Twelfth night by William Shakespeare, retold by Terry Deary
Terry Deary Shakespeare Tales series. Bloomsbury, 2016. ISBN
9781472917836
(Age: 8+) Highly recommended. Theatre. Another in Deary's retelling
of Shakespeare's plays will help introduce this play to a new
audience. One of his best loved plays, Twelfth night is
often presented on the stage around the world and has been made into
countless film adaptations.
Here it is presented as a story and stripped back to its bare
essentials. John and Jane are at Richmond Palace to watch Master
Shakespeare's latest play, 'Twelfth night'. Through their eyes
we see the court and its splendour, Queen Elizabeth, now coming
towards the end of her life, the courtiers pressing their advantage
and the play set out before them. Their story and observations make
a fascinating backdrop to the play which tells of deception, just as
Lord Essex deceives the Queen. The two children could see that Essex
and his armed men, were up to no good and using the suit of armour
in the hall were able to defuse the plot by Essex's guards.
So the play continues, the parallels between what is actually
happening and the play's plot gathering speed. Both come to a
satisfactory conclusion and readers will have a sound grasp of the
play, while infusing some details about Elizabethan life. A
postscript about Essex's true attempts to overthrow Queen Elizabeth
rounds off the short book. This is one in Deary's series presenting
Shakespeare's plays in an abridged story version which will acquaint
younger readers with an outline of each play. Behind the play
presented is a story of young people involved in some way with the
play, giving a perspective which will appeal to the readers.
Fran Knight
Agatha and the dark by Anna Pignataro
Five Mile Press, 2016. ISBN 9781760402075
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Fear of the dark. Anxiety. Friendship. Being
afraid of the dark is tackled well in this Agatha's second outing
for Anna Pignataro. Agatha wakes one cold wintry morning and dresses
to go to kindergarten with her mother, dresses in her bright red
coat. On the bedroom floor can be seen an outline of something in
the shadows which should not be there. Her teacher admires her coat
reminding her of the story of Red Riding Hood, a story Agatha likes,
although the walk though the dark woods is a little unsettling.
A storm outside upsets her friend, Yoko, so Agatha fetches her bear
for her to cuddle. Soon everyone wants a cuddle too. Miss Tibble
tells the group that everyone is frightened of something - why, even
she is afraid of spiders. But the day remains just as dark, and one
of the group tells them his brother had told him that monsters were
in the dark. After that Miss Tibble does some positive work with the
class about shadows, while at home, when Agatha goes to bed and is a
little upset, her parents ask her to draw a monster she would like.
All the way through different tactics are taken to allay the
children's fears about the dark, underlining the work being done at
school and at home, as well as by Agatha and her friends helping
each other.
Pagnataro's illustrations complement the text, showing some of the
things the children are afraid of, but supporting them in their
endeavours to overcome their fears. This will be a welcome
introductory picture book for discussions at home and in the
classroom, modeling strategies for parents, teachers and students.
Fran Knight
Olive of Groves and the right royal romp by Katrina Nannestad
Ill. by Lucia Masciullo. Harper Collins Children's Books/ABC Books,
2016. ISBN 9780733333712
(Age: 8-12) Recommended. Themes: Humour, Boarding schools,
Friendship. Continuing the rollicking series involving the
wonderfully loving, kind and generous Olive and her classmates at
Mrs Groves' Boarding School for Naughty Boys, Talking Animals and
Circus Performers, is this wild romp involving all the weird and
wild characters from previous books as well as a visit from the
Queen. Because this is a boarding school that defies description,
with a Principal who is entirely incompetent, and students who are
bizarre in the extreme, the local School Inspector is doing all he
can to close down the school that Olive has grown to love. The
Queen's visit creates a flurry of activity that is laughably
impossible and introduces an advisor sent by the School Inspector to
overcome the obvious dysfunction. This book can only be described as
mayhem - with flying food, multiple explosions, and an evil and
duplicitous pig. Bizarre, curious, uncanny and peculiar antics from
all characters are drawn together under the umbrella of Olive's
steadying and loving influence. Friendship proves its capacity to
overcome all problems.
Nannestad knows how to create a story that kids will enjoy. There is
nothing normal or 'mature' about this series, and language is used
creatively and artistically to describe characters and events, and
the humour is just silly. In fact this book series would make a
wonderful cartoon adventure. Although this is the third book in the
series it could be read on its own without having read the earlier
books, but the flow of misadventure is worth recommending to young
readers. Comedic naive illustrations are dotted through the book.
Caroline Hull
Test match by David Warner with J. V. McGee
Ill. by Jules Faber. The Kaboom Kid bk 7. Simon and
Schuster, 2016. ISBN 9781925368185
(Age: 7+) Recommended. Themes: Cricket, Friendship, Meeting
Challenges. Davey Warner is an 11 year old cricket 'tragic'. Every
moment of the day is an opportunity to think about cricket . . .
even in the middle of a test at school. In this book in The Kaboom
Kid series, Davey and his mates have organised a 2-day weekend
cricket test match at the beach. Their rivals have included a
surprise 'secret weapon', a Davey doppelganger, in the hope that
this would unsettle Davey and his team. But even though Davey ends
up in trouble with the authorities at the beach, there is still hope
that they can pull off the big win.
This is an uncomplicated narrative which will appeal to young lovers
of cricket (males and females). The friendship opportunities within
a team sport are highlighted, but also the interest of competition
adds a spark of narrative tension. Davey's family is portrayed in a
wonderfully ordinary light, with a sunscreen promoting mother, who
also sets rules for the young boy. This is a book that you can
recommend to young readers - even those who are not cricket
aficionados as cricket terminology should be understood by most.
Simple cartoon style black and white illustrations are scattered
through the book. (Note: Teachers, who don't mind their profession
being the object of some humour, could use this as a shared novel.)
Caroline Hull
Sage Cookson's Ring of Truth by Sally Murphy
New Frontier Publishing, 2016. ISBN 9781925059748
(Age: 7+) Highly recommended. What an amazing life Sage has! Her
parents are hosts of a cooking show and travel around Australia with
Sage. In this story, Sage and her parents are in Tasmania to visit
and film Bettina and Babette's bakery. When Bettina's most treasured
ring goes missing, the filming is put in jeopardy and Sage is
accused! The ring doesn't turn up and Sage is determined to help.
Can Sage get to the bottom of this mystery and save her parents' TV
show? Sage Cookson's Ring of Truth is a short novel at 56 pages
long and is aimed at young girls. It is highly recommended for
readers aged 7+ who are starting to collect and read longer stories
and short novels. The text is easy to read and Sage is a lovely role
model for young girls. The events happen quickly to help keep
readers engaged and it will have readers wondering just how a ring
can disappear.
Kylie Kempster
The Sisters Saint-Claire by Carlie Gibson
Ill. by Tamsin Ainslie. Allen & Unwin, 2016. ISBN 9781760291563
(Age: 6+) Recommended. Themes: Animals, Cooking, Family, Rhyme. The
youngest mouse in the Saint-Claire house is a magnificent pastry
baker and cook . . . but is too little to leave the house and go to
the market to sell her wares. Then one day she is able to convince
her family that she is big enough to go with her siblings, even
though she is small. Despite initial poor sales, eventually a Royal
patron proves that her culinary skills are worthy of attention,
despite her small size.
This is a gentle rhyming tale with a French twist and mousy
characters illustrated in a naive style by an experienced
illustrator (whose work is reminiscent of the style shown in Angelina
Ballerina; but whose skilful work also appears in other works
eg the covers of the Matty and Bill novels for Young
Readers).
Carolyn Hull
Fright club by Ethan Long
Bloomsbury, 2016. ISBN 9781681190433 (Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Halloween, Ghost and ghouls, Monsters,
Humour, Board book. In the midnight hour, Vlad has called a meeting
of the Fright Club, designed to get his friends run through their
scariness for Halloween. His friends include Frankenstein, a witch,
a wolf and a mummy. There are three things they need to practise
before Halloween: ghoulish faces, scary moves and chilling sounds.
Unfortunately, their faces wouldn't even scare a daddy long legs and
Vlad is extremely disappointed. A knock at the door reveals a rabbit
intent on joining their club. Rabbit is sent away and Vlad returns
to his teaching role. Just as Mumford's eyes are boringly popping
out of his head, there's another knock at the door and the rabbit
has returned, this time with her lawyer Frances Foxx. Vlad shuts the
door in their faces and tries to get his monster friends to focus.
But rabbit returns with her critter friends complete with banners
and lots of noise. They pound on the door and show their amazing
scary steps and frightening screams, scaring the Fight Club to bits.
A compromise is reached and Operation Kiddy Scare is set to be the
best Halloween yet.
This is a wonderfully dark and devious story, designed to have
readers laugh out loud at the implications of Vlad and his club
refusing entry to rabbit and her friends.
A wonderful read aloud, full of information about Halloween which
seems to be gaining more interest in Australia, but also giving an
underlying lesson in compromise and working together.
The funny illustrations help make this board book a joy to read.
Fran Knight
Gumnut babies by May Gibbs
Angus and Robertson, 2016. ISBN 9781460752555
(Age: 8+) Recommended. Classics, Australian children's literature,
Environment. This beautifully presented compendium of May Gibbs'
stories is a centenary edition of the first publication of the Gumnut
Babies in 1916. Beloved all over Australia, many homes would
still have older editions on a bookshelf and many more would have
more recent editions, her books remaining in print over the years.
Containing seven stories: Gumnut Babies, Gum-blossom
babies, Flannel Flowers and other Bush Babies, Boronia
Babies, Wattle Babies, Nuttybub and Nittersing,
Chucklebud and Wunkydoo, the whole is lavishly illustrated
with her wonderful drawings and paintings. The book is finished with
a biography of May Gibbs containing a selection of photographs of
May, her house and garden, along with more images of her work. This
is a wonderful book to reintroduce children to these stories of
Australia's environment, published at a time of great emphasis on
our natural world, when Gibbs imagined the bush was full of little
gumnut people, along with dastardly villains ready to ensnare them.
Her emphasis on our natural environment must have been a wonderful
introduction for many children in the early part of the twentieth
century, and her using a range of flowers, flannel, native fuchsia,
boronia and gum blossom, along with animals such as koala, possum,
kookaburra and so on would have enthralled a society with a closer
knowledge of the bush. But all this changed when the Depression
meant that her cartoon strips were no longer bought by the
newspapers and replaced with those from the USA.
The biography at the end of the book is brief but most enlightening
about her life and career, urging readers to look for more
information. And it is amazing to read that a place like Nutcote was
about to be demolished, but is thankfully there for all visitors
wanting a look at where she developed her ideas.
Fran Knight
Mulga's magical musical creatures by Mulga
Hachette Australia, 2016. ISBN 9780734416704
(Age: 3+) Recommended. Imagination. Humour. Intrigued by the
author's name, Mulga, I went to his website and found
that 'Mulga is Joel Moore, a Sydney based artist, freelance
illustrator and poet who paints murals, designs t-shirts and runs
the Mulga brand.' In this intriguing picture book Mulga has drawn
some magical animals who play musical instruments and in a fun
rhyming story tells how his dreams inspire the creation of music.
Readers will be fascinated by the beautifully coloured animals that
dance across the pages. There are fishes in ponchos playing their
guitars against a desert background, elephants tooting trumpets in
vivid jungle, beautiful owls in boots playing the banjo, lions in
pink and blue sunglasses singing in mics and gorillas playing on
drums. All are coloured in gorgeous bright yellows, blues and pinks,
with lots of intricate detail that begs for a second look. Young
children will delight in the humour of the illustrations and spend
time finding how many animals are hiding on each page.
The story is told in rhyming verse that would be a joy to read
aloud. A discussion about musical instruments, the sounds they make
could lead to lots of fun with children finding other instruments
and drawing animals with them. The idea that dreams can be an
important part of creativity and using the imagination is also a
theme that could be pondered upon.
Pat Pledger
Fox and Goldfish by Nils Pieters
Book Island, 2016. ISBN 9780994128218
(Age: 7+) Highly recommended. Picture book for older readers.
Themes: Adventure, Friendship, loss, remembrance, pets. As soon as
this book is opened, the reader knows that there is a different
journey to what would be expected from the cover illustration. The
opening words by Nils Pieters,
a Belgium author, sets the scene: Oh Goldfish, my friend
Maybe your time has come,
But I just can't let you go like this . . .
It is obvious that Goldfish is unwell and Fox is distraught for his
friend, so he takes him on a quest to see the wonders of the world.
They fish off tall rocks and splash in the sea, ride a motor bike
through the desert of Utah, view fabulous mountains, trek through a
tropical forest, and even catch a rainbow. Fox drags Goldfish behind
him on ski trip and together they look at earth from outer space.
Then it is time for Fox to let Goldfish to go: Okay, my friend,
Now you can go.
The joy of discovery that Fox and Goldfish experience is expressed
without words through the vivid illustrations painted in bold,
bright colours. There are only the six lines of narrative in the
book and it is the strange memorable drawings that make such an
impact. The theme of friendship shines throughout the book. Fox is
such a good to make sure that Goldfish's last days on earth are so
memorable. He has also make some wonderful memories for himself to
treasure as he sits in front of Goldfish's memorial stone. The theme
of impending loss is handled so positively that it will be an
inspiration for many not to be overwhelmed by grief but to do
wonderful things and make happy memories to last.
This is a moving book that will appeal to all ages.
Pat Pledger
Botanicum by Katie Scott and Kathy Willis
Five Mile Press, 2016. ISBN 9781783703944
(Age: 8+) Museums, Evolution, Plants. As with Historium and
Animalium this beautiful book will make an excellent library
book which some children will chose to use. Students will need to be
shown this book and when they dip inside will be amply rewarded.
As with any museum, each double page is like a gallery, inviting
students to look closely at the detailed illustrations by Scott and
then read Willis' words.
Again, reminiscent of wood block prints of the past, the highly
detailed illustrations beg the eyes to look closely and deeply,
lingering over the intricacy of the pictures shown, taking int he
text and all it offers. Some illustrations, like the Giant Sequoia
are pictured across the double page, increasing its interest to
readers, its placement underlining it size. Information about its
size, plant group if belongs to and where it can be found is given
underneath along with references to the illustrations. Kids will be
amazed at the information and pictures given in this book. Seven
chapters are given in all, starting with The First Plants, moving on
to Trees, Palms and Cycads; Herbaceous Plants; Grasses, Cattails,
Sedges and Rushes; Orchids and Bromeliads and finishing with a
chapter on how plants have adapted to the environment. All in all a
fascinating book to read or dip into, to use as a reference or just
gathering information. A detailed index is given at the back between
the most glorious of endpapers.
Fran Knight
Why is that emu wearing one red shoe? by John Field
Ill. by David Legge. Scholastic, 2016. ISBN 9781760154493
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Bush song, Singalong, Australian animals.
With an accompanying CD version of the bush song in this hardback
book, teachers, children and parents will have great fun with this
rollicking rhyming ballad. Songwriter and performer, John Field has
put pen to paper using recognisable Australian backgrounds and
animals. The ballad includes a range of animals that are also shown
in the illustrations by David Legge. Both text and illustrations
will encourage readers to differentiate between Australian and non
Australian animals.
Great fun will be had reading the book, singing along with the CD,
predicting the rhyme that ends each line, adding verses of your own.
The illustrations draw the eye towards the range of things shown on
the page, encouraging the reader to look more closely at the details
shown, recognising the Australian background for themselves.
As emu goes on his walk he attracts the attention of a range of
animals who attach themselves to him, following in his wake. So it
is not just emu on his walk, but a straggle of hanger-ons, all
wondering why he has only one shoe. On the end of the line come a
jogger and motor cyclist, and they all end up at a shop which makes
shoes.
A monkey fits his new shoes and all is well.
A happy, rollicking ballad for kids to listen to, sing themselves,
and join in.
Fran Knight
Here comes Mr Postmouse by Marianne Dubuc
Book Island, 2016. ISBN 9780994128201
Recommended. Themes: Picture Books; Animals. The winning feature of
this book by French-Canadian author Dubuc is the detailed pen and
ink style cartoon illustrations which show the homes of the animals
to which Mr Postmouse delivers his parcels and letters. The text
accompanying these illustrations are printed in a very tiny font
which signposts that they are to take a 'back seat' to the quirky
and cute illustrations that show the cross-sections of the animal
homes, revealing lifestyles of the families inside - for example,
the 7 level bunny bunk bed.
Young readers (particularly pre-readers!) will love browsing the
illustrations for the quirks of family life revealed both above
ground, behind closed doors and under water.
Carolyn Hull
King Flashypants and the Evil Emperor by Andy Riley
Hodder Children's Books, 2016. ISBN 9781444929591
(Age: 9+) Highly recommended. King Edwin is a kid and a king. He
rules Edwinland and is loved by everyone. (especially on Fridays
when he spends his pocket money on chocolate and shares it with
everyone). Minister Jill helps King Edwin run the country while evil
Emperor Nurbinson continually plots to steal Edwinland from them
all. How will a cow disguised as a dragon be the downfall of the
kingdom? Will the people of Edwinland be easily swayed? How does
shaving 2 sheep help Edwin hide his crown? Can Edwin become a guard
in Nurbinson's army and spoil Emperor Nurbinson's plans? By the way,
his people call him King Edwin. You will have to read the book to
find out why he is called King Flashypants in this story. King Flashypants and the Evil Emperor is a hilarious read and
highly recommended for readers aged 9+ . Thanks to funny events like
itchy bums and characters with crazy names, reluctant readers will
be laughing all the way to the end. The text is descriptive and
moves quickly. It is scattered with funny cartoons and readers will
be hanging out for the next King Edwin adventure.
Kylie Kempster
There is a monster on my holiday who farts by Tim Miller
Ill. by Matt Stanton. ABC Books, 2016. ISBN 9780733334658
When the family goes around the world for their holiday, something
nasty goes with them - a fart. The fart appears at every place they
visit, and the illustrator has fun drawing images of various places
around the world that the family goes to. The readers sees the Sumo
wrestlers in Japan, the tranquil water off Greece, the Leaning Tower
of Pisa, the Pyramids of Egypt, but all accompanied by a fart. The
family crosses the Alps in a hot air balloon, helped by the fart,
they see the Mona Lisa in Paris but she seems to be gagging on
something, and we find out why the person is screaming in the Munch
painting in Oslo. Each place they visit is also visited by a fart,
until the parents call a halt.
This funny story will be recognised by the readers as they all have
experience of someone farting in their midst. They will laugh out
loud at the places the family visits and the effect of the fart on
that place. They will recognise many of the places and could well
use a world map to find where these places are.
The book takes the readers on a trip around the world, highlighting
may significant sights and experiences. I love the little detail
included by the illustrator, flags of some countries, food that
might initiate the fart, and the selfie takers. What a clever way to
introduce countries of the world to a younger audience.
Fran Knight
