Walker Books, 2015. ISBN 9781925081725
(Age: 10+) Alison Croggon is the author of the highly regarded Black Spring, and The Books of Pellinor. She is also a poet
and opera librettist. This story is a fable for our times,
beautifully written and resounding with messages that relate to the
way of the world in past and present times. Here is a village set on
a fertile riverbank, midway between mountains and a floodplain. The
village has a traditional 'Keeper' of a Book which gives the village
its identity and which can predict change. One day, a foreign
visitor comes to the village, endears herself to the villagers, in
particular, Simbala the latest Keeper, and manages to steal the
precious Book from them. It is Simbala who takes the blame and who
sets out to return this treasured item to the village. It is a quest
which takes many years; she knows too that times have greatly
changed and wonders if the book she eventually finds will come 'back
to life' for her people. The story is an analogy for colonialism and
reveals what can happen when there is often a total disregard for a
people's culture, and for the natural environment, all for the sake
of development. The River and the Book has been endorsed by
Amnesty International as contributing to a better understanding of
human rights and values.
The story is spellbinding and the character of Simbala is a delight
to heed and observe as she journeys on her determined path. In a
beautifully poetic style, the language is intoxicating and recalls
the storytellers of past ages. Katie Harnett's superb black and
white brushstrokes illustrate the beginnings of each chapter and her
coloured cover art is most attractive.
Julie Wells
Eleanor by Jason Gurley
Harper Collins, 2015. ISBN: 9780008132910
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. Sitting somewhere between the realms
of science fiction and fantasy, Gurley's novel is certainly
captivating. The prosaic style of the work draws attention to both
its literary value and its story value, giving it a sense of overall
tranquillity despite the terrifying circumstances that main
character, Eleanor, finds herself in.
Eleanor's childhood ends the day she loses her twin in a car
accident. Her parents begin fighting and eventually they separate
leaving her mother, Agnes thrown back into the depression of her
childhood. Eleanor stays with her hateful mother in order to take
care of her, never drawing unnecessary attention or causing trouble.
. . until she disappears. Walking through the cafeteria doors she
falls into a dream world where she and her friend Jack are still
children, playing in a field in Iowa. When the dream ends however,
she finds herself back at school, after hours and locked in. It is
the first time this has happened and it certainly won't be the last.
She slowly realises that she has become the plaything of her twin
beyond the grave who now goes by the name of Mae. Eleanor's
disappearances become more frequent and she loses more and more time
until finally her disappearance is noticed. She becomes a missing
person (for lack of a body) landing Jack, her best friend, in a
police investigation and leaving her mother who has just been
diagnosed with cancer in her father's grudging care. Can the actions
of Eleanor and her dead twin save their parents from their
unhappiness? Only time can tell - but what time?
A novel thoroughly enjoyed, I would highly recommend for lovers of
soft science fiction and fantasy fourteen and older. Gurley deals
with themes of grief, regret and loneliness, allowing for a
touchstone into reality despite its sci-fi qualities.
Kayla Gaskell (Age twenty)
Squishy McFluff, the Invisible Cat: Secret Santa by Pip Jones
Squishy McFluff, the Invisible Cat: Secret Santa by Pip Jones
Ill. by Ellie Okstad. Faber and Faber, 2015. ISBN 9780571302567
Squishy McFluff is so sweet, you'll be smitten.
Such a clever and funny invisible kitten!
Imagine the fun of having a cat that only you can see, especially
when it is really good at inventing great things to do like playing
hide-and-seek at which he is world champion. This is Ava's luck. She
has a big imagination and is happiest when she's playing with her
cat, even though it can lead to trouble - which is exactly what
happens in this latest addition to this series.
It's nearly Christmas and Ava and Squishy are very excited. But
there are still preparations to be made, like buying the last minute
things which means going into town where all is decorations and
celebrations. The trouble begins when Ava spots the wonky star at
the top of the Christmas tree. The next day it is time to wrap the
presents and when Mum says to wrap EVERYTHING, she is taken at her
word. For someone who was trying to be good through all of December,
this might not have a pretty ending for Ava, but she has one special
thing she wants so she writes Santa a letter.
Young children will love this series from this English author as it
holds many laughs and just a little bit of naughty. Written in rhyme
it bounces along and Ella Okstad's limited-palette illustrations are
charming, capturing the essence of the text perfectly.
For those who can't get enough of him, there's a website with extra
information and more fun and games at http://squishymcfluff.com/
This is something a little bit different to offer those just getting
started on their independent reading journey who need a bit of
support through short chapters, larger font and uncomplicated
vocabulary - I think they will be eagerly awaiting the next
adventure. Perfect for putting aside for this year's Christmas
Countdown.
Barbara Braxton
The fairiest fairy by Anna Booth
Ill. by Rosalind Beardshaw. Nosy Crow, 2015. ISBN 9780857633156
(Age: Pre-school - Yr 2) Betty was a fairy who just never got things
right,
She was always in a muddle though she tried with all her might.
No matter what Betty tried to do at fairy school, she just couldn't
get herself sorted. Even her wand was tied on with elastic so she
wouldn't lose it! And her first attempts at spells did not have the
desired results. She can't scatter dewdrops or wake up the flowers
or paint rainbows and she is terribly upset. But Betty has something
else - she has compassion and empathy and as she wends her way
through the book many of nature's gentle creatures are thankful for
what she offers.
So when it is time for the Fairy Ball, Betty is disconsolate for she
knows she will not be chosen as the fairiest fairy until.
This is a charming story - that focuses on friendship, persistence,
resilience and individuality in a setting that will definitely
appeal to most very young girls. Betty could become a role model as
she refuses to give up, putting the needs of others first when she
could be practising. Booth has chosen to write the story in rhyme so
it has that rhythm that little ones like and Beardshaw's gentle,
bright illustrations are a delightful accompaniment.
Given the continued popularity of stories about fairies that never
seems to wane as each new class of preschoolers and Kindy kids comes
to the library, this will be a popular addition to the New-For-You
display at the beginning of term.
Barbara Braxton
Socks, sandbags & leeches: letters to my Anzac dad by Pauline Deeves
National Library of Australia, 2016. ISBN 9780642278845
(Age: 10+) Recommended. World War One, Anzac, Home front,
Propaganda. Through Ivy's letters to her father at Gallipoli during
the eight months that the Anzac troops were stationed there, and
after in France, we see what life is like at the Home Front, as she
and her mother have to move in with Aunt Hilda, the small flat
barely accommodating them. The twenty letters sent between 1914 and
1918, describe the attitudes at home, the volunteer work done, the
lack of money, the making do, the work of the cheer up society, the
growing prejudice against those with German ancestry, and the
propaganda disseminated to the populace.
Each letter is illustrated with pictures from the times, sourced
from the archives at the National Library of Australia, and
indicative of society and its attitudes during World War One. For
students to find out how children coped with their fathers away at
war, and their family so confined by restrictions of war time, then
this book will be a fascinating resource for the classroom and
library. For older readers, it is an interesting factual book, as
each letter reveals something about Australia at war, and for many
the book will be like a memoir, a story to be read from start to
finish, gaining a great deal of information about life in Australia
one hundred years ago.
One letter amongst many which took my interest is about Fundraising.
In the letter, Ivy tells of their visit to the local doctor's house,
opened to raise finds for the Red Cross. She describes things about
the house which would interest her father. Around the letter are
many examples of fund raising activities with posters of the Red
Cross Nurse, and a Gala Day. One poster shows an extravagant woman
spending money on frivolous things, exhorting women to be thrifty,
while another details the work done by the Education Department's
War Relief Fund in Victoria. Each poster gives more information
about the work done in raising money and awareness.
A detailed index appears after a glossary and fascinating list of
illustrations, giving details of where all the illustrations came
from, all designed to add weight to an already impressive resource
book.
This is a book to use in the classrooms or just to dip into for an
insight into how children coped with being on the home front during
war time.
And a fascinating fact I came across: St Kilda Football Club changed
their colours because they wee also Germany's colours, is one
example of the range of information given sure to have broad appeal.
Fran Knight
BRO by Helen Chebatte
Hardie Grant Egmont, 2016. ISBN 9781760125509
(Age: 12+) Recommended. Bro by Helen Chebatte is a fictional
work which explores the racial divide in modern Australia. The story
is set in a modern school where racial matters are everything and
the slightest insult cannot be tolerated. The author of this review
would recommend this novel for those aged 12+.
Romeo Makhlouf is a boy caught in the racial divide in his school,
with an Australian mother and an Arabic father. He is a member of
the Lebs, one of the four racially divided groups in the school. He
knows the rules: do not tolerate insult to your group, and do not be
afraid to fight for the honour of your peers.
But when an unfortunate first kiss and the starting of a fight club
spark war between the different groups, Romeo does not know on which
side to stand; with the Lebs, where he has belonged all of his life,
or with the Ozzies, where he has found both love and hate? BRO demonstrates how foolish it is to focus on race, and the
consequences of doing so.
Jos A. (Student, Year 10)
Squishy Taylor and the Bonus Sisters by Ailsa Wild
Ill. by Ben Wood. Hardie Grant Egmont, 2016. ISBN 9781760126759
(Age: 6+ - Independent readers) Recommended. Themes: Family -
Step-families; Relationships; Homelessness; Forgiveness. Squishy
Taylor is in a newly blended family, learning to deal with her
laid-back father's divided attention, an absent Mother, a Step
mother and her twin daughters and the young baby brother they share
with Squishy. It takes a shared secret and a few poor decisions to
bring the Bonus sisters together, but first they go through a
fraught settling in period. A young runaway boy and a grumpy next
door neighbour (and a bit of misguided revenge) assist to bring the
girls together and to learn to see the benefits of having bonus
sisters and living in a blended family.
This will be a new series involving Squishy (yes, it is a
nick-name!), who is sometimes inclined to bounce against the
boundaries, and will fit nicely between Billie B Brown and
the Go Girl series for young readers.
Carolyn Hull
Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
The Illuminae Files bk 1. Allen & Unwin, 2015. ISBN
9781760113803
(Age: 14+) Recommended. Science fiction. In the distant future of
2575, at the edge of the universe is a tiny, freezing planet known
as Kerenza IV, where a secret mining colony live in relative peace.
Then one day, a giant warship appears out of the sky and fires on
the colony without warning, killing countless civilians and
prompting a full evacuation.
Kady and her ex-boyfriend Ezra barely escape alive onto the rescue
fleet, and that's just the start of their problems. With the warship
still chasing them down, a mysterious illness spreading among the
survivors, the rescue ship's artificial intelligence beginning to
wreak havoc, and a possible conspiracy among their ship's command
crew, Kady and Ezra will have to work together to uncover the truth.
One of the best facets of Illuminae is its rich, engaging
world. The story is told through the unusual form of compiled 'real'
documents such as interviews, private journals, emails, and so on.
In the wrong hands this style could have easily felt out-of-place or
gimmicky, but here it adds another layer of realism that draws the
reader in even further.
Another highlight is the characters; they are multifaceted and
likeable, but still have realistic flaws, and both Ezra and Kady are
very enjoyable to read about. However, since the book is told mostly
in third-person perspective 'documents', it's not as easy to relate
to Kady and Ezra as it would be if it were a straightforward novel
told in first-person.
Similarly, although Illuminae is fascinating because of how
it is told - through interviews and the like - this also makes the
story lose some of its immediacy. Take for example the opening
interview where Kady is discussing her escape from Kerenza IV; while
interesting, it lacks the excitement that having it described in
present tense would generate - precisely because the reader already
knows that Kady is alive to tell the tale, and thus any sense of
danger during the scene is lost. Much of the novel is like this, but
it's a small price to pay for such an intriguing story. Illuminae is a page-turning, fascinating adventure of a
novel.
Rebecca Adams (university student)
The Princess in Black and the hungry bunny horde by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale
Ill. by LeUyen Pham. The Princess in Black, bk 3. Candlewick
Press, 2016. ISBN 9780763665135
(Age: 6+) Highly recommended. Princess Magnolia is off to have
brunch with her friend Princess Sneezewort, when her glitter-stone
ring rings and she is summoned to fight monsters as the Princess in
Black. But when she and her unicorn Frimplepants, who turns into
Blackie her horse, arrive at the goat meadow they find cute little
rabbits nibbling on the grass. Even though Duff the Goat boy warns
her that they are monsters, the Princess in Black thinks that the
rabbits are really little darlings. Blackie her horse is not so sure
of their innocence, especially when they start eating the princess's
sceptre, and has to use his power to understand what the rabbits are
saying and help save the day.
This is the third in the series and is just as good as the previous
ones, The princess in black, and The princess in black
and the perfect princess party. The contrast of an endearing
princess who looks adorable dressed in sparkly pink and her bold
endeavours as a superhero dressed in black is one that is sure to
appeal to young readers. The idea that she can be comfortable both
in pink and black, taking on two demanding roles, is a sure-fire
winner. The cute little bunnies are so well drawn that they appeal
to the reader as well as to the Princess in Black, and it is a good
thing that Blackie can speak the rabbits' cute language and warn the
princess of danger.
I love the Princess in Black stories. I adore the humour,
the whimsical illustrations and best of all, my six year old
granddaughter loves them too! They are ideal for children who are
just starting to become independent readers, with short chapters,
names that can be remembered like Frimplepants and Princess
Sneezewort, and charming characters and funny plots.
The combination of humorous prose, an engaging plot and wonderful
illustrations is a winning one.
Pat Pledger
This Broken Wondrous World by Jon Skovron
Man Made Boy bk 2. Allen & Unwin, 2015. ISBN:
9781743315972
(Age: 15+) After getting attacked by a myriad of monsters, taking
down a psychotic artificial intelligence unit, and basically saving
New York, seventeen-year-old Boy - the son of Frankenstein's monster
- is looking for some downtime. With the advice of his father, Boy
goes to live in Switzerland with the human descendants of Dr
Frankenstein, hoping to attend college and live a normal life - or
at least as normal as you can get for the child of a literal
monster.
What he doesn't expect is to be contacted by the infamous Dr Moreau
- long ago banished to a secret island - and asked to fight
alongside his fellow monsters to help overthrow the human race. With
a violent war escalating and Moreau's forces growing stronger, Boy
will have to decide which side he's on - before it's too late.
Whereas Man Made Boy drew obvious inspiration from the works
of Mary Shelley with Boy's character, in This Broken Wondrous
World there is a noticeable H. G. Wells influence. As well as
the characters of the Invisible Man and Doctor Moreau,
the story itself reads vaguely like a Wells novel, from the
descriptions of fearsome monsters, to the sense that it is much more
of a character study than an action novel, as one might expect.
While this does make it an intriguing read since the story focuses
on the son of Frankenstein's monster, it is also one of its major
flaws.
The character of Boy, while an interesting protagonist, is never
really well developed or flawed enough for him to be relatable on a
deeper level, and since the story is told through his perspective,
it makes for an occasionally slow read. This is most noticeable in
the first part of the book where he is living in Switzerland and
attending college, which drags slightly despite it being quite well
written. It is only when Dr Moreau actually appears in the story -
almost halfway through the book - that the story really picks up the
pace and becomes a truly engaging read. This Broken Wondrous World is an enjoyable, if ultimately
flawed read.
Rebecca Adams (university student)
Thicker than water by Brigid Kemmerer
Allen & Unwin, 2015. ISBN 9781743318638
(Age: 14+) Recommended. Mystery. Paranormal. Thomas Bellweather's
mother has been murdered and he is the prime suspect. His new
stepfather, Stan, is a cop and his colleagues are very suspicious of
him. The only person who is prepared to believe in his innocence is
Charlotte Rooker, whose three brothers are cops. Her best friend had
been murdered many years before and she wants answers to both of the
murders.
Written in alternating chapters with the voice of Thomas and
Charlotte, the reader gets to know both of the characters very well.
Thomas is a damaged boy and gradually the author, who has a great
capacity to describe male protagonists, lets us know what his life
has been like. It is not difficult to become supportive of him as
his voice seems so honest and his love for his mother very real.
Charlotte is very protected by her three brothers, but she is strong
enough to form her own opinions about Thomas and his involvement in
the murder. The romance takes second place to the tension that the
mystery generates, but it will satisfy those who enjoy a romantic
touch in their reading. Stan, Thomas' new stepfather, is also a
well-developed character and the reader can sympathise with his
actions as he tries to come to terms with his changed family
circumstances.
Kemmerer ramps up the suspense in this exciting thriller with a
touch of the paranormal that is very surprising. There is a lot of
excitement, some shocks and an ending that the reader won't expect.
It is a gripping mystery and leaves the reader wanting to know more
about the characters and hope for a continuation of Thomas and
Charlotte's story.
Pat Pledger
Boy 23 by Jim Carrington
Bloomsbury, 2015. ISBN 9781408822777
(Age: YA) Highly recommended. Themes: Science Fiction; Survival;
Adventure. This is a story with a mystery that does not get fully
revealed until right at the end, involving a naive boy with no name,
who lives in isolation. His existence is supported by The Voice with
whom he has no physical contact. From the beginning of the book we
are part of Boy23's release from captivity. Blindfolded and
abandoned with only a few basic items, he needs to survive and to
escape from those who are desperate to recapture him. The Voice
becomes his only means of support until he meets Carina in the
religious Children's home where he has found temporary refuge. His
unusual physicality leads to suggestions of a miracle.
The book is told with alternating voices - with the Boy, The Voice
and Carina each telling the story from their perspective, with the
past revealed through dream sequences or reflections of what has
gone before. This is an alternate world, with influences of World
War II Nazi occupation and a post-apocalyptic disaster combining to
create a place in time and history that is unique, but non-specific.
The language of the community is German, but Boy23 has been taught
English by The Voice. Carina is bi-lingual and her own painful past
gives her a reason to support the remarkably gifted Boy in his
escape from powerful opposition.
This is wonderfully exciting book, a mystery adventure that will
captivate a Young adult audience. The German language spoken by
characters within the book is not translated and we get a feel for
the confusion of the Young boy as he seeks to understand what is
happening around him. (Students of German will enjoy using their
language skills to add an extra layer of meaning. It is not
necessary to translate, as the story becomes self-explanatory, and
we make meaning from context.) There is some violence as part of the
action of the book and a sexual assault is alluded to, but no detail
given. Young readers will be captivated by the excitement of the
escape attempt.
Highly recommended for YA.
Carolyn Hull
Cinderella's sister and the big bad wolf by Lorraine Carey
Ill. by Migy Blanco. Nosy Crow, 2015. ISBN 9780857633132
Once upon a time (although quite recently in this version),
Cinderella lived with her stepmother Mrs Ugly and her three
stepsisters. But this isn't a traditional or even a flipped story
about Cinderella. It's about the youngest Ugly sister, Gertie.
Unlike her mother and sisters who lived up to their name, Gertie was
kind and gentle and very hard-working. While Cinderella lazed around
and did nothing, Gertie did all the chores of the original story.
Gertie's niceness was the cause of great shame and despair in the
Ugly family and so she was hidden away not allowed to go anywhere
with them. So when an invitation comes to attend the Grand Ball,
there is no question of Gertie going - unless she can prove that she
can be bad and mean. But to be bad and mean will take lessons so she
is sent to the Wicked Queen who is on her way to deliver a poisoned
apple to Snow White. Unable to help herself, just as Snow White is
about to accept the apple, Gertie warns her that it is poisoned. The
Wicked Queen is furious and immediately sends Gertie home to her
very angry mother. Gertie's pleas for a second chance see her
protecting Hansel and Gretel from the Wicked Witch and again, sent
home in disgrace. It is not until she meets the Big Bad Wolf who is
determined to eat Little Red Riding Hood that her chances of going
to the ball improve.
This is an hilarious twist on a range of familiar fairytales with a
most delicious ending. The bright, trendy illustrations bring it
into the 21st century and into the world of today's young reader.
They will delight in revisiting characters they've already met and
seeing a whole new side of the Cinderella they know and love.
Apart from being fun to read for its own sake, this would be an
ideal story to use as part of an investigation into perspective
because not only is the story told from a different character's
point of view, bringing it into modern times offers a range of new
possibilities too. Thus it will have a broader appeal than just the
very young who are fairytale fans.
Barbara Braxton
New Year surprise! by Christopher Cheng
Ill. by Di Wu. National Library of Australia, 2016. ISBN
9780642278838
(Age: 5+) Highly recommended. Chinese New Year, Responsibility,
Family, Celebrations, Festivals, China, Inclusivity. This beautiful
book shows the reader many customs and traditions surrounding the
celebration of New Year in Northern China. In a small village the
New Year is almost here. Little Brother is told he is too little to
help with the adults or older children, but Grandfather tells him
that he has a special job to do. He is eager to find out what this
is.
Each few pages shows the village preparing for the festival, with
Little Brother wanting to help, and wondering whether this is hie
special job. Through him we see the variety of preparations needed
to celebrate new Year in the village: Sister and Mother spend lots
of time making dumplings, Father hangs the banners and red lanterns,
Brother and his friends go and fly their kites, Father chooses the
duck from the hawker, the relatives come for special tea, and so on
until finally it is time to get the Dragon ready. Little Brother
hopes he will be included but is told he is too small. Father then
appears with the Pearl of Wisdom to carry before the dragon. But he
has two, one is for Little Brother and the two carry their Pearls of
Wisdom before the dragon to bring luck to the village for the
following year. Everyone sleeps well that night.
This beautiful book not only tells the story of how New Year is
celebrated within a tale of inclusivity, but the illustrations will
astound and astonish as well. Di Wu once a farmer in Northern China
used traditional rice paper on which to do his illustrations using
brushes and traditional colours to ensure its authenticity. His
achievement is breath taking. Each page draws the eyes to its colour
and movement, as the small child watches what is going on, desperate
to be involved. Each page shows a range of activities and readers
will love looking at its variety and vivacity.
A wonderful addition to any school or home library, the book has
explanations at the back which are most informative as well.
Fran Knight
Anna and the Swallow Man by Gavriel Savit
Bodley Head, 2015. ISBN: 9781782300533
(Age: 12+) Highly recommended. Anna and the Swallow Man
tells of the heartbreaking search of a little girl for meaning after
her father, a professor of linguistics, disappears in Poland nearing
the end of 1939. The country is in turmoil and bears and wolves are
everywhere, determined to maintain control of the nation while
Germany's forces expand. The story centres on Anna, whose life is
about to change forever. A little girl with nothing more to lose,
and everything to gain.
Having been left in the care of a German shopkeeper, Anna expects
her father to return at any moment. When he doesn't return, Herr
Doktor Fuchsmann refuses to have her in his shop any longer. Ever
the good girl, Anna respects his wishes, waiting outside of the
shop. Instead of her father appearing, Anna is approached by a tall,
slender man in fine clothes and a red neck tie. Curious about her,
he begins asking her questions, switching from language to language,
unaware that she can understand them all. United by their
multi-lingual talents, Anna follows the man out of town; hence, her
new life begins.
Life is hard. Days are spent walking, foraging and avoiding patrols.
Like her father, the Swallow Man is incredibly knowledgeable. He
teaches her about the birds in the wetlands and how to be deceptive.
He shows her how to get what she wants, what she needs, from people
without ever having to ask. He teaches her how to survive. He has
become everything to her. A friend. A mentor. A father. But can he
maintain such a relationship when even her real father could not?
Like her Swallow Man, she must do all that she can to stay alive,
never to give in.
Already, this novel has been said to sit together with The Book
Thief and The Boy in the Stripped Pyjamas. I would
highly recommend it to all readers above twelve. While being set
among very real events, the story possesses qualities of magical
realism and enough intrigue to keep a reader guessing.
Kayla Gaskell (age 19)
