The miracle of the grey swans by Zhao Lihong. Illus. by Wang Keqiao
Little Steps, 2024. ISBN: 9781922833211. (Age:5-7) Recommended.
Weiwei and his family live alongside a lake and the unexpected discovery of an injured swan (and her soon-to-hatch eggs) begins a relationship of care and connection that is astounding. The mother swan needs time to heal and while the father swan is initially fiercely protective, he must join other swans on their migration path and must leave his family behind. Weiwei observes and waits, providing food and a watchful concern for the adopted family of swans.
This is a gentle story of connection between a young boy and a wild bird family. It does not try to teach or preach and it is really just an environmentally-based situation, reported in a naive style. It is presented in a picture book style with simple illustrations, just longer text than most picture books. It has a winsome quality and is set within an Asian environment. This is the kind of story that might encourage an interest in the ‘wild’ world outside a child’s window and could be independently read by an early reader aged 6-7, or it would make a lovely, shared bedtime-read or read-aloud for younger children.
The tea ladies is a sparkling and often humorous cosy mystery set in Sydney in 1965. Tea lady Hazel Bates moves from the managing director’s office down to the factory floor of Empire Fashionwear carting her tea trolley and special biscuits and giving the workers a welcome tea break. She is friends with other tea ladies in the area, especially Betty and Irene and when she spots a young woman in a nearby bond store who writes something in an unknown language, the trio become embroiled in a world of gangsters and crooked police. At the same time, her job at Empire Fashionwear is in jeopardy because fashions are changing swiftly and the arrival of the model Jean Shrimpton and the short mini dress causes much controversy at the Melbourne races. Will the tea ladies be able to find out what has happened to the young woman in the building that was set on fire? Who killed the accountant? Will Empire Fashionwear weather the fashion wars? And what about the mystery surrounding Bob, Hazel’s husband?
For me the charm of The tea ladies lies in its background setting of the changes that are happening in the sixties. The idea of a tea lady may be strange to readers today but Hazel plays a key role not just in providing tea and biscuits, but also that of a peace maker providing useful advice to everyone. The change of clothing from frocks worn with hats, gloves and stockings to very short mini dresses is difficult for the older managers of the fashion house to understand. The Kings Cross area of Sydney and the crooks who wield influence there are also vividly described. And there is a murder and a missing person case for the tea ladies to investigate.
Fans of Richard Osman (The Thursday Murder Club) will delight in the role of older women solving crimes, while readers who can remember the 1960’s will enjoy the memories that the book brings back.
Little Steps, 2023. ISBN: 9781922833808. (Age:8+) Highly recommended.
There’s a story in your bones of how the world turned outside-in, of how everything around you changed and everything within.
This sensitive and deeply thoughtful book is one of a number of stories for children currently being shared about the time Australia and in fact the whole planet, went into Covid lockdown in 2020 and 2021. For many citizens all over the world this was a time of challenge and change. A time where staying at home and reinventing the way we lived and worked became the new normality.
Over the course of Inside, the striking and quite beautiful illustrations portray quiet streets, families at home separated by from loved ones, families entertaining each other, heroes going off to work, families gardening, loved ones grieving and rainbow images on windows. The poetic and poignant text shares these times with sensitivity and is a gentle reminder of what took place.
At the end there is hope for a new future and a hope for kindness from within for the younger generation.
The world has changed and so have you, with courage as your guide, you will lead us to the light… Because you’re brave and kind inside.
This book feels very much like a picture book for older children, teenagers and adults to remember a time in our past when there was a global response to a situation beyond our control.
Themes COVID-19, Quarantine, Epidemics.
Kathryn Beilby
Nova's missing masterpiece by Brooke Graham and Robin Tatlow-Lord
EK Books, 2024. ISBN: 9781922539373. (Age:6-8)
Nova has created a special portrait of her dad to give to him at his birthday celebration this evening. But now she can't find it anywhere! She searches and searches in every place she can think of but the missing masterpiece is nowhere to be found. The more frustrated that Nova gets, the more frantic the search but despite this all the while her little dog Harley seems unperturbed. And gradually Nova starts to notice some of his behaviours - breathing in long and slow, having a drink - and gradually she calms down enough to keep searching as she tries the same things. But will she find the picture in time for the party?
We all know the anxiety and frustration of not being able to find something that we really need; the searching in the most unlikely places in case it may miraculously appear and as we get older we are more able to self-calm and think more clearly. But for children of Nova's age that is a skill yet to be learnt so this is a great story to help start teaching it. Every child will have their own story to tell so a group discussion of strategies like breathing, like taking a few minutes, like doing something else can be the beginning of helping children learn to take a step back, relax and think.
But even without extracting this theme from the story, this is just a good read that will resonate with many.
Themes Worry, Anger, Dogs, Lost property.
Barbara Braxton
Marvellous vehicles by James May
Farshore, 2023. ISBN: 9780008520878. (Age:6-9)
In the beginning, the only way for humans to move from one place to another was by Shanks pony - walking - but then someone somewhere sat on a log and drifted downstream and the rest, as they say, is history. Human-powered travel had begun and in this fascinating book for young readers, motoring expert James May looks at the variety of ways humans can travel from one place to another entirely using their own power. No animals, engines, batteries, wind or other external aids - just the use of human muscles.
From the common bicycle to submarines and even vehicles that travel on both land and water, all powered by human energy, the range of conveyances is surprising and there is even an explanation about how potential and kinetic energy are used to make this happen so readers can understand the science that underpins even the wackiest of inventions and craft.
This is another in a new series called Little Experts designed to introduce 6-9 year olds to the world around them by having experts in the field share their knowledge, and even though they, themselves, may not recognise the names of the experts, nevertheless having titles about everyday things that our little ones are curious about and pitched at their level can only be a positive addition to non fiction collections.
Themes Transport, Vehicles.
Barbara Braxton
Devil's Way by Robert Bryndza
Raven Street Publishing, 2023. ISBN: 9781914547102. (Age:Adult - 16+) Recommended.
Devil's Way, the fourth in the Kate Marshall series, is another page turning mystery from Bryndza who writes a very readable thriller. Kate is recovering in hospital after nearly drowning when Jean the woman in the bed next to her, tells her the harrowing story of her 3-year-old grandson, Charlie, who went missing during a camping trip on Dartmoor eleven years earlier. His body was never recovered and the police have ruled it as a drowning. Kate agrees to investigate and she and her partner Tristan begin to uncover what really happened. Did Charlie drown? What details has his grandmother Jean left out in her story? Was the brutal murder of a social worker connected to his disappearance?
There are multiple twists and turns to the story as Kate examines the minute details of what happened at the time. Fans of police procedurals will enjoy the descriptions of the use of DNA, the necessity to examine happenings that do not seem related and interview witnesses, even while Kate uses her extraordinary powers of deduction and intuition to solve the mystery of the disappearance of Charlie.
Dartmoor serves as a wonderful background to the story. Bryndza paints a vivid picture of the brooding moors, bogs into which people can disappear and an ancient tree which people believe has the power to heal them when they pin a cloth to its branches. This background gives a sinister tone to the story especially as Kate is slowly recovering from her near drowning experience and is not physically at the top of her game.
Devil’s way can be read as a standalone and readers may want to find other books in the series, Nine elms,Shadow sands and Darkness falls, or try The wych elm by Tana French.
Themes Missing persons, Murder, Police procedure.
Pat Pledger
The night war by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Text Publishing, 2024. ISBN: 9781922790637. (Age:10-15) Highly recommended.
The award-winning author of The War That Saved My Life and The War I Finally Won, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, has again written an enthralling middle-grade novel which clearly shares the horror of events in World War Two as well as the brave actions of those who fought against the Nazi regime.
Miri has been forced to flee Germany and move to Paris with her mother and father after Kristallnacht. Her family lives simply in cramped conditions in Pletzl, a mainly Jewish community. On the day of the round up, where thousands of Jews are taken to the Velodrome d’Hiver, Miri escapes with Nora, her two year old neighbour and is taken in by a well-meaning Catholic nun. Miri and Nora are offered a shelter until they can be taken to safety in a village close to the French Free Zone of Vichy. In order to be safe, Miri must become Marie and learn to live within the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Deeply concerned about her separation from Nora, Miri is placed in a convent where she struggles with trust, with her religious identity, and the fear that she lacks courage. She forms a friendship of sorts with Beatrice and Jacqueline but is not a close bond and there are always secrets. Some of the Sisters also have secrets and Miri is chosen to help them with their clandestine activities. This in turn leads her to Madame Simone at the Castle Chenonceau and Miri’s discovery that all is not as it first appears.
While The Night War is an engaging fiction read, it is based loosely on documented facts. The author has included important notes at the end, and with some interesting historical facts, a ghostly twist and strong female characters, this novel will be a compelling read for middle-grade children. Teacher's notes are available.
Themes World War Two, Jewish Persecution, Sacrifice, Fear, Courage, Danger, Choices, Kindness, Secrets, Religious Beliefs.
Kathryn Beilby
Black Sun the dung beetle by Tang Tang. Illus. by Nia Gould
Little Steps, 2024. ISBN: 9781922833235. (Age:4+)
This is a simply written story about a young dung beetle who loves nothing more than rolling dung into balls. One day he is encouraged to enter a competition for rolling the most dung balls between sunrise and sunset. He wins and the title of Black Sun is his and he remains champion for a number of years. Over time he gradually grows into a large dung beetle and begins to find the challenge of rolling multiple dung balls with his creaky bones and lack of smell become too much. He loses his final competition and contentedly passes on the title of Black Sun to a new young champion. The colourful illustrations in this story support the text and provide interest for the reader. The fine detail of the images, especially the dung beetles and animals of the jungle, will engage young readers.
Themes Dung Beetles, Competition, Jungle Life.
Kathryn Beilby
Amazing bodies by Dr Ronx. Illus. by Ashton Attz
Farshore, 2023. ISBN: 9780008520892. (Age:6-9)
From the super skin that keeps your insides in to moving muscles to the waste products the body generates, this is a guide to the human body for young independent readers who want to know more about theirs.
With bright illustrations and easy to read text, each double spread offers basic facts about the various body parts and their functions so the reader can learn how they work and why each part is intimately connected to the well-being of the others.
This is a new series called Little Experts designed to introduce 6-9 year olds to the world around them by having experts in the field share their knowledge. While the experts themselves are mainly UK based and so their names are not as familiar here, nevertheless having titles about everyday things that our little ones are curious about and pitched at their level can only be a positive addition to non fiction collections.
Barbara Braxton
The great Australian science book by Luke O’Neill. Illus. by Linda Fährlin
The Great Australian Science Book is written by Professor Luke O’Neil who loves all aspects of Science and has a special interest in our immune system, and illustrated by Linda Fährlin who believes that art and science can change the way we see the world. Together they have created a appealing book that begins with the Universe, the biggest aspect of Science, and ends with the smallest, atoms and quarks.
The bright, glossy front cover displays a myriad of all things science related and the Meet Your Guides section shows a clever diagram of how the book came to be. The contents page distinctly sets out the main headings of The Universe, Planet Earth, The Human Body, The Very Small with the chapters clearly shown under each heading. Beginning with Welcome on Board, the book explains the importance of asking questions and where those questions can lead you. It explains how science works and how thinking like a scientist can open up a whole new world.
Full of fabulous facts, detailed graphic style images in full colour, tables and diagrams, this treasure trove of information will engage those competent readers that love science and want to explore further. Throughout this colourful book the text is broken into segments, there are highlighted key words, some experiments to be done, showcased Australian scientists, and an important section under each heading where children can find out the type of professions that are applicable to that area of science. In the final pages are a thank you for reading the book, a timeline of scientific discoveries and a detailed index.
This is a wonderful book for any child who is fascinated by aspects of Science and is keen to extend their knowledge and thinking. Teacher notes are available.
Themes Science, Facts, Phenomena, Universe, Planet Earth, Human Body.
Wren Graven has been training her entire life to become a Valkyr in the powerful House of Bone. Valkyrs protect the people of the Dominions from the dangerous and vengeful ghosts that linger across the land. A talented but reckless student, Wren is assured of graduating at the top of her class and finally impressing the father she rarely sees and the grandmother who abhors her. However, when an unexpected betrayal sees Wren disgraced and exiled, she has nowhere else to go but to the Border Wall, an outpost on the edge of the wilds where ghosts wander freely.
Desperate to regain the respect and status that was so ruthlessly denied her, Wren volunteers for a rescue mission beyond the wall. A prince from the House of Gold has been kidnapped by rivals from the House of Iron and taken into The Haunted Lands. There, Wren must make an uneasy alliance with Julian, one of the kidnappers, in order to both rescue the prince and uncover the truth about an ancient rivalry and the lies that her life have been built upon.
Bonesmith is the first in a planned duology by Nicki Pau Preto, author of the Crown of Feathers trilogy. It is a young adult fantasy romance with enough dark twists to keep things interesting. Wren, despite her arrogance and impulsivity, is a likeable heroine and her slow-burning romance with Julian is an enjoyable addition to the story.
Although the plot twist at the novel’s conclusion is not entirely unexpected, Pau Preto has ensured that her readers will be eager to get their hands on the sequel.
As autumn turns to winter in the woods, and leaves and acorns fall, the young squirrel watches others scrabble to collect them, murmuring about a secret place in the centre of the forest where no trees grow at all. As night falls she sees a solitary acorn lying in the leaves and gathering it quickly, she clutches it all night determined not to let it go ever. When dawn broke she heads for the centre of the forest where there are no trees no birdsong, and no other squirrels to steal her precious prize. And there she buries it safe from the cold and snow to come.
After the long winter finally passes and Spring comes again, the squirrel hurries to find her treasure - but where is it? And why has everything changed?
The creator of this "fable about growth, new life and finding hope in unexpected places" describes herself as "a designer of fine things, mostly books" and her talent is very obvious not only in the lyrical, almost poetic text of this book but also its presentation. Author-illustrator of this as well as The Fox and the Star (2015) - the first picture book to win the Waterstones Book of the Year award - The Bird and the Worm (2017), The Song of the Tree (2020) and the designer of many more, particularly the Clothbound Classics series from Penguin, she has a distinctive style which turns a seemingly-simple story into something so much more, harking back to a style of bygone times.
This has a place in any library collection as much for its presentation as its contents offering goodies as rich as the acorn the little squirrel buried.
Barbara Braxton
Seed to sky: Life in the Daintree by Pamela Freeman and Liz Anelli
This beautiful addition to the wonderful series of books called Nature Storybooks, concentrates on the most astounding rainforest in Australia, the Daintree. The reader is taken on a journey, using two different fonts to differentiate the story of the seed, from the information about the rainforest and its inhabitants. Each is engrossing, as we follow life around the magnificent Bull Kauri Pine. This beautiful tree, now endangered, is home to many of the flora and fauna of the rainforest.
Readers will cast their eyes over the range of things shown in the illustrations, alive with seeds, foliage, lizards, butterflies, animals, and birds. All tempting to the young reader eagerly listing all they can see. The non fiction section of the text parades many statistics which will enthral readers: the Kauri Pine has been around for 200 million years, the Daintree gets between 2000 and 9000 mms of rain a year, the Daintree has 230 species of butterfly and 10,000 species of moth live in Australia. Readers will love reading and sharing all the information they come across, while loving the story as it unfolds.
The story begins two hundred years ago, when seeds explode from the Kauri Pine. Some are eaten by the bush turkeys, others by the rat kangaroo, the ones that reach the ground begin by growing downwards, and later put up a shoot. Years pass as the shoot becomes bigger and stronger, and after one hundred years, it nears the canopy, all the time surrounded by life. Ten years ago it reached the top, stretching its branches wide, soaking in the sun.
The time line of the tree’s life is wonderfully explained alongside the multimedia illustrations giving more detail which kids will enjoy. The generations of plants and animals living by and partly because of the tree are legion, encouraging readers to look at their own environment and the animals that live there.
At the end of this mesmerising book kids will find a brief index, a map of Australia showing he position of the Daintree Forest, and two paragraphs summarising the life of the Kauri Pine.
I can imagine groups of children poring over this book, soaking up all the information and spotting the almost hidden animal life.
A breathless recreation of a famous Cobb and Co trip is brought to life within richly illustrated words for a younger generation. Even those with no links to horses or travelling on dirt roads will be swept along with the images of the runaway horses. The words describing this true incident will thrill, as they read of young Fenton going to Geelong with his father in 1855.
All sorts of images will spring to mind: the gold rush in Ballarat, travelling by horse drawn coach, avoiding the ever present danger of bushrangers on roads outside the few towns, and simply surviving the perilously rough ride that going by coach implies.
The story begins in Ballarat as Fenton and his father board the coach. Fenton has been allowed to sit with the driver, who introduces himself as Edward Devine, known as Cabbage Tree Ted.
Along the way Ted gives Fen a time holding the reins of the horses pulling the coach. Along the way, the horses begin to pull up as two men appear on the roadway, hanker-chiefs across their faces and guns drawn. Ted tells Fen to wait while he raises his hands in mock surrender, then gives Fen a shout to go. The boy uses the reins to get the horses going and they flee along the roadway. They escape the bushrangers but then their brake fails as they try to calm the horses and they tear along the roadway, the horses out of control.
This wonderful evocation of life in early Australia is wonderfully told, and the illustrations are marvellously presented, giving young readers a great deal of detail to look at. Large sweeps of Australian bush land and vistas of blue skies will make them feel part of Fen’s world. The images of the horses are engrossing, drawing the eyes into the detail of their role in pulling the coach, mesmerised by the way they are linked to the driver and the coach itself.
A wonderful read. Full of humour, history and adventure.
Themes Bushrangers, Coach travel, Cobb and Co., Australian history, Ballarat, Gold rush.
Mim and the Vicious Vendetta, written by the amazingly talented Katrina Nannestad and interspersed with some lovely black and white illustrations by Cheryl Orsini, will appeal to all ages. The fifth book in the enchanting series The Travelling Bookshop, this time taking readers on a wonderful journey to picturesque Venice.
Mim’s family and their menagerie of special pets are off again, travelling around in their magical caravan filled with wonderful books. Guided by the steady hooves of Flossie, their trusty Clydesdale horse, each destination is a place where stories yearn to be read, as problems beg for solutions.
A longstanding feud between two families, who have lived in Venice for generations, is causing much unrest and bad behaviour. Mim quickly discovers that individually, all the family members are actually kind and caring people, but whenever they are together this rift brings out the worst in each other.
Mim is sure that the travelling bookshop’s delightful books will have something for them to read that will change their thinking and bring happiness back into their lives. However, Mim is concerned by the books her Dad keeps sharing. Will Mim’s Dad gift the right books to be read or will this feud be unable to be rectified?
Nannestad's narrative weaves a spellbinding tale, blending elements of fantasy, adventure, and heartfelt moments. Mim and her family, with their keen sense of empathy and intuition, serves as the beacon of hope for those in need. Sharing the joy of stories, bringing kindness, care, acceptance and of course the consequences that every action entail; this story has it all.
The right story at the right time has the power to illuminate our path forward, and Mim and the Vicious Vendetta is one of those right stories that will enchant readers of all ages. Nannestad has once again created another beautiful and captivating novel that will be a favourite for many.
