Hot Key Books, 2015. ISBN 9781471404627
(Age: 16+) Recommended for people who like dark thrillers. Murder.
Horror. Abuse. In the idyllic Cornish town of Fowey, the body of a
young woman is found in fishing nets to the horror of the
townspeople, but the delight of the young 12 year old girl who is
obsessed with reading about murders. When Miles Giffard comes to the
hotel where she is staying with her aunt and uncle, they begin to
investigate and sneak out of the hotel to play out murder scenes.
Then another murder is committed and even though someone is arrested
they are certain he is not the murderer.
The horror of the events are a stark contrast to the picture perfect
town of Fowey, where Daphne du Maurier once lived, and readers may
well be encouraged to pick up her novels to find out about them. The
suspense of who is killing off young women will keep mystery
aficionados enthralled, and a terrifying conclusion could well lead
to nightmares in this compulsive read.
Although narrated in often a comic and heart-rending way by a 12
year old girl and with a cover that could indicate it is for a young
adult audience, this is not a story for young teens. There are many
dark themes, including child abuse and neglect on one hand with the
young narrator and on the other hand a mother pandering and
over-indulging the young boy, Miles, who is not allowed to behave
like a normal 12 year old boy. Indeed all the adults in the novel
are either monsters or highly unlikeable but so well described that
they come alive on the page. Uncle Frederick would be one of the
most horrible characters I have read about for a long time, while
Jean the long term boarder at the hotel, Winny the hotel maid and
Miles' mother are also detestable. The down trodden Aunt Maria and
Dorothea, Jean's companion elicit some sympathy from the reader. The
narrator pulls at the heart strings - she has been orphaned in a
horrible way, is unloved and unwanted, but highly intelligent and
needy. Miles too has not been fortunate, with a needy mother who
hasn't given him a normal home.
Readers will learn much about manipulation and power plays while
being taken on a roller coaster ride of murder and corruption.
Pat Pledger
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Ill. by Rebecca Dautremer. Hodder Children's Books, 2015. ISBN
9781444930207
(Age: all) Highly recommended, Classics, Fantasy, Illustrative
technique. 2015, the anniversary of the publication of the classic
tale, Alice in Wonderland, is celebrated by Hodder with this
large beautifully illustrated book destined to be a classic in
itself.
The unabridged original story is there for new and returning
readers, but presented with illustrations that threaten to drag the
eyes away from the text. I reread the book, half remembering old
stories read to me as a child, half remembering incidents from
various books and film versions read and seen over the years, but
hooked by the timeless tale of a girl taking a risk as she follows
the White Rabbit down a long dark hole.
The familiar characters are there to entreat the readers, the
adventure luring readers in as they follow Alice through a myriad of
dreamlike sequences, the poems found there to be read out loud and
read over again until lines are learnt.
The outstanding illustrations by Dautremer will make the reader gasp
with excitement. One of Carroll's photos of the original Alice is in
the back of the book, not the blonde girl often seen in
illustrations drawn for the many publications of this book, but a
brunette, used in this book to stunning effect. From the front cover
showing long tendrils of hair falling over Alice's face to the last
page, Alice is magnificently different. We see her sitting on the
sofa at the start of her adventure, then seeming to wake on the last
page as it finishes. After drinking the bottle with 'drink me'
written on it, she grows to gigantic proportions and is illustrated
from the angle of her feet, looking up to her head now dangerously
close to the roof. This unusual perspective is one of many, as the
characters are depicted off centre, and some given an intense
closeup while others are depicted in ways unseen before. I love the
caterpillar (p 50), and the gardeners painting the roses red (p 85),
I adore the Red Queen (p 118) and the frequent pencil images. The
panoply of stilts throughout the story is a recurring theme: stilts
on which many creatures teeter (p 115-6), to the long trunks of the
mushrooms (p 56-7) and Alice's long neck (p 58), the flamingo's long
legs (p 91) and the long legs of the chairs at the table for the Mad
Hatter's tea party (p 78-9) all often draw the eyes from the bottom
of the page to the top. The illustrations dwarf those found in other
renditions of this book, and create a magnificent tome to celebrate
the sesquicentenary of its publication.
I imagine many children will receive this for Christmas, and
libraries will put it on display in pride of place to promote and
enhance their collection of classic tales and to showcase the
prodigious talents of this illustrator.
For those in Victoria a display has been mounted to celebrate
Alice's sesquicentenary at the museum.
Fran Knight
Christmas at Grandad's farm by Clare Saxby
Ill. by Janine Dawson. Five Mile Press, 2015. ISBN 9781743463789
A double dose of fun with these two titles that bring back memories
of fabulous family get-togethers at Christmas. No one does Christmas
quite like grandparents and in Christmas at Grandad's Farm
the family arrives at the farm all ready for the iconic Australian
bush holiday complete with dust and flies and the fun of the
favourite swimming hole in the creek. Set to the tune of Jingle
Bells, it rollicks along through the day and into the night
where it's hard to go to sleep because of all the excitement.
In the sequel Christmas at Grandma's Beach House more fun
and memories abound as the whole family gathers at the beach to the
tune of Twelve Days of Christmas. Uniquely Australian, it
celebrates all the wonderful things that a beach holiday brings and
instantly connects to so many in its audience.
The bright cartoon-style illustrations are just perfect, evoking a
sense of freedom and fun and friendship, and while the theme of both
books is iconic images of a Down-Under Christmas, nevertheless the
colours and little details give a nod to the more traditional
elements that set this time of the year apart from other holiday
times.
There are many Australianised versions of Christmas, often set to
the tune of those traditional songs, but these two with their
connections to activities and memories that so many are familiar
with will really be enjoyed again and again as part of the festive
season.
Barbara Braxton
Wolf by Wolf Ryan Graudin
Wolf by Wolf duology, bk 1. Hachette, 2015. ISBN
9781780622026
Recommended for 14 years olds and above. It's 1956 and has been 10
years since the Third Reich and Imperial Japan won the war,
seventeen year old Yael who escaped the Nazi death camp, is about to
undertake her first mission, the one she has been trained the last 3
years for, to kill Hitler. Yael, a survivor of painful human
experimentation who has the power to change her appearance into
anyone she chooses, must complete her mission by entering the Axis
Tour: an annual motorcycle race across the world from Berlin to
Tokyo impersonating last year's only female victor, Adele Wolfe.
With her mind totally focused on the race she doesn't need the
distraction of Adele's twin brother Felix and Adele's former love
interest Luka both entering the competition. She must decide whether
these two can become allies or enemies.
I was so not excited to read this book - it was a case of judging
the book by its cover, however before long I was well into the third
chapter and really enjoying it!! The story is written in the past
and the now but easy to follow the timeline of the plot. It is fast
paced with many 'edge of your seat' moments. The characters all had
so much depth to them including the other racers who didn't become
faceless competitors. I really loved her relationships with both
Felix and Lowe and even the interactions between themselves. And I
really loved the twist at the end!!!! I can't wait to see how the
sequel will turn out. Recommended for fans of The Hunger Games,
Valkyrie, The Scorpio Races, The Maze Runner,
Code Name Verity and X-Men.
Jody Holmes
Ask me anything (heartfelt answers to 65 anonymous questions from teenage girls) by Rebecca Sparrow
University of Queensland Press, 2015. ISBN 9780702253874
Recommended. (Age: 12+) Rebecca Sparrow is a journalist, novelist,
philanthropist and parent who understands the challenges of
adolescence. Ask me anything is the third book in which she aims to
reassure teenage girls that they are not alone in wondering how to
cope with some of life's most troubling issues.
In her introduction, the author explains that when she speaks to
school groups, she asks students to record their concerns
anonymously. The result is a range of honest questions about
subjects as varied as maintaining friendships, bullying, self-harm,
eating disorders, sexual orientation and bereavement. Rebecca
Sparrow responds respectfully and thoughtfully to each question,
drawing not only on her own experiences and emotional intelligence
but also on the wisdom of twenty-one experts in the field of women's
health and well-being. The questions and answers have been organised
into four broad categories - Friendship, Life, Love and Family. They
are followed by a list of recommended print resources as well as
websites of organisations offering telephone support to those who
need to discuss their problems with a trusted advisor. A summary of
the qualifications and professional roles of each of the experts
consulted indicates the seriousness with which the author has
approached her task. Members of Rebecca Sparrow's target audience
will find her writing style frank, informal and engaging, while the
adults who care for them may be heartened by the author's evident
sense of responsibility for her readers' welfare.
In a complex society, young adults often need understanding and
guidance about emotional and social issues. Ask me anything aims to
respond to that need with mature, well-considered and empathetic
advice.
Elizabeth Bor
Anzac Boys by Tony Bradman
Barrington Stoke, 2015. ISBN 9781781124345
It is 1906 and following the death of their mother, 12-year-old Bert
finds himself in a Catholic orphanage in London with his younger
brother Frank. Life is tough, hard and cruel with the boys living in
fear of both the bullies and the priests. One day, not long after
they arrived, they are summoned to Father Murphy's office - a place
where a visit never ends well. As they go in great trepidation, Bert
tells Frank that no matter what he will take care of him - words
that come to haunt him for a very long time.
However, instead of being in trouble the boys are informed that they
are being shipped to Australia as part of a scheme where British
orphanages provided boys to work on the farms of Western Australia.
The voyage to this new land is pretty much without incident and
lifelong friends are made, but, to their dismay, on their arrival
the boys are separated. Bert eventually discovers that Frank has
been sent to New Zealand but because "a clean break' is seen as the
best way to cope with the separation he is not allowed to know where
Frank is and cannot contact him. Throughout the harsh years that
follow, he tries to find him but is thwarted at every turn. When he
turns 16 Bert receives a letter summarily dismissing him from the
care of the orphanage and is completely left to his own devices,
unwanted as the farm labourer he has been because there are plenty
more free boys where he came from.
Still determined to find Frank, he heads for Perth and is soon swept
up in the recruitment of men for the war. Meeting up with other
mates also dismissed from the orphanage, this big new adventure
beckons and before long Bert is on his way to Egypt where he meets a
New Zealand soldier - one who wants nothing to do with him until
they confront something bigger than both of them.
Bradman has taken his inspiration for this story from the words of
the classic, haunting song And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda
by Eric Bogle bringing it to life in a very different way. It is
written in such a way that the reader gains a real insight into what
life was like for many young lads at the time and why going to war
was such an enticing alternative but which became a horrible
reality. Throughout there is a sense of hope that the brothers will
meet again and reconcile but within it there is a strong tale of
growing up, maturing and learning who you are. And being able to act
on that when push comes to shove and your brother's life is on the
line.
Specifically written and produced to fit within the publisher's
parameters of 'dyslexic friendly', it will appeal to a wide
audience and is a most worthy addition to any collection focusing on
the 100th anniversary of this important event in Australia's
history.
Barbara Braxton
The nutcracker by Hoffman, retold by Margrete Lamond
Ill. by Ritva Voutila. Little Hare Books, 2015. ISBN 9781742977782
(Age: 9+) Highly recommended, Classic tale, Friendship, Christmas.
When her parents' good friend, Mr Drosselmeier gives Marie and her
brother a nutcracker for Christmas, Marie loves the little figure.
Her impatient brother throws it in the corner when one of his big
teeth is cracked, but Marie cradles him and puts him in the special
place with her other toys.
Unbeknownst to her, Mr Drosselmeier has given the figure to Marie
for a reason, one he cannot tell anyone. He once built a mousetrap
so well that all the mice in the town had been trapped and removed
from the place. The mice then cursed his nephew and only he knows
what can take away that curse.
When Marie is about to go to bed, mice invade the room with her
toys, demanding she feed them or they will eat up her nutcracker.
She complies but when she runs out of food, she turns to see the
nutcracker and the other toys lined up to defeat the mice. A
grateful nutcracker leads her up the stairs where he disappears.
She wakes the next morning, confused and upset to see that her
nutcracker has gone. But Mr Drosselmeier returns that day with his
nephew and Marie realises who he is and takes him as her friend.
This beautiful story of friendship is complemented with Voutila's
magical illustrations, representing a rich Victorian scene with an
amazing array of fabrics, furniture, food, toys, jewelry and
wallpaper to take in. Each page is covered in little things to pick
out, each page adds a sumptuous background to the tale.
This is a beautiful story to read at Christmas, reminding children
that love and friendship are precious and will outlive all the toys
they are given, although the wonderful illustrations will have
children astonished at the range of presents given these children.
Fran Knight
The Christmas Peg by Cameron Williams
Ill. by Matthew Martin. Viking/Penguin, 2015. ISBN 9780670078363
Every child knows that Santa has a Naughty and Nice list, but even
that didn't deter Wal from being naughty. Time and again he got
himself into trouble and when Santa found him on his Naughty List he
had to dive into his sack and take the helicopter that could really
fly that Wal was going to get out and give it to someone else.
Imagine Wal's disappointment as he raced downstairs before the sun
to discover that his Santa Sack held only a wooden peg.
The next year wasn't much better. Even though he tried to be good
all year, it was impossible and once again his name was on THAT
list. So while his big sister Laura rode her shiny new bike, Wal had
only a picture of a peg. Angry and sad, the following year he gave
up even trying to be nice and when Santa saw his name for a third
year in a row, he was really angry too and this time there was
nothing in Wal's sack at all! Can Wal learn his lesson? Can he
redeem himself?
This story was created by Channel 9 personality Cameron Williams as
a cautionary bedtime tale for his daughter but when his neighbour,
illustrator Matthew Martin, heard it he urged Williams to turn it
into a book. The result of the collaboration is a charming story
that will resonate with children who are trying to be good as
Christmas approaches as they realise that Santa really is watching
and he does check that list.
Barbara Braxton
The Little Book of Australia's Big Things by Samone Bos
Chirpy Bird, 2015. ISBN 9781760125547
Australians love road trips and as much as they love road trips they
love to visit the phenomena of BIG Things. From the Big Banana at
Coffs Harbour to the Big Merino in Goulburn, to a ginormous
sculpture of Ned Kelly in Euroa, this is an entertaining book that
will provide young readers with a list of must-visit destinations.
Each icon has a three-page spread that provides quick facts about it
as well as craft activities and a pop-out model. For example the Big
Trout in Adaminaby, NSW suggests that the reader makes some fish
bait from cheese, bread and breakfast cereal or even salmon eggs,
corn and marshmallow! Must get hubby to try that next time we are
there at Lake Eucumbene - it may attract what usually eludes him
with more traditional lures!
With its lively illustrations, this is a celebration of Australiana
and the inside of the book jacket brings them all together
perfectly. It's a perfect introduction to this country of ours as
many of the children will connect with some of the places and want
to share their experiences. Different and fun!
Barbara Braxton
The Bad Guys Episode 1 by Aaron Blabey
Scholastic, 144pp. ISBN 9781760150426
(Ages: 8+) Highly recommended. Humour. Adventure. Animals. You
cannot help but notice that the baddies in this book have dark
glasses, formal titles and drive a limousine rather like many
bad guys in film noir of the past. But with animals as the
protagonists. Mr Wolf gathers his friends together, not to do some
stealing, but to try and mend their tarnished reputations.
He sees them all as being able to do good deeds and so become
heroes.
They arrive at Mr Wolf's door, complaining about the impossibility
of the task because people will only see their past reputations, Mr
Shark and Mr Piranha are always on the lookout for meat, while Mr
Snake is hungry for a mouse to eat.
Optimistic Mr Wolf allays their fears and they go out in the
limousine to find a cat to rescue. Of course the result is hilarious
and Mr Wolf, pleased with their good deed, searches for something
else to rescue. This time it is the dog's home, where Mr Wolf
intends to use his friends' abilities to release all the animals.
This is very funny as Blabey uses the inherent characteristics of
his animals to add layers of humour to the task at hand. Their
dialogue is uproarious, the situation they are in belying their
natural instincts uproarious and the illustrations marvelous. Seeing
Mr Shark donning women's clothes to go unnoticed, or the group
sitting down to afternoon tea with cups and saucers, adds hilarity
to the short easy to read chapters.
And this is the first of a series!
Fran Knight
Tinder by Sally Gardner
Hachette, 2015. ISBN: 9781780621487
(Age: 17+) Highly recommended. This story is inspired by Hans
Christian Andersen's fairy tale Tinderbox, published in
1835. Sally was inspired by the fairy tale and the stories of
soldiers returning from current frontiers of conflict. She set this
tale in the time of the Thirty Years War in Europe (1618-1648) and
doesn't hold back on the graphic details of war and the associated
atrocities that can occur.
18-year-old soldier, Otto Hundebiss, makes a deal with death itself
and flees the battlefield. In mysterious circumstances he is nursed
back to health and provided with dice that will direct him in his
journey to safety. The language is evocative and the imagery is
powerful - taking us back to the original feel and intention of
fairy tales.
The illustrations from the book, by artist David Roberts, are dark,
frightening and add menace to the tale. This book has all the fairy
tale favourites: magic, a princess, werewolves, a sorceress ('The
Lady of the Nail') and a host of interesting characters (Mistress
Jabber, Head on a Plate).
This is a story of great love and great loss. It calls into question
our capacity to be in charge of our lives and the influence of good
and evil. The ending brings questions for the reader, such as 'Does
great power bring us what we desire?'
Linda Guthrie
Cockatoo, too by Bethanie Deeney Murguia
Five Mile Press, 2015 ISBN 9781760401047
(Age: 4-8) Highly recommended. Humour, Birds, Numbers, Word play.
This is a laugh from start to finish as two cockatoos play with the
words, 'too' and 'two'. Suddenly two more cockatoos fly down,
wearing tutus. So the joke continues with too, two and tutu. Just
when the readers think they have it all sorted, a parcel arrives
with 'to cockatoos' on it, giving a different 'too' to play with,
say out loud and think about. Happily dressed in their tutus, the
four cockatoos see four toucans arrive, dressed in their tutus ready
to can can.
The playful look at familiar words and their meanings will have
children laughing out loud as the story is read. The gentle use of
the word 'too' in many different ways will expose the readers to
different meanings and sounds of the same word. And the addition of
can at the end rounds off a neatly presented word play picture book.
I love the vibrant illustrations, with the water colour recreating
the jungle background and deft strokes adding a few flowers. The
cockatoos and toucans have distinctive features inviting readers to
think about their differences, and the endpapers will intrigue the
readers wanting to seek out the almost hidden features.
A wonderful read a loud, the tongue twisting emphasis on the word
'too' will delight readers, impelling them to have a go. What a
wonderful way to introduce the English language with its sometimes
confusing words to a young audience, using humour and illustration
to great effect. A New York author/illustrator, more about Bethanie
can be found here.
Fran Knight
Timmy Failure: Sanitized for your protection by Stephan Pastis
Walker Books, 2015. ISBN 9781406363494
(Age: 9+) Highly recommended. Timmy Failure: Sanitised for Your
Protection finds our main character, Timmy Failure, heading to
Chicago with his mum. They are helping her boyfriend move and have
planned a short holiday with Molly and her family after the move.
The car breaks down, Timmy heads to Chicago with Molly and her
family and according to Timmy, Molly is the biggest felon around.
She is his prime suspect in the stolen money case he is working on.
Molly confesses to stealing the money and hands it back but not
before forcing Timmy to dance with her. He is not impressed. Will he
survive the trip to Chicago? Will his polar bear ex-business partner
spend all of their hard earned money on chocolate? Did Molly really
steal the money or is there another suspect? Timmy will do his best
as he is the best detective for the job.
This is the third instalment in the Timmy Failure series and
like the others is hilarious. It will really appeal to all readers
but is highly recommended to reluctant boys aged 9+. They will
giggle at Timmy's comments and antics as they follow the easy to
read text and accompanying cartoons. Timmy is not your regular hero.
He speaks his mind and saves the day. Readers will be kept wondering
through the whole story about his polar bear partner - is he real or
make believe?
Kylie Kempster
The Cleo stories: A friend and a pet by Libby Gleeson
Ill. by Freya Blackwood. Allen and Unwin, 2015. ISBN 9781743315286
(Age: 6+) Highly recommended. Chapter book. Family. Friendship.
Pets. Two more enchanting stories from the award winning duo,
Gleeson and Blackwood, will be certain winners with the newly
emerging independent reader who wants something a little more than a
picture book.
In Cleo makes a friend, Cleo is very bored. It is raining
outside, her friends are away and her mother wants her to tidy her
room. All the scenes are very familiar, and will resonate with young
readers who will be able to identify with Cleo, whose friend
Isabella has told everyone that Nick was her boyfriend when he is
only a friend. Eventually after making Mum cross about using her
make-up Cleo goes to the garden and there she discovers a friend.
In Cleo wants a pet, Cleo is desperate to have a puppy like
Nick's but Dad comes up with lots of reasons why a puppy would be
too much work. Cleo finally comes up with a satisfactory solution to
her problem.
Beautifully illustrated by Blackwood, this is the second book
featuring Cleo, following The necklace and The present and is
outstanding both in the narratives and in the delightful
pictures that bring the little girl and her family alive.
Pat Pledger
Star! Stable! Saviour! The Christmas Story in S by Cameron Semmens
Ill. by Rod Allen. Wombat Books, 2015. ISBN 9781925139600
(Age: Pre-school - Yr 2) If you like to start the festive season
with a story about the story behind the celebrations, then Star!
Stable! Saviour! could be a great choice. Drawing on the
traditional elements of the Wise Men (scientists) and the shepherds
seeing a star and following it to the stable where they find Baby
Jesus the story is told using as many words as possible starting
with the sound of 's'.
'See - a star!' stated a slightly stunned, smart, snazzy scientist
to several similar smart, snazzy scientists.
These scientists from The South Saudi Sands, Sudan (or somewhere
similar) searched the stars for signs.
This strange star was certainly a sign.
See it shine!'
With bright, clear illustrations which capture so much movement and
expression, the story is told in alliterative format which brings
new life to it so even those who have heard it every year about this
time will get a fresh perspective and enjoy it again and again.
Originally published under the title The Star, The Stable and
The Saviour it's been repackaged and republished by Wombat
Books in time to bring a new version to the traditional Christmas
literature fare in a quirky but respectful way.
This will be read on Day 2 of the Christmas Countdown at my school,
following The First Christmas in which Jan Pienkowski has
illustrated the original text from the New Testament so those
children who may be encountering the story for the first time can
consolidate what they learned from that experience. Told without a
religious editorial, it gives those students for whom Christmas is
not a religious or traditional festival an understanding of what it
is we celebrate at this time of the year, the meaning behind many of
the symbols they see and why it is so important to so many.
Barbara Braxton
