Tiny Timmy series bk 1. Scholastic, 2015. ISBN: 9781760158880
(Age: 6+) Themes: Soccer; Persistence. Tiny Timmy is trying to get
on the Soccer team, but he is too short and his coach thinks he
needs to practise his skills more. Timmy takes this advice and tries
to get taller, and keeps practising every spare moment. When he
accidentally discovers a talent for jumping high, he realises he
might have a skill that the soccer team can use.
Tim Cahill (a Socceroos star) gives us hints about his own pathway
to success in this simply written and gentle story about the power
of persistence and overcoming obstacles in a sporting context. Timmy
also writes his own practice and Match reports within the story
(demonstrating his writing skills as well).
Young independent readers aged 6+ will enjoy this book.
Carolyn Hull
The Forbidden Trail by Kate Welshman
Pine Valley Ponies series; bk 1. Scholastic, 2015. ISBN:
9781743624302
(Age: 7+) Themes: Horse-riding; Friendship; Overcoming Challenges.
Maddy is taking her first riding lesson on her pony, Snowy. Being
the least experienced in the class is at first a little daunting,
especially when she compares herself to Alita, the rather snobby
rider who takes pleasure in pointing out her faults. Another rider,
Iris, makes an impression when she arrives late, using the Forbidden
Trail. Iris though proves to be just the friend Maddy needs,
especially when Alita later gets Maddy into trouble, which helps
Maddy learn who to trust.
This is a simply written story with six short chapters and
occasional highlighted words and phrases in larger font size, with a
smattering of modest line drawings amongst the chapters, suited to
young girls who enjoy reading about horses and horse-riding. It is
also a story about friendship, about the demands of horse ownership
and about learning new challenges and the value of practising a new
skill.
Suited for early independent readers aged 7+.
Carolyn Hull
You Choose . . . Flip Me series by George Ivanoff
Random House, 2015. ISBN 9780857989536
You Choose 1 . . . The Treasure of Deadman's Cove
You Choose 2 . . . Mayhem at Magic School
(Age: 8-10) REcommended. George Ivanoff's You Choose... Flip me
books are a popular series, this time the choose your own adventure
books are set in a Magic School and at Deadman's Cove. Every choice
the reader makes takes them further into the craziness and
creepiness, meeting strange characters while making decisions that
determine their fate. Each decision is loaded with danger and with
excitement. A mad race into the story or a careful consideration of
each option, there's a cause and effect of each option. The Treasure of Deadman's Cove is set in the town of
Seabreeze, where you find an old treasure map that supposedly once
belonged to pirate One-Eyed William. Depending on your choices, your
adventure could be short-lived, or you move on to face dangerous
jellyfish, crocodiles or rock avalanches. Ivanoff's narrative is
awash with the pirate themed places and objects, especially the
shops - Toys Argh Us, The Hungry Parrot Restaurant, Long John's
Silverware, Shiver Me Timbers Hardware and Pirate Pete's Treats! Do
you find the buried treasure or meet a fateful end, and there are
plenty of opportunities to begin again.
In Mayhem at Magic School, strange things start happening in
class, rabbits appear from your teacher's hat and a ball thrown at
you stops in midair! Your father suggests your new found powers can
be cured by therapy, but you have a choice, what are the
possibilities and consequences of your new condition? Do you follow
great-aunt Agnes' advice and stay enchanted or allow Mr. Crumble the
therapist to remove your magical powers?
With short chapters, large font, easy to read sentences and multiple
choices these books are ideal for reluctant readers. This popular
series won a children's choice YABBA Award in 2015.
Exciting, fun and recommended for readers from 8-10.
Rhyllis Bignell
The League of Unexceptional Children by Gitty Daneshvari
Ill. by James Lancett. Little, Brown, 2015. ISBN 9780316405706
(Age: 8-10) Themes Spies, Adventure. Who are the League of
Unexceptional Children? American author Gitty Daneshvari introduces
a new spy series where two average, ordinary children are selected
to find the kidnapped Vice President of the United States. Her
premise is that they will be able to train as secret agents and
quietly slip into dangerous situations. This is a difficult concept
to portray and one which makes the narrative difficult to engage
with.
Shelley's character may be invisible at school, but her funky
clothes and habit of saying funny things, in fact, makes her more
unique than mediocre. Jonathan is portrayed as terribly dull, even
his bedroom is dowdy and his teacher doesn't even know he's in
class.
Nurse Maidenkirk, who's always recounting strange medical
situations, and Hammett Humphries, head of the league, call the
children out of class and explain why they have been chosen. Shelley
and Jonathan are extremely surprised. The League headquarters is
hidden behind Famous Randy's Hot Dog Palace, with access through the
meat fridge. Modern technology is frowned upon and old-fashioned
spying methods are taught.
When two British exceptional child spies arrive to assist the two
unexceptional spies, the pace picks up, with a kidnapping, drama at
the Museum and a final confrontation at the children's playground.
James Lancett's drawings of spy identity cards are strategically
placed as the chapter headings.
Rhyllis Bignell
I need a hug by Aaron Blabey
Scholastic, 2016 ISBN 9781743629093
(Age: 3+) Highly recommended. Humour, Affection, Friendship. After
looking at the endpapers, everyone will understand that this is the
ultimate feel good tale, with the first endpaper covered in
negatives: no, get away, spikes, shoo and help, while the last
endpaper is covered in much more positive words: ahh, ooh, kiss
kiss, hugs, kisses and cuddles. Children will know that the book
starts out with someone wanting a hug, and end up with it happening,
so will be intrigued about how all the lovely words intertwine to
make a story. I certainly was.
Blabey tells a wonderful tale and the idea that even a prickly
echidna or hedgehog is after a cuddle and a hug will delight the
readers.
He is thwarted in his desire all through the book, as each animal he
approaches runs away. The rabbit, reindeer and bear all run off into
the distance after being asked, but when they begin to run towards
him, he is elated that they have changed their minds. The conclusion
will have small children and adults laughing out loud. And any
child, parent or teacher will take the opportunity to initiate a
group hug.
I love Blabey's illustrations. His animals stand out on the single
colour pages, and the boldly outlined word bubbles will encourage
readers to learn the repeated words. The eyes have it as desire,
fear, elation and utter bliss are all expressed in Blabey's acrylic
creatures. Children will laugh with glee at the outcome and perhaps
ponder on the impetus of all creatures to desire tender moments.
Fran Knight
Fetcher's song by Lian Tanner
The Hidden series. Allen & Unwin, 2016. ISBN
9781743319420
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. Dystopian world, Totalitarian state,
Survival. In this the the third in The Hidden series
beginning with Ice breaker and Sunker's deep, two
stories intersect. Petrel and her cohorts have left the Ice Breaker
and set foot on land to find Fin's Mam, a dangerous undertaking. The
Devouts are searching for them, and so they traverse the Northern
Lands watching the Devouts scour the villages, taking the children.
They see the children roped together until someone comes forward
with information.
At the same time, the Fetchers, a family of wandering players have
just escaped from one village, with the Devouts hard on their heels.
Gwin, her twin blind brother, Nat and their father bring some
happiness into the lives of the villagers but the Devouts see them
as a threat to their power. The woman who warned them goes with
them, knowing she would be killed by the Devouts for her behavior,
but she poses a risk for the Fetchers.
The dystopian world where machines are smashed and destroyed and all
science rejected has seen a return to barbarity as a small band
rules with an iron fist. Readers will not help but notice
similarities between this society and that of Nazi Germany or Pol
Pot or the regime in North Korea or ISIS. Persecution, intimidation,
executions are the order of the day and people live in poverty and
terror, trying vainly to scrape together an existence while their
children may be taken at any time.
As Petrel and her group attack the citadel, the Fetchers find a way
into the mountains, where the wild people are to be avoided. But
they are thrilled to have a Fetcher family in their midst, and as Da
is a Fetch he is impelled to retrieve an old document before the
Devouts can destroy it. Once he has set off, word comes that it is a
trap, and he is captured. Forced to bring them to the mountains, the
families take flight but Nat and Gwin and Hilde stay to confront the
invaders.
This exciting trilogy will keep readers hooked right to the end.
With stunning characters, an engrossing landscape, this steam punk
story with overtones of a nasty dystopian future where science is
banned, parallels some of the backward looking beliefs taking hold
around the world today.
The mercilessness of the Devouts is ever present as readers see
religion twisted to become a way to control and debase. But finding
the captain, allied with the two groups of fighters, brings hope
again to a subservient people and as with most dystopian stories,
evil is defeated.
Fran Knight
Two Moons by Emily Rodda
Star of Deltora series. Scholastic, 2015. ISBN 9781742990637
(Age: 10-12) Recommended. Themes: Fantasy, Adventure, Magic,
Sailing, Ships, Voyages and travels. Emily Rodda's four book Star
of Deltora series brings the mythical world of Deltora to life
again, delighting fans with memories of the unique places and
animals. In this second novel Two Moons, the protagonist
fifteen-year-old Britta continues her personal mission to right the
wrongdoings of her father and seek a means to support her mother and
sister.
Aboard the Star of Deltora with her three rivals, Jewel, Sky
and Vashti, Britta draws on her strength of character, her
resilience, courage and wisdom to survive as she competes for the
Trader Rosalyn Apprenticeship. Her childhood friendship with the
trader Captain Gripp proves advantageous and she uses her knowledge
of ship's quarters to her advantage. Each of the competitors employs
cunning tricks, deceit and even sabotage to stop Britta from
winning. Added to the difficulties posed by her rivals, dark
mystical wraiths swirl around her, sent from the Island of Tier
where her reclusive father lives. His abandonment of his family for
the magical Staff of Life continues to be problematic for her.
At the first island, the Maris townsfolk sense danger swirling
around the ship and refuse to allow the crew to land and the girls
to trade. The pace of the narrative gains momentum in the second
half of the story when the ship lands at the next trading
destination, the danger-filled island of Two Moons. Even with some
unbelievable revelations, there is a heightened anticipation to see
just where the author will take Britta to in the next novel.
A fabulous fantasy quest for readers 10-12 years.
Rhyllis Bignell
Nellie Belle by Mem Fox
Ill. by Mike Austin. Scholastic, 2016. ISBN 9781760274108
(Age: 3+) Recommended. Rhyming song, Animals, Safety. With
repetition on each quartet of pages, kids will have great fun
answering the questions Nellie Belle is asked. At first she is asked
if it is fun in the yard. She is illustrated looming large on the
first page, her bear in her teeth, amongst the flowers and dirt
which she digs. But there is a hole in the fence and she is shown
looking through it.
The next pages take us out into the street, where a similar
questions is asked. Is it fun in the street? as she meets and greets
many she sees. But she spies a sign pointing her to the beach, so
the readers will know that the next pages will involve the beach and
sure enough, she is asked if it is fun at the beach.
Prediction and repetition are the order of the day as the dog,
Nellie Belle fills her time in the yard, the street, the beach and
in the sea. Readers will love following the animal through her
adventures, and take joy in being able to predict what might happen
next. And the next four pages are a surprise as the pages are
becoming a little darker and she finds herself in the park with eyes
staring at her. The readers will love being just a little concerned
for Nellie Belle but really enjoy the warm snuggly feeling at the
end of the book.
I loved reading this out loud, following the repetition and rhyme of
the lines, watching the detail Austin gives to each page, adding to
the storyline. The humourous touches, leaving teddy by the hole dug
in the garden, the hole in the fence, the sign to the sea, the
meeting with the seal, the eyes in the dark and then retracing her
steps back to her house and bed, will not be lost on the audience as
they read. They will take delight in recognising the sorts of things
met in the garden, street, beach, sea and park, and adults will be
able to lead later discussions into thoughts about being safe.
Fran Knight
Diary of a Tennis Prodigy by Shamini Flint
Ill. by Sally Heinrich. Allen and Unwin, 2016. ISBN 9781760290887
(Age 6+) Recommended. Themes: Tennis; Humour; Family. Marcus is in
turmoil. His father, a writer of motivational books, has found him a
new sport to in which to become a success. (Other books by Shamini
Flint in this series demonstrate that this is sport #9). Marcus
however is very aware that sport is not his strength, but he takes
on tennis lessons because he really doesn't have a choice.
(Fortunately Marcus mother is able to give advice, even though his
father seems blind to Marcus' frustrations.) Marcus is successful at
proving that he is not the next Roger Federer! He is able to use his
Father's own motivational inspiration to sidestep the impossible
route to Tennis stardom!
This series is much loved by younger readers for its humour, and
they will enjoy this latest addition to the Diary series. They will
also love Sally Heinrich's quirky illustrations of the hapless
Marcus and his misadventures on the tennis court. 'Game, Set &
Match' to Flint and Heinrich. Flint has targeted the young reader
who is avoiding large blocks of text, but still enjoys the
opportunity to read a humourous story. Much of the story is told
within speech bubbles, so the young reader is learning to read the
visual text of the cartoon genre.
Recommended for independent readers aged 6+.
Carolyn Hull
Mr. Mo by Roger Hargreaves
Mr. Men series. Penguin, 2015. ISBN 9781409389057
(Age: 3-6) Recommended. Mr. Mo is the nicest gentleman in all of
Dillydale; he's helpful and kind to all the townsfolk. He always
speaks truthfully: 'No Mr. Tickle your fish was not that long!' He
reminds Mr. Greedy that 'a gentleman puts more into life - than he
takes out.' On the first of November, Mr. Mo visits the barber just
to have his moustache trimmed. Unfortunately, he's so relaxed he
falls asleep and his whiskers are all gone and his manners have
disappeared as well.
His friends are surprised by the change in his behaviour. He slams
Mr Nosey's nose in the baker's door, he spreads mud on Mr. Perfect's
clean floors and is rude about Little Miss Splendid's hat. Luckily,
as his moustache grow back, his manners also reappear.
Mr. Mo friends surprise him at the end of Movember when they become
the Mo Bros!
Twenty percent of every Mr. Mo book sold helps support men's health
issues around the world. This easy to read story has an important
message and opens up conversations about healthy bodies and healthy
minds, both male and female.
Rhyllis Bignell
My first day at school by Rosie Smith and Bruce Whatley
Scholastic, 2016. ISBN 9781743622964
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. School, Starting school, Animals,
Procedures. The first page of this lovely book opens with a duck, a
dog and a bird above the title, reprising the front cover,
encouraging the young reader to follow the adventures of these three
friends as they go to school for the first time. Each double page
which follows has the sequence of events which take place before
school, leading into what will happen at school. Dressing, eating
breakfast, then when at school meeting new friends, doing some
finger painting, counting to ten, then finding it is time for lunch.
After lunch playing with friends then settling down to hear some
stories, before going home, the first day at school is over.
Each image created by Whatley parallels and enhances the spare
words, entreating the reader to take in what will happen at school,
to allay any fears, to calm any nervousness. The closeness of the
friends, shown happily playing together to experience new things
further enhances the event for the reader. Touches of humour too
will support the reader, and the last page showing the duck going
home with its parent is a delightful and comforting image to remain
with the child as the book is closed.
Whatley's clear bold images of the animals on each page are a treat
for young and old: his caterpillar with its range of socks, the
octopus doing finger painting, the mix of animals reflecting the
variety of people to be met at school, all encourage the reader to
see themselves in that situation. Counting is included in the book,
with images which will encourage the reader to count all the things
on each page, while small things represent what going to school
means for the child.
Each animal has a back pack showing the young reader what they will
need to take to school, examples of school activities are depicted,
warm friendly associations between the animals are drawn. Each
positioning, each event, each object is there for a reason and will
be picked up by the reader as they move their way through the book,
taking in what school will mean to them and encouraging them to see
the positives that school will give them.
Several others with the same theme include Hugless Douglas goes
to little school (David Melling, Hodder, 2015) Jessica's
box (Peter Carnavas, New Frontier, 2014) Just Jack
(Puffin, Jane Tanner, 2012) and the Little Lunch series
(Danny Katz, black dog books).
Fran Knight
Excuse me by Lisa Kerr
(Age: 3-5) Five Mile Press IBN 9781760069780 Board book. Another in the Cheeky Monkey Manners
series, sees Cheeky Monkey learning when to use 'Excuse me'. When he
really wants to go to the park and he can't get his mother's
attention, Mr Owl suggests that he just says 'Excuse me' and perhaps
his mother will listen to him. And it works! While he was at the
park, he keeps doing things like bumping into his friends on the
slide or sneezing on their faces and his friends say 'Excuse you,
Cheeky Monkey'. It takes his friends a few reminders before Cheeky
Monkey finally remembers to say 'Excuse me' after a big burp.
The examples given in the story are a fun way for young children to
learn how to say Excuse me and when it is appropriate to use the
phrase. All the examples are ones that they would be familiar with:
a trip to the park, sliding down the slippery dip, playing in the
sandpit and sneezing at the sand, and listening to stories.
The five page spread is just long enough for the young child
listening to the story to get the message and not be bored and the
colourful illustrations add lots of humour to the narrative.
This series is an effective and fun way for parents and teachers to
re-inforce good manners.
Pat Pledger
Studio showdown by Samantha-Ellen Bound
Silver Shoes series, bk 8. Random House Australia, 2016. ISBN
9780857989093
(Age: 9+) Recommended for young female readers. Themes: Dance;
Friendship; Conflict resolution. The young girls in this book love
to dance - they are passionate about it. Their lives revolve around
dance classes, learning new dance styles and learning how to get
along with their dance school friends. Paige is the focus in this
book, as she prepares for a Ballroom competition with her dance
partner, Benji. At the same time the Dance studio begins to prepare
for a major Dance Performance, and Paige and her best friend are
asked to choreograph a routine for younger students. Unfortunately
they don't communicate well and the friendship shows signs of
fracture in a 'Studio showdown'.
This book will be enjoyed by girls aged 9+. Book 1 in the series has
the girls as 10 year olds, but by this book (#8) we are beginning to
see them express romantic interests. The resolution of issues
amongst friends is gentle and unsophisticated.
A brief explanation at the end of the book describes the Dance style
- Jive.
Carolyn Hull
Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan
Penguin, Random House; 2015. ISBN 9780141342429
(Age: YA) Recommended. Themes: Norse Mythology; Adventure;
Overcoming obstacles; Bravery. Rick Riordan takes the reader on an
adventure into Norse mythology with the character Magnus Chase.
Magnus is a young teen who is living a miserable existence -
homeless and orphaned in horrifying circumstances, when he becomes
caught up in an adventure into the world of mythology. His life of
adversity and endurance on the streets prepares him for the journey
into the world of the dead, with dwarfs, giants, Valkyries and other
mythological figures. He becomes a key to prevent significant
disaster from overtaking all in the alternative worlds of Norse
afterlife.
This is an amazing and magical adventure/quest story. Rick Riordan
has mastered the genre of mythological adventure. Young readers who
began the journey of discovery of Mythology with Percy Jackson will
be delighted that there is another area of mythology to explore in
this latest mystery exploration. Riordan writes with humorous
moments scattered through the text, and even weaves current cultural
references (eg a Powerpoint presentation by a Norse god) into the
alternate worlds. Essentially though this is an engaging and
exciting quest adventure, requiring the central character to display
great bravery as he faces extreme opposition with the help of a few
faithful side-kicks, all of whom are unlikely heroes, but display
their worth as they support Magnus, the reluctant hero.
This book is quite a lengthy tome, and is well crafted. It is worth
recommending to YA readers who like this style of
magically-influenced fantasy. It is exciting and entertaining even
for an adult reader, but will be most enjoyed by fantasy lovers, who
also enjoy discovering aspects of mythology from other cultures.
There is another book in the series due in 2016.
Carolyn Hull
The adventures of Beekle by Dan Santat
Hachette, 2016. ISBN 9780734416834
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Inclusivity, Imaginary friends, Friendship,
Patience, Courage. On the island where imaginary friends are
created, one such friend is waiting. Others are taken up by their
new friends and go away to be with them, but not so this fellow.
He decides that he should do something about his predicament,
something totally unexpected, something unimaginable. He goes to
hunt out a friend himself.
He wanders through the city streets noticing something about the
city which he does not like. People do not talk to each other,
people pass others on the street not noticing them at all. He spies
another imaginary friend and follows it to a place where children
and their imaginary friends are playing. He waits for his friends
but no one comes. He sits in a tree and eventually something
wonderful does happen.
This lovely story of finding a friend, of finding someone just like
you, someone who shares your interests, games and passions, will
have wide appeal to everyone in the class. It not only speaks to
those with an imaginary friend, but those with friends of all sorts.
Some may not be like themselves, others may be just like them, but
all are friends who share interests. It is only when this imaginary
friend finds his partner that he also finds his name, Beekle.
The digital illustrations by award winning artist, Dan Santat, are
most entertaining. Children will find lots to keep them interested
and alert to nuances of meaning. I enjoyed the pictures of the
children and their imaginary friends doing things together and I
particularly liked the layered meaning of the word 'imaginary' which
will lead onto discussions about words.
The author won the Caldecott Medal, 2015 for this book.
Fran Knight
