Ill. by Liz Anelli. Black Dog Books, 2017. ISBN 9781925381214
(Age: 8+) Highly recommended. Immigration, Migrant experience,
Voyages and travel, Australian history. The story of Carole
Wilkinson's journey to Australia in the 1960's is revealed here for
a primary audience to encourage their understanding of the trip made
by many of the migrants coming to Australia after World War Two. A
scheme encouraging migration from the United Kingdom was set in
place in 1945, called the Assisted Package Migration Scheme, with
the catchcry of 'Men for the land and women for the home', with a
similar scheme begun in New Zealand in 1947. Over one million people
migrated from the United Kingdom between 1945 and 1972 swelling
Australia's population.
With her family making the decision to come to Australia at the
height of the Cold War, saying goodbye to friends and family was the
order of the day. Dad built some big boxes to take their furniture
and these were picked up by the authorities. On the ship, Wilkinson
outlines some of the things they did, while calling in to several
places along the way. Anelli's mixed media illustrations scatter the
book, giving an outstanding visual accompaniment to the text,
putting into pictures the Wilkinson family's journey.
The family discusses what will happen to them and so the readers
will learn of what happened to migrants arriving in Australia. No
nissan hut for this family, they were to live with family members
for a while until dad could get a job and find a house.
At the end of the book is given a brief outline of the government
policies which instituted the Assisted Migrant Scheme, along with a
glossary of unfamiliar words used in the text, and a useful index.
An engaging text, full of the hopes and concerns (particularly when
dad's boxes were unloaded in Perth instead of Adelaide) of the whole
family, alongside lively illustrations will ensure that this book is
well received, giving a perspective of Australia's migrants not
often seen. It will fit well in a unit of work looking at the
different ways Australia's population has developed and students
will be able to compare the differing government policies towards
migration to our shores.
(NB: I read Pea pod lullaby by Glenda Millard, and
illustrated by Stephen Michael King, at the same time as Ten
pound Pom and could not help thinking about the difference
between the migrant experience presented in the two books).
Fran Knight
Ruben by Bruce Whatley
Scholastic, 2017. ISBN 9781743810354
(Age: 7 to adult) Highly recommended. Picture book for older
readers, Homelessness, Cities, Survival. A child emerges from his
safe place. He must venture out into the abandoned factories and
buildings around Block City to find food. He watches the huge
overloaded trains that come into the city, delivering their goods,
returning empty. Nothing is available to him, the goods vans all
locked. He must be careful wandering around this place avoiding the
robotic watchers on the prowl for people who should not be there.
So Whatley develops his bleak and scary background, a few spare
words being but a small part of the evocative story, the
illustrations detailing a city dying at the edges, living only for
itself, oblivious to the plight of the street people, the homeless,
those surviving on the edge. Every page of the three sections is
full of meticulously drawn detail, detail that will astonish the
reader, at once absorbed by the city and its structures, but also
grieving for the lone child who lives in its shadows.
Children will soak up the atmosphere Whatley creates through his
pencil drawings, using just light and shade, a wonderful exposition
of entwined factories, industrial detritus and abandoned warehouses,
above ground train lines, derelict buildings, metalwork and
plumbing. I was enthralled looking at the detail offered on each
page as will younger readers pointing out detail and found objects
to each other as they read and follow Ruben's story.
The 100 or so pages zip by as the readers are drawn into Ruben's
tale, their hearts with him as he avoids the huge wheels of the
train, runs from the Listeners, the Controllers and the Sweepers and
strives to find something useful in an increasingly sparse and
hostile environment.
As he goes further into the city he sees someone else in the shadows
and makes a small boat which slides down the puddle to her.
He picks up a book dropped from one of the carriages, and in the
Epilogue their stories come together.
Whatley began this story ten years ago and began the illustrations
six years ago. This engrossing finished product will create much
discussion and debate within the classroom, from talk about being
homeless in our society to dystopian fiction and its implications,
impelling us to rethink the environment in which we live. But
reflection ensures the reality of Whatley's book hits home, it is
not a future but a now that we are looking at. His book makes us
profoundly aware of the dramatically changing industrial landscape
leaving so many of our population bereft. It is a salutary read.
Fran Knight
The rogues: Accidental heroes by Lian Tanner
The rogues series. Allen and Unwin, 2017. ISBN 9781760293529
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. Fantasy, Power, Magic. When the
country was over run by the invaders from Halt-Bern, five hundred
years ago, they called the land Neuhalt, and built a city they
called Berren around the Grimstone, the Saaf place for ceremonies.
The Bayam begged the invaders not to do this, but they did not
believe in magic, so scoffed at the Saaf. One Bayam survived inside
the Strong-hold, waiting her chance and when an idle-cat strolled by
speaking to her, she began looking for a child who could take on her
powers and bring back the magic.
But this child Pummel has come to the city to be a Sniffigator, a
member of the force which clears the streets of any vestiges of
magic, and then she spies another one, a girl, Duckling, come to the
city with her scheming grandfather. He is after a young boy to be
the dupe in his scheme to enter the citadel and Pummel is enveigled
to leave his post and join them. The trio gets inside the
Strong-hold, and Pummel is offered to the Heir as a companion, but
both children are taken in, and once the trio stays the night they
are trapped inside the place, never to leave.
So begins a multi layered and breathless fantasy tale that will
impel its readers to follow the exploits of the two children in the
Strong-hold. Each member of the large cast of characters is
entrancing, complex and fascinating, living on the pages as the
readers follow their journeys.
Duckling finds that she hums and this brings up a little wind about
her, while Pummel can do things others cannot. Each child has an
aura of magic recognised by the Bayam, and when on their first night
in the Strong-hold, they foil a plot to assassinate the Heir, things
become very tense. Others have been beheaded before them, so they
come to see themselves not as companions but protectors of the Heir
and his rise to the Faithful Throne. But who to trust? Duckling
keeps secrets from Pummel and certainly distrusts her grandfather.
She is as fearful of those around her as Pummel is trusting.
This is the first in a series of three stories about the duo, Pummel
and Duckling, and their attempts to bring back the magic to the
Grimstone.
With lashings of humour, the story is cleverly told with readers
highly involved with the trail these children wander.
Fran Knight
Crazy about cats by Owen Davey
Flying Eye Books, 2017. ISBN 9781911171164
(Age: Primary school) Highly recommended. As the title suggests this
book gives you information about cats, mainly concentrating on the
wild cat species. Did you know there are 38 different types of cats
in the world? This book has large amounts of beautiful illustrations
and infographics surrounded by bite sized amounts of information.
The 34 chapters (which are double page spreads) include the
different cat species, hunting for food as well as weird and
wonderful facts. There are some fascinating references to cats and
mythology as well. Crazy About Cats has a perfect balance of information and
visuals for primary school aged children. The setting out of the
facts using infographics make the book both informative and easy to
read. I particularly like the diagram showing the comparison of
different cat sizes with a human.
The colour palette for this book is stunning, with the author/
illustrator using warm colours with muted greens. This makes the
book a visual treat. The illustrations themselves are slightly
stylised and are more like works of art. The end papers are just as
attractive as the rest of the book.
The author has also produced two other books in this series, using
alliteration for their titles as well. They are Mad About
Monkeys and Smart About Sharks.
This is a book you can go to for information but also read just for
the compelling way it has been created. A visual joy from the
beginning to the end.
I highly recommend this book for primary school students and suggest
it should be in every school library collection.
Jane Moore
DK Children's Encyclopedia
DK, 2017. ISBN 9780241283868
(Age: 6+) Highly recommended. Encyclopedias. DK has produced another
excellent non fiction reference book, this time for younger children
who will really appreciate the excellent illustrations and
relatively easy to read text that DK Children's Encyclopedia
has to offer. There are over 250 topics in the book including
ancient civilisations, Astronomy, Climate change, Clocks, Galaxies,
Insects, Milky Way, Continents, Vikings, Weather and Zoos. The
Reference section contains lists of artists and writers, alphabets
and writing systems, scientists and mathematical information.
The book contains a table of contents with the topics organised in
alphabetical order. There are instructions on how to use the book
giving details about how the topics are colour coded into nine
different key subject areas, Art, People, History, Earth, Nature,
Science, Technology, Space and the Human Body. At the back there is
a comprehensive index as well as a glossary. The "Story of..." pages
are double-page spreads about interesting topics like colour,
storytelling, clothing, energy, water and inventions all of which
contain useful information for research and class work.
Each page deals with a different topic and is illustrated with
wonderful pictures that will help the child's understanding of the
topic. See also boxes will send the reader off to associated topics
giving the reader the opportunity to further their knowledge. The
information given is interesting and informative and is sure to keep
the inquiring child occupied for hours.
This would be an ideal gift for the young child. It is sturdy and
beautifully produced. It would also be an excellent reference book
in the library and classroom.
Pat Pledger
Prisoner of ice and snow by Ruth Lauren
Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781681191317
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. Who would have thought one would set
out to be arrested? But that is exactly what Valor intends to do.
Tyur'ma is a prison for criminal children and no one has escaped
from this frozen facility in over 300 years. But Sasha, Valor's
sister finds herself sent there accused of a crime she did not
commit - or did she? When Valor is arrested, and sent to Tyur'ma,
she begins plotting an escape route from the inside. She used all
resources that she can find and outsmarted both the guards and other
nosey fellow prisoners. In order for the plan to be successful,
alliances must be formed between unlikely allies.
This is a fast-paced fantasy novel that hooked me in from the
beginning to end. Although it is a fiction book I did find myself
thinking at times that parts of it could have been true. Valor was a
strong leading protagonist who grew and rose to all the challenges
that were presented to her. Themes such as bravery, friendship,
perseverance and determination are running strongly throughout the
book. Interestingly all the main characters in the book are strong
female characters whether they be good or bad!
I would recommend this book for children over 10 years as some of
the action in the book can be a little confronting. I would strongly
recommend this book to be added to a library collection.
Kathryn Schumacher
The bad guys episode 6: Alien vs bad guys by Aaron Blabey
The bad guys series. Scholastic, 2017. ISBN 9781760279486
(Age: 5+) Highly recommended. Aliens. Survival. Adventure. Having
saved the world from the clutches of Marmalade, the guinea pig, the
quintet finds itself in deep space, trapped in a space ship with an
alien at their heels.
The group now known as the Good Guys, squabble about what they
should do. The alien in question has many arms emanating from his
body all ending in a bum (butt). The group is horrified, especially
when the alien lets go. Not a fart but tons of goo which the boys
fall into. But Mr Snake finds an escape pod, and fiddling with the
keypad thinks he has a way out for them all.
So begins another hilarious adventure with the very changed bad
guys. Presented in the now familiar cartoon-like small book, with a
storyboard offering the characters and their escapades, young
readers will chuckle all the way through, following their exploits.
Bums and goo add to the fun of an alien with bums on the end of its
many tentacles, and the horror of being enveloped by its goo, will
draw screams of delight from the target audience. And Mr Shark is
able to use his consummate skill at dressing up to good use. Those
familiar with Blabey's offerings will be in no doubt of the hilarity
inside the easily held book, and cackle right to the end where they
will find that another sequel is in the offering: this time when Mr
Snake fiddling with the controls, launches them into the distant
past complete with dinosaurs. Can hardly wait.
Fran Knight
D-Bot Squad series by Mac Park
Ill. by James Hart. Allen and Unwin, 2017. Deep dive. ISBN 9781760296025
Dinosaurs are back, and on the loose! It's up to D-Bot Squad to
catch them. Hunter and his team dive deep under the sea to catch
five kronosauruses. But soon they become the meat in a giant squid
and krono sandwich... Stack attack. ISBN 9781760296018
Hunter and Charlie have made the best double d-bot, to catch an
argentinosaurus. But they have a new friend to save first!
There are 8 books in the series and they do not have to be read in
order. The series will be a welcome addition to a library or added
to the collection of take home readers. The love children have for
dinosaurs is never ending and this series is no exception.
Marc Park cleverly uses words the children can read independently.
They will certainly serve the purpose of getting even the most
reluctant readers engaged. There are between 70-80 pages per book
and the text is relatively large and with illustrations
interspersed, so the books don't appear too daunting. With the added
appeal of chapters the reader will see themselves as entering the
next stage - the illusive chapter books!
Kathryn Schumacher
Scarface Claw, hold tight! by Lynley Dodd
Penguin Random House, 2017. ISBN 9780143770985
(Age: 2-7) Rhyme. Rough and rugged Scarface Claw, arch-enemy of
Hairy Maclary, is back in another adventure of his very own. As with
all of Lynley Dodd's work this is an absolute joy to read aloud: a
rollicking, fun adventure full of fabulous description and vivid
imagery. In contrast to most of her books in the Hairy Maclary
and Friends series, in which the animals are front and centre,
people are the main action; Scarface is a bit of a bystander. This
gives the story quite a different feel to others in the series. In
fact it may disappoint some of Scarface's fans, who would probably
like to see a little bit more of him and his antics! He is being a
lazy old sleepyhead and is just drifting off to sleep when his
comfortable spot begins to move. Off and away goes the car, with
Scarface on top. Everyone the car passes tries to alert Tom that his
cat is on the roof, but he is oblivious. Boys in the school bus hoot
and whoop and Pete the plumber waves a sock. Even the police officer
starts a chase. Eventually rescued, Scarface is expectedly crotchety
(the illustration of his grumpy face seen through the rear view
mirror is laughable) and is promptly driven home for a treat.
Fans of the series will recognise familiar characters and scenes
within the illustrations and many people will identify with having a
cat deciding to sleep somewhere inappropriate. There are plenty of
brilliant and uniquely Lynley Dodd passages ('Everyone pointed and
hollered and waved, they hooted and tooted and ranted and raved')
and her fans will not be disappointed, but it really is a shame that
we do not see more of Scarface as he is such a fun character.
Nicole Nelson
The amazing monster DeTeCToScOPe by Graeme Base
PenguinViking, 2017. ISBN 9780670079308
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Monsters, Childhood fears, Interactive
story, Rhyming story. What fun will be had by lucky children given
this as a present or those in a classroom where they are encouraged
to handle the book with care. It certainly warrants lots of looking,
reading, and interaction, and will make readers laugh out loud at
the way Base incorporates his monsters into the most ordinary of
household appliances. From the bathroom to the bedroom, laundry and
the kitchen, monsters lurk everywhere, and the plucky dog with his
newly purchased machine can scope them out. Readers will be able to
use the viewfinder to move the perspective of the picture to uncover
the monsters lurking inside. Many will recognise monsters they have
dreaded, particularly under their beds, as they read along. For
those with a meticulous eye, looking at the background of each
double page will intrigue and delight as all sorts of things are
included. But in the end the dog realises that his machine just will
not do, so he turns and confronts the monsters, which surprisingly,
melt away.
Children will be able to articulate what monsters they fear and
where they are to be found in their house, while reading this book
about the monsters lurking inside and out. Base has used his
considerable illustrative and design skill to reflect the fears of
children as the dog tramps through the house in search of the many
monsters. Each double page is different, exciting and enticing, the
mechanics of the turning wheel inviting to little fingers simply
wanting to know what will happen when they turn the viewfinder. Most
of the pages are shown through the dog's perspective: looking at the
dolls in the sister's room or looking into the kitchen, but several
take a different slant as the dog looks out into the road towards
the garbage truck, or Base shows a different view of the bathroom
from the ceiling. All adds interest and variety sure to captivate
the readers.
Base is well known to audiences for his unusual offerings since My
grandma lives in Gooligulch (1983) but it was Animalia
in 1986 that announced him as an award winning artist, winning many
prestigious awards. I loved The last king of Angkor Wat
(2014) and this new book is sure to be a favourite as well, having
parallels to Truck dogs (2003), which holds number one spot
with me.
Fran Knight
First day at Skeleton school by Sam Lloyd
Bloomsbury 2017. ISBN 9781408868829
(Age: 5+) Recommended. Monsters, School, Rhyming story. At night
time Skeleton school opens its doors for the mini monsters, needing
tuition with their newly found skills. Welcomed by Mr Bones the
teacher, readers must cross over the moat into the ghostly castle
and attend morning assembly where the singing is other worldly. In
the library the witch flies up on her broom only to have the cat
fall to the ground after attempting a loop de loop. Next dance class
is a bit jangly with the skeletons all dancing together, while the
ghosts move up and down the staircase learning to float and at
lunchtime the zombies cook up a meal to be savoured.
In rhyming stanzas the story moves along, taking the reader through
a familiar scenario, a school, but with ghostly apparitions popping
out of all doors and windows, sitting in rows for assembly, drifting
down the stairs, working in the science laboratory or playing in the
garden.
Kids will love the range of things depicted, at assembly the whole
range is lined up in rows for eager readers to pick out. They will
laugh out loud at each page, littered with ghostly imaginings, a
three headed librarian, a dancing skeleton reading a book called Rattling
Rhymes, the beetle burgers being offered by the zombies,
Frankenstein's head being used as a ball at playtime.
Bright illustrations fill each page with a mine of things to delve
into, small drawings will catch the eyes of eager readers as they
learn of the range of monsters that exist in our imaginations and
literature. All good fun for Halloween.
Fran Knight
Scary hairy party by Claire Freedman
Ill. by Sue Hendra. Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781408867174
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Halloween, Monsters, Party, Rhyming story. In
four line stanzas, the story unfolds of a group of animals invited
to Monster's house at 3 pm. They must all dress up to go to the
party, and go to Raymond's hair salon to make themselves perfect.
But here they run into problems, Raymond makes their hair look
fabulous, but accidents happen that mess up their hairstyles. Bella
the sheep looks lovely until Raymond uses so much hair spray that
her hair becomes very frizzy. Leo the lion is up next and his mane
is fabulous until Raymond unscrews a pot of gloop and it goes
everywhere, including over Leo's new hairdo. The others sit there
wondering what will happen, and sure enough Raymond mixes up the
dyes and the last three get technicolour hair. All is in chaos, but
when the group gets to the party a neat twist sees them fit in very
well.
Bright and breezy, colourful illustrations accompany this rhyming
story, with lots on each page to intrigue and delight younger
readers. They will have fun predicting the rhyming words and
noticing all the things used by a hairdresser. And with Halloween
coming along, a mildly scary story to share with younger readers.
Fran Knight
Snowdrift and other stories by Georgette Heyer
Sourcebooks Casablanca, 2017. ISBN 9781492650461
(Age: 13+) Recommended. Regency romance. Short stories. Originally
published as Pistols for two, Snowdrift and other
stories contains three brand new stories that previously
haven't been in a collection. These three stories, Pursuit,
Runaway match and Incident on the Bath Road, make a
delightful addition for readers who love the work of Georgette
Heyer.
All the stories felt very familiar to me and indeed many could be
described as precursors to the full length novels. I have been a fan
of the author since the very first time I read a book by her when I
was a teen. She is an author that I come back to repeatedly whenever
I need a feel-good read because her witty dialogue, sparkling
characters and charming atmosphere always lift my spirits.
In this collection, I was happy to be re-united with Pistols for
two as Heyer is so able to convey the jealousies and strong
friendship of the youths who had suddenly found that the annoying
little playmate from their childhood had grown into a beauty. Pursuit,
one of the new stories, also was a hit with me, as I enjoyed the
romance between the older couple, the Earl of Shane and Mary
Fairfax, the governess and have always had a soft spot for the young
woman who falls in love with a military man.
I particularly enjoyed the foreword by Heyer's official biographer,
Jennifer Kloester, as she describes the importance of the women's
magazines as places for authors to be published.
Heyer brings to life all the romance of a bygone era and her
wonderful characters will linger in the memory. She is truly the
queen of the Regency romance.
Pat Pledger
Exchange of heart by Darren Groth
Random House, 2017. ISBN 9780143781578
(Age: 13+) Highly recommended. Assisted living, Exchange program,
Disability, Death, Grieving, Mental health. When Munro lands in
Australia and goes to his new home in Brisbane ready for a six month
exchange, the reader is aware that he has problems, as he argues
with a voice in his head he calls Coyote. His new family is
welcoming, and their son, Rowan takes him to school the next day
where he must fit into the year eleven cohort, wear the uniform, and
obey the school rules. A part of the school's routine is a fifty
hour volunteer program in which he is expected to participate. From
the start, we realise that Munro is harbouring guilt about his
sister's death. Evie died suddenly a year before and Munro is still
grieving, while his parents have set up a foundation to raise money
and awareness about Down's Syndrome. Munro has on line face time
with his family and friends back home and fits into the friendship
group of Rowan. His relationships in the first few weeks getting to
know Rowan's friends and finding a place within the school are
uneasy and several times he meets the counsellor to discuss his
progress. His placement is at Fair Go, am assisted living complex,
and here Munro becomes a living partner, someone to walk with the
group he is assigned to. They elect to have him as their partner,
and plan out a series of excursions to show him their city. In this
way Groth is able to tell us about the group as Munro sits with them
on the bus and each choses the tour each week, their choice
revealing something of them to the reader.
Munro subtly changes over the weeks he spends with these people.
Coyote's voice disappears while he is at Fair Go, he comes to look
forward to his time there, even missing school on Wednesday
afternoons to be with one of the boys, the sleeper, Shah, to play
chess. He becomes involved with their lives and issues as he begins
to reveal what happened to Evie and how much she was part of his
life.
With some humour, Groth reveals some of the prejudice these people
are subject to, both from society and sometimes within their own
families. Some situations will cause the reader to stop and think
about their own attitudes, while some are heart breaking.
The story of Munro's acceptance of his sister's death is engrossing,
as Groth reveals the effects of her death on the whole family, all
grieving in their own way.
His being sent to Australia is a strategy to have him resolve his
issues and start afresh, but in going to the assisted living program
he finds a new path with his whole family, one which remembers Evie
in the best way possible.
This is a memorable read.
Fran Knight
Nevermoor : The trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
Lothian, 2017. ISBN 9780734418074
(Age: 9+) Highly recommended. Fantasy. Adventure. Sorcery. Good and
evil. Mystery. Jessica Townsend's debut novel unveils the
mystifying, magical world of Nevermoor filled with 'Wunder',
extraordinary larger than life characters and gothic drama. The
countdown is on. Cursed child Morrigan Crow, born at midnight on
Eventide, is destined to die on her twelfth birthday. Unfortunately,
time speeds up and her life is to be cut short a year early. While
her distant family, her father Chancellor Crow, her stepmother and
grandmother tolerate the child and pay for her misdeeds, Morrigan is
resigned to her fate. Fortuitously, she receives two last minute
bids for her to study under two different mentors. Mysterious
Jupiter North rescues the terrified child and they travel far away
to Nevermoor, a magical city protected from the Hunt. North
nominates her as a candidate to become a pupil at an elite school
for the smartest and most talented students.
Life in Nevermoor is intriguing. Morrigan resides at the amazing
Deucalion Hotel with fantastical rooms, including the sensory Smoke
Room and an ever-changing bedroom filled with amazing decor.
Fenestra the talking Magnificat, is the larger than life housekeeper
who provides guidance for the young girl. Morrigan finds friends who
help her understand the four challenging trials she has to compete
in. From five hundred children, the elders of the Wundrous Society
will accept only nine candidates. The trial of Morrigan Crow compellingly delivers the
quintessential fantasy in a beautifully crafted world. In this
coming of age story, Morrigan is a survivor who shows determination,
courage and resilience, questioning her life, her destiny, and her
talents. Townsend builds her layered plot, with poignant and
descriptive language, with colourful characters, magical places
filled with light and shade and emotional heights and depths. She
explores the themes of political unrest, bureaucratic power and the
impact of the energy crisis. Transportation takes on a creative
twist: Octavia the mechanical spider carries them across the border,
and there is dragon-riding in the trials and flying with magical
umbrellas. Townsend takes the reader on an exciting journey and
leaves us wanting so much more; where to next for Morrigan?
Rhyllis Bignell
