Reviews

Road Trip by Danny Parker

Ill. by Nathaniel Eckstrom. Little Hare, 2017. ISBN 9781760127404
It's a familiar scene on Australian roads - cars packed to overflowing as the family heads out on a road trip. And, inside, the conversation is just as familiar . . . "How long till we get there, Dad?" "About an hour." "How long is an hour?"
Clearly, for this father and son that's the start of this new adventure because in clever rhyming verse Dad lists all the things that take an hour.
It's sixty short minutes, not one moment more.
A bike ride,
A boat trip,
Ice cream by the shore.
It's a hammock in summer; or the park with the dogs.
It's a snuggle in winter; hot chocolate with rugs . . .
But as the drive continues from the city through magnificent countryside his son gets more and more frustrated urging his dad to go faster.
But Dad is quite content to stick to the speed limit and enjoy the journey as the scenery unfolds. Until finally . . .
This story will be familiar to most families who have ever undertaken a journey that goes beyond the regular routine of shops, schools and sportsgrounds. Parents will relate to the joy of just getting away from those clogged, crowded roads and breathing the country air, while their children will be full of the excitement and anticipation of the destination and couldn't care about the journey. And why does it always take longer to get there than it does to get home? And how long is an hour anyway? What are the fun things that a family does that fill in an hour?
Apart from the charming illustrations which bring the journey to life for the adult reader but which tend to show the countryside as somewhat bland and featureless as a child sees it, illustrator Nathaniel Eckstrom has cleverly added some ideas in the endpages which suggest ways that child passengers might like to engage with the journey - making maps, writing a journey, recording a diary (although the concept of a cassette tape might baffle). Anything other than "I Spy" or playing video games.
This grandma who lives 90 minutes through the countryside from her granddaughters just might have to get creative. Perhaps a scavenger hunt looking through the car windows, or a count-the-clouds competition.
A CBCA Notable for 2018, it is worthy of that honour.
Barbara Braxton

Monsters of men by Patrick Ness

Chaos walking, book 3. Walker Books, 2018. ISBN 9781406379181
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. Winner Carnegie Medal 2011. Themes: Dystopian fiction. Survival. Warfare. Stereotypes. "Three armies march on New Prentisstown, each one intent on destroying the others. Todd and Viola are caught in the middle, with no chance of escape. As the battles commence, how can they hope to stop the fighting? How can there ever be peace when they're so hopelessly outnumbered? And if war makes monsters of men, what terrible choices await?" (Publisher)
Monsters of men brings to a close the stunning Chaos walking series. Amid the warfare, violence and despair, Todd and Viola's love for each other stands out as a beacon, and keeps the reader hopeful of some type of resolution. There is also the glimmer of hope for redemption and that not even monsters are wholly evil, even the mayor Prentiss.
This is a tense, electrifying book that requires much resilience from its reader and the conclusion is stunning. There is a book trailer for the book on Patrick Ness' website, where he also reads from Monsters of men and has a conversation.
Pat Pledger

The ask and the answer by Patrick Ness

Chaos walking, book 2. Walker Books, 2009. ISBN 9781406379174
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. After the relentless suspense and an incredible cliff hanger ending in The knife of letting go, I wasn't sure if the sequel could live up to that Guardian Children's Fiction Prize winning book. However I was not disappointed! Ness has written another wonderful book full of action and issues that made me think long after I finished the book. Todd has taken the dying Viola into Haven but it has been made into the stronghold of his enemy Mayor Prentiss. Imprisoned, Todd is forced to fit into the new order and carries out Prentiss' awful orders. Not knowing what has happened to Viola, he follows directions, putting bands on the Spackle who are herded into a labour camp. He also bands the women. There are secrets, resistance movements and dire times for Todd and Viola, who are separated but still care for each other.
I can't reveal too much except to say that the action is non-stop, the dialogue is as fabulous as the first book and the theme of what people will do in times of war and how they act under duress will stay with me. The manipulation over people's minds by Mayor Prentiss is described so vividly that I finished the book with a clearer understanding of how a powerful personality can sway all before him.
Chaos walking is an engrossing series and I can't wait for the next instalment, after another cliffhanger ending.
Pat Pledger

The knife of never letting go by Patrick Ness

Chaos walking, Book 1. Walker, 2008. Reprint. ISBN 9781406379167
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. This is a stunning, unforgettable book with a totally original plot that completely captures the imagination of the reader. Todd Hewitt lives in Prentisstown, where he is constantly battling against the jabber of The Noise. As a result of a virus, everyone in Prentisstown can hear not only each other's thoughts but those of animals. All the women and girls have died so it is a male dominated society. When Todd finds a pool of silence, he discovers to his amazement that it is a girl and he cannot hear her thoughts. Pursued by Aaron, a religious zealot, and the men of Prentisstown, Todd and Viola try to escape and the resulting chase is fraught with danger and adventure.
The Noise is a wonderful ploy that pushes the action packed plot along and brings alive the main characters. One of the most engaging is Manchee, Todd's dog. Ness has managed to give an animal a really credible voice. When Todd and Viola are being pursued, the thrill of the chase is magnified by not only by being able to hear the noise that the men make but their thoughts as well.
The story is much more than an exciting chase. Ness explores a society where women are banned and a fundamentalist religion dominates. Todd faces the moral dilemma of whether or not he can kill a man and the ethics of murdering the Spackle, an indigenous race, are examined.
Pat Pledger

Mummy Fairy and me by Sophie Kinsella

My sister by Joanna Young

New Frontier Press, 2018. ISBN 9781925594041
(Age: 3-5) Themes: Sisters. Family. Friendship. London based author illustrator, Joanna Young, writes a lovingly conceived tale of sisters, based on her own experiences growing up with a sister who was very close. Deceptively simple warmly coloured illustrations cover each page as the bold print outlines the relationship between the two girls. They grow up together, sharing jokes and play time, telling each other secrets and keeping them safe, keeping them up when they are down, walking with them, being a close and supportive sister.
The soft-edged illustrations complement the text on each page, displaying what the sisters do for each other, underlining their closeness and reciprocal delight in each other.
This would work well in a class where families are being discussed as it shows the importance of closeness and support within a family.
Children will be able to reflect on the relationships within their own families and see them as part of the wider emphasis on how each member of family has a role in supporting each other.
Fran Knight

Begone the raggedy witches by Celine Kiernan

The wild magic Trilogy: Book 1 Walker Books, 2018. ISBN 9781406366020
(Age: 10-14) Highly recommended. Themes: Fantasy. Witches. Good and evil. Strong female character. On their way home from the hospital, where Mup's great aunt lies dying, Mup sees the raggedy witches flying along, leaping from tree to tree and following their car. When they fail to persuade Mup's Mam to go with them, they kidnap her father and the family is forced to try and rescue him. On the other side of the border the land is strange and Mam is powerful and strong. Mup realises that she too has witch's powers and is caught up in the struggle of the land between the evil Queen and those who oppose her.
Lyrical prose and wonderful characters made this a story that is hard to put down. The world of the witches is described in detail, and the magic that happens there is unique, frightening and fascinating. There are people who can turn into birds, Mup's little brother is turned into a dog who speaks so that he can keep up on their swift journey and Crow the boy that Mup befriends is a raven who must talk in rhyme.
Mup is an outstanding character, thoughtful, caring and brave, and her courage and moral conviction about good and evil, shines out in the book. As well as many exciting adventures that drag the reader along at break-neck speed, there are dilemmas too that must be considered by the reader. Did Aunty make the right decision in keeping her niece away from the land where she had magical skills and could have been a good leader? Should Crow's mother been more loving and caring? Should people stand up against a tyrannical leader?
This is an exciting and compelling read that will appeal to all lovers of fantasy. It was so original and interesting that I finished it in one sitting and look forward to the next in the series.
Pat Pledger

The little stowaway by Vicki Bennett and Tully Suwannakit

Scholastic Press, 2018. ISBN 9781742993072
Highly recommended. Themes: War. This is a touching story about the human spirit.
It is a well written story that can be used to talk about the subject of war and that good things can come out of war.
Honore is lost in the snow, hungry and cold. He finds the Australian flying Corps and this changes his life for the better.
The illustrations in this book are tied well with historical photos which highlights the true story in this book, and what one man did to change the life of a child forever. This book highlights the human spirit and courage.
This book is an easy to read story about war that can engage readers of a wide range of ages.
I highly recommend this book.
Karen Colliver

Rose Raventhorpe investigates: Hounds and hauntings by Janine Beacham

Little Brown Books for Children, 2018. ISBN 9781510201323
(Age: 9+) Recommended. Themes: Detectives. Criminal investigation. Secret societies. A huge ghost dog wanders the streets of Yorke frightening the superstitious townsfolk. Is Barghest the sharp-toothed, red-eyed hound responsible for the death of young Moll a pickpocket in Mad Meg Lane? It's time for young Rose Raventhorpe, her friend Orpheus, and Heddsworth, Rose's butler, to investigate a new crime and find the culprit.
After an early morning fencing practice on top of the city wall, the trio head towards a new chocolate emporium. On the way they discover the crime scene and Rose quietly starts to look at the surroundings for clues the police have missed. Authoress Miss Wildcliffe and her large dog Wolf also happen upon the scene and become falsely accused of the crime. Rose, Orpheus and the secret society of Silvercrest Butlers begin their own investigation as the police try to convince everyone Miss Wildcliffe's dog is to blame. As the action moves through the city there are confrontations, consequences for actions and plenty of drama throughout. The children take on the Lord Mayor's Wakemen who patrol the town bullying and threatening those who stand in their way. With Rose's parents away, she is able to explore the Victorian city, the alleyways, visit Miss Wildcliffe's home on the moors and gather the vital information needed to solve the mystery.
Janine Beacham's third novel in the Rose Raventhorpe investigates series is filled with the colourful characters, atmospheric settings and action-filled scenes that keep the reader wanting more. Hounds and hauntings is a great novel to add to the popular genre of historical mysteries.
Rhyllis Bignell

Mr Mo starts to grow by Laura Stitzel

Lothian, 2018. ISBN 9780734417718
(Age: 4+) Themes: Humour. Monsters. Growing up. Friendship. Change. Toys. Jane and her squishy soft toy, Mr Mo, do everything together. They play together and run outside, take risks, make mischief, make up songs, play a little magic, in fact spend all day long together. That is until Mr Mo starts to grow. One day he notices that he has become quite large, and so hides away. Jane looks everywhere for him, in the lane, by the woods, under the bed, in the kitchen cupboard, but he is very well hidden and very sad.
Children will instantly recognise the toy as he tries to hide, calling out with glee, alerting Jane to his hiding place. The warm illustrations show a variety of poses for the soft toy, endearing the animal to the readers.
But one night during a thundery storm, Jane misses her soft toy. She hears the door creak open and footsteps cross the room and head for the space beneath her bed. She peers under her bed and finds Mr Mo, shivering and quaking in fright. Jane is elated to see him and knows just what to do to alleviate his fears, and they go on to make some mischief, making sure they are always together.
This is an allegorical look at children growing up, of losing the need for a soft toy to be with them when they go to bed or are frightened. Many children will equate the story to some toy they had in the past, now no longer around, or given to a younger sibling, sitting in a cupboard or just thrown away.
But whatever happens that toy is always there, even if only in a memory, ready to offer comfort when the child is frightened or in need of a friend. The reading of the book will lead on to many discussions about the role of toys in a child's life, and would be an impetus for children bringing their soft toys in to develop a display in the library.
Fran Knight

The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert

Penguin, 2018. ISBN 9780141388663
(Age: 16+) Recommended. Themes: European Fairytales, Supernatural, Fantasy, Young Adult. The Hazel Wood is a terrifying look at Fairy tales that turns the happy ever after notion that is often presented to readers on its head. With this book you are encouraged to fear the fairy tale world and in the immortal words of Frank L. Baum "you are not in Kansas anymore".
We follow 17-year-old Alice and her Mother through what appears to be a relatively normal existence (well for them anyway) where they are always on the move - it leaves the reader intrigued as to what they are running from. Alice is the main protagonist and you feel for her a few pages in. There is also a mysterious Grandmother who has been writing a series of books regarding Hazel Wood which have reached cult status.
It is beautifully written but haunting to the core. It left me both wanting to put it away in the dark place it came from to wanting to keep reading it - not a book I recommend reading on a dark windy night that is for sure. It is truly mesmerising and so dark that it won't be for everyone. Melissa Albert has perfectly written a story for teenagers that will truly speak their language.
Alice's mother is stolen by a character from Hazel Wood and even though she is warned not to come to Hazel Wood if Alice wants to see her Mother again she must. I must admit that pace to start with is slow and you are left wanting more to happen. But as you progress in the story and encounter the characters that are not always to my liking that the true genius of the writing comes to the fore. Melissa Albert's world is twisted, and frightening and very, very unnerving. It reminds me of Stephen King and Dean Koontz where what makes their stories truly terrifying is the element of truth that is present. I am a great lover of horror stories but this one left its indelible mark on me and it one for older readers.
If you like books from Holly Black (Doll Bones) or Maggie Stiefvater (Shiver series) then this is the book for you. The conclusion was great and it could have finished the story there but I am glad to say that there are more planned. I am hoping that they are as dark and disturbing as this one. It certainly stays with you for quite some time after the book is finished and put down.
Elaine Grottick

On the buzzer by Michael Panckridge

The legends series. Ford Street Publishing, 2018. ISBN 9781925272932
(Ages 9-12) Recommended. Themes: Basketball, Team competitions, Sportsmanship. Michael Panckridge was inspired to write fast-paced sporting books for reluctant readers. His popular The Legends series has been republished with updated covers, ready to be enjoyed by a new group of per-adolescent readers. Each book explores, friendship, school life and is centred on a different sport with fierce competition, rivalry and plenty of skills and tactics added.
At the end of the fifth round, the coveted football trophy mysteriously disappeared from the Sandhurst School library. Friends and team-mates, Bryce and Bubba are on the case, uncovering a secret tunnel that connects their school to their rival's college. Former team-mate Jack has moved house and school, he's now at Ascot; where will his loyalty lie?
There are underhanded tactics, and the assistance of the boys' coach Mrs Cartwright is less than stellar so Jack and his friends are forced to develop their own game-lay techniques as they learn to rely on each other. Lucy, Beck, Jack, Bryce and Bubba enjoy being friends even undertaking scary trips under the school to solve the trophy's disappearance. They work well together against the bullies, balancing schoolwork, family life and honing their basketball skills. The girls' team respond well to their coaching, however there is something very fishy about the boys' coach, why is she sabotaging their efforts?
On the buzzer is an exciting easy-read novel just right for sporting fans. Basketball stats, competition ladders, progress scores and a quiz add to the excitement of reading the sixth book in The Legends series.
Rhyllis Bignell

Somewhere in the reef by Marcello Pennacchio

Ill. by Danny Snell. Scholastic, 2018. ISBN 9781760159894
(Age: 3+) Recommended. Themes: Great Barrier Reef, Sea creatures, Fish, Counting book. Using the rhyme, Over in the meadow, Pennacchio has developed a read aloud counting book that is infectiously entertaining and informative at the same time. Children will love hearing the straightforward rhyming pairs of lines, joining in as they realise that each pair is similar, repeating phrases in each doublet. Each set of four lines introduces a sea creature: dolphins, sea snakes, clown fish, eagle rays, giant clam, sea horses, jellyfish, turtles, crocodile and octopus. Each set of lines shows the offspring of the creatures, teaching a younger reader their correct name, and starting with the one dolphin (pup), on to the six seahorses (fry) leading up to the ten crabs. This counting book will delight readers as they see each of the creatures living on the Great Barrier Reef, showing the different environments each of the creatures inhabits. Snell has vividly brought the sea creatures to life, making them easy to recognise for younger readers, but giving enough detail for them to realise how involved and interrelated the animals on the reef are. Little eyes will thrill counting the numbers of the offspring, learning the particular name for each creature's babies, and love pointing out all the different aspects of each environment. They will love hearing the rhythm when it is read out loud, and recount the familiar lines with the older reader.
Fran Knight

Wait! by Beck and Matt Stanton

ABC Books, 2018. ISBN 9780733337970
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Themes: Humour, Waiting. Rather like a child's version of Waiting for Godot, this book makes the reader wait on each page. Instructions of every sort are garnered to make the reader wait. All sorts of excuses are given for not actually beginning, reasons for the moment to be delayed.
It is a funny book, the excuses and reasons paralleling so much that is said by parents, teachers and children during the day, each reminiscent of something once said themselves.
Children will love the humour presented as they recognise the instructions, read the repeated words for themselves, and follow the instructions at the end of the book.
The plain bold print is easy to read; the illustrations using strong colours presented on a white background stand out as kids turn the pages, enticing them with this visually appealing format.
Husband and wife team, Beck and Matt Stanton love to stretch imaginations, love to ignite young minds and make them think about what they are seeing or hearing, but above all to have fun. This is a ball (2015) by the same team caused ripples of laughter as children tuned into the off beat humour.
An unusual offering, an excellent read aloud, funny, questioning and mind boggling at the same time.
Fran Knight

Barney and the secret of the French spies by Jackie French

The Secret Histories series, book 4. Angus and Robertson, 2018. ISBN 9781460751305
(Age: 10-14) Highly recommended. Barney and the Secret of the French Spies is the fourth book in The Secret Histories series. This novel continues the adventures of Barney Bean and Elsie, whom we encountered nine years earlier, when their lives became entwined in Birrung and the Secret Friend (Book 1).
It is 1798 in New South Wales and 19-year-old Barney, once the child of a convict woman, now has a home and property of his own. Yet his world is thrown into chaos when he receives word that his closest friend Elsie is gravely ill.
While sitting by her bedside, Barney discovers Elsie's deepest secret, one that has kept her silent since he discovered her as a child, hiding in the bush many years ago.
This story provides an intriguing insight into the relationship between England and France during the 18th century and the race to claim Australia that resulted in spying by both countries. The new colony of New South Wales was fearful of an attack by the French and people were suspicious of anyone who had a connection to France.
New fauna and flora were revealed in the mysterious southern land of Australia and Jackie tells the story of Jeanne Bare, a female French botanist, who disguised as a man, made wonderful new plant discoveries she collected and documented. Women's stories are rarely recorded in history books but as Jackie states, "Remember this, whenever you study history: if women aren't mentioned, keep looking. They'll usually be there, somewhere."
As usual, Jackie has expertly combined historical research with an appealing tale and she can transport the reader back in time with the sights, sounds and smells of early colonial life. She provides extra historical information in chapter 11 and in the author's notes at the end of the novel.
Black and white pencil illustrations are scattered throughout the text and the cover features a photograph of the beautiful and mysterious Elsie, whose background is finally revealed in this fourth story.
Teacher's notes are also available.
I highly recommend this book to 10 to 14 year olds.
Jane Moore