Hachette, 2016. ISBN 9781444791518
(Age: Adult) Recommended for readers of romantic suspense. Author of
many bestselling novels, Sandra Brown brings her signature thrills
and sexual tension to Sting. When Jordie Bennet sees Shaw
Kinnard across a crowded disreputable bar, sparks fly but little
does she know that Shaw has been paid to kill her. But Shaw has
decided that he would prefer the $30 million dollars that her
brother has stolen and abducts her instead. But he is not the only
one after the $30 million, her brother's callous boss and the FBI
are on the trail as well and Jordie and Shaw find themselves
fighting for their lives, even though they aren't sure of each
other's motivations.
The reader is taken along on a thrilling ride in the swamps of the
Bayou as Brown ramps up the action all the while having the reader
pondering the questions of whether Jordie is an innocent bystander
or in league with her crooked brother and whether Shaw is the
totally ruthless assassin that he appears to be. The tension between
Jordie and Shaw is mesmerising and the action is terrific. There are
many twists and turns and a complex plot to keep the reader
engrossed to the end.
This is a page turner of a novel, a perfect holiday read and
certainly one for readers who enjoy romance mixed with thrills.
Pat Pledger
Doodles by Daley Pearson and Francis Stanton
Allen and Unwin, 2016. ISBN 9781760295448
(Age: 7+) Recommended. Doodles. Based on the ABC television show Doodles,
the Doodles activity book is a humorous book, filled with
special drawings that should appeal to children who like to draw and
doodle. What makes it unique and is wonderfully motivating, is that
the person doing the drawings can send them directly to the series
itself (www.doodles.com.au) and the drawing could be made into its
own movie.
The book starts out with instructions on how to use it and is then
divided into sections: Monsters, Aliens and space, Robots and
technology, Magic and fantasy, Dinosaurs, Superheroes, and Make your
own movie. This wide range of topics will have appeal to a wide
audience, and the instructions 'Remember, there are no good or bad
drawings with Doodles', are a further incentive to have a go. As
well as the opportunity to draw lots of different things there are a
variety of other activities like 'Find a word' and crosswords for
the older child. A trailer
is available on the publisher's website.
The emphasis of the book is on fun and laughter and it is sure to be
popular with the target audience. This would be a great book to give
as a gift and would keep kids occupied for many hours during
holidays.
Pat Pledger
The woman on the stairs by Bernhard Schlink
Hachette, 2016. ISBN 9781474604994
(Age: 15+) Bernhard Schlink's novel, written in 2016 and in
translation from German, is a sleekly woven tale of one woman,
Irene, the gloriously beautiful and enigmatic Irene, whose portrait
was painted by the artist, Schwind, as she stood still on a
staircase, for the husband, businessman Gundlach, and subsequently
stolen by Irene herself, with the help of the besotted lawyer, for
whom, Irene claimed, she was the 'damsel in distress'.
Many years late all three men come together to Gundlach's house to a
frail Irene, living in a ramshackle shack at the bottom of a hill, a
farm on the New South Wales coast, accessible more easily by boat
from Sydney. This is where Irene had been living for many years,
having chosen to live away from the old Europe in the freshness and
freedom of Australia.
The lover, as narrator, having finally traced Irene, was determined
to find out what had happened, why she had abandoned him in their
youth, and why the painting, apparently kept by her for many years,
had been donated anonymously to the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
This entire novel is dream-like, captivatingly strange, yet calmly
rational at times, in a sense reflecting the woman herself. Setting
his background tale in a Europe of the last century, Schlink
literally catapults us into the modern world, and an Australian one
at that, the narrator flying in a helicopter to the Australian
countryside, depicted in such stark contrast to the mannered nature
of old Europe, admittedly historically an unsettled political world.
Dreamlike, musing on the meaning of relationships, art, time and
love, Schlink captivates the reader, taking us into the rational
mind of the story-teller who seeks to unravel the mystery of the
woman's disappearance and the reasons for her action, that was bound
to summon the three men.
Absolutely engrossing, this novel forces us to consider love,
loyalty, art, relationships, friendship and ultimately, the meaning
of life. As life slips away, the dying Irene faces the unknown,
helped by the gentle kindness of the would-be lover of the past. The
ideas, the words, the passion, all stay with the reader for days,
Schlink capturing so many of the puzzles about why and how we live
our lives, musing on different relationships, and on the deeply
moving nature of art, on what life means, on love and on loyalty.
Liz Bondar
Taking a punt by Peter Endersbee
Wakefield Press, 2016. ISBN 9781743054093
(Age: Adult) Peter Endersbee, a photographer and former football
star, was confronted with the shock diagnosis of serious prostate
cancer at the age of 59. He describes how he came to the decision to
go ahead with the surgery which, whilst life-saving, would
potentially leave him incontinent and impotent. I must confess that
in the early parts of the book I, like some of his family and
friends, found myself wishing he would just toughen up and get over
the fear about lost erections - after all he had his life, as well
as a loving supportive partner. But with further reading I came to
understand that as with any loss, there is a rollercoaster of
emotions, and most particularly grief and anxiety over loss of
identity. Endersbee is in fact very brave in revealing his struggle,
putting it into words that can be shared with others undergoing the
same trauma, breaking the silence about secret men's business. This
incredibly honest book would be helpful to anyone facing a similar
situation, and also helpful to family and friends trying to
understand and be supportive.
Helen Eddy
Wombat divine by Mem Fox
Ill. by Kerry Argent. Omnibus, 2016. ISBN 9781742991221
For as long as he could remember, Wombat wanted to be in the
Nativity play at Christmas. Now, at last he was old enough and so he
hurried off to the auditions. But getting a part was not easy. He
was too heavy to be the Archangel Gabriel. He was too big to be Mary
and too short to be a king. Perhaps he could be
Joseph. But that didn't work either and neither did being the
innkeeper or one of the shepherds. Soon there were no parts
left and Wombat didn't have any of them. Then, suddenly, Bilby
has an idea... Wombat divine is one of Australia's most-loved Christmas stories
written by one of Australia's most-loved authors for little
people. Mem Fox's words always have a magic about them and
this story is no different. As you read it to yourself, you
can hear yourself reading it aloud - the true indicator of a master
writer at work. Superb illustrations by Kerry Argent capture
the action perfectly with just a touch of humour so that we can
empathise with Wombat but you just know something will work itself
out.
This is such an iconic Australian story that every child should know
it as an integral part of their growing up.
Barbara Braxton
The baker's dozen by Aaron Shepard
Ill. by Wendy Edelson. Shepard Publications, 2010. ISBN
9780938497486
Van Amsterdam the baker was well known for his honesty as well as
for his fine Saint Nicholas cookies, which were made of gingerbread
and iced just as people imagine St Nicholas to look like. When he
made the cookies he weighed his ingredients meticulously and always
gave his customers exactly what they paid for - not more, and not
less. They were very happy and Van Amsterdam was very successful.
But one day a mysterious old woman in a black shawl came into the
shop and demanded that Van Amsterdam give her thirteen biscuits
because that was how many were in a 'baker's dozen'. Van Amsterdam
refused so the old woman left without her cookies but as she left
she told Van Amsterdam 'Fall again, mount again, learn how to count
again.'
From that day, business went downhill and Van Amsterdam was left
almost penniless and with no customers. Then one night he is visited
by St Nicholas in a dream and he learns a lesson about being
generous.
This is a retelling of an old tale that goes back into history with
the first recorded version being noted in 1896. Accompanied by
exquisite illustrations it brings yet another legend associated with
Christmas to life and underscores the need to be unselfish at this
time. It includes a recipe for St Nicholas cookies and a Readers
Theatre script.
Something a little different.
Barbara Braxton
The night Santa got lost: How NORAD Saved Christmas by Michael Keane
Ill. by Michael Garland. Regency Kids, 2015. ISBN 9781621573982
'On a day long ago began NORAD's tradition-
Tracking Santa's red sleigh on his once-a-year mission.
Using radar and satellites - fighter jets too!
Reporting on Santa, wherever he flew'.
But one Christmas Eve a blizzard rolls in and so Santa leaves the
North Pole early much to the dismay of NORAD who weren't prepared
for the unscheduled start. And as the green blip disappears off the
radar screen and there is no sign of Santa or his reindeer, panic
ensues. A four star general and the Commander-in-Chief order the
fighter jets into the air and every last piece of technology the US
Air Force has is set to searching for Santa.
Eventually he is found buried deep in a snow drift but now it is too
late to get all the presents to the children in the traditional way
of reindeer and sleigh, so once again the bigwigs put their heads
together and come up with a most audacious plan that involves NATO
and other US allies, battleships, cruisers, submarines, helicopters,
C-17s, trucks and tanks and every other sort of transport available
to the military. And for those places where 'The children love
Santa, but the leaders say no', there are Special Ops, Navy SEALS
and tough Army Rangers.
Will their mission succeed? Will they get to all the children of the
world in time?
Dedicated to the children whose parents 'allow us to live in a world
where we have the freedom to believe in Santa Claus' this is a very
different story for Christmas, one that acknowledges those who serve
by showing them in a less-than-traditional setting. NORAD (North
American Aerospace Defence Command) is a joint United States and
Canadian military organisation and for over 60 years it has tracked
Santa's flight each December 24. Children can watch where he is by
going to the website or downloading an app so they know when they
have to get into bed after their tour of the local Christmas lights
as more than 1500 people trace his every movement through 47 radar
installations in Northern Canada and Alaska, alerting them to when
Santa actually leaves the North Pole, and satellites at about 22,000
miles above the Earth with infrared sensors, which see the heat
coming off of Rudolph's nose. In addition, there are high-speed digital
SantaCams set up around the world to catch a glimpse of him passing
by the different cities.
Written in the vein of The night before Christmas this is
one that even older children will enjoy. While predominantly
American and with several pages of explanations at the end,
nevertheless it will resonate particularly with children whose
family members are in the services.
A trailer
is available.
Barbara Braxton
The twelve underwater days of Christmas by Kim Michelle Toft
Silkim Books, 2007. ISBN 9780975839041 hbk, ISBN 9780975839034 pbk.
Take the traditional Christmas song, add the most magnificent
creatures of the world's oceans, include important information about
those creatures and immerse the whole in the beautiful painted silk
artworks of Kim Michelle Toft and you have, quite simply, my most
favourite Christmas book ever!
Toft has used the words of 'The twelve days of Christmas' not
only to introduce readers to the dwellers of the deep, but has also
built on the traditional concept of gift-giving at this time to
emphasise what a precious present these creatures are - one that we
may not enjoy for much longer if we don't start to value it now.
'All of the magnificent creatures in this book rely on the ocean for
their survival and many were once found in abundance. This is no
longer true. Modern technology, huge increases in the world's
population and lack of management have resulted in some serious
problems. These problems include over fishing, pollution from poorly
treated sewage, effluents from oil spills, litter and global warming
which is contributing to the destruction of coral reefs all around
the world. It is up to nations, governments and the will of the
people to work together to help conserve these incredible gifts from
nature.'
Thus, as well as being a stunning visual feast, there is a serious
message that can be emphasised, enabling this book to sit well
within any sustainability curriculum. Even though students might not
be able to replicate the artworks which are hand drawn with gold
gutta on white silk then painted with brushes using silk dyes, the
concept itself might inspire a class project of those things in the
local region that might disappear if no action to preserve them is
taken.
At the end of the book is an amazing poster containing all the
creatures mentioned, and some versions have a CD
of Toft's lyrics sung by Lisa Hunt. What a wonderful song to add to
the Christmas repertoire.
Toft always writes and illustrates about her passion - the
preservation of ocean life - and you can see all her publications online.
She is one who must have a place on your library's shelves - school
or home.
Barbara Braxton
The legend of the Christmas cookie by Dandi Daley Mackall
Ill. by Richard Cowdrey. ZonderKidz, 2015. ISBN 9780310747673
It is the Great Depression and Jack is missing his father who has
gone West to work, desperately - even more so now that he knows he
won't be home for Christmas. As he walks into the kitchen on
Christmas Eve, he smells sweet bread and licorice but there haven't
been cookies in the cookie jar for over a year. But tonight his
mother has decided to make traditional Christmas cookies for the
needy at church, although Jack would rather have them for himself.
The wooden cookie boards with their Nativity moulds are brought out
and as she bakes, his mother tells him the story of Christ's birth
through the shapes, just as was done in medieval times when people
were too poor to go to school to read.
Next day, they take the cookies to church, but to Jack's delight his
mother has saved him the angel one that he liked so much. But just
as he is about to take a bit, there is a knock on the door...
In the Scwaben region of Southern Germany, Austria and Switzerland
these cookie moulds - or springerle moulds - were used to press into
biscuit dough and this story is built on that. While not necessarily
a regular custom in Australian homes, it is common in the US and it
is yet another tale associated with the traditions of Christmas that
is worth exploring and discussing the virtue of selflessness and
giving rather than receiving. It does have a strong Christian bent
although the message of helping others in need is universal
regardless of beliefs. The back flap includes a recipe for Christmas
cookies and while the wooden moulds may be hard to obtain, there are
enough Christmas shapes available to start a new family tradition.
A trailer
is available.
Barbara Braxton
There is something weird in Santa's beard by Chrissie Krebs
Random House Australia, 2016. ISBN 9780143780861
'Santa has a sweet tooth,
he loves bits of cake
He's glad to sample any treat
that Mrs Claus will bake.'
So it's no wonder that he gobbles up all the sweet treats that are
left for him as he makes his way around the homes on that special
night of the year. Biscuits, fruit mince pies, soft drink, crisps,
candy canes, bubble gum - he enjoys them all. But when he finally
gets home he is so tired that he goes to sleep without having a bath
or brushing his teeth, and because it has been such an exhausting
journey he sleeps for days and weeks and months! And when he finally
does wake up there is a nasty strange beast growing in his beard -
one that defies all Santa's methods for getting rid of it until the
reindeer have an idea...
This is a funny, clever story-in-rhyme that will appeal to children
who like the fact that gross and dirty things can shock adults and
make them shudder as their imaginations run wild. And if it can
happen to Santa because he is too tired/lazy/not interested in
having a wash then...
Barbara Braxton
Operation Merry Christmas by Meredith Costain
Ill. by Danielle McDonald. Ella Diaries. Scholastic, 2016.
ISBN 9781760159580
(Age: 6+) Recommended. Themes: Christmas; Humour; Friendship. This
Christmas tale from the Ella Diaries series is quirky, cute
and contains creative moments!! Including creative spelling! Ella
gets bad news that means that Christmas this year will not be the
same - and Ella's Mum will be the sadderest. So Ella, with her
friend Zoe, make plans that will bring joy but there is always
mischief and mayhem when they make plans. But will there be snow? In
addition the girls have to contend with end of year parties, Kris
Kringle and missing out on an invite to Peach Parker's Christmas
Party! Ella has wonderful intentions, but sometimes she does not
always think through the consequences, even if she has the most
ingenious ideas. But all works out well in the end!
Written in diary format, in Ella's voice (and with her creative
spelling and thinking) and with McDonald's naive cartoon style
illustrations on display, this will be loved by young female
devotees of the Ella Diaries series.
Carolyn Hull
Christmas in the barn by Margaret Wise Brown
Ill. by Anna Dewdney. HarperCollins, 2016. ISBN 9780062379863
First published in 1952, but reprinted with new full-colour
illustrations, Christmas in the Barn is a retelling of the Nativity
from the perspective of the barn animals. As dusk comes and night
settles, and the animals take up their usual places and positions
two people come into the barn and before long, without fuss or fear,
Mary gives birth. The star shines, the shepherds and the Wise Men
arrive and the baby is laid in a manger, no crib for a bed.
Told in rhyme this is a charming retelling of the traditional story
that underpins the celebration of Christmas that is quite secular in
its interpretation, making it perfect for sharing and explaining
what is behind the images and imagery that is common at this time.
While some schools and communities have bowed to political
correctness and taken the story of the Nativity out of the
curriculum, I believe that given the widespread celebration of
Christmas in Australia, all children should know its origins so they
can understand the importance placed on it, just as they should know
the stories and understandings behind the commemorations and
celebrations of other religions. Because this version makes no
reference to God - indeed neither the people nor the baby are even
named because the emphasis is on the warmth, safety and harmony of
everyone and everything in the barn - it is perfect for introducing
very young children or those unfamiliar with Christmas to the basis
of the beliefs of those who celebrate.
Barbara Braxton
Emily's Bush Christmas by Jackie French
Ill. by Bruce Whatley. HarperCollins, 2015. ISBN 9780732286934
It's Christmas Day in Shaggy Gully and all the animals are doing the
things they do best - the kangaroos are bouncing, the echidnas are
prickly, the emus are peckish, koalas are relaxing and the bats and
wombats are just hanging about. The Shaggy Gully chorus are sharing
their Christmas carols - the cockatoos and kookaburras are giving it
their all while Emily tries to keep in tune with her tuba. Suddenly
the ambiance is shattered by a ghastly groan coming up from the
creek.
"ooooogggggghhhhhh! I'm mad and I'm mean!
I'm the BUNYIP ooooogggggghhhhhh!."
In response, Emily Emu's tuba echoes the same ghastly sound! The
bunyip's moan makes her tuba groan. But Emily decides that everyone,
including bunyips, should be happy at Christmas and so she sets
about trying to change the bunyip's mood. But no matter what she and
her friends do, the bunyip stays mad and mean! Until he discovers
Emily's tuba . . .
You just know that a Christmas story from Jackie French and Bruce
Whatley is going to be Australian and it's going to be good. And so
it is with this tale which is uniquely Australian and which will
bring a smile to the face of little ones (and bunyips.) They will
love to see what their favourite creatures get up to in the bush on
this special day - even Ringo the Dingo is there - as Jackie always
weaves a wonderful story that is worth reading over and over,
especially if you play them this sound clip
so they can hear the sound of the tuba and why it is so perfect for
a bunyip! This team always produces the best - and this is no
exception.
Barbara Braxton
Penguin's Christmas wish by Salina Yoon
Bloomsbury, 2016. ISBN 9781408882566
Pumpkin really wanted a Christmas tree this Christmas but there are
no trees on the ice where penguins live. But Penguin had an idea and
after loading up the sled and going on a long journey with little
brother Pumpkin, his friend Bootsy and Grandpa, they found
themselves in the middle of a forest where Pinecone had grown into a
magnificent tree. The penguins decorated Pinecone with all the
trimmings they had brought on the sled and it was so beautiful that
Penguin wanted to share it with everyone.
That night a storm blew up and a blizzard shrouded the tree and the
landscape. In the morning there was nothing to be seen. Penguin is
very sad but Grandpa tells him Christmas is about love not presents
and decorations. So Penguin goes off into the snow and shares what
he has learned. And when the snow begins to melt, he finds that
wishes do come true.
The sixth in this series about Penguin, this is a charming story for
young readers about family and friendship and sharing and finding
magic in unexpected places. The simple shapes, bold colours, and
thick, black outlines that are distinctive of Yoon's illustrations
will appeal to young readers in their simplicity, and while the
penguins all look the same she has given each a distinctive feature
so littlies can distinguish them and know who's who. And Penguin's
ingenious Christmas presents will help them understand that gifts
don't have to come in rich wrapping and cost a lot of money. Perhaps
they will use their imaginations and give those they love some
really personal, unique gifts too.
Barbara Braxton
Five little elves by Dan Yaccarino
HarperFestival, 2016. ISBN 9780062253385 Five little elves sitting on a sled,
The first one said, "Where's the man in red?"
With the concept of Elf on a Shelf gaining such ground in the homes
of those with little people - the perfect spy for Santa - this
timely release of this traditional rhyme in board book format is a
perfect addition to the Christmas stocking of the very young. With
its rhyme and rhythm and bold, bright illustrations it is definitely
one for sharing over and over, helping even the tiniest ones start
to learn the nuances of our language and the joy of story. At the
same time, being a board book, it is sturdy enough to be placed in
those tiny hands and survive the explorations that they and teeth
will make.
Board books are an ideal way to introduce children to the love of
reading as having heard the story in a safe, loving relationship,
their format allows them to be handled and sucked and chewed as the
little one begins to exercise their own power over the story. Even
though they might not yet be able to read the words for themselves,
may even be too young to join familiar rhymes and stories, being
able to handle and manipulate the book itself is a huge step in that
early reading journey.
Barbara Braxton
