Star Wars: the visual encyclopedia by Tricia Barr, Adam Bray and Cole Horton
Dorling Kindersley, 2017. ISBN 9781465459626
(Age: 8+) Highly recommended. Encyclopedia, Star Wars, Film history,
Technology. The most amazing compendium of all things about Star
Wars is presented in this large format, heavy tome. What a
coverage: from set design to costume, machinery to ammunition, space
ships to galaxies, characters to flora and fauna, here is a
wonderful contribution to the plethora of books now written about
Star Wars, giving a bird's eye view of all the thought, design and
making that went into the preparation of the worlds created for that
series of films. Watching any of the films makes the audience gape
in wonderment at the array of things shown, but reading this book
underscores the brilliance of the creators, the range of ideas
developed, the level of sophistication of all the people who worked
on it. I couldn't put it down.
Divided into five sections: Geography, Nature, History Culture and
Science and technology, all aspects of the film are covered, with
the last taking up almost half of the book. The first section,
Geography, shows all the planets, both inner and outer that make up
the galaxy, as well as other celestial bodies traveling in space.
Specific detail is given about the mountains, rivers and make up
some of the planets, leading into urban geography and architecture.
Nature describes and shows some of the creatures which make up this
galaxy, leading from the most grotesque of animals to the human and
not quite human. History fills us in with the war between the powers
in the galaxy, with a timeline of events to make sure we know what
happened and when, in relation to other events. This section
includes all the protagonists, and there are many of these. Culture
shows us the design of the clothing, and leads onto food an art.
But the last section, Science and Technology, is huge. Droids,
security and medical droids, communications technology, equipment
and field gear, are described in detail, until the munitions pages
are reached. Here every reader will revel in the illustrations and
descriptions of the rifles, blasters, projectiles and shields, light
sabers, and starfighters. I loved the range of things explained and
illustrated and will look at the Star Wars films with a new
appreciation of the depth of design that went into these now classic
sci fi films.
Fran Knight
The thank you dish by Trace Balla
Allen and Unwin, 2017. ISBN 9781760292355
(Age: 3+) Highly recommended. Food, Gardens, Food production. When
Grace sits down at the table to eat the meal her mother has prepared
for her, she thanks all those involved in its making. She thanks Leo
for lending her a ladder to pick the lemons, the road workers for
laying the road on which she can ride her bike to the market stall,
she thanks Suki for selling them the kale and corn, the kangaroos
for not eating the carrots. A parade of people are thanked because
they have in some way been responsible for her meal.
The story underlines our interdependence on other people, it shows
how a small community can share its resources and produce, it
promotes a grass roots attitude to growing our own produce and
sharing it with others. For children it reveals how our lives are
dependent on others, from family and friends to neighbours and
workers, and will promote discussions abut how they can be involved.
There are now many schools with vegetable gardens.
The quirky illustrations reveal a myriad of detail as the girl sits
at her table thanking all those who had a hand in producing her
meal. Nods to home grown produce are given on each page: a vegetable
garden, fruit trees, local jams and relishes, a market stall are
depicted with Grace and her mother able to reach each on their
bikes, just like the author, Trace Balla.
This story oozes with love and family, with a friendly open
community sharing and helping each other, something which many more
people are aspiring to.
Fran Knight
Badge, boot, button: the story of Australian uniforms by Craig Wilcox
National Library of Australia, 2017. ISBN: 9780642278937
Recommended as a Library reference book. Themes: Uniforms; Military
Uniforms; Australian History; Clothing. Uniforms are probably not
everyone's favourite item of clothing, as they are usually worn in
response to the authority of others or as a symbol of authority. In
this book, Craig Wilcox has looked at the changing nature of
uniforms in military and civilian contexts within Australia. With
pictorial evidence and magazine-style excerpts of detail from
specific examples, the book meanders from the early convict
experience, to the military and sporting arena, as well as giving a
nod to the influence of military history to civilian work uniforms
and government emergency services. Read from cover to cover, there
are difficulties in following the historical or chronological thread
(particularly when there are multiple pages of pictorial content or
sidebar examples interrupting the flow), but this will be an
interesting resource for those interested in the way clothing
reflects changing social priorities. References to everything from
'The Baggy Green Cap', to Sir John Kerr's Top Hat and topcoat
appearance, to volunteer outfits at the Sydney Olympics and the
changes of the attire of Flight attendants in an Australian context
are all given attention. Surprisingly there is no mention of Cathy
Freeman's unusual sporting 'uniform' and running outfit at the
Sydney Olympics, nor does Wilcox address the nature of fabric
technology changes and the subsequent impact in sporting fields.
Understandably in a book of this size (166 pages), it is not
possible to discuss every uniform permutation, and the social
pressures that lead to change are addressed only briefly. What this
book does do well though is to demonstrate that uniform can be
reflective of social and political change.
Carolyn Hull
Clap hands series by Pat-a-cake
ISBN: 9781526380081.
Ages: 0 – 4) Recommended. Board Book.
Boldly illustrated as a series of four rhyming texts, each is your classic 'touch and feel' board book, every page featuring a differently textured material for parts of the characters' bodies. Here come the monkeys depicts different species of monkey on each page with Koko on page 3 bearing a lovely rough paw made of hessian that tells our little reader she must have been doing quite a lot of walking in addition to swinging from tree to tree. Each character is introduced by name and a little birdy, who remains nameless throughout the series, points out each feely feature. The reader is bid to clap hands for the clever creature at the turn of the page. My 11 month old granddaughter delights in the opportunity to display her recently acquired clapping skills after having a good feel. All the touchy textiles are well embedded making the book sturdy and long lasting. In the case of Here come the dinosaurs, the reader is introduced to a range of creatures falling under that umbrella with contractions of the species' names for each one. Terry is Pterodactyl's name and he sports one beautifully shiny foil wing which little birdy on the side sagely points out. The fold out surprise page at the end of each book provides an overview of and contextualizes the monkey, puppy, kitten or dinosaur varieties and providing an opportunity for further discussion with the older toddler. You do need to make the suggestion to your little reader however, that care must be taken with the fold-out, as it is not quite as sturdy as the rest of the book. A great little series for the very youngest of readers to get them hooked on books.
Elizabeth Avery
A different dog by Paul Jennings
Allen and Unwin, 2017 ISBN 9781760296469
(Age: 6+) Highly recommended. Grief, Animals, Dogs, Survival,
Courage. Jennings introduces his readers to a boy who can no longer
speak. He and his mother lives near a town where she does fruit work
to keep them going. The boy had a dog, Deefer, but he had been
killed by the next door neighbour after the animal killed some ducks
on his farm. Since then the boy has been unable to talk.
He tries to enter a competition nearby to win some money to help his
mother, but in climbing the mountain to the start of the race, he
sees a van roll over the cliff and into the ravine. He goes after
it, finding that the driver has been killed, but has left his dog.
He and the dog make their way back home, through the dense, dark
forest and over a ramshackle railway bridge, the boy puzzled that
the dog can no longer walk, until he realises that this is the dog
from the circus, trained to do tricks. He learns not to use some
commands, like freeze and sit and decides to make the dog unlearn
these.
Twelve months later the boy and his mother receive a visitor who
insists that the dog is a circus dog and wants to have him back.
This poignant story of a lonely boy and his mother will resonate
with younger readers. The boy who has no voice lives in straightened
circumstances, the children at his school bully him, and now that he
cannot speak, their torment is merciless. Meeting a dog that cannot
walk, brings all of his courage to the surface as he carries the dog
through the forest and back to his mother.
The illustrations by Geoff Kelly add to the atmospheric tale of
courage overcoming adversity.
Fran Knight
Looking for Rose Paterson: How family bush life nurtured Banjo the poet by Jennifer Gall
National Library of Australia Publishing, 2017. ISBN 9780642278920
Highly recommended. Themes: 19th Century Australia; Pioneer life;
Women in Early Australian history; Banjo Paterson. This is an
absolute gem! Jennifer Gall discusses the life and letters of Rose
Paterson, the mother of Banjo Paterson, and has allowed us to enter
into the daily life of a woman of wit and incredible fortitude. Rose
was born in 1844, and the times were very different for women.
Jennifer Gall makes comment on the strengths and circumstances of
this amazing woman - one among many of the time - whose documenting
of her life and family circumstances in rural NSW, in her letters to
her younger sister, gives us a glimpse of the limits and
restrictions of women of the times, and also their joys. Because of
a series of difficult financial circumstances her family wealth was
not what she might have expected. She was bound to be financially
dependent on her husband, with a continuous responsibility for
making a home suited to raising a growing family, and having sole
responsibility for the education and welfare of those children while
her husband was away. Into this social position, with the added
impositions of limited healthcare, domestic burdens, and implied
loneliness, we meet a woman of intellect, who is a faithful and
lively correspondent to her sister.
Jennifer Gall has unwoven the one-sided conversations from the
thread of her letters and put them into a historical framework, but
she has also revealed the attitudes and humanity of the mother of
one of Australia's iconic Bush poets. The collection of photographs,
art reproductions, historical sources, Banjo Paterson poetry
references and excerpts from the letters (alongside copies of those
Primary sources) is a historical treasure. And this is so
pleasurable to read! The discovery of Banjo Paterson's influences
and his upbringing is worth reading, as is the brief glimpse into
farming, childbirth, education, social life and women's rights from
the very personal perspective of one woman in the late 1800s.
Carolyn Hull
Captain Jimmy Cook discovers X marks the spot by Kate and Jol Temple
Ill. by Jon Foye. Allen and Unwin, 2016. ISBN 9781760291945
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. Humour. Australian history. School.
Jimmy Cook and his friends gather together implements to dig a hole
behind the toilet block at school. Jimmy has found a dinosaur
footprint and being the explorer that he is, wants to dig for
dinosaur bones. He has already picked out names for this new
species. Only Conrad brings a spade so the trio goes to the
maintenance shed where they borrow several spades, but while there
Jimmy's eagle eyes spy out a map of the school with a large X on it,
and he knows X marks the spot where buried treasure lies. They are
off an adventure once again, and just as well Jimmy keeps a journal
of their exploits. Fans of this inventive 'descendent' of James Cook
will understand the journal that is kept daily, marking the weather
and various objects pertinent to their deeds. But the whole school
gets wise to their digging and soon the playground and school
surrounds is a mess of holes.
The accompanying wonderful illustrations which dot the pages are a
treat. This book, the second in the series will increase the numbers
of followers of Jimmy Cook.
Fran Knight
The Maddie diaries a memoir by Maddie Ziegler
Harper Collins, 2017. ISBN 9781460753750
(Age: 11+) Biography. Maddie Ziegler was born in 2002 in the US and
commenced dance lessons at an early age. She started appearing on
the US reality show Dance Moms at age 8.
The singer Sia a fan of the show, detected something special in
Maddie and asked her to appear in Sia's video of the world wide hit
song Chandelier. Since then Maddie has become known world
wide and has appeared in all Sia's videos.
This memoir charts her journey to stardom in a chatty and readable
style. Maddie comes through as a thoroughly nice, grounded hard
working young person. It highlights her awe at working with famous
actors, singers, choreographers. Her fame continues to spread with
her work as a judge on 2016 show So you think you can dance: the
next generation and touring with Sia in the US and Australia.
The book includes lots of drawings by Maddie - another of her
talents - and coloured photos.
At the end of most chapters a section on Dear Maddie, where
questions related to teenagers (bullying, self image, problems with
parents/teachers, etc) are answered in a positive and empathic
manner.
Hints on make up, clothes, etc are included as well as sections
where friends and colleagues write about Maddie. Sia (whom Maddie
now considers as family) provides the Foreword.
This is a positive uplifting memoir from a very young hardworking
star. The memoir will appeal especially to 11+ aged girls and all
those interested in dance.
The book is a New York Times best seller.
Ann Griffin
The brown dog by Gina Inverarity
Ill. by Greg Holfeld. Working Title Press, 2017. ISBN 9781921504747
(Age: 5+) Recommended. Depression, Mental health. When the brown dog appears at his house, Henry knows he usually only stays for a day or so, then goes off somewhere else. But this time the dog stays. He sleeps on the end of his bed, and stops Henry from doing things he likes doing. When Sam next door asks him to play football Henry's response is 'Nah, not today, sorry'. When Dad suggests riding his skateboard, he declines, with 'not right now'. Sometimes the dog lays in front of the door, stopping him from going to school, and sometimes the two sit under a tree, Henry pretending to read while others play.
Readers will easily make the parallel between Henry and the dog. The dog is a metaphor for how Henry is feeling and children will recognise the times when they feel low, or a friend feels sad.
The wonderfully sombre pen and ink wash illustrations, reflect Henry's mood as he rejects all attempts about him to lighten his mood. The dog is a marvelous tool in the story, reflecting Henry's mood but also adding a sense of friendship to the boy who rejects all else.
Holfeld's illustrations of the boy at the start of the book, sad, sedentary, alone, are stunning. Children will easily articulate words which describes how Henry is feeling. When his grandfather comes the feeling lifts a little. Henry and the dog are pleased to see him, movement is shown on each page, Henry is no longer still and quiet, and there is a little colour on each page.
What a wonderful vehicle to discuss issues in the class, The brown dog can be linked with several others about depression which have been published recently for children: I need a hug (Aaron Blabey) Huff (Anna Walker) and Blue whale blues (Peter Carnavas)
And the last line, 'it's my move, Grandpa' is redolent with meaning.
Fran Knight
Olivia the spy by Ian Falconer
Olivia series. Simon and Schuster, 2017. ISBN 9781471164224
(Age: 5+) Highly recommended. Spying. With seven books about Olivia
published, children will be thrilled to see another outing for this
wonderful character.
Olivia is in her mother's bad books, again. She has used the blender
to make a blueberry smoothie, but in spite of being told to be
careful and not overfill the appliance, she does, and it splashes
all over the kitchen leaving a ghostly outline of Olivia on the
wall. She puts dad's white shirts in the washing machine with her
red socks! The reader knows she is in trouble, and will snigger
happily anticipating where the story may take them. She overhears
her mother on the phone, complaining of Olivia's lack of foresight,
asking whether she will ever grow up, and suggesting that she might
have to be sent somewhere else to find some sense. Olivia finds that
she is interested in what her mother says, and resolves to listen in
whenever she can. She becomes a spy, and blends in with her
surroundings to overhear conversations.
Readers will laugh out loud at her attempts to remain hidden,
pointing out her features concealed on the pages.
But of course she hears something which is upsetting, she overhears
the word 'institution' and asking her teacher next day what this
word means, finds that sometimes it means a prison.
She is distraught and so when her mother tells her she has a
surprise and to get ready to go out, she is ready to be sent to
prison. Imagine her delight when it is the ballet they come to see,
but there is another twist in the tale for readers, as nothing
Olivia does is straightforward. A cautionary tale told in the most
delightful way, Olivia's adventure will have readers laughing out
loud as they recognise the adage 'eavesdroppers never hear anything
good about themselves'. Wonderful illustrations compliment the
story, showing Olivia in all manner of disguise as she attempts to
avoid being seen.
Fran Knight
Say yes: a story of friendship, fairness and a vote for hope by Jennifer Castles
Ill. by Paul Seden. Allen & Unwin, 2017. ISBN 9781760294670
(Age: 8+) Recommended. Voting. Referendum. Australian history.
Aboriginal history. The story of the 1967 referendum which gave
Aboriginal people the right to be included in the census as well as
the right to a federal government making laws on their behalf is
given in this non fiction story told through the eyes of two
friends. It seems a sorry thing that Aboriginal people were not
included in such basic rights prior to 1967 and will, I imagine,
shock many readers.
An event that occurred fifty years ago is revisited here with the
question of how much things have changed for Aboriginal people. Two
young girls sit together on a hot summer's day but when they decide
to go to the swimming pool, one is not welcome. They go to the
pictures but again, one is not welcome. When her grandmother is ill,
and the family tries to board a train to go and see her, they are
told they are not allowed to leave their state. Basic things but the
law of the time restricted what Aboriginal people were allowed to
do.
As a consequence, two women in particular stood up and demanded that
the law be changed. Jessie Street and Faith Bandler were at the
forefront of the referendum debate, asking for change to occur. An
overwhelming number of Australians (90.77%) voted yes to the
question put to them, and as a consequence, Aboriginal people are
included in the census and laws made by the federal government apply
to them as citizens of Australia.
In this simply told tale, it is salutary to see that such laws
existed, that Aboriginal people were not seen as Australian
citizens, and so to ponder the question about how far things have
changed.
Fran Knight
Jack of Spades by Sophie Masson
Eagle Books, 2017. ISBN 9780994528001
(Age: 13+) Recommended. Mystery. France. Historical fiction. Spy
stories. Mystery, spies, hints of romance and adventure are linked
together in this drama for teen readers. Sophie Masson has set this
story in 1910 France and has introduced a young British heroine
(Rosalind, or as she prefers, Linda), who is unwittingly seduced
into a political mystery involving potential 'terrorists' keen on
destroying the socio-political status quo. Linda's father, a
renowned Shakespeare expert, has gone missing. Linda's impressive
common sense and independent thinking, with her ability to read
clues and interpret meaning is put to the test. Who can she trust,
and is her own life in danger?
This book is written in a style reminiscent of early 20th century
crime or spy novels. The opening chapter is perhaps a little
'clunky' as Masson attempts to give background detail in order to
introduce Linda and the 1910 setting. But the action ramps up
quickly and the suspense and dramatic urgency (with a small dose of
humour en route) is interlaced into the spy scenarios. Without the
sophistication of an adult spy novel, it will still appeal to young
readers who will connect with the young, intelligent protagonist. It
is suited to readers aged 13+, with some capacity for understanding
political movements that might lead to terrorist action with
murderous intent (eg Fenians, Nihilists), but who enjoy mystery and
adventure. The 1910 setting adds appeal, simply because it is a
reminder that the world used to have to function without mobile
phones, internet and email and the rapid spread of information. A
spy novel in this time was heavily reliant on mailed letters!
Carolyn Hull
What's where on Earth? Atlas ed. by Chris Hawkes
DK London, 2017. ISBN 9780241228371
This is an ideal reference tool for young readers who want to see
the world at a glance, rather than having to click through screens
that can become confusing and lost. Clearly divided into 10
sections - each continent, Early Earth, Polar Regions, The Oceans
and Reference - it brings the planet's geography alive with 3D maps,
lots of pertinent facts and illustrations about the landscape,
population, landmarks, climate and wildlife. Each section also
takes a particular focal point and expands on it - South America is
the Amazon Basin; Australia and Oceania is New Zealand - providing a
ready reference tool that kept both Miss Nearly 11 and Miss 6 poring
over its pages on a recent wet afternoon.
Globes and maps have a fascination for children - they love to
discover where they came from, where their family and friends might
be and also the settings of their favourite stories so to have a
book that provides not just maps but so much more is a treat.
While many school libraries are doing away with their reference
collections, having a beautiful volume like this on permanent
display so students can flick through it at their leisure will not
only grab their attention but may have them demanding more
information about a particular region.
Miss Nearly 11 was particularly fascinated by the Early Earth
section as she knows Australia is ancient and we regularly drive
through an area littered with huge granite boulders, the remnants of
long ago mountains now weathered away. Miss 6 liked Australia
but also New Zealand where she had a holiday in 2015!
Definitely something for everyone which would be a superb addition
to the collection that students will keep returning to.
Barbara Braxton
Charlotte and the rock by Stephen W. Martin
Ill. by Samantha Catterill. Random House, 2017. ISBN 9780143785309
Like many young children, Charlotte wanted a pet. She didn't care
what sort of pet, even a pig would do, so she was very surprised to
see what her parents bought her for her 6th birthday, it wasn't a
dog, or a cat, or a hamster or even a pig - it was a rock! A large
rock.
Even though it wasn't quite what she expected, nevertheless she
tried to remain positive and look for its good points. It was a good
listener, quiet, easy to train, and hypoallergenic. But it was
tricky to take it for walks, and wouldn't eat her broccoli and the
teacher didn't believe her homework excuse. But being resourceful
she soon learned to make the best of her pet and learned to love it.
She would just like it if it could love her back. And then one night
...
Even though the rock appears to be an inanimate object, both
Martin's text and Catterill's illustrations give it a life through
Charlotte's interactions with it. There is subtle humour in this
story that will appeal to young readers, especially as Charlotte
attempts to take her rock for a walk and for a swim, and there is
more to discover with each reading. This is a story about dealing
with the unexpected, looking on the bright side and being careful
what you wish for. It is positive and uplifting and will bring a lot
of joy to young readers.
Barbara Braxton
Beyond the bright sea by Lauren Wolk
Corgi Childrens, 2017. ISBN 9780552574303
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. Historical. Belonging. Sometimes a
book comes along that lingers in the mind and Beyond the bright sea
is one of those wonderful lyrical and heart wrenching stories.
Twelve-year-old Crow was found drifting in a small boat when she was
just a few hours old. Rescued by Osh, a lonely man, she has been
brought up by him and Miss Maggie, a neighbour across the sandbar.
She is a curious person and when she sees a fire on the island
across the water, she begins to piece together her own history. Her
discoveries lead her and her companions into danger, as the mystery
of her birth and the strange occurrences on the island of Penikese
in Massachusetts begins to unfold.
Beautifully described, the life that Crow leads on the island in the
1920's comes alive. She is intelligent and intuitive and really
wants to know where she came from and why many people avoid her. She
is dearly loved by Osh and Miss Maggie but discovering why she was
set adrift as a new born begins to obsess her. As she uncovers the
truth surrounding her birth, she also begins to understand the true
meaning of family and belonging.
At the same time, Wolk has woven in a mystery surrounding Penikese,
the island that had been the home of lepers in the past. Crow is
integral in solving who is the evil man haunting the island and what
has happened to long lost pirate treasure.
The Note at the back of the book details the research that provided
the background of the leper colony and the shipwrecks that occurred
in the seas surrounding the islands.
Beautifully written, this is an outstanding story. With its focus on
belonging, identity and prejudice it would make a wonderful read
aloud or a class novel or literature circle novel.
Pat Pledger
Dorling Kindersley, 2017. ISBN 9781465459626
