Reviews

What could it be? Exploring the imaginative world of shapes by Sally Fawcett

EK Books, 2016. ISBN 9781925335026
Picture book. Shapes. Western Australian teacher Sally Fawcett has created this wonderful picture book that explores the everyday 2D shapes that even very young children recognise from their early morning television experiences, encouraging the reader to find them not only in the stunning illustrations but also in their own environment.
Using repetitive text, rhyme and rhythm she invites the young reader to not only be more perceptive but also to use their imaginations, encouraging them to look more closely and think more carefully. There are circles, squares, triangles, rectangles, hexagons, ovals, and octagons everywhere, both natural and man-made, that, after sharing the book, makes the urge to go on a shape-walk around the home, classroom or school irresistible. Digital cameras make the 'collection' of shapes so easy these days and there are plenty of apps that will help you turn the photos into a captioned book written by the students that can be read again and again.
As well as that there are all sorts of ideas available at http://whatcoulditbe.ekbooks.com.au/ which include the opportunity for children to upload their own artworks.
This is another interactive book that invites input from the reader and takes them on a journey through their imagination. As well as being perfect for early childhood, it's also great for those learning English for the first time as they learn our words for shapes and colours but can then extend their observations at their own level.
Barbara Braxton

You know me well by Nina LaCour and David Levithan

Text, 2016. ISBN 9781925355529
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. LGBT, Same sex relationships, San Francisco, Pride Week. When Mark goes to a gay club at the beginning of Pride Week in San Francisco, he is amazed to find a girl he knows there. She like him, is love struck, she for a girl she has not even met, he for the boy he came with but who is now with someone else.
Kate has had a date set up for her with a girl she has been fierce to get to know, but baulks at the last minute and runs away. She finds herself in a gay bar where Mark has watched the boy he loves going off with a stranger. Kate and Mark know each other vaguely from school, and they connect. Kate is at a crossroad. She has felt for a while that her friends are not as they were, that they are all growing apart. Kate and Mark both feel despondent and create a story about what happened to them that night, while Kate's friend uploads some of her art works and the pictures go viral, to such an extent that a gallery contacts her with the idea of a showing.
Pride Week is the impetus for some major changes in their lives not least of which is their growing friendship and ability to know each other well.
Each section of the book is headed with the day it is set, making the reader keep a chronology of overlapping events in their heads, and with alternate chapters written from the point of view of Kate and Mark, the story flows through Pride Week, taking the reader with it.
It is a classic tale of finding out who you are and where you belong, of trying out new experiences, of being brave, of reaching out to friends, of developing new relationships. The voices of Kate and Mark are excruciatingly real, revealing their deep fears of exposing themselves, of expressing their innermost thoughts. While both teens are mostly comfortable with their sexuality they reflect the concern of all teens in being themselves, of not following what others want, of treading their own path. I find Levithan does this so convincingly. In telling a tale of LGBT kids, he also tells a story that could reflect any kid and this ensures he will be read by everyone.
Fran Knight

Shockwave by Jack Heath

Countdown to danger series bk. 2. Scholastic, 2016. ISBN 9781760159634
(Age: 8+) Recommended. Themes: Adventure, Dangerous Situations, Decision Making. Jack Heath's new series Countdown to danger delivers action-packed adventures, fast-paced plots and involves the reader in making difficult moral decisions. In Shockwave, you've chosen to leave your Karina Bay Surf Camp buddies and head down to the beach to catch a late afternoon wave. Images of crocodiles and sharks are ever present when a speedboat with a mysterious woman lands on the beach. Your first choice is to take on the role of Seth or Leah. The time is ticking down, do you save your friends, help Harrison the camp leader, defuse the bomb, save yourself, hide from the villains or defuse the bomb?
There are twelve opportunities to survive and unluckily many ways to end your life - falling down a deep chasm, detonating the bomb and even a zombie attack. Whenever this happens there is another opportunity, the book tells the reader another page to return to and the adventure continues. There are moral questions presented as well: do you save Harrison the camp leader, believe Agent Stacey and help save the others, steer the hovercraft to the oil platform or save yourself? How important is being honest, saving your friends and stopping a bomb blast?
This thrilling first person narrative delivers an amazing array of settings, bombed beaches, crocodile infested rivers, scary deep chasms and demands amazing ingenuity making a hot air balloon made from a tent and skill - standing on the back of a twenty-metre shark!
Rhyllis Bignell

Star struck by Jenny McLachlan

Alyzon Whitestarr by Isobelle Carmody

Ford Street, 2016. ISBN 9781925272185
(Age: 13+) Recommended. Alyzon feels like she doesn't fit in her family. She doesn't have her mother's artistic ability or her father's musical ability like her brother or sisters. She is just Alyzon. One day while holding her baby brother, the car boot falls onto her head knocking her unconscious. After being in a coma for a month she awakens with new sensations. She can smell feelings, her hearing and sight are heightened and being touched let her see other people's memories. At school she becomes friends with Gilly because she is drawn to her seaside smell, but the boy she has had a crush on for years smells like rancid rubbish. With these new heightened senses she uncovers dark family secrets and hidden ambitions that threaten to her family.
I have loved Isobelle Carmody's other books and was excited to read this one. I found the story line interesting and easy to follow but was frustrated with the interaction some of the characters had with Alyzon. However as the story progressed it is explained why these characters seemed so one dimensional. The way Carmody used Alyzon's new abilities to describe the characters gives the reader a new way through smells to bring them to life. This book could have been better with a sequel as it left many loose ends. It is a good story about good winning over evil and how a person can stand up to evil by staying true to themselves.
Jody Holmes

Flight of the honey bee by Raymond Huber

Ill. by Brian Lovelock. Walker Books, 2015. ISBN 9781925126266
(Age: 5+) Highly recommended. Bees, Environment, Honey. Scout's day spent searching for a new pasture from which to collect nectar to take back to the hive, ends happily when she finds a swathe of blue flowers. Through her flight she must avoid obstacles: strong wind, a hungry blackbird, a sudden rain storm, complete with hail stones and when arriving back at the hive, she finds that a wasp is trying to get in to eat the nectar and the eggs.
During her flight pollen in the flowers is attracted to her body and she then takes this to other flowers, where pollination occurs. She drinks the nectar from the flowers, using the tip of her tongue, shaped like a small spoon. Once back at the hive, she dances, giving instructions to the rest of her family about the place where these flowers are. They then go out to bring back more nectar.
All the features of a bee and its part in the pollination of plants is given in this amazing book, where every word is redolent with meaning.
One in the acclaimed Walker Nature Storybooks series, this like the others presents a story which is filled with information, so insinuated within the tale that the reader assimilates these facts readily. The story sits alongside a non fiction text, usually towards the bottom of each page. Both texts add to the knowledge of the reader, both compliment each other and are fascinating to read. The reader is involved in Scout's story as she avoids threats and searches for the flowers, while taking in the facts given about the bees and the hive.
As with others in this wonderful series, a brief index is given at the back of the book alongside information about the author and illustrator, with a small piece about the importance of bees and what we can do to help them survive.
The vivacious water colour and pencil illustrations serve the story well, giving all readers, young and old, a firm understanding of the look of the honey bee and making it so endearing without giving it human characteristics, as the story is followed.
Excellent teacher notes are given on the Walker Books website.
Fran Knight

The Towers of Illica by Emily Rodda

Star of Deltora series bk. 3. Scholastic, 2016. ISBN 9781742990644
(Age: 9+) Highly recommended. Britta's dangerous journey continues as The Star of Deltora sails through dangerous waters, surrounded by a ghostly presence. This is the most important trade, her final opportunity to defeat the other contestants and win the Rosalyn Contest. Aboard the ship, Britta senses constant dangers, there are enemies on board who wish her harm, putting her life in danger, hiding key books that explain the secrets of Illica, how to trade and discover the wealth of the island. Her memories of playing with Captain Gripp's model ship as a child are extremely useful, as she hides her two Moons purchases in the cargo hold. After a fierce storm where Britta is pushed overboard and a daring rescue by Sky and Jewel, she realises that she does have friends on board.
The mysterious island of Illica is dominated by three towers, each of the contestants must stay a night with the secretive families who inhabit these towers and complete their final trades. Of course, all is not as it seems. After a bath in the bathhouse and a visit to Suli the Needle, Britta is appropriately dressed and nearly ready for the evening's adventures. However, when Jewel and Britta choose to follow Sky who mysteriously disappears into a cave in the cliffs, they are plunged once more into danger.
Britta is a strong female protagonist; she is brave, fearless, although a little foolhardy at times, she makes some decisions rashly and others thoughtfully. Rodda builds intrigue with plot twists, the ever present wraiths, hints of a new island - The Isle of Jade and glimpses of Britta's father's tortured existence on the Island of Tier. The Towers of Illica ends with more questions than answers, truly Britta's journey seems to be even more dangerous than before.
Rhyllis Bignell

The dog emergency by Sally Morgan

Ill. by Craig Smith. Scholastic, 2016. ISBN 9781742991351
(Age: 6+) Recommended. Brothers Ryan and Dillon live in a small country town with only one main street surrounded by cattle stations. On their way home the boys discover a dirty, dusty cattle dog with a broken leg. They want to rescue the injured animal, but they know Mum would be very cross with them if they brought it home on their billycart. She is missing their old dog Buster, who passed away the week before. There's no vet in their small town and all medical emergencies for people are seen by Murray the nurse at the nursing post.
This easy to read story is just right for the reader ready to engage with chapter books. The plot explores the plight of the dog and the interesting way the brothers raise money to pay for the vet's bill - painting Uncle Wilf's shed purple. Will the boys be able to keep Dusty the cattle dog or will Max Henry take him home to the station?
Sally Morgan's characters are down to earth; she understands family relationships, Mum's grief over losing Buster and the need for the boys to have a new pet - it is a big decision. Craig Smith's illustrations bring the country people to life, Aunty Jo's joey's pouch, eating a meal by the wood stove, even Farmer Max's appearance.
Rhyllis Bignell

Stripes in the forest by Aleesah Darlison

Ill. by Shane McGrath. Big Sky Publishing, 2016. ISBN 9781925275704
(Age: 5+) Recommended. Thylacine, Tasmanian tiger, Extinction. A moving tale of the demise of the Tasmanian tiger, the last of which died in captivity in Hobart Zoo in 1936, is told here through the eyes of one of the last animals in the wild. A female, she describes her environment, and how she survives, finding a mate and having cubs. All seem quite idyllic in the Tasmanian forests, but in the background hunters can be seen. She looks on as they build semi permanent shacks and surround them with pelts from a variety of animals shot and killed in the wilderness. As the story moves on she and her mate hide in the forest, their stripes used to great advantage. But nothing can stop the hunters and her mate is killed. She and her cubs retreat further away from the men but the reader knows that her species shortly becomes extinct.
A page of information at the end of the book acquaints readers with the facts about this once widespread animal and will elicit despair as the children realise that extinction means forever and they will never get to see this amazing animal.
Several of the illustrations are standouts. The one where the men shoot their guns in the middle of the book is very moving as it predicts the annihilation of this species, and the lovely endpapers with their image of the partly concealed thylacine form a beautiful set of book ends to a story all Australians should know well.
Fran Knight

The great Australian Spelling Bee workbook for spellers in Middle Primary

Macquarie Dictionary Publishers, 2016. ISBN 9781925479485
(Age: 8 - 10) Recommended. The extremely popular Network Ten reality show 'The Great Australian Spelling Bee' generated a large following and raised the profile of Spelling and Literacy in Australia. Remarkable young students with a great depth of knowledge about the origin and definition of an unbelievable array of quirky, obscure and Australian words proved their amazing ability. Network Ten and Macquarie Dictionary Publishers have released this workbook for spellers in the Middle Primary years.
The spelling bee image buzzes across the pages, introducing a variety of enjoyable activities including finding a word, shrinking words, 'what am I' definitions and synonym staircase.
This workbook starts with all about me which asks the child to enter their favourite book, languages spoken and favourite word. The activities are straightforward, easy to complete and each begins with a clear set of instructions. A great holiday activity book, there's something there to challenge the young spellers of Australia.
Rhyllis Bignell

Grug and his first Easter by Ted Prior

Simon and Schuster, 2016. ISBN 9781925368246
(Ages: 4 - 6) Easter. This is not a traditional Easter story, but it isn't one just about Easter eggs either. It is somewhere in the middle, but with quirkiness unique to the Grug series. However, there are some strange elements. Cara the snake's first line is 'Soon be Easter, you might get an Easter egg'. This ungrammatical sentence structure (is it because she is a ssssnake?) does not fit with the rest of the story. In addition, when Grug asks Cara about Easter, she explains that 'Easter is the time someone special went away forever' and that people give eggs to celebrate being born again. While the book avoids involving itself too deeply in the religious traditions of Easter, it is inevitable that young children are going to ask 'Who went away?' The story itself sees an Easter bilby leave a small basket of eggs beside Grug's bed, most of which he thoughtfully hides in the forest for his bush friends to find, providing a nice message about giving rather than receiving. He also creates a collage out of the egg wrapping paper, which might give children inspiration for similar creative pursuits. It becomes a little strange again at the end as he dreams about being born again and having long legs and big ears; but when he wakes he is just the same. This is a bit of a hodgepodge of a story that tries to include multiple aspects of Easter, but it might leave children asking more questions than you care to, or know how to, answer.
Nicole Nelson

Forgetting Foster by Dianne Touchell

Allen & Unwin, 2016 ISBN 9781760110796
(Age: 11+) Highly recommended. Alzheimer's disease. Families. When Foster's father begins to forget things, the family jokes about it, but soon, little notes appear on the cupboard reminding him of things he needs to do, and some of the customary routines within the house change. Foster is told little but realises that his father needs more attention than before. And when he loses his job and Mum has to take on more shifts, then things change considerably. Dad runs away from home when Foster is caring for him. Miss Watson from next door comes to sit them, and both Foster and his Dad have no liking for her. When she strikes Dad, she is sent away but Mum still has to deal with him, admitting that sometimes she feels like hitting him herself. The disease is ever present in Foster's life, his aunt Linda is often there, despite the two women not liking each other. Things escalate until Mum is forced to ask for help. She has tried to cope alone but now she must admit that his dementia is beyond her. The strangely comic scene when the two social welfare officers come had me laughing out loud, but the effect of their visit means that mum now has some respite.
Readers will sympathise with the whole situation seeing Fossie trying to understand his father's decline and his mother's situation. She is coping from day to day, not wanting to look at things in the long term, hoping that things will improve. She declines offers of help, wanting to care for her husband herself, but pushes Fossie away in the process.
This book is an amazing look at a disease which many more children will see as the population ages, and for some reason, younger people are being afflicted. Not only is it a most readable story, but gives readers a raft of recognisable events, symptoms and words associated with the disease to learn. Fossie learns that his father is no longer the man he was and needs to learn how to adapt.
Fossie's attempts to make sense of his world parallels those of his father as he goes from forgetting, needing a locked front door and then violence in a short period of time. Touchell recreates this family so sympathetically that we are drawn into the world wondering how we would react, how we would cope. This is a masterful story, beautifully told.
Fran Knight

On the river by Roland Harvey

Allen & Unwin, 2016. ISBN 9781760112455
(Age: All) Highly recommended. River Murray. Conservation. Humour. Each year as the snow melts in the Snowy Mountains of eastern Australia, small tributaries join other small streams, bubbling together down the mountains until joining to become the Murray River. Roland Harvey and his pelican friend traverse the river from its source to the sea in South Australia, and along the way inform the readers about the flora and fauna, man's uses of the river, the craft which sail on her, the people and towns which live on the banks, the industries, irrigation, locks and weirs. Sometimes the view is beneath the water, sometimes we are shown the river from the bank, sometimes a bird's eye view is given, but whatever perspective is shown, the pages are filled with information.
I love the double page spread showing the bottom of the river: a quiet wetland, where fish swim undisturbed, a Murray Cod hides in a tree root, some birds dart for a feed while a fisherman sets up on the bank and a small canoe winds its way between the trees. Along the bottom of the page some of the things you might find on the page are given with their names, urging the reader to find them. Over the page is the spectacular Echuca Wharf, built to still be used at times of flood, and we see more examples of human activity on the river, with paddleboats, canoes, power boats, tinnies and houseboats cluttering the pages. The endpapers give a view of the river from its source to the sea, and invite readers to read every word as they follow its journey.
Small hints are given along the way of the river's overuse, of its degradation, particularly in the pages about the Darling River joining the Murray. And some text is devoted to the Aboriginal use of the river, its history and some less well known stories. All of this is told alongside Harvey's very recognisable drawings, particularly the people as they go about their lives along the river, inviting all eyes to peer into the world presented, and marvel at how the river and its flora and fauna has survived. The book is a marvelous addition to the range of books promoting the conservation of this river inviting everyone to be more aware of its important place in our world.
Fran Knight

Fizz and the show dog jewel thief by Lesley Gibbes

Ill. by Stephen Michael King. Fizz series bk 3. Allen and Unwin, 2016. ISBN 9781760112882
(Age: 7+) Highly recommended. Dogs. Thieves. Police. Fun and games abound with Fizz the police dog in the third book in this very funny and appealing series starring Fizz, the very cute little furball and his friends. This time there is a jewel thief at the Dog Show who is after the winning prize, a sparkling tiara. Fizz goes undercover as a show dog, styled exquisitely with curls and bows and with a show name, Angel, to impress the judges. He has to follow a number of clues before he is able to work out just who the thief is and how the tiara is hidden away before it is moved off the premises of the show.
Fizz is a most appealing little character - he is brave and clever and loyal to his friends and is happy to stand up to the bully Amadeus, whose snappy dialogue provides much of the humour in the book. The mystery is subtle enough to draw in the inquisitive reader who likes to follow clues but there are some surprises on the way!
A lot of fun can also be had from King's illustrations of the Dog Show, and the different breeds are depicted all beautifully styled in bows and jewellery. The reader will immediately sense that King just loves to draw different dogs in different disguises and costumes.
This is a wonderful series that will appeal to emerging readers, with its short chapters, intriguing plots and engaging characters.
Pat Pledger

Barnaby and the lost treasure of Bunnyville by Robert Vescio

Ill. by Cheri Hughes. Big Sky Publishing, 2016. ISBN 9781925275643
(Age: 4+) Rabbits. Environment. Barnaby had collected many seeds from his travels and wanted to grow a lush vegetable garden, but the mayor had decreed that no one was to grow anything in the village. So Barnaby decided to do what rabbits do, dig. Surprisingly a few days later the mayor found an old treasure map showing that there was something to be found in the earth near the village. Soon all the rabbits were out digging, giving Barnaby all the holes he needed to plant his seeds.
Rain the next day ensured that the seeds sprouted and within a few seasons, Barnaby was eating yummy fresh apples and taking the spare to the market. Here the mayor remarked on the wonderful fruit and Barnaby told him that this was the lost treasure of Bunnyville.
This could be used as an introduction to talking about fruit and vegetables, or where these things come from, encouraging a school group to set up their own garden.
Fran Knight