Random House, 2016. ISBN 9780857988461
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Humour, Polar Bears, Home, Journeys.
Polar bear, George, lives in the city but is very homesick and this
has made him grumpy. He sets out to find his home but has to try a
number of places to find which is truly his. He leaves the crowded,
cramped city and hitch hikes his way to find his home. He lies in a
tree, but realises this is not his home, he tries living on a
mountain but is afraid of heights, he tries the desert but his is
too hot, then the sea, but it is too wet and sometimes scary.
Eventually he gets into a little boat and rows and rows, finally
finding a strange white land.
He likes the cold and the ice, he likes the snow upon his tongue, he
likes everything he can see, and decides that this is home.
Children will love the journey taken by George, looking for his
home. They will recognise the different places he tries and be able
to tell the reader that this is not where George should be and be
able to give reasons why it is not his home. They will revel in
George's travels, understanding that there is a place where we all
feel at home.
The illustration of poor George looking so sad on the cover will
entice younger readers to open the book, and see why he is so sad,
grinning with him at the end when he finds his place on earth.
Children will love the stylised depiction of a variety of habitats
and be able to recognise which animals live in those places.
This is a fun introduction to the idea of habitat, of animals being
linked to one place, of being taken out of their own environment, of
the meaning of the idiom, No place like home.
Fran Knight
George the bilby chef and the raspberry muffin surprise by Jedda Robaard
Five Mile Press, 2016. ISBN 9781760067113
(Age: 3-6 years) Themes: Cooking, working together, friendship.
Robaard, a Melbourne-based author and illustrator, has created some
delightful children's storybooks that utilise her talent for drawing
animals, and has enjoyed recent success with her Little Creature
series of board books. This, the first in a new series, centres on
bilby George, who lives beneath the roots of an old eucalyptus tree
and loves to cook. Tucked away in a pocket inside the back cover is
a recipe card for the raspberry muffins George bakes in the story.
In Raspberry Muffin Surprise, George wants to bake something
extra special for Betty Echidna's birthday. Unfortunately, George
can be a little forgetful, so it is lucky that he has his friends to
help him. Little Bee knows where the raspberry patch is, Maggie the
magpie is able to shake the raspberries out of the bush and Bert the
mouse has an umbrella that is perfect for carting raspberries.
Robaard uses a cast of Australian animals and lovingly brings them
to life with soft, warm illustrations. A subdued colour palate of
greens, browns and yellows suits the Australian setting and the
animals are rounded to give them a friendly and cuddly quality while
still retaining realistic integrity. The text itself is overly
detailed in parts, due to its effort to highlight the
characteristics of the individual animals (Bert can be very grumpy,
George is a bit silly and likes to sing nonsense songs, Maggie is
very helpful) and how they work together. However, it flows really
well, is calm, gentle and unrushed and is not onerous to read.
There is a lot to like about this new series, including the
fantastic illustrations, the focus on sharing and working together
and the recipe card that encourages children to get active in the
kitchen (there will be one in each of the books in the series).
Nicole Nelson
Princess, the scoundrel, and the farm boy by Alexandra Bracken
A New Hope : Star Wars Episode IV. Chirpy Bird, 2015. ISBN
9781760125097
(Age: 9 - low teens) Highly recommended. I am a relatively new Star
Wars fan. having only watched the new movies I was not really
familiar with the Star Wars Books and I found this book really
interesting and exciting.
I liked the way the book was written in the 3rd person and was told
from each of the main characters' point of view. It was a good way
for me to get to know each of the characters and understand their
personalities.
Leia was my favourite. She was very brave and always did what she
thought was right, even if it seemed risky. I really related to her
and loved how clever she was and how she was both physically and
mentally strong.
The book was very easy to read and well suited to readers from 9 -
low teens. Highly recommended to Star Wars fans and others who enjoy
adventure and action books.
Hannah C.(yr 6 student)
Sophie Someone by Hayley Long
Hot Key Books, 2015. ISBN: 9781471404801
(Ages: 12+) Recommended. Within this heart-warming tale, Sophie
tells her life story, in the only way she dares tell it: code
language. Sophie's describes her early life, in which she moved with
her mother from an unknown place to Brussels where the majority of
the story takes place. She describes the way that her family settle
into this new abode, and takes the reader into her school life where
she meets her best friend, Comet, a character who makes a recurring
appearance within the novel. Throughout the story, Comet and Sophie
go on a few adventures, which guarantee a gripping tale, as well as
explore the ins and outs of friendship, and that sometimes, there
are things that are difficult to talk about, even to your best
friend.
The relationships explored in the novel are compelling, each with
its own unique and distinct lesson for the reader, and which are
revealed at appropriate and respective points of the novel. The
relationships that Sophie has with her family are relatable and
truly express real family dynamics, as well as highlighting the
importance of family.
The main themes within the novel are that of the importance of
self-identity, trusting our moral compasses, being who we are
despite the odds, realising that it's never too late to challenge
ourselves and never giving up; lessons which are not only vital for
personal growth and development, but also to ensure a memorable and
inspiring novel.
From the beginning of the book, Sophie's unique writing style is
demonstrated. She uses code words amongst regular language, in order
to tell her story and although this may make for a challenge for
younger audiences, the context of the words often allow for an easy
translation. Sophie Someone has vibrant, realistic characters that make
for an engaging read, as well as an opportunity for the reader to
unravel Sophie's story along with her. This novel was a truly
beautiful read, in which I looked forward to reading every page, and
helping Sophie uncover the secrets she was so desperate to learn. Sophie Someone is not a book that is easily forgotten.
Daniella Chiarolli (Student)
Stanley the amazing knitting cat by Emily Mackenzie
Bloomsbury, 2016. ISBN 9781408860489
(Age: 4-8) Recommended. Themes: friendship, knitting. Stanley is not
like other cats who enjoy chasing mice and napping in the sun.
Stanley has a passion for knitting. His many animal friends, in
paddocks and zoos far and wide, all benefit from his craftiness. The
bunnies all have warm balaclavas, the giraffes have neck warmers and
the elephants have trunk tubes. But when Stanley runs out of wool
for his entry in a knitting competition, he has to unravel all the
garments he has given to his friends. Crocodile is particularly
disappointed - 'Not my pants!' he says. Not to mention how cold they
all are without their winter woollies! Stanley realises that his
friends are much more important than winning the competition and
that what he loves about knitting is that he can make others happy.
Bright, bold watercolour illustrations with crayon detail for the
knitted garments gives this book a unique look. The long, colourful
crayon lines for the wool look fantastic and make the knitted
components stand out and remain distinct from the other elements on
the page. The vibrant and active illustrations and the fast-paced
text lend a frenzied and excited feel to the story and there are
many age appropriate splashes of humour throughout.
Nicole Nelson
Treasure hunters in trouble by Winter Morgan
An Unofficial Minecrafter's Adventure bk 4. Bloomsbury, 2015.
ISBN: 9781408869673
(Age: 7-9)For Minecraft fans. Winter Morgan's Unofficial
Minecrafter's Adventures are written purely for young
Minecraft gamers. She writes in an easy to read style with her
action adventure peopled with very simplistic characters who are
involved in an episodic treasure hunt. True fans enjoy her Minecraft
story lines, filled with familiar creatures, fighting battles,
traversing underground and above ground landscapes - swamps, caves
and farmlands. This pixelated 3D block-building game is a worldwide
phenomenon and many junior novels and player guides have been
published for the enthusiasts.
This is the fourth book of the series and Henry, Lucy, and Max have
been captured. Kyra and Steve are joined by Alex and Will on their
quest to save their friends. Unfortunately, they are sidetracked by
the lure of treasure, battle slime balls, use Parkour to travel
across the mountains, discover treasure in underground caves and
battle the Ender Dragon.
The story ends with a promise of another book to come, with Steve
investigating their journey home through the dangerous jungle.
Rhyllis Bignell
Alice-Miranda to the Rescue by Jacqueline Harvey
Alice-Miranda bk 13. Random House, 2016. ISBN 9780857985224
(Age: 8-11) Highly recommended. Themes: Dog Shows, Village Life,
School Life, Detective and Mystery Stories. The new term begins at
the Winchester-Downsfordvale Academy with a buzz of excitement,
Alice-Miranda and her friends eager to assist with Miss Reedy and Mr
Plumpton's wedding planning. With so much organisation, can the
girls help the bride and save the day, before their favourite
English teacher turns into a Bridezilla? Unfortunately, Caprice is
up to mischief again, fighting with Millie and playing pranks on the
other students, including a spiteful incident with exploding dye in
the Science Lab.
Added to the dramas of school life, Myrtle Parker and the villagers
of Winchesterfield are thrown into a spin when the Annual Chudleigh
Dog Show has to be relocated to the Showgrounds. Unfortunately, this
prestigious event is scheduled for the same weekend as the wedding,
much juggling and planning is needed and the school students are
assigned to the event's workforce.
Jacqui Harvey's narrative is thrilling and multi-layered, enriched
by a cast of characters whose intertwined lives draw the reader into
the mystery as pieces fall into place with the final climactic
events occurring as the Dog Show is underway. Who are the evil
characters lurking in the background, seen driving a grimy white van
through the village? Where did the dirty half-starved puppy come
from and why did Caprice hide him in the old flat above the stables?
There's a dangerous fire, stolen dogs, sabotage and the mastermind's
sinister plot to foil, so many dramas to be dealt with before Miss
Reedy and Mr Plumpton can tie the knot. Alice-Miranda to the Rescue delivers all the familiar
well-loved elements of this tremendously popular series, including
fast-paced action and strong, resourceful and empathetic female
characters. The difficult issues of puppy farming and stealing pet
dogs for profit are discussed in a compassionate manner.
Rhyllis Bignell
Be a friend by Salina Yoon
Bloomsbury, 2016. ISBN 9781619639515
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Friendship, Being different, Miming.
Dennis loves to mime his stories during show and tell. He tells a
story quite differently form the others in his class, wearing his
top hat and striped jumpers. While the others climb the tree, Dennis
is the tree, but looking at the other children playing together, he
realises that he is lonely. He feels there is an invisible wall
between them all, one that they cannot see through. But one day as
he kicks his imaginary ball, it is kicked back to him. Her name is
Joy and she can see him quite well, and the invisible wall is now a
mirror. The two are very similar and do many things together,
attracting the attention of the other children, who can see Dennis
now as well.
This charming little story about friendship will have wide appeal.
Children will be encouraged by the story to see past their
differences and look for the similarities, to celebrate the
differences, to create friendships with others in their class.
Salina Yoon's Penguin books will be well known to younger
readers and this one has the same theme, that of friendship, but
told for a slightly older group. Her pared back illustrations will
intrigue readers, following Dennis' journey to friendship and
delighting in his difference. This beautifully presented hard cover
book done in sepia tones will also introduce the idea of mime to a
younger class, one they can practice along with Dennis and Joy.
Fran Knight
Sandrider by Angie Sage
The Magykal World of Todhunter Moon bk 2. Bloomsbury, 2015.
ISBN 9781408869420
(Age: 9+) Highly recommended. Themes: Magic, Fantasy, Adventure.
Angie Sage's second book in the TodHunter Moon trilogy, will
delight fantasy readers with its rich cast of characters, exotic
locations, powerful and appealing descriptive language, and the
well-crafted scenes involving mystery, Magyk and mayhem. The main
character Tod enters the story much later; Sandrider opens
with the dragon Spit Fyre observing the sorcerer Oraton-Marr
depositing the Orm Egg in the care of a young boy in the Desert of
the Singing Sands. Each section begins with a dark sketch of an Egg
Timer and a countdown to the dragon egg hatching. The wizard kidnaps
the apothecary's baby daughter to ensure the egg is cared for.
Kaznim her big sister determines to look for her kidnapped sister,
steals the egg timer and unfortunately stumbles through an unstable
Way meeting an injured Sam Heap and Marwick.
Kaznim ends up in the snowbound city of Castle, where she meets
TodHunter Moon, apprentice to the Extraordinary Wizard Septimus
Heap. Here the pace of the story becomes faster, more and more crazy
characters are involved and the plot develops in complexity. There's
a transforming jinni Jinn Knee, beware of his tiger form, dark
witches lurking in the forest, a wild sled race, Tod's best friends
being taken for Snow Sprites, a malicious ghost and an evil queen.
Will they reach the Egg before it hatches or will the new baby Orm
imprint on the evil sorcerer giving him unlimited Magyk powers?
Angie Sage's Sandrider celebrates the importance of charting
your own course, valuing friendships and developing resilience.
Rhyllis Bignell
Kiss it better by Smriti Prasadam-Halls
Ill. by Sarah Massini. Bloomsbury, 2016. ISBN 9781408845639
(Ages: 2-6) Recommended. This book is a joyous celebration of how
kisses can make everything better. It is filled with visual symbols
of love; there are hearts on every page and lots of physical
affection by way of hugs and kisses. The text tells and shows us all
the times when a kiss can heal ('when you're down in the dumps', 'if
you've scraped your knee') and of all the things that kisses can say
('I love you so much', 'can we be friends?', 'I'll miss you'). The
author gives different types of kisses fun names that children and
their parents will love adopting into their own vernacular; there
are be-brave kisses, cheer-up kisses and go-to-sleep kisses that
shout monsters, shoo! The warm, slightly retro illustrations have a
wonderful texture, particularly in the patterned clothing worn by
the animals, and their soft warmth helps to capture the comfort that
kisses can bring. The family of bears used in the illustrations add
to this feel with their rounded, soft and cuddly style. The rhyming
text flows beautifully in most places. It ends by reminding young
readers that 'sometimes grown-ups need kisses, too!' and that
'EVERYTHING feels better with the help of a kiss!' This is a joy to
read aloud and the illustrations are divine. It is an uplifting tale
with a simple message for young and old about how we have the
ability to comfort those we love with a kiss as well as being a
reminder to parents that the most important thing they can give to
their children is love. It also provides a vocabulary for parents to
help their children vocalise how they are feeling and what they need
to feel better.
Nicole Nelson
Everything but the truth by Mandy Hubbard
Bloomsbury, 2015. ISBN 9781619636606
(Age: 14+) Everything but the Truth is a novel that speaks
to the reader about the struggle between social status defined by
monetary wealth through the genres of romance and drama. This novel
by Mandy Hubbard is one in a collection of the 'If Only' line which
is a group of novels written by various authors containing the same
genres as 'Everything but the Truth'. Hubbard's novel focuses on a
teenage girl, Holly Mathews, whom has lived in a single parent
family for the majority of her life, often experiencing financial
hardship as her mother works to put them in a better monetary
situation. Holly's mother's efforts are successful when she is
employed by a very ritzy and expensive retirement home for the rich,
wealthy and luxurious, which places Holly in the perfect position to
meet the possible man of her dreams through his newly allocated
grandfather. Due to an unfortunate turn of events, Holly finds
herself in a situation where the truth about her may interfere with
the chance of romance she has stumbled into and her mother's new
job. Holly finds herself torn between doing what is best and doing
what is right. With collage around the corner and her life-long best
friend slowly becoming distant and her choice about the truth
becoming more and more urgent, Holly learns the importance of the
relationships in her life. Everything but the truth is a novel rich with moral decisions
and meaning as well as having a strong and relatable story in the
terms of financial wealth and social status. This book contains
romantic themes and may be suited to an older teenage audience (+14)
and lovers of romance and drama. Overall, this book provides a great
solution to any reader's cravings for the genres of romance and
drama in novels while still being strongly relatable and a hard book
to put down.
Sarah Filkin (University student)
The Selfish Giant and Other Stories by Oscar Wilde
Ill. by Philip Waechter. Alma Classics, 2015. ISBN 9781847494979
Themes: Fairy tales, Moral stories. This is a collection of moral
tales that demonstrates Oscar Wilde's story-telling skills. The
stories remind us of the dangers of wealth; that generosity and
kindness are valuable attributes; that love and sacrifice are
beautiful, but not always recognised and valued. Many of the stories
are fairy tales in the sense that they have talking animals and
faraway kingdoms that interact with the characters in solving
unusual problems. The characters themselves display quirks of
behaviour that could only exist in a fairy tale. And there is not
always a positive 'happy-ever-after' ending, but often there is a
lesson that can be learned from the failings of the story
participants.
This is a reprinting of a selection of Wilde's early stories from
the late 1800s and consequently the language is fairly traditional
and is more ornately descriptive than contemporary writing styles.
Some younger readers may get lost in the descriptive detail and
language, but there is a glossary at the back of the book to
describe some of the terms used. At the end of the book there is
also some biographical detail (in detail appropriate for younger
readers), as well as a summary of each story. Simple line drawings
are sparsely scattered through the stories.
Young readers that enjoy the challenges of the intricacies and
sophistications of writing from the 19th Century will enjoy this
collection of stories.
Carolyn Hull
Tales from Watership Down by Richard Adams
Oneworld Modern Classics, 2015. ISBN 9781780747897
Originally published in 1996 to follow Watership Down these
stories successfully extend the experience for lovers of the
original rabbit novel. The later generations of rabbits are told the
stories of their heroic ancestors in fables which teach about
courage, loyalty and resilience in the face of great challenges and
danger. The book opens with rabbit legends, which would be very
suitable for reading aloud, followed by stories of rabbit adventures
featuring many of the characters from the original novel including
Bigwig, Hazel, Campion and Woundwort; even Kehaar the gull makes an
appearance. Some of the text seems a bit dated, the boy rabbits are
the protectors, they have all the daring adventures and get to do
the heroic deeds while the girls are helpful and sensible while
being a bit inscrutable; and the landscape is very English,
reminiscent of that inhabited by Peter Rabbit. However, for the
lovers of Watership Down, also recently re-published, this
book extends the experience and will be enjoyed by both adults and
middle school readers who don't want to let those characters go.
Sue Speck
Iris and the Tiger by Leanne Hall
Text, 2016. ISBN 9781925240795
(Age: 10-14) Highly recommended. Adventure. Surrealism. Art. Iris, a
sensible 12 year old has been sent to Spain by her grasping parents
to make sure that her Aunt Ursula leaves her fortune and big estate,
to Iris and her parents. When she arrives at Bosque de Nubes, she
discovers that things are not what they appear and outside in the
wild wood, a mysterious animal prowls. Fascinated by a surrealist
painting, Iris and the Tiger, she is determined to find the
tiger. Meanwhile a developer is hoping to take over the woods, and
she finds herself in terrible danger.
This is a compelling and totally absorbing book that has a timeless,
classic feel about it. There are all the hallmarks that are
familiar: the feisty young heroine, a gothic house, dark and
dangerous woods, a strange aunt and weird retainers. But what makes
it stand out is the theme of surrealism that flows through the book
and will have young readers not only following the surrealist
drawings at the top of each chapter, but rushing off to research the
art movement.
Hall has carried her Surrealism theme into some frightening areas as
Iris puts on boots that have human toes, and take her off to unknown
places. There is a carnivorous car with clawed feet that chases Iris
and her friend Jordi through the forest, and the Exquisite Corpse
creature they created lurks nearby. However Iris is determined to
find out where the tiger in the picture is, and with the help of
Jordi her young friend, she uncovers many secrets on the way, some
of which challenge her notions of honesty and loyalty.
This is a story that would make an excellent literature circle book
or class text, as there are many themes to discuss, Surrealism,
family loyalty, honesty, friendship and environmental development. Teacher's
notes are available.
But best of all, it is a wonderful unique adventure story to read,
cherish and remember.
Pat Pledger
Bear make den by Jane Godwin and Michael Wagner
Ill. by Andrew Joyner. Allen & Unwin, 2016. ISBN 9781760110017
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Humour, Bears, Home and family life,
Renovations, Loneliness. The curiously old fashioned illustrative
technique used by Joyner in this story of a bear building his home,
adds another layer of interest and discussion to enthrall and
involve its readers. Bear moves around his newly carved out den. He
is very proud of what he has achieved, but realises all is not quite
finished. He builds chairs and a table, which make him happy, but
still things are not quite right. He saws up a tree and makes bunk
beds but finds he cannot read his book on the bottom bunk bed, so he
makes a sofa. But when light fades, he makes some lamps to give him
light. He then feels hungry and so makes an oven, and makes a large
cake. He then decorates the walls of his cave with art work, but
still he is not finished.
Each step in the decoration and furnishing of his home will be
endorsed by the audience as they predict what he might do next,
which will add an element of surprise and recognition for the
readers. They will take delight in the illustrations of Bear
building his home and finally realising that what he really needs to
complete his home is another bear.
A story to melt the hearts of the readers who see from the start
that Bear needs a friend, the simple structure will be most
appealing. Bear is good at many things, but needs friends to
complete his home, and children will not fail to recognise that a
missing ingredient in their lives could be satisfied by having
friends. A recognition of the satisfaction that friends and family
bring to a Bear and therefore a child will be long discussed after
the book is finished. Children will be intrigued with the simplistic
words used by the Bear, and be made aware that he might not be a
wordsmith but he is certainly good with his hands.
Fran Knight
