The Marsh Road Mysteries.Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781408876060
(Age: 9+) Highly recommended. In Dogs and Doctors readers
meet a group of children who are rather good at solving mysteries.
Sylvie has to stay in hospital and on her first night Barry, the
therapeutic dog, is kidnapped. The group of friends are on the job
the very next day. They interview people, steal CCTV images and lead
the security guards to the laundry. Barry has been here but a chase
through the parking lot enables the escape of the dog napper.
Meanwhile, a piece of valuable art work, on loan to the hospital,
has gone missing. Are the two crimes connected? Was Barry a decoy
dog? Is Barry safe? Will the friends beat the police and solve the
crimes? The group of friends undertake some rule breaking to get to
the truth but they do contact their police connection when danger is
imminent. Dogs and Doctors is part of The Marsh Road Mysteries
series but it is a stand-alone story. It is great to see loyalty
amongst friends as well as accepting friends for all their faults.
The story is an excellent read for girls and boys, especially if
they love an adventure where they can't pick the culprits. Dogs and
Doctors is descriptive and exciting. The text is easy to read and
would make a great model for students creating their own mysteries
when writing. It is highly recommended for readers aged 9+.
Kylie Kempster
Here Kitty, Kitty by Melanie Alexander
Lexi and Lettie Trusty Twin Detectives. Random House, 2017.
ISBN 9780143784135
(Age: 6-10) Lexi and Lottie have their own cartoon show based on
their sleuthing antics. They are centred around Appleton Animal Park
where, with their parents, they are involved with a variety of
animals. Their best friend is Fred, an aspiring journalist for the
school paper and along with Lexi's pet mouse, Mozart, he joins the
twins on their detective adventures. Here Kitty, Kitty highlights the latest new members of the
Animal Park, two white tiger cubs, Purr and Pounce. They are being
shown to the public for the first time but one of the cubs is stolen
and this begins the search for the culprit amongst a group of
suspects listed by the girls.
The story is divided into chapters and are illustrated with the same
cartoon style drawings as the animations. Intense colours are used
on both the cover and throughout the book. Lists feature frequently
throughout the story, which give facts about animals i.e. 'when
fully grown, tigers are the biggest species of the cat family.'
Lists also highlight the clues the twins have discovered which makes
it easier for the reader to focus on the main points and keep track
of the information gathered by the twins.
There are several suspects and Lexi and Lottie have to work their
way through the information to remove the innocent from their lists.
This allows the reader to try to deduce the crime with the twins and
attempt to work out themselves who the true criminal is.
These books will appeal to students who have enjoyed the cartoons or
those who like detective style books. Suitable for students aged 6
to 10 year olds.
There is a trailer on the books available.
The cartoons are available here.
Jane Moore
Whizz's Internet oopsie by Sally Sutton
Ill. by Kirsten Richards. Miniwings series. Scholastic,
2017. ISBN 9781775434245
(Age: 6-8) Themes: Horses, Sisters, Internet, Problem Solving. Young
Sophia and her sister Clara receive a special magical gift from
their Nana, six colourful, little winged horses. At first, the girls
think they are just cute plastic toys; however, they are naughty,
talking flying creatures who love to cause trouble! Sophia's
introductory letter to the readers and the gorgeous colourful
paintings and description of these cute creatures begin this easy to
read young novel.
When Clara and Sophie express their desire to shop online, their
mother quickly responds with a firm response, 'dream on,' she says!
However, while the young girls prepare for the new school term, the
Miniwings take matters into their own hooves! Oceania suggests she
will splash in the bathtub and Moonlight wants to make a 'scrumbly'
chocolate cake when the sisters go to school. Clara and Sophie's
decision to leave their computer on for the Miniwings' entertainment
leads to interesting consequences. Parcels and packages begin to
arrive at the house, first there's a foot spa, ordered by
water-loving Oceania. The next surprise to arrive is a cordless
drill perfect for Comet to decorate the bedroom walls with stars and
a moon. Claire and Sophia come up with some very creative responses
to their parent's questions.
The nanny goat's disastrous visit to school where she poops, eats
the class rules and butts holes in the wall is comical. Luckily, for
the girls their quick-thinking Nana arrives to help with their
problems.
Kirsten Richards' whimsical creatures, fun cartoon characters,
quirky pastel paint and ink drawings fly, swirl and frame Sally
Sutton's entertaining story told from Sophie's point of view. Whizz's
Internet Oopsie is a fun and fanciful story, just right for
young girls who love horses.
Rhyllis Bignell
A Canadian year -Twelve months in the life of Canada's kids by Tania McCartney
Ill. by Tina Snerling. EK, 2017 ISBN 9781925335439 Continuing this fabulous series which includes A Kiwi
Year, An
Aussie Year, and a host of others,
young children are introduced to the children of Canada. There is
Chloe, who speaks both French and English; Oki who is Inuit, Ava who
is of Chinese heritage; Liam of Scottish heritage and Noah whose
dream is to place ice hockey for the Vancouver Canucks - kids just
like those found in every classroom in Australia but whose lives are
subtly different because of their geographic location. Whoever heard
of it being -30° in January and instead of being at the beach kids
are skiing, skating and sledding? And as we currently shiver through
early winter and another Big Wet, it's hard to imagine there are
children on summer vacation for two months, kayaking, salmon fishing
in the ocean, swimming, camping in the wilderness and visiting
Santa's Summer House just outside Toronto. If nothing else, and
there is SO much more, students will learn about the seasons being
somewhat different in the northern hemisphere.
Offered as vignettes for each month, young children learn that there
are places beyond their immediate horizons and there are kids who do
things that are a bit different but overall, despite the timeframe,
they enjoy and do the same things as kids everywhere so there is
more that binds than divides. Intercultural
understanding is a mandated part of the Australian Curriculum
so that students 'understand how personal, group and national
identities are shaped, and the variable and changing nature of
culture' and this series is the perfect way to start this with young
children whose concepts of the world are just developing.
As usual, there is the is a double-page spread featuring intriguing
facts and figures which just invite comparisons with Australia - if
'Canada" comes from 'kanata' meaning village, where does 'Australia'
come from? If Canada is the world's second-largest country, what is
the largest? What's the difference between large as in area and
large as in population? While teachers' notes are
available, the children themselves will generate enough questions to
drive their own investigations.
Why not use it as a model for a class calendar, highlighting the
important events of each child's life in each month visually
exploring the unity and the diversity and promoting an important
bond of belonging and acceptance so that lives and heritage are
celebrated. Create a wall display for each month and invite the
children to contribute to it, and then compare what is happening
with other children in other parts of the world using this series as
the key resource.
Barbara Braxton
Finding Nevo by Nevo Zisin
Black Dog Books, 2017. ISBN 9781925381184
(Age: 12+) Highly recommended. Sexuality, Coming out, Trans gender.
In a society where male and female roles are delineated, someone
growing up knowing they fit neither one nor the other will be highly
confused and disorientated. So it is with Nevo.
This introspective memoir is an outstanding contribution to any
discussion about transitioning, a book about someone who feels at
odds with the gender roles of the society in which they live.
Nevo, a bright Melbournite is born female but always feels more at
home in boy's clothes. In primary school Nevo hangs about with
girls, and at high school comes out as a lesbian. But they never
feel at ease. The Jewish high school is supportive to those who feel
different, espousing a Safe Schools program, suggesting they join a
group to develop leadership skills. Nevo feels like an outsider
until meeting a girl who challenges these feelings, joining Nevo
along their journey.
Nevo's confusion continues all through teenage years, leading to a
decision to transition when eighteen, beginning with taking
testosterone and eventually surgery for breast removal. Nevo's
candid exploration of the way they feel is incredible, ensuring any
reader will feel empathy not only with Nevo but others who feel
confused about their sexuality.
All the confusion about growing up is there: coping with a blended
family, sibling rivalry, gender politics, getting on with groups at
school, mental health and bullying, but overlaid with a momentous
confusion about your sexuality, makes this is a gripping read.
At a time when right wing pundits are questioning the Safe Schools
program, this book offers the strongest of reason for the program to
be available, underscoring the value of teens seeing that they are
not alone.
And Nevo makes clear the lack of role models, the lack of these
people seen in our society: the press, television and books rarely
have anyone gay, let alone trans, and this makes people feel more
marginalised.
If this book supports those going along the same path as Nevo and
helps others empathise with those going through this process, then
it has done its job. And done it well.
A glossary of terms is followed by a list of resources, particularly
online, where people can find support and help.
Fran Knight
Superstar Tapir by Polly Faber and Clara Vulliamy
Mango and Bambang, book 4. Walker Books, 2016. ISBN
9781406361490
(Age: 7-10) Highly recommended. Superstar Tapir is the
fourth book in this delightful series starring Mango and the tapir
Bambang. It is divided into four separate stories, each quite unique
and interesting. In Snow day, Bambang is intrigued about the idea of snow and
wonders just what it, is, and even though there is no snow around,
Mango comes up with lots of different ideas about what snow looks
like and feels like. Their adventures culminate in a ride in
George's wagon, pretending to be a snow sled and when they stand
under a blossom tree they pretend that it is now and they and make a
snow angel out of the blossoms. A night at the fair sees Mango's father finally leaving his
study to take them off to the fair. After he wins them toys at the
hoopla stall, Mango and Bambang go to see the Egyptian treasures
where they are accosted by their old enemy Cynthia Prickle-Posset.
What adventures!
Their friend, Rocket the dog faces some trials in Rocket to the
moon, when he is convinced that he has found a space ship to
take him away. Mango and Bambang have to use all their ingenuity to
find him when he disappears.
In A tiny tapir's tears, Guntur the tiny tapir reappears as
a star in Minty Verbena's latest movie. Mango and Bambang are
invited to the opening and here they have to rescue him when he
begins to fall from a collapsing chandelier.
All the stories are a pleasure to read and the black and orange
illustrations add to the interest and humour.
Pat Pledger
Everything, everything by Nicola Yoon
Ill. by David Yoon. Random House Children's Books, 2017. ISBN
9780552576482
(Age: 13+) Themes of romance, family relationships, illness. This is
Nicola Yoon's debut novel; a touching romance between two young
people wanting to experience love but it could be the death of one
of them.
Bubble girl, Madeline Whittier is allergic to the outside world. She
has not left the house since her father and brother died in an
accident when Maddy was a child and now, at 17 years old, she yearns
for a relationship that is different to those she has with her
mother, her nurse and her tutor. This desire is a closeness that may
only be achieved with Olly, the boy moving in next door, the boy
with eyes the colour of the Atlantic Ocean.
Madeline's story unfolds with drawings, diary entries, lists,
charts, and personal narratives. The illustrations, which were drawn
by Nicola Yoon's husband, David, added an unusual and personal touch
to the telling of Madeline's story. I particularly enjoyed
Madeline's Spiral on page 233; it is an illustrative elegy to
Madeline's dreams. And on pages 237-8 we come to a halt along with
Maddy's heart with black pages and few words. This type of visual
emphasis on emotion turns a book into a more physical reading
experience which students will enjoy examining.
I did find that the story had two drawbacks. Although the characters
and relationships were being developed expertly before my eyes, the
most important character to the plot, Madeline's mother, was sadly a
missing substance. I know that Madeline was loved by her mother but
the way Nicola Yoon continuously described the same mother daughter
activities and Madeleine's love and desire to save her mother any
more pain was tedious to read about. The second drawback was Maddy's
calm resignation to her life. If a teen was actually in this
predicament would there be more teen angst, more tension, than
portrayed by the fictional character of Madeline? This could be a
position for debate amongst students.
For a debut novel it is very exciting that Everything,
Everything is being turned into a movie and I hope it can do
Nicola Yoon's work justice.
Sharon Smith
The whole thing together by Ann Brashares
Penguin Random House, 2017. ISBN 9780141386300
(Age:12+) Recommended. The novel The whole thing together,
written by Ann Brashares describes the realisation that people
saving and caring for something or someone can be brought together
by a sudden disaster. The whole thing together makes you
rethink your family and friends because the author uses a family
reunion to bring the story to life. A messy divorce years before,
resulted in shared custody of Ray and Sasha's siblings. As the
youngest of their respective families and unrelated, both Ray and
Sasha find themselves sharing their half-siblings and holiday home
bedroom - but not each other. A chance meeting sparks romance and
you can imagine the result when all members of the extended families
are finally brought together in the one place.
This story, set in New York, is easy to relate to, although for me
it was hard to connect with the characters. This is because the
author switches the perspective of the characters before the reader
can connect with them.
Overall the novel was simple but enjoyable and those who read it
will find comfort doing so. I recommend this book mainly to those
who are looking for an easy read with a little twist - a wonderful,
open and loving story targeting readers between 12-18 years of age.
Cara F. (Student)
The naughty naughty baddies by Mark Sperring and David Tazzyman
Bloomsbury Publishing, 2017. ISBN 9781408849736
(Ages: 2 - 6) Highly recommended. Picture Book. A highly improbable
and amusing tale whereby 4 baddies hatch a 'dastardly' plot to steal
the spots of the Queen's little dog amongst other minor naughtiness
like the sticking out of tongues and the blowing of raspberries.
What greater fun is there to be had than to see oneself as a 'baddy'
creeping around with your friends in a quest to make as much
mischief as possible? And to put oneself in a position of power over
someone as powerful as the Queen herself is definitely irresistible
to the average 4 or 5 year old!
There are a number of powerful words used in the text that would
bear discussion with the young reader, 'dastardly' and 'fiendish'
being great additions to anyone's vocab. Delightful, 'diabolically
dreadful' and 'dastardly' alliteration is used throughout, and that
wonderful repetition of the 'naughty, naughty baddies' is sure draw
in the young reader when read aloud.
Creeping is at the forefront of the baddies' skills with 'sneaking'
coming in at close second. My three year old granddaughter is quite
convinced that her creeping skills are vastly superior to any
adult's ability to spot her little body wending its way slowly along
the lounge room curtains. If you creep well enough you can get away
with anything and steal the spots off the Queen's doggy, indeed the
4 baddies do. What happens as a result of this improbable crime
needs to read to be believed.
The ending was a little up in the air for me - not a particularly
satisfactory resolution with the tables turned on our most powerful
leaders. It may leave the little reader wondering exactly what
happened.
Elizabeth Avery
Nanette's baguette by Mo Willems
Walker Books, 2016. ISBN 9781406376210
(Age: 2 - 6) Recommended. Picture Book. It's all in the rhyme! Just
exactly how many words can one get to rhyme with baguette?? You will
quickly find out on reading Mo Willems' latest picture book.
Cleverly illustrated with photographs of his own purpose made paper
and cardboard constructions, Nanette, the little French frog is sent
to the bakery by her mother on a quest for a baguette; indeed, to
'get the baguette'. She can't resist the wonderful smell, however,
and wonders how on earth she will give her mother the bad news on
arriving home. The delightful ending will put a smile on the dial of
every small reader; just no one can resist the smell of warm
baguette.
This is definitely a book to be read aloud, the whole fun of it
being in the rhyme. Whilst the plot is one all young children will
relate to, it isn't particularly deep and meaningful; just crazy
fun. My three year old granddaughter likes a little more of a plot
than this book developed but nevertheless enjoyed thinking about how
many words could be rhymed with baguette very much warmed to the
thought of eating one.
Elizabeth Avery
The perfect thing by Sally Morgan
Ill. by Ambelin Kwaymullina. Scholastic, 2017. ISBN 9781742991122
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Aboriginal themes, Grandparents,
Solutions, Family, Imagination. When Grandpa wants to go to the
park, Lily thinks up all the excuses in the world She tells him that
the dog has eaten her sneakers, and the cat has shredded her rain
coat, she has a sore throat and the bird has taken her scarf for its
nest, the wild weather will give her an ear ache and the wombat has
used her warm hat to put in its burrow. Every time she finds an
excuse to deflect Grandpa from going to the park, he finds a
solution, and each solution is wonderfully inventive and
delightfully illustrated In place of her sneakers he offers his
thongs and when she tells him that they are too big, he suggests she
pretend that she is a whale and that the thongs are flippers helping
her to get to the park. Each of his perfect solutions offer another
humorous response from Lily. His perfect thing is offered over and
over again to her excuses, inviting the audience to think of perfect
things for themselves when Lily offers another reason for not going
to the park.
Kwaymullina's bold illustrations in bright swathes of colour are
presented in framed sections on each page, asking the reader to see
the story in sequences from one frame to the next.
The ending will bring more smiles as Morgan cleverly brings the
story back to the beginning, with Grandpa and Lily going to the
playground, the perfect thing.
This delightful story will encourage responses from the readers as
they join Lily in her excuses and think along with Grandpa of ways
to circumvent her reasons for not going. Imagination is all, from
the invention of Lily's reasons, to the perfect things suggested by
Grandpa to the two of them finding marvelous things at the
playground. I loved the interaction between Lily and her Grandpa a
wise old man, and the interplay between them. And younger readers
will love the range of animals shown in the story.
Fran Knight
The city bleeds gold by Lucy Saxon
Tellus series book 3. Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781408847732
(Age: 11+) Recommended. An initial impression was one of
disappointment, starting with the all too convenient map of the
Tellus archipelago. Learning that the protagonist Noah has an alter
ego, Daniel, who is pretty much the Spider-Man of this fantasy
realm, didn't help matters - but to be fair, this is Volume 3 and
the world of Tellus has already been well described in Volumes 1 and
2: Take Back the Skies and The Almost King. The City Bleeds Gold gains momentum with Daniel's nocturnal
forays into the lower city to protect his fiance, Princess Crysta.
Crysta is the future Queen of Erova, the largest territory of
Tellus. In her parents' absence, it is her job to organize the
annual festival to ensure the favour of the Goddess and the
sustainability of the kingdom. Noah, a commoner and mask-maker like
his father, is not exactly the most popular choice of future consort
according to just about everyone but Crysta. With both Damian, head
of security, and the younger princess Rosa, in tow, they focus on
protecting Crysta and the supremacy of Erova from an assortment of
threats. Daniel (Noah in disguise) has both the ability and the
motivation to be spying on potential enemies but is unacknowledged
due to his secret identity.
A measure of romance means that the main characters are developed
well. A young author of 21, Saxon expertly builds suspense as Daniel
uses the roof tops to spy on and stymie the bad guys. When Daniel's
intelligence gathering finally plays out, the novel becomes a heady
page-turner in the milieu of the high fantasy and appropriately
named, Tellus series.
Deborah Robins
Tiny Timmy on tour! by Tim Cahill and Julian Gray
Ill. by Heath McKenzie. Tiny Timmy series, book 5. Scholastic, 2017.
ISBN 9781743816509
(Age: 7-9) Recommended. Themes: Soccer, Team Sports, School stories.
Tiny Timmy and his soccer team performed extremely well at the Gala
Day and now they have the opportunity to play against some of the
best country school teams. Coach Roach calls a lunchtime team
meeting and shares the good news with the players. They are off on a
five-day bus trip to play the Big Country Beasts, the Pine Hill
Possums and the Wave Beach Wanderers. Timmy is both excited and
nervous as this is the first time he has spent so long away from his
family.
The five days away from home are filled with fun, laughter, food and
plenty of soccer. While Timmy and his mates focus on eating healthy
foods, team clowns Studs and Hacker overindulge at the motel buffets
resulting in a loss of stamina during the games. The first game
against the Big Country Beasts is too much for the Lions, they
struggle with the much bigger players. Back at the motel, Tiny Timmy
can't fall asleep due to Stud's snoring and the boys' late night
video game playing. The Pine Hill Possums prove to be a sneaky team
up to all sorts of tricks and dirty tactics but Studs saves the day
with a lucky goal. Their final game is fast-paced, filled with super
teamwork, great goals and a surprising outcome. After a fun
celebration at the beach, the team board the bus and head home
tired, but happy.
This easy to read chapter book features text with different sizes of
font, words in bold and in graduated sizes, animated words and
bigger spacing. Heath McKenzie's line drawings are humourous
snapshots of Timmy's life, his family, friends and the soccer games.
This series is great for high interest, lower reading age students
as well.
Rhyllis Bignell
Muddle and Mo's worm surprise by Nikki Slade Robinson
Starfish Bay Children's Books, 2017. ISBN 9781760360306
(Age: 3+) Goats, Friendship, Food. Friends, Muddle and Mo are going
to have lunch. Muddle collects a range of worms to add to the lunch
basket: big and little, fast and slow. They then must take the
basket up a rather steep hill to sit beneath the tree and eat lunch.
Mo does not seem too happy about his Worm Surprise, particularly
after his exhausting climb, but is pleasantly surprised when Muddle
reveals that Mo's lunch does not contain any worms.
I love the illustrations: the goat and chicken are very cute and
will appeal to the young people who read the book. The range of
expressions on the animal's faces are a mine of information for the
reader, and the movement will ensure the readers' eyes are drawn
across the pages.
Initially I thought the story was showcasing comparative words such
as big and little, fast and slow, and expected that to continue, but
the story fades a little to the climax of Mo giving his friend a
Worm Surprise that contains no worms. Children will certainly
sympathise with the goat's possible worm salad, and be relieved when
his friend makes an exception for his taste. Children will be able
to talk about things they like and what they do and do not eat when
talking about this book with others, and see that friendship means
not imposing your taste on your friend. First published in New
Zealand.
Fran Knight
Trouble tomorrow by Terry Whitebeach and Serafino Enadio
Allen and Unwin, 2017. ISBN 9781760291464
(Age: 12+) Recommended. Civil war, Refugees, Refugee camps,
Survival, Sudan. Obulejo and his friends must run for their lives
when rebels come, searching for boys his age to train as boy
soldiers. He is living in a boarding school, St Xaviers, far from
his village, where he hopes for a good education, but they are all
aware of the civil war outside the confines of the school, causing
alarm throughout southern Sudan.
Escaping into the bush, he is exhausted, hungry and thirsty when a
woman offers him food. He meets others like him, and together they
head for the border with Kenya where they hope they can get into a
refugee camp and be safe.
The book falls easily into three sections, the first is his village
life and its disruption by civil war and the trek to the refugee
camp, next comes his survival in the camp, and finally the trip to
Australia.
If the trek to Kenya was harrowing enough his survival in the camp
causes him huge concern. Here he learns to steal to survive. With
his upbringing and education, he knows this is wrong and it causes
him great heartache, but he makes the decision to focus on his
education with the hope of getting out of the camp.
Densely packed with his life story, images will stay in the readers'
minds, and the question always asked of what would they do in his
place. An absorbing read of a life far from our own, the tale will
give a background to some of the stories seen on TV, and help
younger people sympathise with the plight of displaced people, who
for no fault of their own have lives totally disrupted by civil war.
At the beginning of the book is a welcome map to chart his journey
and at the end, Whitebeach has included a brief history of the
Sudanese Civil War, along with a photo which astounded me. Reading
about the harsh bush and frightening jungle through which Obulejo
walked it was a surprise to see an image of a serene village
surrounded by dense jungle and a mountain. It had me looking at
photos of Sudan on the internet to look further at this beautiful
place.
Fran Knight
