Cheeky Monkey Manners. Five Mile Press, 2016. ISBN
9781760069773
(Age: 3-5) Recommended. Board book. Another in the Cheeky Monkey
Manners series, sees Cheeky Monkey learning when to use the
word 'Sorry'. When Cheeky Monkey is invited to Georgina's party he
does some things that makes Georgina, the birthday girl, very sad.
He blows out her birthday candles , then he opens her birthday
presents, and when they played pin-the-tail on the elephant, he
pushes her out of the way so that he can be at the front of the
queue. When he wonders why Georgina is looking sad, Mr Owl tells him
that it is Georgina's special day and that he should say 'Sorry'.
Funny illustrations accompany the text in this 5 page double spread
narrative that is short enough to capture the attention of the
pre-schooler, yet get the message about good manner across in an
amusing and memorable way. The illustrations complement the text and
add an element of humour to the message, and children will have lots
of fun finding the tiny mouse on the pages as well as looking at the
little monkeys and amusing birds.
This is an effective and fun way for young children to learn about
saying sorry and having good manners at a birthday party.
Pat Pledger
Clementine Rose and the special promise by Jacqueline Harvey
Clementine Rose series bk 11. Penguin Random House, 2016.
ISBN 9780857987860
(Age: 6+ - independent readers) Highly recommended. Themes:
Friendship; Relationships; Family. Clementine Rose is shocked by
some news involving her friend Sophie Rousseau which sends her into
a downward spin. More news involving other friends Will and his
father, Drew, sends the roller-coaster of emotions into an upward
climb. This topsy-turvy emotional ride continues with the arrival of
a new girl who is blatantly obnoxious, and who creates a twisted
atmosphere of uncertainty and unhappiness. Clementine feels insecure
in her own place in her family with Lady Clarissa. Is everything
about to change? The school Grandparent's Day becomes the focal
point of the story, and it is has an amazing and surprising
conclusion.
In the book we follow a 6-year-old child who has an unusual life
living in Penberthy House with its impressive history, but the
central feature of the action is that she is profoundly loved by her
unique family. It is well written for a capable reader from aged 6+.
Harvey creates tension and light-hearted moments, but it is still a
dramatic tale for younger readers, with interesting character
descriptions and robustly healthy relationships.
Despite not personally having read any of the other 10 books in this
series, it is clear that Jacqueline Harvey has written a series that
would be esteemed by young female readers. This book stands alone
with a good plotline, and each character is introduced in such a way
that it is not necessary to have read the books from earlier in the
series. But I wish I had!
Highly recommended for young independent readers.
Carolyn Hull
The runaway foal by Kate Welshman
Pine Valley Ponies series; bk 2. Scholastic, 2015. ISBN:
9781743624319
(Age: 7+) Themes: Horse-riding; Friendship. Maddy and Iris are
taking horse riding lessons and the latest lessons involve riding
without stirrups and then bareback - both challenging for Maddy.
Because of her friendship with Iris, she gets some extra practice
which helps to prepare her for the rescue of the runaway foal.
Another class member, Alita, continues to be difficult in her
interactions with the other girls. She is perhaps a little too
concerned with her own importance, and a young reader could learn
from this.
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 and learning new challenges.
Suited for early independent readers aged 7+.
Carolyn Hull
The Lake House by Kate Morton
Allen & Unwin, 2015. ISBN 9781742376516
(Age; YA - Adult) Recommended. Themes: Family; Murder; Mystery; War
impacts. For those who are already Kate Morton enthusiasts, this
will be another book to devour during a holiday break. But, if like
me, you have not yet discovered Kate Morton, then I can recommend
this Australian author's Detective/Mystery Drama written for an
adult audience. Morton deftly weaves the stories of a young female
Police detective who is under an employment cloud because of her
handling of a recent case, and the family history of a renowned
Murder mystery writer who hides her own family mystery. The drama is
all set in Cornwall in the old Lake House, mostly during the 1930's
or in the current reinvestigation of the cold case and the central
mystery involving a young child. Threaded through the investigation
are reminders of the power of a parent's connection to their child,
and of the heartache of those who dearly want to be parents, but are
unable to have their own children.
This is not a quick-read book (595 pages), but it can be savoured as
you 'relocate' to Cornwall and participate in the life of the
socially elite of the early 1900s. Morton then takes the reader on a
journey backwards and forwards in time, and through the perspectives
of individual participants in the drama. Characterisation is
wonderfully detailed, and nuanced; even the characters we don't
immediately love or who are not central in the story have
psychological depth that is slowly unpeeled.
Although this is essentially a book for adults, this is a book that
could entertain a young adult reader as the plot journey takes us
through the life of a 16 year old at the time of the mystery at the
Lake House.
Carolyn Hull
Monkey business by Leslie Margolis
Annabelle Unleashed series. Bloomsbury, 2015. ISBN 9781619637993
(Age: 10 - 12) Recommended. Themes: Girls Fiction, Friendship,
Fundraising, Music Festivals. Annabelle's life is undergoing some
significant changes; her family's moved to a new home, her mother is
about to have a new baby and one of her best friends Rachel is
acting strangely.
During their first sleepover at Annabelle's house, the girls hear
about the Panda Parade an upcoming music concert starring all their
favourite singers and groups. Claire, Emma, Rachel, Yumi and
Annabelle decide they all want to go, unfortunately, the concert is
in a town two hours away and the tickets are expensive. The girls'
parents decide they must all find $150 each to pay for their weekend
away.
After several failed attempts - lemonade stands and car washes,
creative friend Claire comes up with a brilliant plan involving
sewing, socks, buttons and ribbons. Agreeing on a work plan is
difficult when Rachel is always disagreeing and putting Annabelle
down. Surprisingly, their sock-monkey enterprise takes off and keeps
them busy both at school and home. When it's time for Annabelle's
twelfth birthday party, not everything goes to plan and Rachel has a
part to play in the disaster. Preteen life definitely has its ups
and downs, but both friends and family are there for Annabelle.
Author Leslie Margolis realistically portrays the fun and dramas of
Annabelle's life, her friendships, Oliver her first boyfriend,
school life and family relationships. Teamwork, resilience,
listening and supporting friends are important values explored here.
Rhyllis Bignell
Soccer Superstar! by Tim Cahill
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
