help him sleep and have the
nicest of dreams...
This is a most intriguing story, one that has many layers.
Certainly, on the surface, it celebrates the power of the bedtime
story as an essential part of the nighttime routine and it also
opens up discussions about the importance of sleep and the ways we
can help ourselves drift off. But what is Grandma's secret? Is she
alive? Did she die in her sleep making George scared that that will
happen to him? Is it her 'ghost' telling the story of the Dream
Bird?
The contrast in the illustrations between George the day child and
George the night child using the softest palette and increasingly
ethereal lines, the transition between the two parts of the story is
perfect, and even though Grandma is the youngest looking grandma on
the planet (probably appropriate given George's age), it all goes
towards making this another Darlinson delight that will entertain as
much as it intrigues.
Barbara Braxton
The poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
Hardie Grant Egmont, 2018. ISBN 9781405291460
(Age: Older teens) Highly recommended. Verse novel. The Poet X
is a novel which grabs a reader by the heart and transports them
into another world. Poet X takes us on an emotional, heart-rending
journey through a tumultuous time in her young life and every moment
of joy, agony and discovery, is powerfully communicated through her
unique mix of prose and poetry. The other players in her life are
finely drawn and authentically portrayed; Mami is truly formidable
and Twin, in contrast, is sensitive and loving; Ms Galiano is the
caring English teacher we all wish we had in our lives and Caridad
is the perfect friend, critical when it counts but supportive when
it's needed most. But best of all, Xiomara, affectionately dubbed
Poet X by the adoring Aman, is passionate, feisty and strong in the
face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles (her Mami), it's
impossible not to fall in love with her. Transfixed by the power and
magic of her words, the reader can only cheer her on as she strives
to find her voice and empathise with her very real, adolescent
struggles.
I loved this book. While at first I was apprehensive about its
'verse novel' nature, it wasn't long before I was totally hooked by
Elizabeth Acevedo's protagonist and her gorgeously articulated
story. Every page offered a new lyrical adventure and there were
times when my heart alternately burst with love or was gripped by
anxiety and shared pain. Acevedo's way with words is magical and
addictive. Teenage and adult readers alike will be mesmerised by the
power of the language and the desire to devour just one more
delicious page . . .
I would highly recommend this book to older teenage readers. It
shares its place with other 'coming-of-age' novels but for me was a
much more candid, intense and genuine portrayal of very real,
contemporary issues than some.
Jennifer Cross
My new best friend by Meredith Costain
Olivia's Secret Scribbles. Scholastic, 2018. ISBN
9781760277062
(Age: 7+) Highly recommended. My New Best Friend is the
first story in a new series called Olivia's Secret Scribbles.
Olivia is excited. She has a brand new bedroom in the attic and she
is ecstatic that she got something before her older sister did - a
room with stairs. Olivia is an inventor and a detective. She has
also lost her best friend who has moved away and someone keeps on
sneaking into her room. Thankfully, Olivia's inventing skills are
pretty good and she comes up with a way to catch the thief. Olivia
also likes to write about her day in her diary and the story is told
through the entries she makes. Olivia is all ready for a new school
year despite her best friend not being there and has a great first
day. Another surprise is the new family next door has children and
the daughter is in Olivia's class. Matilda is friendly but a bit
mysterious. Why does Matilda lie about digging holes in her garden?
Does Olivia really want to be friends with a fibber? My New Best Friend is a lovely story about friendship and
independent young girls. Olivia's family is just like any other -
annoying brother and sister, a mum who helps you out - and Olivia is
like any other girl - independent, creative and imaginative. The
story moves quickly and is easy to read. The text and accompanying
images make it a fun read and will engage young girls who are
starting to read their first novel. The vocabulary is descriptive
and the diary style is great for encouraging readers to start their
own diary. This book is highly recommended for girls aged 7+.
Kylie Kempster
Feed by M. T. Anderson
Walker, 2018 (2002, 2012). ISBN 9781406345209
(Ages: 12+) Recommended. Themes: Dystopian fiction. Future. I
reviewed this book on its rerelease in 2012, and said: "about to be
released as a film, this republication of the award winning novel by
American author, M. T. Anderson, Feed will engage a new generation
of readers as they like me are amazed at the predictions shown in a
dystopian future written 10 years ago. Uncannily many of these are
now part and parcel of the Y Generation's lives. Feed, is a word
describing the constant marketing material pumped into their brains
through an implant inserted at birth. Some 'unlucky' ones have this
done later in life, and so Violet, who was home schooled and has odd
parents, is outside the usual thirst to be connected 24 hours a day.
It is she who when her implant begins to fail, see things
differently from the friendship group she has just formed and as an
outsider, pulls Titus along with her.
On the moon for an experience, the group is invaded by a virus which
makes their feeds malfunction. It is fascinating to see them all
cope without the feed, just as Generation Y today cannot cope
without their mobile phones and internet access. Anderson was
certainly right on target with his prophecies about the future, and
his darkly ironic story is most engaging. For an older spectator
like me, the images created along with the ideas of a whole society
simply being fed information, music, advertisements 24 hours a day
was alarming, but to many not so. Being 'tuned in' or wired, is
given a whole new level of meaning in this stunning book. Not only
advertisements and information, but a transference of texts rather
like emails is sent and received between the teenagers, allowing
them to chat to each other without a third person knowing. It is
incredibly unnerving, foretelling an appalling future.
An informative web
site gives further facts about the book and background
information as well as a discussion of its impact. The book won two
major awards in the US in 2003." And it has appeared on my desk for
a third time (2018) with comments on Walker Books' website showing
why it has been republished. It is reissued in paperback with an
appealing new cover, in conjunction with reissues of Thirsty
and Burger Wuss and with the publication of Landscape
With Invisible Hand. It is the winner of the L.A. Times Book
Award and a National Book Award Finalist, and is a classic of YA
dystopian literature, still relevant after 15 years. And it
certainly is. It still astounds me that this was written 15 years
ago.
Fran Knight
Dingo by Claire Saxby and Tannya Harricks
Walker Books, 2018. ISBN 9781925381283
(Age: 4+) Recommended. This book is a combination of story and fact.
It can be read as the story or with the information intertwined into
the story. It is a lovely story about a night in the life of a
dingo.
Dingo wakes as dusk is falling, she needs to find food to feed her
pups. She stops to sniff, listen and look at the world around her to
determine where she can find food for her pack. She chooses the prey
that she is able to successfully catch on her own to take back to
her pups. The pups are still too young to go hunting with the pack
so they wait behind.
At the end of the story there is some further information about
dingoes.
I recommend this book for 4+.
Karen Colliver
The shepherd's hut by Tim Winton
Penguin, 2018. ISBN 9780143786115
(Age: 16+) Highly recommended. The voice in this novel is Jaxie
Clackton. He is 17, ok maybe 15, and he is tough, and distrusting of
everybody. And he has reason - his father, regularly drunk, beats
him unconscious; his long-suffering mother has died; he has no
friends; he is the kid always in trouble at school. The only person
he cares about is his cousin Lee and she is far away from him. But
whilst Jaxie cares about Lee, he is also secretly scared that maybe
he's not good for her, he has the same temper as his father, he gets
into fights, maybe their relationship would become the same as his
parents, maybe it's in his blood.
A violent incident finds Jaxie suddenly alone, and there is nowhere
else to go, but head north, across country on foot, to find Lee.
Although he is tough, the country is tougher, and thirst, hunger and
exhaustion lead him to a confrontation with another outsider, Fintan
MacGillis, a man with a secret, condemned to living in complete
isolation in the bush. Jaxie knows enough to never let down his
guard, never trust, never give too much away. But need forces them
into an uneasy relationship.
It is easy to get caught up in this story, Jaxie's voice is so real,
so brutally honest, we know all his doubts and fears, and we are
drawn into his conflict. The pace carries relentlessly to its
terrible climax. The shepherd's hut is yet another brilliant novel by Tim
Winton; the characters are very real, you can hear their voices as
you read the words, and you want to know what is going to happen. No
hints about the ending, but it doesn't disappoint; you will be left
thinking about it all after you've finished the book.
Helen Eddy
Everless by Sara Holland
Hachette, 2017. ISBN 9781408353622
(Age: 12+) Jules and her father are poor, not of money, but of time.
In the world of Everless, payments are collected in the form of
time, which is siphoned through blood. Through alchemy, this time
and blood is bound to coins (the larger the coin, the more time is
captured). In this world, the rich experience both the luxuries of
wealth and time. The richer you are, the longer you live. To save
Jules' father from spending his blood, she desperately takes a job
in the city of Everless; a place of fuzzy and traumatic memories for
Jules surrounding the noble Gerling family's boys, Roan and Liam.
While working as a maid, Jules learns of the arrival of the Queen
(whom is known to be ancient, beautiful, and fearsome). From this
point on, nothing Jules knew will ever be the same. Both her past
and her future become unsteady, as she strives to understand the
unravelling world around her. In a land where money, time, and blood
are consumed, what more will Jules have to give to understand
herself, and the truth of the realm around her. Everless a powerful young adult novel about love, trust,
mystery, fantasy, and suspense. It is a story that doesn't fade from
the reader's mind after they've put it down. Sara Holland has truly
created a novel that engages the reader and captures their attention
as they experience the story unfold before them through the eyes and
mind of Jules. Jules is a unique and complex character who is the
centre of the novel and has solid historical emotions and
experiences, as well as strong connections with other story
characters. Holland has created a realistic character that has depth
to her thinking and actions.
Jules's experiences will connect with readers (12+) and keep them
engaged in a story that is full of unexpected developments. If the
story and characters weren't enough to keep a reader hooked, the
conclusion certainly is. Holland leaves the reader needing to know
more; the next instalment will surely be strongly awaited by readers
of Everless.
Sarah Filkin
Thunder Creek Ranch by Soya Spreen Bates
Orca Books Publishers, 2013. ISBN 9781459801127
(Age: 8+) Highly recommended. Thunder Creek Ranch is a short
story full of adventure. When Jake visits the neighbouring ranch,
even though he knows he shouldn't, a chain reaction of events
unfolds. Jake and his younger brother Tommy are visiting their
grandparents at Thunder Creek Ranch. Tommy is the annoying younger
brother and Jake is expected to take Tommy wherever he goes. They
are both expected to stick together and look out for each other.
When Jake sees another boy at the neighbouring ranch, he can't
resist heading over to see who it is. He leaves Tommy up a tree to
keep watch and meets Cory, the owner's grandson. A quad bike ride, a
chase, escaped cows and before the boys know it Tommy is lost and
Jake is panicking. The sudden storm complicates things and the boys
are about to discover why the ranch is called Thunder Creek. Thunder Creek Ranch is an easy to read story with themes of
adventure and listening to others. Jake has a great imagination and
while he might forget to follow the rules sometimes he never gives
up and always tries to do the right thing in the end. This short
novel would be great for young readers choosing their first novels
as well as for reluctant readers who prefer to avoid larger books.
The boys in the story are all under 12 years of age and it is highly
recommended for readers aged 8+.
Kylie Kempster
The 1,000 year old boy by Ross Welford
Harper Collins, 2017. ISBN 9780008256944
(Age: 10-14) Highly recommended. Themes: Youth; History-fiction;
Friendship; Adventure. What if you never got old? What would you do
if you were stuck as an 11 year old for 1000 years? For Alfie this
is his life! The stories passed down through the ages of the people
who do not age, who seem to live forever, is it possible that there
is a truth behind the legends? For Alfie, surviving through history
as the result of an almost impossible elixir that prevents him from
aging, but not from dying, comes with a whole array of problems -
not the least of which is that everyone that he might be friends
with will get old and leave him where he is. The uncertainty of this
kind of existence comes to the fore when disaster strikes. Two new
potential friends discover his secret and the need to protect Alfie
from outside influences takes them into unknown territory. What
follows is a magnificent tale, with action, adventure and wonderful
characters, told in an exhilarating and yet compassionate way.
Friendship proves to be a powerful inspiration for change.
Ross Welford has written a book that is compelling and slightly
fanciful, but in a convincing way (suspending disbelief is
necessary, but plausibility is not necessary for enjoyment). This
will be a book that young readers aged 10-14 will certainly enjoy
and they will love the character Alfie, his quirky friends Aidan and
Roxy, and the complexities of life if you are perpetually 11 years
old. I could not put this book down, so expect to lose young readers
while they are engrossed in the adventure of agelessness.
Carolyn Hull
Ruby in the ruins by Shirley Hughes
Walker Books, 2018. ISBN 9781406375893
(Age: 8+) Highly recommended. Ruby in the Ruins is a
beautifully illustrated story depicting life in the ruins of London
after World War Two. The war is over and Ruby and her mum are
eagerly awaiting the return of Ruby's dad, a soldier. Ruby and her
mum have survived the bombings of London while dad has been fighting
in the war. Ruby and her mum huddled together, waiting for the bombs
to finish falling and praying for their house to stay safe. When the
war was declared over, many families celebrated and waited for their
husbands and fathers. Ruby was excited but did not recognise the man
in her home. It had been a long time without him. Ruby's family is
now different and London is very different. Ruby and her friends
explore the ruins around London and it is during one of these
explorations that Ruby realises just how much she needs her dad.
Many of the stories published about the war are from the perspective
of the soldiers or about the returning soldiers. Ruby in the
Ruins is from the perspective of a child. Readers will see how
London was damaged without the gruesome details of war. Each
detailed picture will create a discussion and encourage the readers
to ask questions about this period of time. The text is aimed at
readers aged 8+ but could still be read out loud to younger children
as it is descriptive but simple. It is highly recommended for
readers aged 8+.
Kylie Kempster
Dark angels by Ron Thomas
Harbour Publishing, 2018. ISBN 9781922134318
(Age:16+) Recommended. Set in Darlinghurst in the 1930s, this story
centres upon Gilbert Maggs, a young teenager who is chased from the
family home by a knife wielding drunken father. His only refuge is
the streets which are controlled by ruthless criminals who don't
hesitate to reach for a hand gun or slash with a cut throat razor to
win a fight or enforce their will. Well known historical characters
appear in this tale.
Without protection and support, Gilbert becomes so desperate that he
steals some bananas from a shop, is apprehended and finds himself
facing the infamous Guido Calletti of the Darlinghurst "Push" or
gang.
Fortunately for Gilbert, the shopkeeper from whom he stole takes
pity on him and provides work and a place in the back of his shop to
sleep. Gilbert enjoys being well fed and safe for the first time in
his life and is a loyal and hardworking employee.
Sadly however, a very realistic situation develops whereby having
received a favour from Guido, Gilbert is expected to reciprocate.
The fifteen year old finds himself becoming involved in criminal
activity which is initially petty and relatively harmless, yet
insidiously continues, gradually becoming more serious and violent.
Gilbert's conscience troubles him greatly. For him there is no
escape via ignorance or self-delusion and he readily understands
that he makes a choice to profit from immoral behaviour.
Adolescent readers should readily identify the parallel of Gilbert's
situation with that faced by those in the current era who join gangs
to fulfil a sense of belonging, yet find they can't dissociate when
activities become extreme. Similarly Gilbert's forays into criminal
activity mirror those of youths dealing drugs. Initial experiences
may appear daring or exciting yet often lead inexorably to a point
of no return where what is owed to those who control them ensures
that they cannot escape increasingly threatening behaviour.
Gilbert's dilemma is portrayed very well in this story. He wants to
lead an honest life but struggles to avoid the attention of both
Guido and the thugs who compete with him - men with no respect for
law who don't hesitate to destroy property and maim people to
achieve their goals.
Gilbert fears for the safety of those he has befriended and must
tread warily on the road to becoming the man he wants to be.
Rob Welsh
The book of answers by A. L. Tait
An Ateban Cipher Novel. Hachette Australia, 2018. ISBN
9780734417695
(Age: 10-12) Highly recommended. "Gabe and his companions journey to
a remote mountain citadel where they learn the secret of the
mysterious encrypted book that he has been tasked with protecting.
But their enemies are close behind them, and new dangers lie ahead.
As Eddie seeks to regain his crown, and Merry and Gwyn race to free
their father, Gabe will discover the answer to his own great mystery
- his true identity." Publisher
This is the second book in the series and ideally they should be
read in order. The book is full of adventure, mystery and danger and
sure to be a hit with children aged between 10-12. The story takes
up from the cliffhanger that ended the previous book, The
book of secrets and answers a number of questions. With
so many twists and turns throughout the plot and the connections to
medieval times the reader will be kept on the edge of their seats.
Strong lead characters representing both genders and resonating with
Robin Hood and Rangers apprentice what is not to like
about this series. A must have for the collection.
Kathryn Schumacher
The new kid! by Tim Cahill
Tiny Timmy series book 7. Scholastic, 2018. ISBN
9781742993188
(Age: 6-9) Recommended. Themes: Soccer. Teamwork. Friendship.
When the new kid, Ricardo, arrives at school he comes with soccer
credentials from the Representative team that means he is a rival
for the 'best kid on the team' status. At first it appears to Timmy
that Ricardo will not be a team player and will just be trying to
claim all the glory for himself. Timmy is not impressed. After an
equipment disaster and a team fundraiser, Timmy discovers that
Ricardo is not so bad after all. Being new can sometimes just be
very difficult, and talking to one another can often clear up any
misunderstandings.
With quirky cartoon illustrations (including action flip pictures in
the corner), this will be enjoyed by young sports lovers who have
transitioned to chapter books. The social dilemmas of young team
mates have an added spark of humour laced through the important life
lessons.
Carolyn Hull
See hear: a beginner's book of senses by Tania McCartney
Ill. by Jess Racklyeft. EK Books, 2018. ISBN 9781925335675
"If I stop and look around, I can see so many things."
In this sequel to Smile cry, Piglet, Bunny and Cat are
looking closely at the world around them and then using their words
to describe what they see - the crawling spots on the ladybird; the
squiggly rain down the window, the heavenly horses in the clouds.
Then flip the book over and they explore the world through its sounds
- baby birds tweeting in the nest, a page being turned, the sizzling
of carrot chips in the pan. And then the two sides meet in the
perfect observation - the endless stars and the endless quiet of
outer space.
Young children find out so much of what they know about the world
around them through their senses - they're not yet old enough to
consult books, watch David Attenborough or search Google - so
teaching them to really look and listen is such an essential skill.
But also essential, and what Tania McCartney does so well, is to
teach them to express what they see in words that create pictures
and memories, to use all their senses to evoke and provoke emotions.
Will you ever hear thunder again and not think "calamitous clouds"?
While on the surface this looks like a book for the preschooler,
imagine how it could be used to encourage young writers to bring
depth and richness to their words, to explore the world of metaphor
and simile, to really look and listen and feel and taste and then
share that with their readers. Start by having each contribute a new
page for the book, making the common uncommon; the stereotype
original; the banal beautiful. Watch their writing grow!
Such riches in an exquisite combination of author and illustrator
that goes so far beyond the usual 'eyes see, ears hear' books for this
age group.
Barbara Braxton
The little mermaid by Alex Field
Ill. by Owen Swan. New Frontier, 2018. ISBN 9781925059816
In 1837, Hans Christian Andersen gave the world his classic story of
Ariel, The
little mermaid who falls in love with a human prince and in
exchange for legs so she can walk on earth with him, she gives up
her voice. It is very much a tale of 'Be careful what you wish for.'
Retold many times and in many formats, probably the most well-known
version being that of Disney, this is a new retelling that goes back
to the original without all the 'trimmings'. For younger readers who
are emerging as independent readers, it is retold simply in a
straight-forward manner with beautiful new illustrations in
watercolour and coloured pencils.
While teachers'
notes are available, it could be used as one of a number of
versions of this story to compare and contrast additions,
alterations and omissions that the various retellers have chosen to
make. Others in this series include The ugly duckling, The
princess
and the pea, Little Red Riding Hood and Beauty and
the beast.
Barbara Braxton
