Drawn onward: A back to front to back tale of hopelessness and hope by Meg McKinlay and Andrew Frazer
Fremantle Press, 2017. ISBN 9781925164848
(Age: Upper primary - Lower secondary) Recommended. This book starts
out very dark and negative, there is no hope. The faceless creature
in the book is slowly burdened by all of the negativity as it grows
with each page, until you reach the centre of the book where it is
almost overwhelming him. Then the words are turned around and the
emphasis is changed which changes the whole meaning of the words,
the burden is slowly lifted from the creature and he is able to
slowly emerge with a face and hope.
This book highlights the power of positive thought and that anything
can be changed for the positive.
I would recommend this book for upper primary, lower secondary. It
is a good example of how the same words can have very different
meanings depending on how they are used and in what order they are
put together. It could be utilised as a teaching tool looking at how
words can change their meaning depending on the order and context
they are used in.
Karen Colliver
The girl, the dog and the writer in Rome by Katrina Nanestad
ABC Books, 2017. ISBN 9780733338175
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. Themes: Family and friendship,
Travel, Dogs. When Freja's scientist mother, Clementine has to go to
Switzerland for treatment, she leaves her only daughter with an old
friend, crime writer, Tobias Appleby. Clementine and Freja have
never been separated: when mum goes on her expeditions to the
Arctic, Freja goes too, when looking at animals in the wild, Freja
is by her side. She has never had to deal with people, content just
to be with her mother, but now she must live with someone she does
not know. She is distraught. But Tobias turns out to be funny and
not a little unlike herself.
When she breaks into tears, she feels that she cannot upset Tobias
by telling him she misses her mother and tells him a lie, resulting
in the two along with Finnegan the dog, going to Rome, when she
spurts out the first thing she can think of after reading Tobias'
new crime book, Rome's Reward.
This is a delightful story, full of witticisms, wonderful imagery,
delightful characters and superb names. The language will envelope
the reader, making them feel they are tucked up by a wood fire, with
no need for a mobile phone or stories about testy relationships with
other children of the same age or issues! Freja does not want to go
to school where she must deal with other children, or be made to
write an essay, I am an avocado, as she is gaining quite an
education in Rome. She learns to make pasta, drawn a map of Rome,
visits all sorts of historic places, and leans some Italian. She has
an education, and does not need school.
As their stay in Rome extends, Freja becomes aware that she has made
friends without realising it: the old couple downstairs, the cafe
owner, the monkey grinder and his monkey and a priest. She learns
that making friends is not as hard as she thought, but the question
always nagging her is her relationship with Tobias. Several people
remark on him being her uncle, and even though he denies this she is
desperate for him to be her uncle.
Meanwhile, Tobias spills ink over the white habit of a passing nun,
and so a priest chases him, being very unpriestlike in his pursuit
and threatening behaviour. A neat mystery ensues, equally as
involved as some of Tobias' plots. But as the trio wanders about
Rome, readers will ingest much information bout that city and some
language as well. I loved it and it leaves the way for a sequel
which will thrill the readers.
Fran Knight
A thousand paper birds by Tor Udall
Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781408878644
(Age: Senior secondary - Adult) This lyrical story captures the
imagination in its characters, its garden setting, its wonderful
language and in its story-telling. From the beginning we are plunged
into a world of sensory experiences, of smell particularly. Place
matters in this text, and the gardens (based on Kew Gardens in
London) feature prominently as a place of retreat of delight, of
background, foreground and as a place that is so strongly real it
justifies living.
Udall writes so lightly, it is as if his characters were the paper
birds fashioned in origami, the art so passionately followed by one
character. Her creations are exacting and beautiful, and express the
depths of her being in a way that she cannot do herself. Chloe is
young, an adolescent inexperienced in love, and unable to comprehend
the adult world of anxieties, driving ambition and love. The
physical she can do, and she brings her sense of wonder to a
relationship with Jonah, and he begins to be healed after his tragic
loss.
Loyalty and love, the warmth and exploration of the physical and
mystical aspects of the joining to one other in sex, and the
possibility of healing predominate in this lushly written novel of
companionship, joy, friendship, love and nature. Udall's lilting
prose is joyous, his characters complex and often troubled, but the
world into which he places them is so green, majestic yet gentle,
soft and calming that the unravelling of their individual worlds
slowly seems to be controllable. A truly wonderful piece of
literature, and a joy to read, Udall's work lifts the spirits,
restores feelings of soundness to human life, and is utterly
captivating.
Elizabeth Bondar
The Starman and me by Sharon Cohen
Quercus Children's Books, 2017. ISBN 9781786540089
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. Themes: Adventure, Origins, Science
Fiction, Communication/Mind-reading. The title suggests something
out of this world! To a certain extent this is a book about things
outside of the normal realm - about where we come from, and what we
can become. Kofi is the young protagonist - a thoughtful,
sometimes-bullied young student whose perception of a strange
apparition on the local roundabout leads him to an adventure of
mind-blowing proportions. The 'apparition' is more than a magical
moment, it has a name (Rorty Thrutch) and an unusual identity. Rorty
Thrutch communicates with Kofi in strange ways and with a
captivating grasp of English, and then leads him into a rescue
mission that requires additional support. Cue his friend Janie and
some unexpected helpers. With school discussions highlighting
personal origins and DNA and a father that has a scientific project
that involves thought-control, the direction of the narrative is
quickly high-jacked and taken on its own helix of twists and turns
that are warm and uplifting, but also exciting and unexpected . . .
and a little bit dangerous as well. There is action that is
impossible to comprehend, characters that behave in ways that are
cruel, and scientific, cutting-edge moments akin to magic.
This is not your average school-based adventure, and it will appeal
to a wide range of ages. The relationships and adventurous action
suggest a high-school base, but Primary school readers will also be
impressed by the warmth of Rorty Thrutch, and his endearing and
naive dialogue adds touches of humour throughout the parts of the
story that are quite serious.
Carolyn Hull
Alex and Eliza by Melissa De La Cruz
PanMacmillan, 2017. ISBN 9781509869978
(Age: 15+) Recommended for readers of romance. Themes: Romance,
American History - American Revolution, Love, Wealth and Privilege.
If you loved Pride and Prejudice you'll love this American
tale of love in the privileged world of old New York in the 1770's.
This is also the era of George Washington, the rise of the American
identity and patriotism separate from their British and European
forbears, and also the era of conflict known as the American
Revolution. Into this historical setting is a retelling of real
events involving the young Alex Hamilton, who came from nowhere to
be the respected right-hand man for the General George Washington.
In this role he meets the Schuyler family (one of the wealthy
founding families in America of Dutch heritage) and falls for the
second of the marriageable daughters - Eliza. Eliza is much like
Elizabeth Bennett of Pride and Prejudice in that she is
thoughtful, responsible and a little bit feisty and independent, and
not swayed by the fashion trends and social expectations of the
times. Her independence and unselfish attitude is unusual in the
world of privilege and wealth that has formed in the growing
country. The Schuyler's circumstances and the troubled times mean
that love and marriage is a carefully orchestrated alliance between
well-to-do families to protect and preserve the honour of a family
name in the new country. Consequently any connection between Alex
and Eliza, although romantic, may be doomed to fail. The course of
history though reminds us that in this unusual story, love does rule
over expectation.
Melissa De La Cruz wrote this novelisation of the historical love
story after seeing the musical - Hamilton: An American Musical.
The epic love story is written in the style of a much older novel,
with a proper and polite nod to the times. The beautiful language is
very reminiscent of Jane Austen and other writers from the same era.
The glimpse into early American history, and the social and fashion
history of the 1770's is delightful and almost humourous to a modern
reader eg. the dusted wigs worn by male and females as a statement
of their standing in society is almost impossible to fathom for a
modern reader! An insight into the period of the American Revolution
is also intriguing, as it weaves through the romance.
Carolyn Hull
Fox and Moonbeam by Aleesah Darlison and Narelda Joy
Wombat Books, 2017. ISBN 9781925563009
(Age: 3-10) Fox and; Moonbeam by Aleesha Darlison is a
whimsical story about an unlikely friendship between Gerald Fox, the
clock winder and Moonbeam Lapin a dancer. It is set in Victorian
England and starts with tale of a seemingly depressed and lonely Fox
who lives in a world of darkness and shadows. We then meet
Mademoiselle Moonbeam Lapin whose life is quite the opposite with
bright lights and glamour. When the two meet in the Queen's castle,
where Fox works and Moonbeam is performing they find that they enjoy
spending time together.
The undercurrent of this book is that of pursuing passions; such as
Fox's love of the violin, and doing the things we love; just like
Moonbeam and her dancing. I also like that the story shows that Fox
had to gain the courage to follow his love of playing the violin,
which I think is something that resonates with many young people
today.
This book has many facets that could be pinpointed as conversation
starters in both large groups and on a one to one basis. Topics such
as lack of self-esteem, loneliness, finding your passion, careers of
the Victorian era and courage are all things that could be pulled
apart and discussed using this story as a backdrop. It is also
lovely on its own, as a bedtime story or quiet time activity.
The illustrations by Narelda Joy are very extravagant, and add the
magical feeling of the story. My 3 year old particularly loved the
depictions of Moonbeam as she is often surrounded by stars and or
colours.
An enjoyable book for children up to ages 10.
Lauren Fountain
Aussie legends alphabet by Beck Feiner
ABC Books, 2017. ISBN 97807333338946
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Themes: Alphabet, Legends, Australian
legends. Alphabet books are always fascinating, speculating on the
reason some words and images were included to homour that letter.
This one will engage readers, pondering just who they would give the
nod to as a legend of Australia, and being delighted at those who
have made the cut in this board book from ABC Books.
From Cathy Freeman to Julia Gillard, Victor Chang to Eddie Mabo,
Jorn Utzon to Steve Irwin, each inclusion is as surprising as it is
informative. I was impressed that there is only one footballer,
yeah! and Adam Goodes was included partly because of his ability on
the football field but more importantly for what he has done for his
people. Medical pioneers, Fred Hollows and Victor Chang make a
wonderful inclusion as do social vanguards, Kath and Kim, Ita
Buttrose and Dame Edna Everage. And a nod to history includes Ned
Kelly, Henry Lawson and Nancy Wake, while the arts are represented
by Dame Joan Sutherland, INXS, Yothu Yindi and Queenie MacKenzie
amongst others. Each is included for a multiplicity of reasons,
which younger readers and older ones as well, will delight in
reasoning out. At the end of the book are a few pages containing
more information about each inclusion.
Each person represents excellence in their fields, achieving
something all of us can admire. Each page has one letter with an
often amusing representation of that person wrapped around the
letter, while the page next to the illustrations contains a brief
amount of information.
This is a fascinating alphabet book, sure to delight, amuse and
inform.
Fran Knight
No filter by Orlagh Collins
Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781408884515
(Age: Adolescent) Beautifully written, told in the first person by
two adolescents who meet unexpectedly at the seaside in Ireland,
this novel is delightfully entertaining. Collins directly addresses
important issues for adolescents in the modern world. Emerald has
come from England, having just finished her penultimate year at
school, and Liam is similarly on holidays, having completed his
schooling in Ireland. It is instant attraction for them both when
they meet at the beach, and the summer is spent together as much as
possible. Emerald has been sent to her grandmother's home in Ireland
for the summer, her family having some undisclosed issues, and Liam
is working while deciding what he will do in the future. Their
powerful attraction is beautifully recounted, particularly as told
in their first person narratives. The seaside setting is idyllic and
described in its wildness and beauty.
In this vibrant, gripping, entertaining and delightfully told
narrative, Collins addresses the issues of mental health, of class
divisions and factionalism, of aging, of adolescence, of betrayal
and loyalty, and of the abiding joy of deep friendship and the
possibility of loving the right person. Beautifully told, this
narrative reveals the goodness of two young people who grow to care
deeply about each other, but also Collins ensures that we understand
that they care and respect their families and their place in those
families.
A strongly expressed reflection on the modern world, on family
secrets and weaknesses, on healing, friendship and reconciliation,
this is a powerfully moving novel of an emerging modern Ireland and
its relationship with its neighbours. Highly suitable for
adolescents, younger and older, and a beautifully written novel that
would be enjoyed by adults who understand the conflict that has been
so much a disturbing part of modern Ireland.
Elizabeth Bondar
My dog gets a job by Elizabeth Fensham
University of Queensland Press, 2017. ISBN 9780702259593
(Age: 7+) Recommended. I recommend this book to 7+ readers and pet
lovers of any age.
What is a nine year old boy to do when his dog is constantly getting
into trouble? Eric is in just that situation, his dog Ugly is always
getting himself into trouble. For example, what is a dog supposed to
do when a fresh
roast chicken is left on the bench to cool . . .
Eric finds himself faced with the difficult task of finding a job,
that will keep Ugly busy and stop them both from getting into
trouble.With the help of his friends they come up with a list of
suggested jobs that Ugly can do, some possible some not so. Eric is
determined to keep trying until he is able to find Ugly a job that
will make life better for both of them.
There are some hilarious situations as Ugly has a go at a number of
different jobs until he finally finds the one that is right for him.
Through the book Eric learns the importance of accepting people even
if they are a bit different.
Karen Colliver
Zombiefied! Apocalypse by C.M. Gray
Harper Collins Children's Books, 2017. ISBN 9780733334245
(Age: 8+) Recommended. Halloween can be a fun time but when you are
half zombie things can be a bit different. Ben hopes that being half
zombie will help him get extra candy this Halloween.
Ben and his best friend Sophie soon find themselves in a sticky
situation. They are the only ones who seem to be aware of what is
going on in their town. They need to stop the evil Mr Bill, but that
is difficult to do when you don't know where he is or what he is
exactly planning. The two friends work together, making the most of
the extra powers they have because they are half zombie to try and
save their town. In the end Ben finds his own inner strength and
realise he doesn't need his zombie powers to achieve what he set out
to do.
This book is written from Ben's perspective and is very well told,
it draws the reader in so that you want to know what is going to
happen next. It is written in a way that you think you know what
will happen next and then there is a twist and it is not quite what
you expected.
I recommend this book to 8+ year olds.
Karen Colliver
Magic Animal Rescue: Maggie and the flying horse by E.D Baker
Bloomsbury Publishing, 2017. ISBN 9781408878286
(Age: 5-8) Recommended. One day Maggie finds a tiny injured flying
horse. Can she find help in time?
The characters in this story are Maggie, Zelia, Peter, Bob, Leonard
and all the magical creatures. The characters played a great role in
the story.
The plot is creative, engaging and very interesting.
The big idea in this book is helping a flying horse.
The settings of the story are the woods, meadow, cottage and Bob's
stable. I like all the pictures in the book as they help set the
scene and add an extra element to the story.
The style of text is imaginary and is a beginner's book.
I recommend this book for 5 to 8 year olds. I suggest reading this
book before you read the other book Magic Animal Rescue Maggie
and the wish fish.
Grace, Year 6
Magic Animal Rescue: Maggie and the wish fish by E.D Baker
Bloomsbury Publishing, 2017. ISBN 9781408878293
(Age: 5-8) Recommended. One day Maggie speaks to a magical fish who
promises her a wish, will she let him go, can she trust a talking
fish?
The characters in this book are Maggie, Zelia, Peter, Bob, Nora,
Leonard, Stella, and all the magical creatures. The characters are
creative.
The plot is also very creative and engaging.
The big ideas in the story are the fish granting Maggi her wish.
The settings of this story are the woods, meadow, cottage, bob's
stable and the lake. I like how the pictures tell some of the story.
The style of text is imaginary and is a beginner's book.
I recommend this book for 5 to 8 year olds. If you liked this book I
reckon you should read Magic Animal Rescue: Maggie and the
flying horse.
Grace, Year 6
The thunderbolt pony by Stacy Gregg
HarperCollins, 2017. ISBN 9780008257026
(Age: 11+) Highly recommended. After a devastating earthquake hits
Evie's hometown of Parnassus on New Zealand's South Island, the
entire town and herself are forced to evacuate. During the initial
earthquake, Evie's mum is injured and one of the first to be rescued
by helicopter. Evie was meant to be on the ride with her mother, but
refuses to leave her beloved pony, Gus, her dog, Jock, and her cat
Moxy behind. She is determined to find another way before people
realise Evie did not go with her mother. Instead she flees with her
tribe of animals in a race against time across difficult terrain to
reach the port of Kaikoura. Locals are being evacuated to the port
where they will be transported to safety.
No one could have ever imagined the difficulties Evie would
encounter. With aftershocks constantly shaking, Evie will have to
overcome her OCD and draw on her bravery, strength, and resilience
to bring her and her animals to safety.
Having never been one to read a 'horsey' book I was absolutely
enthralled from start to finish. It is a fast-paced book about a
girl's determination to do anything to save her beloved animals -
even putting her own life at risk. An emotional journey sees Evie
refuse to give up even when faced with impossible odds.
Evie is 12 years old and suffers from OCD. This has a huge impact on
her life and her ability to cope with events. There are countless
themes that are portrayed in the book including resilience, bravery,
family, community spirit, death and determination. I think the
audience need to be at least 11 years old as the themes can be quite
strong and the readers need to have a degree of maturity to fully
understand them.
This book would be a hit with girls in particular, but not
necessarily just ones that enjoy a horse story. A must have for the
library collection.
Kathryn Schumacher
Curiosity: the story of a Mars Rover by Markus Motum
Walker Studio, 2017. ISBN 9781406374681
(Age: 6+) Highly recommended. Mars. Spacecraft. NASA. Exploration.
STEM. This beautifully presented book gave me all the information I
needed to know about Curiosity, the Rover which landed on
Mars in 2012 to explore that planet's surface. The unadorned text
introduces the reader to the space program designed to find out more
about Mars, our closest planet, and tell us why this mission is being
carried out. In sepia tones throughout the book, the illustrations
reveal the intricacies of Curiosity's make-up, the cameras,
wheels, laboratory equipment, battery and communication technology.
The size of a small car, the machine has a lot of work to do once on
Mars, photographing and sending back images of the landscape, taking
up pieces of the surface with its arms and testing the material to
send back the results.
The expectation that this machine would uncover some of the
information that scientists want to know about Mars spurs them on.
Mars, the red planet is the closest in make-up to our planet Earth,
and so scientists hope to discover what it is made up of and why it
is now seemingly desolate. The launch of the rocket taking 'Curiosity'
to Mars is described in detail, showing the various parts of the
rocket as it takes off, leaving behind boosters so that the final
piece to get to Mars lands safely. The speeds at which it hurtles
through space are mind boggling, and then the slowness of the
machine as it traverses across Mars just as intriguing. Curiosity
must first take photos of itself to send back to earth so that
scientists can gauge whether it was damaged as it landed on Mars.
I found this an altogether intriguing and fascinating book: loved
the diagrams, the information about why we need to go to Mars, the
statistics, the maps of the planets, the people back on Earth, NASA.
A great introduction to the exploration of space and why it occurs
will delight and educate younger readers, as well as older ones.
Fran Knight
A dog with nice ears by Lauren Child
Hachette, 2017. ISBN 9781408346136
(Age: 5+) Highly recommended. Dogs. Pets. Family. Lola wants a dog,
but her parents are adamant that she will not have one. This very
familiar scene, played out in many homes, is given an uproaringly
funny outing in this new book by Lauren Child, featuring her loved
characters, Charlie and Lola. Sometimes Lola pretends to be a dog,
lying in a basket on the floor, sometimes she pretends her big
brother is a dog and pats him while he is on the ground. She uses
the age old excuse of her best friend having a dog, but all to no
avail. Meanwhile the siblings discuss what sort of dog Lola wants
and what attributes a dog has that would make it so very welcome.
They talk about swishy tails, and barking and whether dogs need
glasses, sniffing dogs, wriggly dogs and dogs with fleas. Lola's dad
says he will take her to the pet shop on Saturday and she is
convinced that she is going to get a dog, and even has a name ready
for him.
All through the two discuss what a dog needs, what a dog does in the
family, how dogs behave and how people behave towards them, giving
information to the reader, as well as bringing up points of
discussion for a class or group or at home.
Child's zany illustrations follow the story, giving life to the two
and showing a range of dogs and their behaviour for the reader to
better understand the responsibilities involved in owning a dog or
pet. The background on many pages gives the idea of collage which
readers may like to emulate in their art classes, while the design
of each page offers a different look, inviting readers to take a
closer look at how the page is put together, and the differing fonts
used to emphasise what the pair are saying adds interest and variety
to the story. This will be eagerly sought after in the library.
Fran Knight
