Macmillan, 2015. ISBN 9781447294139 (Age: 15+) Highly recommended. Fantasy. This was a stunning read, worthy of all the awards and nominations that it has been given (Hugo Award Nominee for Best Novel, 2016, Nebula Award for Best Novel, 2015, Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction, 2015). Agnieszka loves her quiet valley home which is bordered by an evil Wood that can swallow people or turn them mad. The village and valley is shielded by the Dragon, a wizard, who in return for his protection takes a village girl every ten years to serve him. When the girls return to the village they are changed forever and no longer want to stay in the valley. The time of choosing is fast approaching and everyone expects that Agnieszka's beautiful friend Kasia will be selected, but no one can really predict who the Dragon will take and it is not Kasia that he finally chooses. Novik has written a beautifully imaginative story loosely based on European folklore. Agnieszka is a wonderful heroine who gradually learns of her magical powers as a witch. Together with Sarkan, the Dragon wizard, she faces the corrupted Tree woman who is determined to take over their world. There are sorcerous battles, magic summonings and frightening heart-trees that can absorb people into their trunk and limbs that keep the reader breathless with suspense. A touch of romance between the unlikely pair - the cranky Dragon and untidy Agnieszka add to the interest in the story and the enduring friendship between Agnieszka and her friend Kasia that all make for a very engrossing fantasy novel. I loved this story from the author of the Temeraire series. It is sure to please lovers of high fantasy and fans of Robin Hobb, Trudi Cavavan and Juliet Marillier. Pat Pledger
Eliza Rose by Lucy Worsley
Bloomsbury, 2016. ISBN 9781408869437
(Age: Older teen readers) Themes: English History; Royalty; Life as
a Courtier; King Henry VIII; Katherine Howard. This book is marketed
as a children's novel. The cover is sweetly 'cute' and cartoon-like
and the narrative begins naively, recounting the early life of the
main character. However this is not an innocent telling of this
historical period! As the life of the feisty red-headed Eliza
progresses, we are taken into the somewhat risque and adult world of
King Henry VIII's court. Lucy Worsley does not leave out detail
about adultery and the coquettish role of the Ladies-in-Waiting and
even detail about the King's bedroom behaviours are included. For a
sub-teen, this detail is confronting and although the history is so
well known that it is expected, it is not easy to recommend this for
a naive, immature reader. (How early is too early to lay bare the
rampant behaviour of the Henry VIII court, with adultery and sexual
exploitation as part of the norm? I am sure that Worsley has toned
this down for the book, but it is still perhaps too scandalous for
the under-12 audience suggested by the cover.) Katherine Howard's
ultimate fate and execution might be well known to an older reader,
but this too is fairly clearly detailed.
Having given warning, I can still say that this is an interesting
tale and a compelling novel for an older reader, written from the
perspective of Katherine Howard's fictional cousin. We get a good
look at life for those who were attempting to marry well by being
placed in the Royal Court in a position that could lead to a
profitable marriage. The Royal life and the surrounding entourage
and life-style of grand dresses and feasts are all interesting when
seen from the perspective of the female Courtiers, trained from a
young age to 'play their part' in adorning the Royal world. King
Henry VIII is revealed with all his flaws, and the central character
is uncomfortably close to the grieving King after Katherine's death.
Worsley has written in a youthful and simple style, but the mature
content does not translate well for a child audience.
Carolyn Hull
Editor's note: Teacher's
notes are available.
Lenny and Lucy by Philip C. Stead
Ill. by Erin E. Stead. Allen and Unwin, 2016. ISBN 9781760292119
(Age: All) I recall reading a short piece by Stephen Romei, the
literary editor of The Australian, speaking about the best reads for
2016. On top of his anticipated list was the new picture book by
Philip C. Stead. Stead's earlier book, A Sick Day for Amos McGee,
and a winner of the Caldecott Medal, is a charming story of how the
animals at the City Zoo visit the zoo-keeper when he has to take a
sick day. Gentle drawings in muted shades illustrate both books,
with charcoal being the medium for Lenny and Lucy, his new
title. Peter and his Dad, along with Harold the dog, are moving to a
new house, but they have to drive through dark woods and over a
bridge before they get there. Harold and Peter are very unsettled at
night as they look out to the landscape beyond the house. The next
day Peter improvises a 'guard of the bridge', called Lenny, made
from pillows and blankets. Inevitably, Peter realises that Lenny is
lonely so Lucy is made from leaves and cloths, to keep him company.
Daytime play centres around the two new friends, with Millie soon
joining them from next door. With just the right amount of text,
placed so well amongst the delightful illustrations, this picture
book has great appeal for young and older readers. Overcoming fears
and making new friends in unfamiliar places are observed
beautifully.
Julie Wells
The Haters by Jesse Andrews
Allen and Unwin, Australia, 2016. ISBN 9781760291891
(Age: 15+) Recommended. Wes and Corey have been friends for a long
time, founded by their love of hating music and searching for music
so good they can't hate on it. When they are booked into a summer
jazz camp they quickly realise that due to the lack of females this
is going to be a lame camp. Then they meet free spirited Ash, the
stand out female in the whole camp. During a three hour jam session they
soon realise together they have some talent and embark on The
Haters, Summer of Hate World Tour 2016. What follows is an exciting,
fun filled adventure across America in the world's smelliest car,
which feels like there are scorpions built into the seat.
Jesse Andrews has written a coming of age story which is funny, a
little wicked and with a heap of teenage wit thrown in. Even though there
is a lot of comedy it also gives us serious topics, one being the
relationships the three main characters have with their parents which
helps understand the main characters. I love the referencing to
bands and Youtube clips that feature throughout, and the dialogue
Wes has when imagining or explaining conversations. I loved Jesse
Andrew's style of writing especially the way he made me laugh out
loud many times throughout the book. This book will appeal to those
more mature teenage readers with a deviant sense of humour. If you
loved Me and Earl and the dying girl (also written by Jesse
Andrews), or John Green's Paper towns you will love this
story.
Jody Holmes
The snow wombat by Susannah Chambers
Ill. by Mark Jackson. Allen and Unwin, 2016. ISBN 9781760113810
This homage to the High Country in south east Australia shows off
the environment, both natural and man-made, its flora and fauna and
those who live there. I was struck as I read at the range of
indigenous and introduced animals represented in the illustrations,
as well as depictions of the way the environment is used.
The story of the wombat and its journey through the snow to its
warm, snuggly den makes for exciting reading for younger people, as
they are asked to predict the rhyming word which completes each
stanza of four short lines. Younger readers will call out the words
with gusto, learning that the wombat has a nose, ears and a tum
just like them and where they are on its body. The wombat's journey
is delightfully shown on maps on the endpapers, and the watercolour
illustrations show the many animals that live in the area, along
with some stunning renditions of the snow covered eucalypts. Each
page is a treat, teaching the reader about this area of Australia
not often seen in books, and they will learn to appreciate the lives
of the animals and people that live there. We are shown the stations
with miles of fencing to keep in the wool covered sheep, the rugged
up skiers coming down the mountainside, the alpine signs on the
roads warning motorists of kangaroos and wombat, and plenty of other
animals looking for shelter from the harsh winds and sleet. This is
a charming introduction to an area of Australia which children know
little of, learning about wombats along the way with rhyming words
to predict as well. And with the animal snuggled up safe and warm at
the end, what more can a picture book offer.
Fran Knight
This girl that girl by Charlotte Lance
Allen and Unwin, 2016. ISBN 9781760291709
(Age: 3+) Recommended. Difference. Neighbours. Families. Living next
door to each other, two girls cannot be more different. This girl is
neat and tidy, with neatly combed hair, tied up shoelaces and neat
clothes, while that girl has every which way hair, floaty clothing
with a cape and seems careless of which colours go with what. The
soft watercolour illustrations will attract the reader's attention
from the start as they turn the pages and take in the differences
shown. Over the page we see the sort of things each girl likes,
further underlining their differences. This girl likes to collect
plants to add to a scrapbook, hoovering up the scraps at the end of
her day, and is particular about setting the table, and often sits
in a corner and reads. That girl, on the other hand loves running
through the leaves, scattering them around, climbing onto a brick
wall and walking along the top, and eating worms. They could not be
more different. Over the next few pages we see their families and
their houses, marking their differences again, but now their fathers
seem the exact opposite of each girl. One dad is neat and tidy, the
other dressed in unusual clothes with wispy floating hair. Each dad
has attributes seemingly more aligned to the girl next door, not
their own daughter.
But when it comes to building a treehouse, despite all the
preparation on one side and the haphazard manner of building on the
other, both finished tree houses look exactly the same. Readers will
love comparing both girls and their fathers, comparing the
attributes of each of the people shown, comparing the preparation
each does to build the tree house with the final results. Readers
cannot help but see that despite outside appearances, we are all the
same.
Fran Knight
The royal baby's big red bus tour of London by Martha Mumford
Ill. by Ada Grey. Bloomsbury, 2016. ISBN 9781408868966
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. London, Royal family, Great Britain,
Babies. After the success of the first three books devoted to the
offspring of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Shh don't wake
the royal baby, Happy birthday royal baby, and Hooray
it's a new royal baby, it's great to see a fourth book devoted
to the children's view of the city in which they live, London. Few
books exist extolling the main features of some of our great cities,
so this will make a perfect introduction to London and the iconic
features of that place to a child or class. I loved looking at the
views the book offers, reminding me of the things I saw when there.
For children it will be a fabulous journey on the big red bus, the
well known London transport system. The shiny red bus on the cover
will ensure readers open the book and read on.
The Royal Family is sitting in the gardens at Buckingham Palace when
a big red bus pulls up calling them to come on a tour of London.
They all pile on board, taking along a bus load of accoutrements!
The bus pulls into a range of major London sights, Natural History
Museum, ZSL London Zoo, Regent's Park, British Museum, National
Portrait Gallery, Trafalgar Square, Nelson's Column before going
onto the River Thames. Here they cruise past the Houses of
Parliament, Tower of London, Big Ben, Tower Bridge and on down to
Greenwich, where they spy the Observatory and Planetarium. On the
return journey they stop at London Eye and then return to the palace
for tea. Going to bed, the prince realises that he has lost his toy,
a baby dinosaur, so mum retraces their steps to find it for him.
This is a fun book to read, encouraging discussion of the Royal
Family and what it does during the day, as well as showing off the
wonderful sights of London and what the city offers to its visitors.
The funny illustrations will encourage discussion about travel and
transport as well as city life.
Fran Knight
The family with two front doors by Anna Ciddor
Allen and Unwin, 2016. ISBN 9781925266641
(Age: 8+) Anna Ciddor, a prolific and popular Australian author, has
written a warm and amusing recollection of her grandmother's
childhood in Lublin, Poland in 1920.
The Jewish family of nine children rent two apartments alongside
each other, hence making use of the two front doors on the ground
floor of the building. The household is constantly bustling and busy
with family rituals and meals, alongside father's commitments, as a
rabbi, to the local community. Long-held traditions of the Jewish
people are the backdrop for the story of the betrothal of Adina
Rabinovich, the oldest daughter, to Mordechai Weinberg, both in
their late teens. No one has met young Mordechai, so the intrigue
and excitement about him, grows as the wedding date comes closer.
Food, clothes, jewellery, and family customs remain the main subject
of this charming memoir along with the wonderful family bond that
exists between parents and children. Their exuberance about life is
infectious! However, underlying the joyfulness of this snapshot of
life we realise that the Rabinovich family live in a poorer part of
the city - the Jewish quarter. Mama's jewels are family heirlooms,
forever fascinating for the young sisters, but we wonder how safe
these treasures, and their shared treasured lives, will be in times
to come. Lublin is about 150 kilometres south east of Warsaw.
Deliberately, Ciddor does not mention the battle for Warsaw in the
summer of 1920 and only refers to the perils of the Second World War
and the Holocaust in her author's note.
Julie Wells
The next together by Lauren James
Walker Books, 2015. ISBN 9781406358056
(Age: 14+) Recommended. Kate Finchley and Matt Galloway have started
to fall in love during the year 2039 whilst both attending
University of Nottingham Campus, England. The peculiar thing isn't
that they have both just met but the feeling that they have been
through this all before. Rewind to 1854, where Katy (Kit) is living
as a boy to be able to work as a kitchen boy in the house of a lord.
Lord Sommerset wants her to assist journalist Matthew Galloway,
reporting on the war front in the Crimea on the condition that she
spy on the journalist and report secrets back home. Rewind again to
1754 and Katherine is tired of her Aunt introducing her to
prospective marital matches, so whilst she excuses herself to spend
time in the garden she is secretly hoping to spend time with the
family's coachman Matthew Galloway. How can these two people be
linked throughout time and share memories that aren't their own? As
2039 Kate and Matt search for clues on the murder of their Aunt and
Uncle (Kate and Matt) they discover the secret on why their lives
seem to be destined to be together again and again.
Whilst the concept of this book intrigued me at first I found it
difficult to be able to follow the timeline of each of the Kate and
Matthew characters through history. The characters are written with
strong personalities and with added charm and plenty of humour. The
chapters do jump from one period to the next and as the story
evolved I found it easier to follow along. I appreciated that Lauren
James has intertwined the genres together making it a great book for
lovers of historical, science fiction and even romance novels to
enjoy. I would recommend this book to young adults from the ages of
14 years and above. I look forward to finding out what happens with
Kate and Matt in the sequel The last beginning.
Jody Holmes
Milo: a moving story by Tohby Riddle
Allen and Unwin, 2016. ISBN 9781760111632 (Age: 6+) Recommended. Friends, City life, Relationships. A picture
book for older readers, the title alerts readers to the double
meaning of the story, particularly when the cover illustration shows
Milo and his kennel perched precariously on top of a tall building.
Milo lives a quiet, ordered life. He has a number of friends with
whom he has adventures and when they are at home during the night
call out to each other across the rooftops of the city. But one
night, he dreams he is on a boat, with high winds and choppy seas.
He tosses and turns, restless and sleeping badly. When he wakes he
is tired and impatient, so much so that when his friend, Snombo
calls he rudely sends him away. He instantly regrets his rude words
to his friend and that night a storm erupts, leaving Milo and his
kennel stuck on a roof. Alone he ponders his plight and the events
of the previous day. A migrating bird, Carlos flies in and helps him
from his kennel onto the roof of the building and during the night
they talk and swap stories.
In the morning a window cleaner comes to work and in return for
helping him down from the top of the building, he helps the window
cleaner finish his work.
He returns with his kennel to his usual spot, surprised that his
friends are there looking for him, even Snombo. He recounts his
adventures and during the celebrations he apologises to his friend,
Snombo.
That night he dreams again of being in a boat, but this time the
seas are calm and the boat still.
This charming picture book illustrates the importance of friends, of
working to keep them, of the adventures that friends have together.
Riddle's illustrations in a mix of colour wash, collage and
photographic images are a treat. They will have younger readers
searching for instances of city life as they hum the tunes of In
the good old summer time, and Give my regards to Broadway.
The New York setting will intrigue readers who will be able to pick
out sights of that city. Riddle's whimsical approach to the group of
friends, shown as dogs dressed in their apparel from the mid
twentieth century is further enhanced by the sepia colours used,
giving the whole a very old fashioned look.
Like all of Riddle's books, the more it is read, the more the reader
sees.
And it is worth the effort.
Fran Knight
Editor's note: Teacher's
notes are available.
Series set in Realm of the Elderlings by Robin Hobb
Harper Collins, various dates.
(Age: 15+) Highly recommended. Books set in the Realm of the
Elderlings by Robin Hobb
have grabbed my reading time over the last few weeks - and are
fabulous for readers who enjoy epic fantasy. Although The
Farseer Trilogy (Assassin's apprentice, Royal
Assassin, Assassin's quest,) were first published many
years ago Hobb's fantastic storytelling has ensured that their
popularity has endured and the books have been reprinted. The
Farseer Trilogy is followed by the Tawny Man series (Fool's
errand, Golden fool and Fool's fate), Liveship
Traders (Ship of magic, The mad ship, Ship
of destiny), the Rainwild chronicles (The dragon
keeper, Dragon haven, City of dragons and Blood
of dragons) and The Fitz and the fool series (Fool's
Assassin, Fool's Quest and Assassin's Fate due
in 2017).
These series of books are a very valuable addition to a library or
if budgets don't allow for their purchase, would be worthwhile to
recommend to readers to borrow from a public library. Those who
start following the adventures of Fitz and the Fool, both compelling
characters who face strange and compelling times in a wonderful
setting, are likely to want to read all in the series.
Pat Pledger
The war of the four isles by Andrew McGahan
Ship Kings series, Book 3. Allen and Unwin, 2014. ISBN
9781760291693
(Age: Junior secondary) Young readers have a treat in store when
award winning author, Andrew McGahan, turns his hand to adolescent
fiction. It is a pleasure to share his skill with words, which makes
his young Admiral, Dow Amber, so convincing and appealing, and the
many twists and turns of fortune so intriguing.
In this episode of the Ship Kings saga, the legend of his
bravery grows as he and his colleagues face the anger of the sea and
the monsters of the deep.
Together, they face the dangers of battle and most of all they face
the danger of betrayal. With differing factions within the two
opposing enemies, the Ship Kings and the Twin Islanders, who can be
trusted? It is hard to unravel the truth.
After visiting the legendary home of the Twin Islanders, Amber
devises a plan to rescue Nell and the other leaders who stood
against the dominance of the Ship Kings. Amber is successful but
what has he achieved? Have innocent people died because of his
actions?
When Amber journeys to New Island to reunite with his family, he
discovers he is hated for supposedly abandoning them and his
people. After the horror he discovers there, he rejoins the battle
between the two opposing powers with new purpose, his heart set on
revenge.
Those who love a fast paced adventure will enjoy this novel and look
forward to the fourth episode to come.
Thelma Harvey
Eve and Elly by Mike Dumbleton
Ill. by Laura Wood. Random House, 2016. ISBN 9780857988515
(Age: 3+) Recommended. Loss. Toys. Family. Eve simply loves her pet
stuffed elephant, Elly. She takes him with her wherever she goes,
clutching him tightly under her arm. When they go on holiday, Elly
goes too, and sits on the beach with Eve as she builds a sandcastle.
On their return, Eve feels ill and Mum cuddles her until she falls
asleep, but the worst thing has happened, Elly has fallen from the
car unnoticed.
At home Eve searches everywhere for her elephant, all through the
house and car and in the garden. She is inconsolable and rejects
every other toy offered by her caring parents. But Dad has an idea
and shortly after a parcel arrives in the post. Eve is thrilled but
a little taken aback at the size of Elly until Dad explains Elly's
amazing journey to return home.
This is a wonderful story to read aloud, brimming with the love that
surrounds the child and her love for her toy. The loss of the toy
will be recognised by all readers and they will be on edge as the
tale unfolds, bringing the child and her toy back together with a
very cute twist. The story Dad tells is full of humour and adventure
as the elephant finds his way back home.
The illustrations reflect the loving family and the place held by
the toy elephant. I love the parcel cover, and the cheeky look on
Elly's face throughout the book. This book will have instant appeal
to younger children, and initiate discussions about the place their
toys hold in the family and what they do when something is lost.
Fran Knight
MARTians by Blythe Woolston
Walker Books, 2016. ISBN 9781406341393
(Age: 14+) Recommended. Consumerism. Dystopian fiction. Zoe
Zindleman has been abandoned by her mother and the government has
shut down her school. She is given the opportunity to start work at
ALLMART, where 'your smile is the AllMART welcome mat'. Her house is
going to be repossessed and when she meet MORTimmer, he warns her
that it is not a smart idea to live in ALLMART's dormitories.
Trusting him, she moves into the Warren, a deserted shopping centre
where a laundromat becomes her home, shared with the little boy 5er
and Timmer. Then her ordeal as an employee of ALLMART begins as she
learns the ins and outs of selling in a big store.
This is a grim but totally engrossing story about consumerism gone
wild told in the heart wrenching voice of Zoe, an intelligent girl.
As her training progresses she realises that there is no future for
her as she will always be in debt to AllMART, who charge her
enormous prices for uniforms and food. As Zoe battles her way
through learning about how to sell, the reader will find many
familiar descriptions of different store departments and how they
are set up. Equally bleak are the stories of abandoned children,
whose parents have left them behind, and the stories of repossessed
houses that are pulled apart for their metal, and a government that
has abandoned everyone.
However there is one small glimpse of hope that Timmer gives: Look
for the ones who need help and spread the good around.
This was an exceptionally thought provoking book. References were
made to Ray Bradbury's The Martian Chronicles but don't
detract for those who haven't read it, and will make them want to
pick it up.
This would make an ideal literature circle book or class novel with
the themes of consumerism gone wild, governments who cannot help
people whose homes are repossessed, unemployment, and abandoned
children making for great discussion points for their relevance for
today's society.
Pat Pledger
Marmaduke the very popular dragon by Rachel Valentine
Ill. by Ed Eaves. Bloomsbury, 2016. ISBN 9781408862667
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Friendship, Dragons, Medieval times. A sequel
to Marmaduke the very different dragon (2014), this one has
friendship as its core theme, as Meg and Marmaduke again do
everything together. The two are inseparable, that is until one of
the princesses, locked away in her tower asks Marmaduke if they can
play together. So popular is this new experience, all the princesses
join them, and the other dragons join in and eventually the princes
too. Meg is happy that Marmaduke has built up a large friendship
group, and all play together well. Meg reminds Marmaduke of the
forthcoming Whizz Cone Competition knowing that the two of them will
easily win the trophy. She watches the preparations uneasily
wondering where Marmaduke has got to, and eventually goes searching
for him. He is not in any of the usual places so she goes over the
hill and there she hears Marmaduke and Prince Bertie making
arrangements to compete for the trophy. She is distraught and when
the day comes, sits outside the arena listening to the accolades
received by the victorious Marmaduke and Prince Bertie. But
Marmaduke suddenly remembers Meg, and goes off to search for her. He
hears sobbing and flies down to fold her in his wings, apologising
for being such a bad friend. They both realise that there is more to
being a friend than meets the eye.
Young children will love the dragon theme, and be intrigued with the
sparkly wings, and more importantly come to see that being a friend
also involves some responsibilities. Young children will eagerly
discuss their own friendship groups and how they work out their
differences.
Fran Knight
