All About the Brain, written by Dr Gabriel Dabscheck, a paediatric neurologist at The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, is the second book in the All About the Body non-fiction series. In this latest release readers are introduced to the brain as the boss of the body. It controls our senses, out movements and our thoughts. The brain stores our memories and gives us our personality.
Most living creatures have a brain with the octopus having a mini brain in each of its eight arms. Sponges and jellyfish do not have a brain but the sperm whale has a brain that weighs about 9 kilograms. Our human brain weighs about 1 kilogram and is the size of a grapefruit. Throughout this engaging book are interesting facts that young readers will enjoy hearing, especially about what makes up our brain, what it looks like and how it works. The information about our senses and how the brain triggers each one to play a different role is fascinating.
The highly accessible information presented on each page is in large font and well-spaced. It is surrounded by vibrant images and diagrams using a consistent colour palette of green, purple, orange, pink and white. There is short glossary at the end looking at challenging key words such as hippocampus and cerebellum.
This is a wonderful companion to All About the Heart, CBCA 2024 Eve Pownall Notable book, and a perfect addition to library shelves.
Another in the fine series written by Jackie French and illustrated by Bruce Whatley will inform readers asked to follow its path of destruction. Starting with the willy willy, then on to a twister, the places that the tornado hits are various, from Bangladesh to Sydney, Missouri to Beenleigh.
But each has the power causing flying debris to strike with powerful rain and wind. Do not try to outrun them, because they travel at 400 kilometres an hour. And after the chaos is the widespread rubbish, houses overturned, cars upside down, people in shelters not knowing what they will come back to. The destruction made by the tornado is monumental, and one thing that it is known is that it will return.
Powerful words, presented in four lined rhyming verses, will take the breath away as they are read. Each verse presents a detail of what a tornado is. At the end of the story is a page of facts that will inform and interest readers, and they will be able to link those facts with the story they have just read.
Stunning illustrations cover the pages with images of the tornado and what it looks like in its many guises. The pages where it changes from the wind itself to the destruction it causes will stop readers in their tracks, as they see the mishmash of furniture, household goods, books, toys, cars and building materials all mixed up together.
We often see this mayhem on the screen, but Whatley’s masterful images of the destruction make it far more real. The child coming out of the shelter could be them, surviving after a tornado. It could be them trying to outrun one, it could be them whose house and everything inside is tossed about into a mess of concrete, wood and things once held dear.
Themes Tornados, Distraction, Natural disasters.
Fran Knight
Tennis Camp diaries: Doubles disaster by Ash Barty with Jasmin McGaughey and Jade Goodwin
From the team that created the very popular early readers Little Ash series comes a new series that is sure to engage young middle grade readers. The first book in the Ash Barty Tennis Camp Diaries has the title Double Disasters and is full of fun, worries, diary writing, talent quests, outdoor activities and lots of tennis.
Ten year old Ash is at her first ever tennis camp for two weeks. She is feeling nervous but finding out her roommate is Zia, an opponent from tennis competitions, helps her to feel at home. Ash and Zia make friends straight away with Richie, Nat and Ollie and Ollie is even chosen to be Ash’s doubles partner. They do not particularly gel well as doubles partners at first but work hard to make progress on how they play.
Each day, Ash writes in her secret diary about many of the things she has done and said, and how she learns something new each day. She has difficulty with a boy called Max but out on the water without one of their oars she and Max sort out their issues. Zia and Ash perform a dance at the Talent Contest and unfortunately Ash is involved in a rather abrupt ending to the contest.
This engaging and entertaining read is perfect for readers who love sport, tennis, going on camp, making new friends and having fun. Written in a similar format to other popular diary-style books, it has illustrations throughout as well as highlighted key words and phrases. Ash Barty Tennis Camp Diaries #2: Superstar is coming soon.
General Waste has a house full of stuff. He uses a different tooth brush every day, dries his hair on a number of hair dryers, and has a collection of potions and lotions. His house is so full of stuff he has no idea of what was actually there. He lives on the top floor, and beneath him lives Gram-Gram. She saves every bit of food she can, all preserved in her enormous pantry. General Waste on the other hand never eats everything down to the last bite, because he thinks that the first bite is the best, so throws away the rest.
Gram-Gram rides everywhere on her bicycle, while the General loves his huge four wheel drive car. Gram-Gram reuses and mends her clothes, while Genera Waste loves nothing more than buying new clothes.
But comes the day when he has not more room. He calls out help and Gram-Gram is there to help. She puts many of his things into boxes to go to the charity shop and keeps back just what he needs. Then she shows him how to reuse and mend things. She shows him how to cook and preserve what he needs. Then they use some of his rubbish to make art and music. She helps him plant trees and garden so he will be able to eat food he has grown.
Cute illustrations dot the pages, with an emphasis on all the rubbish the General collects. The illustrations contrast the life style of the two people and how one of the characters changes his way of living. This is a wonderful presentation of the lifestyle of those who care about our environment. Much discussion will come out of the story as it show’s very clearly what is best for our surroundings, and how we can all learn to recycle, reuse, reduce and grow.
An Nebula Award Nominee for Middle Grade and Young Adult Literature (2023), and Lodestar Award Nominee (2024), Liberty’s daughter is a fascinating foray into a near future where separatists escaping the taxes and rules of the US have set up seasteads - old cruise ships and platforms to make a country. Beck Garrison lives on Min, short for New Minerva, a seastead in the Pacific Ocean She is a finder - she finds articles that people want and when she is hired to find a missing woman, an indentured worker, she uncovers things that she did not expect. Her father, a powerful man on the archipelago, is not happy with these discoveries which lead her into danger.
Liberty's Daughter is divided into seven parts and appears to be based on a series of short stories, some previously published. The parts hang together to form a coherent whole and make it easy to read. Beck is an intrepid young woman, who is very skilful at finding things. What she uncovers about the worlds of the seasteaders is shocking. There is a biotech world, a sin city and bond workers are chained to desks performing highly dangerous work. The world that Kritzer describes is well fleshed out and it was easy to picture the different places, especially those built up on cruise ships.
A coming-of-age story, Beck faces the task of freeing bond slaves that have been tricked into signing contracts. She becomes an advisor for a reality TV show based on the seastead and connects with illegal workers' fights organisers as well as facing a pandemic that threatens everyone lives. With a dysfunctional family setting and some difficult choices for Beck, Liberty's daughter is a thought provoking and intense read.
Well-known award-winning Australian author Emily Rodda has been writing for 40 years. Her debut novel Something Special was written in 1984 and was a CBCA Book of the Year in the Younger Reader Awards category in 1985. To celebrate the 40-year anniversary, HarperCollins Publishers have re-released this short novel for a new generation of readers.
The story is centred on the school fete and Sam and her mother Lizzie are involved in organising the second hand clothing stall. There are bags of clothes spread throughout the house with Sam’s younger baby brother Toby causing some mischief. When the clothes are finally tidied and packed away in boxes ready for the fete, Sam falls asleep in the large chair. When she awakes she finds that some of ‘The Special’ items are being worn by their previous owners. Sam is bewildered by how this could have happened and interesting conversations take place between Sam and the visitors. When it begins to get out of hand, Sam wakes up screaming and is soothed by her mother. All is as it was in the room. Was Sam dreaming? At the fete, the second hand clothing stall does very well, with those items known as ‘The Special’ all going to the right fit person. But there is one particular customer who has a connection to Sam and Sam is left wondering if it really was just a dream.
This is an engaging story with a touch of fantasy and magic but was written 40 years ago and some of the references to children’s discipline may not be what would happen now. Teacher's notes are available.
Themes School Fete, Second hand Clothes, Dreaming, Fantasy.
Kathryn Beilby
Milly's mind: a peek inside autism by Colin and Milly Armstrong. Illus. by Jo McGivern
Little Steps, 2024. ISBN: 9781922833167. (Age:8-12+) Highly recommended.
Milly’s Mind: a peek inside autism, is a refreshing and engaging explanation of how a child with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) sees their world. Written by Milly and her dad Colin in clever, carefully constructed rhyme, the reader is taken on a journey that explores how Milly lives with ASC on a day-to-day basis. She explains how her brain responds to things, how sometime her words do not come out how others would like, how she reacts to situations, and how she struggles socially at times.
ASC is a natural variation in how the brain grows It affects how I think, learn and, I suppose, It probably explains why I have no filter. And why sometimes I seem a little off-kilter
Milly is an energetic and vibrant child with a winning personality who has wonderful support and understanding from family and health professionals but more importantly provides those in her life with immense joy. Milly also has a vital message to share with others to enable them to show kindness and acceptance of those with ASC. As all children struggle with emotions, often those are heightened for those with ASC. As Milly says:
When something goes wrong, or I make a mistake, I get gripped by emotions I cannot shake. The wave of feelings can build up in me quickly, I get lost in the anger rolling in thickly.
Those who are quick to judge children who may not always ‘fit society’s norms’ are just being themselves on their own journey and deserve our respect and understanding.
Milly’s Mind is an essential book to share with both children and adults and has a place in all libraries.
Thank you Milly for being so open and honest. You are incredible and have an amazing story to tell. Visit Milly’s website for further information.
Our planet is a colourful place...white ice caps, green trees, blue oceans and skies, brown soil . . . and more! And each crayon is delighted to share their part in keeping it colourful, especially Beige who pops up constantly to highlight his contribution, like a little toddler desperate not to be overlooked.
This is a funny addition to this series for young readers, as they are encouraged to look at the world around them and its colours and begin to develop an appreciation for their environment and their responsibility towards it. It opens up opportunities for some elementary data collection as natural elements and objects are classified according to colour as well as art appreciation as they discover the myriads of tints, tones and shades of the hues of the colour wheel represented in Nature.
As well as being lovable characters in themselves, the Crayons always have adventures and experiences that can lead to greater learning, and this one is just as promising as all the others in the series.
The wrong hands sees the return of Detective Declan Miller following his first appearance in the Sunday Times bestseller The last dance. The wrong hands is London based detective crime writer Mark Billingham's twenty-third crime novel. Billingham is well known, for the Detective Inspector Tom Thorne series (two of which were made into a hit TV series on Sky 1) and another series broadcast on BBC1 based on the novels In the dark and Time of death. Billingham has twice won the Theakston's Old Peculiar Award for Crime Novel of the Year and has also won a Sherlock Award for the Best Detective (Tom Thorne) created by a British writer. Detective Declan Miller is a new and different central character. The crime writing remains in good hands. Be prepared - one of the greatest aspects of this book is the play on words. The twists, turns, false trails and false assumptions of the plot lead the reader on a merry ride. The clues are made available to the reader but concentration is needed or they will be missed. (This reader missed them).
Detective Declan Miller is a larger-than- life character. He is described by the omniscient authorial voice as having a 'butterfly mind'...'easily distracted'.This is irritating for both his colleagues and the crims but it points to an unusually active mind - capable of making connections that others don't see. And of course this is exactly what makes him the unashamedly, not-so-humble best detective. Probably, one could think that he is 'on the spectrum' because of his single-minded crashing path through social situations. He is abrasive, rude, says what he thinks and is inclined to operate solo with scant regard for his offsider and/or any of his colleagues. He has a big mouth and unpredictable responses and the reader learns to wait in trepidation for whatever he will say or do next.The storyline is drenched in dry and hilarious English idiomatic dialogue that is liberally sprinkled with swearing and rough banter - the language of the police and criminal underworld in Blackpool. Miller is the funniest of all.. 'you dozy donk', 'Bloody Nora'. There are many laugh out loud scenarios and conversations. If you open this book at any page the wit is there. However Miller has a softer side. Real friends in his ballroom dancing group understand him. He regularly describes his ongoing casework to them. This parallel retelling is a clever authorial strategy as it aids reader understanding of the multiple characters and strands. Crucially, Miller's detective wife has been recently murdered, and though he is officially banned from the case, he cannot help himself from intervening, using his trademark unconventional and unsanctioned methods.
Blackpool is an English coastal town which has its fair share of low-skilled, disaffected people. Billingham's descriptions of the overcrowding, the sleazy guesthouses, the homeless druggies, the down-market dance halls, the late night drinking and the criminal network are drawn from real life. Blackpool, which in The wrong hands, follows rival criminal kingpins morphing from operating sleazy burger joints to drugs and paid killers, has in real life a crime rate that is 155% compared to the national crime rate so this detective/ crime novel is set in the perfect location.
A briefcase figures large in this story. In the briefcase is a pair of severed hands - proof of a contract killing. A host of characters enter the plot: local shonky business owners, criminal gang leaders and their disenchanted wives, a hitman, petty thieves, homeless druggies, a psychotic welder, various police officers and detectives and more. The briefcase is wanted and people are killed in the collateral damage caused by the search. Stakeouts are arranged and fail until the startling finale.
The crimes are significant and on-going. A killer must be caught. Miller is memorable - a fully drawn character complete with flaws. Despite his idiosyncrasies he has greater powers of observation and a superior mind compared to the police with their unsuccessful, possibly past-caring investigation of his wife's death. The clues are there; the red herrings are there. Both the reader and the investigators trip up and follow false trails but the ride and the denouement are worth it. The action is so visually evocative that it is no wonder that Billingham's books are of great interest to screenwriters. Until Detective Declan Miller launches onto the screen though, he will inhabit your mind for a while.
Themes Police detectives, Crime.
Wendy Jeffrey
Always was, always will be by Aunty Fay Muir & Sue Lawson
Always Was, Always Will Be is a book that shares the powerful story of both the injustice for First Nations People that began from the time of the arrival of the first European settlers in the 1800s and the subsequent battle for respect and a voice in Australia today. This is their story. A story of what happened in the past, what is still happening in the present and what may happen in the future. White settlers used power and force to dominate the traditional owners of the land and coerced them to adapt to the ways of the Europeans. This began the long process of truth, equality and the legitimate fight for justice that First Nations People continue to strive for today.
Beginning with a foreword where the authors stress that great care was taken to source material written by First Nations People, but also mention that it is still a work in progress as history is complex with many layers to it. The contents page follows and the chapters are set out in chronological order beginning with European Arrival and ending with the Voice Referendum and Conclusion. In the final pages is the Glossary, as well as Picture Credits, References and information about the authors.
Throughout the book are mentions of historical figures such as William Barak, a Wurundjeri leader, who wrote letters asking for better treatment of First Nations People. He actively protested about how his people were treated and desperately tried to find better solutions. Torres Strait Islander Eddie Mabo fought to have his home island of Mer (Murray Island) to be taken out of the hands of the Australian Government and given back to the people who had lived there for thousands of years. This court battle took over ten years to be resolved in favour of Eddie Mabo and the people of Mer. Then there is the story of AFL footballer Michael Long and the Long Walk from Melbourne to Canberra to raise awareness of the appalling conditions in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Accompanying the highly accessible text and evenly spread all through the book are many photographs from the period of time being discussed and these add to the engagement for the reader.
Always Was, Always Will Be has a place in all libraries. It is an honest and important resource to be shared and discussed, not only for upper primary and secondary students but also older Australian non-First Nation adults who grew up with a completely different version of Australian History.
Teacher notes linked to the Australian curriculum will be available soon on the Magabala website.
Themes Australia, First Nations People, Justice, Activism, Campaigns, Colonial History.
Kathryn Beilby
Giovanni by Crystal Corocher. Illus. by Margeaux Davis
This book gives a fascinating insight into one of the lesser known waves of migration to Australia, that of the Italians. This picture book by Corocher examines the story of her great grandfather, using extensive research and family memories. Giovanni’s family left Italy in 1881, along with dozens of other Italian migrants, lured by the promise of paradise in Australia as part of the Marquis de Rays expedition. But the organiser was corrupt and these people were part of his scheme of making money from a group of hopeful people and their families. An early people smuggler, the ship he put these families on was less than seaworthy and they were not carrying enough food for the journey.
When their plight became known, they were helped by Sir Henry Parkes, then Premier of New South Wales, who helped them finish their journey.
Courage and resilience shine through this dual language outline of Giovanni’s journey. Told in English alongside the Italian, and interspersed with words from the family, this well produced book gives a new face to Australia’s story of migration.
The illustrations give a bright, detailed background against which the story is set. The olive trees at the start in Italy, are revised at the end of the book as they settle into their farms in Australia with olive trees heralding their agricultural prowess. Many smaller groups of migrants have been almost ignored by writers, and it is great to see this family’s story presented to a young audience, not only showcasing the story of Giovanni and his family, but underlining the enormous journey early settlers took. The expanse of the sea and the little boat, in the middle of the book made me shiver.
The detail of the illustrations will enthuse younger readers as they spot the rats, the storage of food, the clothing and seeing all on the map at the end of the book. More information is included at the end.
Themes Australian history, Immigration, People smugglers, Italian migrants.
Felix and Grandma have always lived oceans apart - until the day Grandma arrives in the city from Vietnam. Felix is so excited to meet Grandma and spend time with her. But it's tricky when he speaks no Vietnamese and she speaks no English. They get by with both showing each other special things like Felix's pet iguana Pete and Grandma showing him how to care for the garden but one day, when Felix and Grandma are visiting a big festival, Grandma gets lost and doesn't know how to ask for help. It is then that Felix decides to teach her English, and by working together and teaching each other, they bond closely as they learn to share words as well, culminating in their shared love of pizza.
With end papers that have flashcard translations of common words, (and Grandma's recipe for pizza), this is another story like I Hear a Buho and Giovanni that allows us to share and celebrate the languages spoken by our students as they take the opportunity to teach us the common words for the things that unite us regardless of our heritage. Having bilingual books in our collections and actively promoting them is a way that we can build bridges and open doorways for those who are not native English speakers by showing them that we value what they can bring to the teaching and learning experience.
For many newcomers to this country not speaking the common language can be a very isolating experience, compounding the difficulties of what must have already been a difficult decision, but if we can reach out to families through stories - perhaps even inviting them into the library to share the stories of their childhood in their own language to encourage those of the same background to hear them and learn about them - we show the parents, particularly the mothers, that we care and that their child will not be lost. And, in return, we all gain so much!!!
South Australian author, illustrator and artist Sally Heinrich, has had her stunning hand-created lino prints of influential SA icons displayed in a beautifully presented new publication. Each double page spread showcases one of these well-known, and not so well-known icons, with both accessible well-spaced text and a detailed striking image.
This perfect ‘coffee table’ book begins with a brief introduction to Sally, followed by the contents page, a delightful forward by Tracy Crisp who writes… ‘through her art, Sally shares with us her wonderful sense of curiosity about the world…’ and then poignant words from Sally describing her journey to appreciate what she has found in South Australia.
Each of the local icons considered and celebrated by the inticate and colourful lino prints has a compelling story to tell. The first one is Don Dunstan resplendent in pink shorts, followed by Humphrey B Bear with whom Sally had a strong childhood connection. Other influential people mentioned are Julia Gillard, Gladys Sym Choon, Dr Andrew Thomas, Mahomet Allum, Paul Kelly, Dame Roma Mitchell, Jack Oatey, Nora Heysen, Iparrityi, Kate Cocks, Colin Thiele, Mary Lee, Koolbiri, George Hubert Wilkins, Po Chun Fung aka Bobo, Mary MacKillop, Max Schubert and Anne Wills.
Some of these icons will be more familiar than others but their own individual stories have played an important role in shaping South Australia in so many different yet connected ways. Local Icons deserves a place in a home, school or public library, and would also make a fabulous gift.
Themes South Australians, Influential People, Biographies, Art, Lino-Print making, Achievements.
This sweeping look at twentieth century Russia is seen though the eyes of Count Rostov, a member of the aristocracy, sent to trial and relegated to house arrest at the Metropole Hotel in Moscow. He stays there under pain of death and finds in the hotel, a kaleidoscope of fascinating characters, intrigues and tensions to keep himself amused. The reader is taken from Czarist Russia, through the Revolutions of 1905 and 1917, to World War One, and then the aftermath of upheaval to the time of Stalin and the chilly relations with the West.
Relegated to a room ten feet square in the attic of the hotel, Rostov carves out a life for himself, which he finds surprising. All of his needs are met, and he is early bewitched by a young girl, Nina the daughter of an official resident in the hotel, leaving the girl to fend for herself. She has a pass key to all the doors, and they explore together, Rostov learning that those who work behind the scenes are worth the trouble of getting to know. When Nina’s father is moved on, Nina leaves and Rostov helps in the restaurant, eventually becoming head waiter. Surprisingly Nina reappears with her young child, giving her to Rostov to keep until she returns. Her husband has been sent to Siberia, and it is where she is headed to support him. Rostov knows they are unlikely to return, such is the fate of many who are sent that way.
Through Sofia, Rostov learns more of the world, and it is against this background that the reader is made aware of Stalinist Russia and the Cold War. As Head Waiter, he meets many different people, from those who work for the American embassy, to journalists and members on the ruling elite in Moscow. He is staggered at the maturity shown by Sofia, and becomes aware that she loved music and is learning the piano. Her skill matures and she is chosen to perform in Paris.
Count Rostov makes plans for them both to escape the confines of Russia.
I loved this book, particularly the machinations behind the scenes. Rostov is there when petty bureaucrats make wholesale decisions that can ruin people’s lives, and is there to watch the jostling for position when Stalin dies, the main players eating dinner at the restaurant. The running of the hotel once in the safe hands of an experienced manager, is now taken over by a man absorbed by protocols and time management, with every thing accounted for. He makes sweeping decisions about the running of the hotel, the restaurant, the bars and the rooms, and as he hoovers up misdemeanours of the staff, they are all in his thrall.
A most rewarding book, one which allows the reader to laugh at the pettiness of bureaucracy while being made aware of the life and death struggles behind the facade.
Themes Russia, USSR, Stalin, Cold War, World War One, Russian Revolution, Humour.
Fran Knight
Unreal. Can you tell fact from fake? by Kate Simpson and Leila Rudge
Allen & Unwin, 2024. ISBN: 9781761180347. (Age:8-12) Highly recommended.
Unreal! Can you tell fact from fiction? is an absorbing oversized hardcover book that will immediately hook young readers from the very first pages. The introduction advises them that some mythical displays have ended up in the Natural History area and help is needed to sort them out. This then leads into a page discussing real or unreal, and sorting fact from fiction with five important questions asked:
Who is providing me with this information? Do they have evidence for their claims? Why are they telling me this? How recent is the information? Do other sources agree?
Following this is a contents page beginning with a chapter called ‘Into the Deep’ with the final chapter called ‘It Was THIS Big!’ Each chapter discusses a number of creatures and the reader can try to guess from the information which of those are real and which one is unreal. It is not always obvious but the answers are provided on the following pages with further fascinating facts. From Australia there is mention of the drop bear, a predatory marsupial that can drop on unsuspecting tourists. Real or unreal? There is also a delightful story about the spaghetti tree broadcast on BBC television April 1, 1957, which may have tricked some of the viewers! In the final pages is a thank you for helping to sort out the creatures plus a handy index. There might also be one last creature: werewolves - unreal…Right?
Throughout this book are all sorts of wondrous creatures that will captivate and engage readers. Complemented by striking illustrations in soft pastel tones that are cleverly presented amongst the well-spaced and accessible information, this special book is a must-have for all libraries.
