Ill. by Axel Scheffler. Scholastic, 2016. ISBN 9781407164953
(Age: 4-6) Recommended. Princess Pearl, Gadabout the Great and Zog
the helpful dragon fly across the kingdom assisting the sick. The
flying doctors have special roles: 'Princess Pearl gives medicine,
pills and vaccinations, while Gad the knight is an expert at field
operations.' Zog the dragon is happy to ferry them to the ailing
animals and creatures but unfortunately, he needs a little practice
in landing. They assist a sunburnt mermaid, a unicorn with an extra
horn and a lion suffering from the flu. Here Zog lights a warm fire to
keep his cave warm and Pearl administers a special pill to stop his
symptoms.
When Pearl and her friends visit her Uncle's castle, things change
dramatically. Pearl is captured and locked up, allowed to sew pretty
cushions and make floral arrangements, jobs suited to a princess.
Zog and Gadabout try unsuccessfully to rescue her. When the king
falls ill and none of the visiting doctors can make him better, it
is time for Pearl to send her friends on a mission.
Julia Donaldson's rhyming text is easy to read, and children enjoy
predicting the rhyming words - sneeze, cheese and unicorn, horn.
When sharing this book with a young audience take time to stop at
the scenes where Pearl is imprisoned. Ask them to think of the
things that she will need to save her uncle. Astute readers will
predict the importance of the Flying Doctor's previous stops.
Axel Scheffler's familiar illustrative style of working with ink,
watercolours and coloured pencils brings the vibrant fantasy world
to life. Hidden somewhere in the story is Donaldson and Scheffler's
most famous character The Gruffalo.
Rhyllis Bignell
Dance with me by Penny Harrison
Ill. by Gwynneth Jones. EK Books, 2016. ISBN 9781925335231
The ballerina lived in a little wooden box and every day she stood
straight and tall and danced for the little girl who would laugh and
clap her hands and dance like the ballerina herself. But as the
years passed, the little girl grew up and the ballerina danced for
her less and less, until, eventually, she danced no longer.
So one day she jumped down from her box, skipped out the windowsill
to find a new dance partner. But the bee in the flowers was too
busy; the turtle on the seashore wasn't a dancer; and the leopard on
the island wanted her for his lunch! So the ballerina hurried home
to her box and danced one last time for the little girl. But sadly,
it was not enough and the lid was closed and the box stored away for
many years. Until one day another little girl opened the lid...
This is a poignant story about growing up and the treasured
keepsakes we grow beyond as we do so. For while it is the story of
the ballerina wanting to do what she loves, it is also the story of
those things that we always think of when we think of our childhood
and which we know we will pass on to our own children in the hope
they will get similar joy. Gwynneth Jones's illustrations are
charming - gentle pastels while the ballerina is happy dancing for
the girl and a bolder palette as she gets bolder - and feed right
into the vision we have when we think about musical boxes with their
magic tucked inside.
A great opportunity to talk about memories with our children as well
as what they love enough to want to keep for their children,
creating bonds across generations.
Barbara Braxton
Penguin problems by Jory John
Ill. by Lane Smith. Walker, 2016. ISBN 9780553513370
(Age: 4-8 and adults) Recommended. Always look on the bright side of
life, have an attitude of gratitude, don't worry be happy,
wait, this penguin had definitely not embraced these pearls of
wisdom. He addresses us in a bold and in your face manner. His life
in the frozen wilderness of Antarctica is a constant cause for
complaint; too early, too cold, too noisy even the sea is too salty!
This grumpy bird informs us of all the inherent difficulties living
in this freezing environment. Underwater there are predators like
sharks and leopard seals to avoid; even finding your parents is
difficult because every penguin looks the same.
Mr. Walrus stops the little penguin with a monologue filled with
sage advice, reminding him about the beauty of his surroundings, the
blue of the sky and the warmth of the sun. When Penguin stops to
observe the snow capped mountains, he pauses and realises that
'maybe things will work out after all.'
Jory John's penguin character is relatable, as some days children
can fall in to the habit of complaining and self-absorption. Lane
Smith's icy blue and white landscapes and black underwater settings
bring the character to life. The tempo of the story halts when the
walrus appears and begins to speak. Is this full page of
conversation necessary? Penguin problems is suitable for families to share and as
part of health and wellbeing class activities. Discuss positive
thinking, appreciating your everyday surroundings and by showing
kindness to others and accepting yourself.
Rhyllis Bignell
Magpie murders by Anthony Horowitz
Orion Publishing, 2016. ISBN 9781409158370
Themes: Murder mystery; Truth and Lies. Horowitz is a masterful
writer of mysteries and in the Magpie Murders he weaves two stories
together - the mystery of the unfinished manuscript by Alan Conway,
the renowned Murder Mystery writer, and then the death of that
writer in unusual circumstances. Those circumstances though have
parallels to the book that he has written. Susan Ryeland, the editor
who would normally rework the manuscript making it suitable for
publishing, becomes embroiled in the mysteries and her normal joy in
having the narrative denouement revealed by the clever but
mysterious private detective character (comparable to Hercule
Poirot) is hijacked as she takes over the detective role herself in
uncovering the missing chapters. The consequence is that we see
woven together two stories with many parallels and the reader is
forced to predict and disentangle red herrings and attempt to solve
the mystery. The original Conway work (and its missing chapters) are
set in Post-War England and are very reminiscent of Agatha Christie
style murder mysteries; but the work of Ryeland in uncovering the
missing chapters and determining if Conway's passing was at his own
hand is more contemporary, but still a formulaic Murder mystery tale
with an inquisitive and untrusting 'detective' very keen on bringing
to light the truth.
For everyone who has enjoyed an Agatha Christie novel or loved
watching a British Murder mystery drama on television, this book
will entice and appeal. I cannot believe how disappointed I was
(joining Ryeland) when the Magpie Murders was not initially solved .
. . I too wanted to find a solution. The fact that this occurs half
way through the tome should have given me more insight that this
book was more than a straightforward story, but don't be surprised
with the twists and turns; that is the nature of a murder-mystery!
Carolyn Hull
Hug this book! by Barney Saltzberg
Ill. by Fred Benaglia. Phaidon, 2016. ISBN 9780714872841
(Age: 3-7) Recommended. Barney Saltzberg's Hug this Book is
a delightful rhyming story, which celebrates the joy of reading. The
enjoyment of receiving a new book, the smell, the adventure, the
tickling pages and the warmth of a story wrapping you inside all
provide pleasurable sensory experiences. You can make up a story to
tell to this book, imaginary lands and marvellous creatures fly out
of a wordless picture book. The places to read are limitless - up in
the air, upside down, reflected in a mirror or sung as a song to the
birds. Books help to calm and quieten, share a story with a grownup
and there are stories to read while dancing and eating. The joy of
reading this entertaining story is that it can be shared again and
again.
Fred Benaglia's retro illustrative style is reminiscent of picture
books from the 1960's, with big bold characters, wrap-around scenes
and warm emotive settings. Children in bright clothes with
multi-coloured faces and hair, blue, olive green, tan, black and red
share this story in the bath, on a hippo's back and in a hot air
balloon. Hug this book is a feel good story just right for sharing
with a kindergarten, preschool or junior primary class. Use this
picture book as a springboard for art, a story starter and as an
encouragement to read.
Rhyllis Bignell
Pancakes! An interactive recipe book - no food required! ill. by Lotta Nieminen
Phaidon, 2016. ISBN 9780714872827
(Age: 2-5) Recommended. Hardcover, Board Book. Lotta Nieminen's
interactive board book delights with sturdy tabs, wheels and flaps,
an enjoyable change for the technology-obsessed toddlers of today.
Each sturdy page with simple stylised computer generated graphics is
visually appealing. This procedural text has the ingredients and
tools listed at the beginning. The whisk, fish slice, bowls and
plate are shown carefully balanced on the jug.
Each step is simple to follow with easy to read instructions, pull
the flap and the flour pours into the bowl, while the wet
ingredients mix at the turn of a wheel. When the mixture is cooked
in the frying pan, toddlers will enjoy flipping the pancake circle
onto the plate.
This interactive book provides a no-mess no-fuss approach to pancake
making! How many families will make the real thing after sharing
this recipe book? One consideration is that young cooks need to have
adult assistance in the kitchen.
This is the first in a series of interactive cookbooks.
Rhyllis Bignell
A sunburnt childhood: Growing up in the territory by Toni Tapp Coutts
Hachette Australia, 2016. ISBN 9780733634499
(Age: 15+) A sunburnt childhood is a memoir by Toni Tapp
Coutts, who was born in Alice Springs but spent most of her
childhood on Killarney Station, 430 kilometres south of Darwin. When
her parents moved there in 1961, home was a shed made of posts
supporting a roof of branches with an open fire for cooking. Bill
and June Tapp transformed Killarney into a thriving and respected
cattle property which welcomed a stream of visitors including the
Governor-General and the ophthalmologist, Fred Hollows and his wife
Gabi. The author's ability to recall her upbringing in detail has
resulted in a vivid depiction of the life she shared with her
parents, nine siblings and the staff who lived and worked on the
property. The Tapp children coped with risks and enjoyed pleasures
unknown to most city children, and learned the Mudburra language,
bushcraft and stories from Aboriginal elders and friends.
The author's colloquial writing style helps to create a sense of her
generous but pragmatic attitude to life in an environment which
reveals the strengths and weaknesses of those who live in it.
Younger readers may find some of the events confronting, especially
those involving medical emergencies, injuries, deaths and the strain
on personal relationships and business ventures caused by the
consumption of alcohol. Toni Tapp Coutts' homesickness during her
years at boarding school and her descriptions of the dramatic
landscape in which she feels at home reveal a lifelong attachment to
her family, her community and the outback. Photographs of family
members, station staff and the homestead offer a glimpse of life on
a Northern Territory cattle station over a timespan of half a
century. A sunburnt childhood will reward readers who seek an insight
into the lives of people who have lived and worked in remote areas
of Australia.
Elizabeth Bor
Great Australian journeys by Graham Seal
Allen and Unwin, 2016. ISBN 9781760291013
The interesting true stories in this collection are all based on
journeys in Australia, journeys to Australia, or Australians
undertaking journeys in other regions. I was pleased to discover
that this was not just another history book where the achievements
of famous explorers are summarised in chronological chapters. Some
famous names like Burke and Wills, Mawson and Leichhardt have their
place, yet the majority of stories concern relatively unknown
individuals who undertook a variety of journeys. Motivations ranged
from brave and adventurous spirits, patriotism, strict senses of
duty and stoic attitudes to accomplish a job under harsh conditions.
Careful consideration is evident in the selections and the author
demonstrates great skill in restricting each adventure to just two
or three pages whilst still explaining events in a meaningful way. I
had never heard some of the tales and I very much enjoyed reading
about the exploits of everyday people, ranging from otherwise
forgotten convicts to swagmen surviving the Great Depression and
incredibly plucky women who took to the road by horse and car on
pioneering travels.
The journeys range from the ancient era when our first inhabitants
ventured from Asia to populate the Great Southern Land, through
colonial settlement and expansion, the World Wars and contemporary
events. Every mode of transport makes an appearance and characters
are drawn from all walks of life, some of which I was not even aware
of. I could not help being reminded of the myriad nationalities
which made a contribution to our country - both significant, well
known feats and common hard work, largely forgotten.
This won't be too heavy for teenagers to read. If one story fails to
engage, the next one will and anyone who picks it up will learn many
things which they didn't know before. Unfortunately the book is let
down by a poorly executed cover which is a shame because those who
are not attracted by it will be missing out on a great read.
Rob Welsh
The fox and the ghost king by Michael Morpurgo
Ill. by Michael Foreman. HarperCollins, 2016. ISBN 9780008215774
Like all foxes, the Fox family love to watch football and from their
den under the garden shed, Father Fox and his eldest son venture
forth to watch their favourite team, the Leicester City Foxes,
although the night usually ends in disappointment because their team
is soundly beaten each time. On the night that they were beaten by
Chelsea, the foxes were making their way home trying to keep their
spirits up by raiding the dustbins along the way looking for food
scraps, especially pizzas, but anything that had been left behind
that would make a quick and easy meal. As usual they venture into a
city carpark that is being dug up because there is a good chance of
finding some fresh, juicy worms but this night their attention is
caught by an invisible voice seeking their help.
The voice purports to be the King of England who desperately wants
the foxes to dig a tunnel to him so the archaeologists can find him
and give him the fitting regal burial he is due and help clear his
reputation that he believes, 'that villainous scribbler Will
Shakespeare', 'that wretched man, that ruinous rhymster, that
dastardly dramatist', has ruined. Eventually the foxes agree but
being cunning creatures, there has to be something in it for them
- 'such stuff as dreams are made on'.
If anyone can draw a connection between the remains of King Richard
III being found in a carpark in Leicester City and the Leicester
City Foxes winning the English Premier League for the first time
ever, it would be Michael Morpurgo. This is a short, humorous story
retold by Master Fox whose story is backed up by articles in the
Leicester Echo that will appeal to younger readers who are almost
independent but who still need the support of short chapters, larger
fonts and supporting illustrations.
Morpurgo is a master at creating new stories that are unique in
their storylines and this one is no different. Superb.
Get a taster on YouTube.
Barbara Braxton
First day at Bug School by Sam Lloyd
Bloomsbury, 2016. ISBN 9781408868805
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Starting School. Insects. A humourous
look at starting school - for bugs! Sam Lloyd has created a funny
walk-through of what the first day of school is like and what can be
learned. The twist is that all the characters are insects or small
creatures that creep and crawl. Because of this, some of the lessons
to be learned are unique to this micro-world, and the
characteristics of individual creatures impact their participation -
Chloe Cricket is singing, the Stink bug is seen in the toilet, and
the Ladybird's spots are very useful in Maths! Lessons for young
humans are not directly made, so this is not a book that will teach
life lessons in a humourous way, but it is just fun! And the
illustrations are in a peculiar cartoon style, and there is much to
look at for pre-readers.
Carolyn Hull
Ruby Red Shoes goes to London by Kate Knapp
Angus and Robertson, 2016. ISBN 9780732297626
(Age: 7+) Recommended. Nostalgia. London. Travel. The nostalgic
stories of the hare, Ruby Red Shoes, have found a warm following;
the first two, Ruby Red Shoes and Ruby Red Shoes goes to
Paris, both shortlisted for CBCA awards in 2013 and the
Readings Book Prize in 2014. A good beginning for a young author
illustrator finding her way within a competitive industry.
Ruby and her grandmother live in a caravan, and decide to visit
London to stay with her aunt Pinky at Lunar Crescent. They board the
underground and alight at the correct station, to be greeted with
warmth by their aunt and cousins. A great deal of food is consumed
as is appropriate for staying with relatives, and the next day they
board the Hop On Hop Off Bus to see more of this great city. They
see many sights, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Fortnum and
Mason's and buy some sweets there from their famous range. But a
surprise is in store at the hairdresser's shop. It is full of dogs
and many are corgis, so when the owner comes along to collect her
pets, it is none other than the Queen. That night Ruby falls
instantly to sleep dreaming of her meeting with the Queen and the
horses, and while she is asleep London is coated in a layer of snow.
Grandma and Ruby return to their home full of memories to dwell upon
and remember, but there is no place like home.
Softly edged, finely detailed and colourful illustrations add life
to the story as children will readily follow Ruby's excursion to
London. A wonderful introduction to what a city offers residents and
visitors alike, and a great overview of what London has to offer the
tourist.
Fran Knight
The Rules of Backyard Cricket by Jock Serong
Text Publishing, 2016. ISBN 9781925355215
(Age: Senior secondary to adult) Highly recommended, Crime Fiction,
Cricket. Darren 'Daz' and Wally Keefe have an obsession with
cricket. Their childhood memories are all about the backyard cricket
matches on their home made pitch on the back lawn. The rules of the
game are strict and any twisting or breaking of those strictures
lead to a serious bit of 'biffo'.
Pamela, the boy's mother brings them up on her own, supporting them
and their cricketing careers through working behind the bar at the
local pub. They both have enormous talent, though Darren, who tells
the story, doesn't quite know where it comes from. Each shows a
definite, but very different character; Wally is contained,
seemingly unemotional, technically correct and full of
concentration, while Darren is flamboyant, brilliant and a larrikin.
They meet 'Craigo' who sees off a group of private school elitists
who are not impressed that a couple of lads from the wrong side of
town have given them a cricketing lesson. Craig and Darren develop a
friendship, with Darren always there with his dubious contacts in
the background somewhere. Wally it seems doesn't want much to do
with him, but Darren is content to be part of the boozy, drug taking
scene.
As their careers take off Darren is the first to be recognised by
the Victorian state team and to play Shield Cricket, but Wally soon
follows, and eventually it is Wally who plays for his country, and
eventually captains the Australian side. It is also Wally,
conservative and careful of his image, who marries and has a child
called Hannah.
Then something very strange happens. Hannah is abducted. The police
are baffled as no one can see a good reason why. There has been no
ransom demand. There is no evidence.
Darren's narrative continues and notes his spectacular fall (or
falls) from grace and also his resurrection as a 'media
personality', his mother's gradual decline into dementia and of
course his relationship with Wally.
This is a fascinating insight into the world of sport, where money
and entertainment take precedence over the game itself. The reader
will of course find many parallels with cricket personalities past
and present and with the role that gambling has had and will
increasingly have on professional sport.
With Daz trussed in the boot of a car at the beginning of the book
it's no surprise that there will be an unhappy ending, but Jock
Serong has ensured that his story of two cricketing brothers will
keep you enthralled until the end.
Mark Knight
Frenemies forever by Rachel Renee Russell
Ill. by Nikki Russell; Erin Russell. Dork Diaries bk 11. Simon &
Schuster, 2016. ISBN 9781471158032
(Age: 9-11) Nikki J. Maxwell returns with another 'dramafest'; her
diary brimming with the ups and downs of home and school life. Each
year at Nikki's school eighth graders participate in a one-week
exchange program. Her friends are excited about their placement
however, Nikki is devastated. North Hampton Hills is a prestigious
school with fabulous uniforms, an excellent school program and one
big problem. Nikki's archenemy MacKenzie Hollister started there two
weeks ago. At home, Nikki's little sister Briana is experimenting in
the kitchen trying to perfect a recipe to gain her cooking badge for
scouts. Nikki refuses to eat the burnt chocolate pudding complete
with eggshells. The cute factor is added with a new golden retriever
puppy Daisy who interrupts Nikki's sleeping. Nikki's new school is
super-cool, she's excited and nervous as well, there are new friends
and experiences - horse riding, French class, Science Club and more
MacKenzie dramas. Added to the mix is a new queen bee Tiffany and
her gang who make life interesting for all the exchange program
students. Nikki is forced to team up with MacKenzie to survive. Frenemies Forever has all the essential elements fans love.
There are expressive diary entries with loads of exclamation marks;
cartoon sketches of Nikki's dorky life and humorous situations like
the blue face mask and a caramel popcorn explosion. The themes are
relevant to preteen readers, a first crush, friendships, school life
and overcoming bullying. Rachel Renee Russell's Nikki continues to
be admired for her quirky dorky traits and her down to earth
relatable portrayal of everyday life.
Rhyllis Bignell
One Small Donkey by Dandi Daley Mackall and Martina Alvarez Miguens
Tommy Nelson, 2016. ISBN 9780718082475 One small donkey
Hunting for a blade of grass
Sees big horses full of power and might
Prancing proudly as they pass.
This is the story of The Nativity told from the perspective of
Joseph's donkey. Despite its apparent smallness and insignificance,
the donkey still played a massive role in this event that continues
to be celebrated around the world. Though the donkey wasn't the
biggest, fastest, or strongest of all the animals, he had an
important job all the same.
Told in rhyme, this is a way to explain the story behind all the
Christmas hype to the very young so they begin to understand what is
really being recognised at this time. With its bright pictures and
strong message that even the smallest of us has a role to play, it
will appeal to parents who want their child to begin to know this
enduring story and the common symbols associated with it including
the angels, shepherds and the birth in the manger.
Barbara Braxton
Wormwood Mire by Judith Rossell
Harper Collins, 2016. ISBN 9780733333019
(Age: 9-12) Highly recommended. Feisty Stella Montgomery returns in
another wonderfully exciting adventure - Wormwood Mire.
Orphan Stella is in disgrace, after her escapades in
Withering-by-Sea. Life with her puritanical aunts is full of rules
and limitations. When a fortuitous letter arrives, they are relieved
of the onerous task of raising Stella. She is sent to Wormwood Mire,
her family's country estate, to be cared for by a governess along
with her cousins Strideforth and Hortense. Let the adventures begin!
On the long train journey, Stella reads A Garden of Lillies, a book
filled with cautionary tales and rhyming mottoes, given to her by
the aunts, 'Be neat and tidy, clean and trim, or your ending will be
grim.' These come back to haunt her throughout the narrative.
Stella is extremely worried, when the coachman leaves her, in the
pouring rain on the front portico of the dark, spooky looking
mansion. Finally when the door opens, she is greeted by her
welcoming cousins, Strideforth and Hortense, and Henry the
Latin-speaking mollymawk, Stella is quickly drawn into their strange
and unusual lifestyle, limited heating, simple food and freedom to
read and explore. Wormwood Mire is a dark, cold house with a
multitude of closed off rooms, hidden passageways and secret spaces.
Miss Araminter their governess is an eccentric botanist who loves to
explore the overgrown gardens and gather the strange plants
collected by Wilberforce Montgomery, the children's ancestor.
Before she left the strictures of life with her Aunts, Stella had
discovered an old photograph of her mother Patience at Wormwood Mire
with two babies in an old-fashioned pram. Did she have a twin
sister? What had happened to her? In the old nursery, Stella's
distant memories of life at Wormwood Mire resurface when she listens
to the tune played on an old music box.
There is mystery and mayhem, odd happenings in the woods, quirky
characters and strange disappearances, all the required elements
woven into this fabulous Victorian mystery-thriller. This
beautifully bound book, with a textured cover, embellishments, a
forest green font and full-page illustrations is a sensory delight,
reminiscent of books published many years ago. Judith Rossell's
detailed pictures bring the descriptive narrative to life; they are
evocative, capturing the atmosphere of the story. Delicate vignettes
of stacks of books, strange plants, the slithering monster, jars
piled with teeth, all add to the charm of this story. Wormwood Mire is a sensational, richly rewarding story, which
celebrates one girl's indomitable spirit.
Rhyllis Bignell
