HarperCollins Children's Books, 2015. ISBN 9780733332333
(Age: All readers) Highly recommended. Lest We Forget
supports readers in remembering the 100th anniversary World War 1
and the ANZAC spirit that evolved. A young boy remembers his
grandfather's comments about memories and days we need to remember
and those we need to forget. As the story unfolds, the young boy
remembers memories he wants to remember and forget. At the same
time, images flashback to his grandfather's experiences in World War
1. This is highly recommended for all readers - whether reading with
an adult or independently. Children aged 9+ will enjoy the images
and the text and will learn about a war that still has a huge affect
on the world today. It will give them an idea of the sacrifices made
and would be a great way to introduce a unit on Gallipoli or World
War 1 in the classroom.
Kylie Kempster
Worry Magic by Dawn McNiff
Hot Key Books, 2015. ISBN 9781471403712
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. Worry magic tackles the ups
and downs of family life in a heart warming and magical way, showing
how family issues affect children. Young Courtney worries a lot and
it is usually her Gran that helps her through them. Gran is in
hospital, money is tight and Courtney's parents are fighting. The
stress of it all causes Courtney to faint each time there is arguing
but she thinks she is magical. All the problems seem to disappear
after she faints and she is sure she can worry her Gran better,
worry her friend back to being her friend and worry her parents back
to not fighting. Worry Magic is a lovely story that explores the feelings of
children as they get caught up in everyday situations. This is
highly recommended for girls aged 10+. They will relate to the worry
of losing friends and will empathise with Courtney as she worries
about losing her safe family environment. Excerpts of this story
would be great for using in the Child Protection Curriculum as
children can investigate different feelings and see how she ends up
using positive thoughts to make her day better.
Kylie Kempster
The liar by Nora Roberts
Piatkus, 2015. ISBN 9780349403762
(Age: Adult) Romantic suspense. Shelby Foxworth's husband is dead.
Left with a crippling debt she tracks down his safe deposit box
which contained cash and multiple passports, proving that he was not
the man he had shown to the world. Disenchanted, her memories of him
tarnished, she decides to move with her small daughter back to the
small Southern town where she was raised. Here she finds solace in
tight and loving family relations and meets local contractor, Griff
Lott. However danger threatens and murders are committed.
I am a fan of Nora Roberts and always pick up her books for a good
escapist read. I enjoyed the character of Shelby, and the way that
Roberts portrayed a wife who had been dominated by her husband but
finally comes through with the help of her family and friends. The
character of Griff, the new romantic interest was also a very
likeable and supportive man. I did find the centre part of the novel
which concentrated on how wonderful her family were and how they
rallied around her rather repetitive. I would have liked more
emphasis on the suspense and the romance and less accent on the
family relations, but that is a personal preference.
Fans of Roberts will enjoy this one as a quick escapist read, but
devotees of the romantic suspense genre may find that the plot and
conclusion were ones that they had met before.
Pat Pledger
Archie Greene and the Magician's Secret by D. D. Everest
Faber & Faber, 2014. ISBN 9780571309054
(Age: Yr 4+) In a secret world deep beneath the hallowed halls of
the Bodleian Library in
Oxford lies the Museum of Magical Miscellany, a repository of all
the world's
magical books and artefacts saved from the fire that destroyed the
Library of
Alexandria and then again from the Great Fire of London in 1666. It
is into
this world that Archie Greene finds himself when he receives a
mysterious gift
on his 12th birthday, a gift that has been waiting 400 years to be
delivered and
which turns Archie's life upside-down so that within 24 hours he has
been
uprooted from the comfort of his grandmother's house (and she has
gone on a
mysterious mission) to the quirky Oxford residence of his previously
unknown
cousins Bramble and Thistle Foxe. He discovers that not only does he
bear the
mark of the Flame Keepers of Alexandria - those who find, mind and
bind the
magic books that are not yet within the safe confines of the Museum
- but he is
also a book whisperer. He can hear the words of the books as they
rustle their
pages to tell their secrets.
Immediately, Archie is thrown into a tricky situation as he
discovers that his
birthday book is one of the Terrible Tomes, one of the seven most
dangerous
books of dark-magic ever written and one which the Greaders (those
who seek the
magic for their own wicked purposes) would dearly love to have. As
he learns
more and discovers the secrets of the books, Archie realises the
important role
he has to play in protecting and preserving the ancient lores so the
magic arts
remain safe. He also starts to learn a little of his own life,
something his
grandmother has tried to keep a secret since his parents and sister
died as she
protects him from the past.
Archie is a likeable lad who is, predictably, bewildered at this new
life and
all that is happening to him, which makes it easy for Everest to
build the
fantasy world so the reader learns about it along with Archie. Did
you know
there are three types of magic? The first is natural magic which
comes from the
creatures and plants and forces of nature; the second is mortal
magic, that
created by magicians using instruments and other devices; and the
third - the
most dangerous - is supernatural magic which draws on the power of
the spirits
and other supernatural beings. There are also five lores to be
adhered to so
there is not another disaster like that of 1666. As all this is as
new to
Archie as it is to the reader, there is both empathy and
understanding as he
makes choices that he believes are for the best and we learn about
being brave
and courageous and he is well supported by the other well-drawn
characters in
the story. And there is just enough real history in the storyline to
make it
all tantalisingly true.
This is a story of magic and mystery that has more twists and turns
than the
underground passages of the Museum of Magical Miscellany. It is a
well-written
page turner that has a host of characters, both good and evil, and
right from
the start the reader is never really sure just who can be trusted
and who is not
quite who they seem. While, on the surface, it seems an easy read
for the young
independent reader, it may be more suited to those who are able to
follow
various plot strands and multiple characters simultaneously. It
would make an
excellent read-aloud, encouraging listeners to be not only waiting
for the next
chapter but also the next addition to the series.
Parallels will be drawn with another series involving an orphaned
boy who
discovers he "has the magic" and has to fight against the evil
mortals but
that's pretty much where the similarities end. This is a fresh and
new story
where "bookshelves are enchanted, librarians are sorcerers and
spells come to
life" that is not quite as dark as You-Know-Whom. Archie Greene will
become a
favourite and I will be waiting for Archie Greene and the
Alchemist's Curse,
coming later this year.
Barbara Braxton
The Cracks in the Kingdom by Jaclyn Moriarty
Colours of Madeleine, bk 2. Pan Macmillan, 2014. ISBN
9781742612874
(Age: 12+) Highly recommended. Aurealis Award winner, best young
adult novel 2014. Queensland Premier's Literary Awards 2014.
Following A corner of white (2012) this is the second in the
Colours of Madeleine series. Elliot Baranski of the Farms
continues to write secret letters to Madeleine Tully in the world
delivering them through a crack and is determined to find his
father. Meanwhile Princess Ko's family has been taken into the World
through cracks and she enlists the aid of Elliot and others to
locate them. She has kept the country running by pretending that her
father is still reigning the kingdom and she is desperate for help
in solving who has taken the Royal Family to the World.
This is an utterly unique and challenging series that I really love.
Moriarty has created an intriguing world in Cello and Elliot is a
determined and thoroughly engaging hero. Through the notes, letters
and late nights by the Crack, Moriarty brings to life the dramas
that Madeleine and Elliot are going through in their own worlds. I
was kept on the edge of my seat worrying about Elliot and hoping
that his illicit dealings with the World would not be uncovered.
Princess Ko was a fascinating character and her actions and dialogue
was very amusing, while at the same time the running commentary that
Elliot makes provides a diversion from the very serious problem of
the two missing fathers.
Moriarty is able to bring some resolution at the end of The
cracks in the Kingdom but leaves readers on another cliff
hanger which is sure to bring them back readers for more of this
outstanding series.
Pat Pledger
Dreamer's Pool by Juliet Marillier
Blackthorn & Grim bk 1, Macmillan, 2014. ISBN 9781743517024
(Age: 15+) Recommended. Winner 2014 Aurealis Award Best Fantasy
novel. Blackthorn and Grim are two convicts who have been locked up
in a medieval dungeon. In exchange for help in escaping the prison,
she has to assist anyone who asks her for her help for seven years.
Living as a wise woman she settles on the fringe of a forest near
Dreamer's Pool with Grim, a silent huge man, who has followed her
from prison. Oran, the crown prince of Dalriada needs help when his
future bride proves to be nothing like the woman that has been
portrayed in her letters. He ask Blackthorn for help in working out
the mystery that clings to Lady Flidais.
Marillier's high fantasy books are always engaging and interesting.
Her two main characters are a departures for her as she often has
young protagonists as the main people in her novels. Blackthorn and
Grim are older and Blackthorn in particular, is bitter and
disillusioned. The naivety of Oran and the youthfulness of Lady
Flidais make a perfect foil to show off the dark experiences of
Blackthorn and Grim. The introduction of the mystery surrounding
Oran and Lady Flidais is also interesting and provides a great
background to the way the reader gradually learns about Blackthorn's
background and skills and the clever ways that she utilises her
intelligence and ingenuity.
Set in medieval Ireland where magic abounds, the setting is
atmospheric and the descriptions of the Prince's life in comparison
to that of Blackthorn and Grim is engrossing.
Readers who enjoy high fantasy will love this books and those who
enjoy a mystery will also find that it is very engaging. I look
forward to the next in the series by one of my favourite authors.
Pat Pledger
My Pop is a pirate by Damon Young
Ill. by Peter Carnavas. University of Queensland Press, 2014. ISBN 9780702253614
(Age: 4-6) Highly recommended. This funny picture book showcases the
loving relationship of a granddaughter and her pirate pop as well as
presenting pops enjoying their lives, hobbies, vehicles, activities
and food choices. There's the grandpa in a singlet and thongs who
nibbles noodles with grated cheddar cheese, whilst the hippy pop
complete with a snake entwined in his Afro, scoffs big salads with
rocket and chickpeas. The refrain 'But my pop is a pirate' tells
about the wild and wacky activities the little girl's pop enjoys -
shooting his pirate parrot out of a cannon and crunching catfish on
his claw.
Damon Young's alliterative rhymes need to be read aloud to the young
audience, his rhythmic style and funny scenarios celebrate the
exciting lives of grandpas and pops. Peter Carnavas' colourful and
funny illustrations add to the excitement of this rollicking picture
book. Pirate Pop with his golden peg leg, fierce hook, patch and
toothy grin is a comical character who loves to share his
adventures.
Rhyllis Bignell.
An eye to the future: Tony Davis, an interview by Fran Knight
Preparing himself for a writing future has meant combining his
writing columns for Sydney Morning Herald and The Age (Drive) and
The Financial Review (Motoring) with recently completing a PhD which
will further establish his writing credentials. But why does a
successful children's author need to 'futureproof' himself?
Having always written stories and novels, and wanting to be an
author, Davis worked for the Sydney Morning Herald as a journalist
working as the paper's feature editor, back page columnist and chief
of staff. He hedged about taking a redundancy when they were offered
some years ago, eventually accepting one in 2015, but promising
himself that he would use this money to support himself while he
writes.
Fairfax published several of his non fiction books, but after Random
House published Total lemons (2004), Step on it! A wild
ride through the motor age (2006), Are you for wheel , the
most amazing cars ever (2007) and You must be skidding:
The greatest losers of the motoring world (2007), they
published his books about Roland Wright.
This was his first series of novels, aimed at younger readers, (Brand
new page, Future knight and At the
joust). Davis spent a great deal of time researching
medieval times, even going so far as joining a Medieval reenactment
group donning armour to act out some routines. It was worth it as
the Roland Wright books are impressive in dealing with the medieval
era and were popular, although the sales of the third book didn't
quite encourage the publishers to back a fourth in the series. I was
most impressed with this series and its accurate presentation of the
times. The detail of Medieval life was engrossing and the series
also had a strong moral theme, one which Davis felt was self evident
for the younger age range being aimed at.
Columns for SMH, FIIN and The Age still proceed, but with the
publication of The
big dry, Davis has established a niche for himself with
those upper primary people looking for something a little meatier.
This book concerns itself with the impact we have made upon our
environment, using the American Dust Bowl as a clear example. Aimed
at those kids no longer reading Roland Wright, but wanting
something with more depth before moving to the Young Adult genre,
this book hits the mark.
The sympathetic trio of protagonists, combined with a recognisable
background, and a seven year drought makes for a book which impels
its readers to keep reading. And as the first in a trilogy, he is
assured of a continuing audience.
Davis was in Adelaide as a Fellow of the May Gibbs Children's
Literature Trust, staying in their flat in Norwood when I met him
over coffee. The May Gibbs Children's Literature Trust Fellowship
allows an author or illustrator to have a month's residency in
Adelaide where they can work without interruption. The down side is
that Davis had to write some twenty articles for his newspaper
columns before leaving Sydney.
With an ever watchful eye to the future, Davis has a PhD in writing,
something that will ensure his writing career continues. The future
of print media is in a state of flux, with digital and online news
taking over the ground traditionally concentrating on newspapers, so
with The big dry receiving such acclaim, a new novel written
while in Adelaide, and a play based on The big dry being
produced in Sydney next year, his future looks very safe, combining
the world of children's literature with journalism.
Quick bibliography for reading other books by Tony Davis: Total lemons: 60 heroic failures of motoring (Random House,
2004) Step on it! A wild ride through the motor age (Random House,
2006) Splat: The madness and magnificence of the world's most dangerous
sport (Allen & Unwin, 2007) F Scott, Ernest and me (Random House, 2007) You must be skidding: The greatest losers of the motoring world
(Random House, 2007) Roland Wright: future knight (Random House, 2007) Roland
Wright: Brand new page (Random house, 2008) Roland
Wright: At the joust (Random House, 2008) Are you for wheel, the most amazing cars ever (Random House,
2008) The big
dry (Harper Collins, 2013)
Rise and fall by Eliot Schrefer
Spirit animals. Scholastic, 2015. ISBN 9781743620038
(Age: 8-12) At book six this series is heading towards the final
confrontation between our Greencloak heroes and the evil Devourer,
leader of the Conquerors. Having suffered much, one wonders what
could possibly happen next to the four youngsters before the series
ends and how inventive the writers will be to keep them going until
the final book.
With Meilin and Abeke captured and delivered to General Gar head of
the Conquerors by Shane, Conor, Rollan and Tarik have arrived on
Nilo in search for Cabaro the Lion in an attempt to rescue his
talisman. The journey across Nilo which is mostly desert, is made
more dangerous by the presence of the Conquerors who have already
taken control of much of the island.
A local youngster Irtike whose spirit animal, a naked mole rat, gives
her an ability to sense beneath the earth, joins their quest and
guides them towards the oasis which is the kingdom Cabaro rules
over, and where humans are definitely not welcomed. There are many
dangers they need to overcome with Gerathon accompanying the
Conquerors and an army of ostriches guarding the only entrance to
the oasis only allowing animals entrance through the cliff pass.
Meanwhile Abeke and Meilin plot their escape made possible by a
confrontation between Gar and Drina, Shane's sister. Abeke and Shane
escape on his ship whilst Meilin, who is ashamed that it was through
her that the Greencloaks had been betrayed, opts to remain hidden on
the docks to maximise their chances of reaching the safety of
Greenhaven.
The final confrontation to capture Calabro's talisman is as usual
full of twists and turns, violence and unexpected solutions. This
time unfortunately resulting in the death of Tarik the leader of the
expedition, as well as the elimination of Gerathon and General Gar.
Tarik's memorial service at Greenhaven seems to be the end of the
story but there is another twist, answering some questions, and
leaving the reader ready for the next episode and hopefully the
final chapter in the story.
Sue Keane
Where is galah? by Sally Morgan
Little Hare Press, 2015. ISBN 9781921894466
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Aboriginal themes. Aboriginal stories. Quest.
Australian animals.
In her distinctive style, Morgan shows Dingo searching the bush for
Galah. He can see Emu and hear Kookaburra, he can see Eagle and hear
Frog, but cannot find Galah. Each page repeats the last seeing one
animal and hearing another, but not being able to find Galah. Kids
will love to predict and read along with the pages as they are
turned. It will not take them long to work out the rhythm of the
lines on each page, and as each few sentences talks about hearing an
animal, the noise made by the readers and listeners will be
infectious. Kookaburra, Crocodile, Frog, Mouse as well as Numbat
all have their own noises which the kids will love to replicate,
loudly.
On each colourful page readers will be excited to find a range of
animals almost hidden in the swirls and patterns. They will easily
recognise features of the Australian bush and learn the names of
animals they do not know and laugh knowingly when Dingo is tired of
his search and does what all tired children do.
This is a charming book. I can easily imagine small children
reveling in the features of the animals shown, learning to make the
noise that animal makes and learning something new about the
environments in which they live. Morgan's enchanting imagery begs to
be copied by younger readers with paint, crayon and paper. Their
colourful efforts will make a splash in any classroom or on the
fridge at home.
Fran Knight
Reckless by Danielle Weiler
Ranga Books, 2013. ISBN: 9780987546708
(Age: 16+) Highly recommended. Sexual scenes. Milly Benton wants it
all to go away. Wants all the nightmares and fears to go. She wants
an end to her parent's grief and all of the questions about how she
is going to spend the rest of her life to go away as well. Her
parents try one last hope of sending Milly away to her annoyingly
helpful aunt and three cousins' home in the country. Milly, bitter
about the way life has been to her, has stopped dreaming of a
beautiful future. Someone from her childhood comes back into her
life, just as broken as she is. Can they help each other overcome
their pasts?
This genre is becoming wildly popular as of late, and they just keep
getting better. It was wonderful to read and really intriguing. It
took me a bit to really get into Reckless as the beginning
really was not something I was interested in but I powered
through and really enjoyed how Danielle Weiler told Milly's life. I
felt sympathetic with the main characters and really loved reading
about how they evolved within the story.
Cecilia Richards
False note by Susannah McFarlane
EJ12 Book 19. Scholastic Australia, 2015. ISBN 9781925206029
(Age: 8-10) Highly recommended. Music and instruments play an
important role in this nineteenth installment of the extremely
popular EJ12 series. Emma Jacks is frustrated, she
desperately wants to write a special song for the passion projects
her schools set annually. Each girl student is tasked with writing,
performing or presenting something they are passionate about and
Emma is trying to write a song that captures each of her friends'
and band members' personalities in the music and lyrics.
'Music is like a code - but one that the heart cracks rather than
the head,' Miss Nevlin, Emma's music teacher wisely encourages
her. Just as she tidies up her music sheets, her mobile phone pings
and she's summoned for her next mission. At mission headquarters,
EJ12 needs to solve a coded musical clue sent by the evil Shadow
Agency.
Evil Alice Noir has mysteriously broken out of prison and is
orchestrating an involved plot with priceless violins from the
Sydney Conservatorium of Music. EJ12 is ready with her fellow SHINE
Agents to travel across Sydney using zippy scooters and fast
jet-skis. This mission calls for special agents C1 and C2 trained
cockatoos to assist in reconnaissance. There are covert meetings in
cafes, disappearing violinists, self-playing violins, hypnotised
audiences and a special concert to perform at the Opera House.
Susannah McFarlane's ever popular EJ12 series continues to deliver
all the elements the fans love - fast-paced action, mysteries to
unravel, twisted plots, codes to solve with supportive friends all
working together to fight the evil in the world.
Rhyllis Bignell
Alfie's lost sharkie by Anna Walker
Scholastic, 2015. ISBN 9781742839929
(Age: 3+) Recommended. Bedtime. At bedtime, Alfie looks through his
toy box, throwing out all of his toys, searching for Sharkie. He
cannot find his one and only toy which must go to bed with him. So
he searches the house, he looks through the garden even climbing up
into the tree, but with no luck. When bath time comes around, he is
still searching, and when the toy is not there he continues
searching the house, under the bed, in the toy box, under the bookcase, offering the oddest of suggestions to Mum about where Sharkie
could be.
Long suffering Mum reminds him to clean his teeth and get one toy to
take to bed. Children will love the following page showing Alfie not
with one toy but all of his toys, and once in bed he finds Sharkie.
All is well, and Mum bids him goodnight, but there is one more twist
to the tale.
A laugh out loud story, children and adults alike will recognise the
child making excuses about going to bed, and being focussed on one
last thing to do before getting into bed. Parents will recognise Mum
offering calm, quiet suggestions in the background, all the while
reminding him of where he needs to be. The illustrations are just
wonderful, with collage and ink being used in their preparation to
great effect. I love the wallpaper, a different type for each room,
and kids will love looking at the detail presented on each page.
This is a great read aloud, and I can imagine different children
taking Mum's and Alfie's parts to present as a small play as their
conversation is presented in different fonts.
Fran Knight
Dreams of freedom by Amnesty International
Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 2015. ISBN 9781847804532
Highly recommended for students from 6 and above. Filled with
thought provoking quotes and wonderfully diverse art works, this is
a stunning sequel to the title on human rights, We are All Born
Free. As stated on the dust jacket, 'This unique collection of
powerful words from champions of freedom today and throughout
history is published in association with Amnesty International. The
book introduces children to the words of Nelson Mandela, the Dalai
Lama, Anne Frank and Malala Yousafzai, among many others, and is
beautifully illustrated by world-renowned artists including Chris
Riddell, Ros Asquith, Roger Mello, Jackie Morris, Barroux, Peter Sis
and Mordicai Gerstein.' Michael Morpurgo's foreword highlights the
importance of freedom of speech and liberty and describes the role
of Amnesty as being to 'remind us that vigilance is vital, that the
fight for justice must go on. It is the good fight and one in which
all of us must be involved.' Dreams of freedom is perfect
vehicle by which children can be introduced to the concepts of
freedom of expression in both artistic pursuits and individuality,
the ability to dream, experience childhood, education, liberty and
freedom through equality, without slavery and fear and be prompted
to action.
As with the previous book, We are All Born Free, this title
contains a broad variety of quotes from modern and historic voices,
each selected to perfectly illustrate the central importance of
freedom in our lives. The artists' styles are hugely varied, ranging
from collage to watercolour, indigenous Australian art to Asian,
cartoon style to the realism of the cat watching over the caged
bird. Sadly, the Barroux image brings to mind the Charlie Hedbo
killings and the deaths of political satirist cartoonists. Rather
than detract from the message, the dramatically different colours
and techniques blend together to create a masterful title, lending
itself to so many uses within the classroom. Whether discussing
civics and citizenship, human rights or freedom, both this title and
its predecessor are a must have for every classroom or school
library.
Jo Schenkel
Caravan Fran by Cheryl Orsini
Lothian, 2015. ISBN 9780734416131
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Holidays, Friendship, Caravans, Journeys,
Maps, Safety. Three friends, Dave, Sam and Joe, set off on their
holidays with Caravan Fran in tow. They must first pack their
caravan with all the things they need, then drive off. But along the
way their dog, Ray falls into the river. Sam dives in to rescue him
but they drift off, and Joe grabs the canoe from the top of the van
to paddle after them.
While Dave drives off to their destination, readers will love
following their antics as the car and van follow the road, and the
dog and Ray swim down the river with Sam following in the canoe. All
three friends are working hard at saving the dog.
The soft watercolour and gouche illustrations work well with this
entertaining story of friendship and holidays. Children will
love looking at all the detail included in the pictures on each
page, and marvel at the journey taken by the group. Caravan Fran
holds up well, stuffed full of their necessaries and she looks very
contented once they all reach the beach and their things can be
spread out. The pictures of the van and its insides are enticing,
and the range of things that come out of the van to make their life
more comfortable on their holiday is incredible. Readers will take
the opportunity to talk of their family holidays, what they see and
any adventures they had. Teachers will take the opportunity to talk
of the safety measures needed when holidaying as well as using the
book to introduce the idea of maps.
Fran Knight
