Ten little dinosaurs by Mike Brownlow and Simon Rickerty
Orchard Books, 2015. ISBN 9781408334003
(Ages 2-5) Recommended. From the creators of Ten little pirates
comes this noisy rhyming story perfect for sharing with
dinosaur-loving young children. Following the classic countdown
formula - 'ten little dinosaurs, walking in a line. 'Stomp!' goes
Diplodocus. Now there are . . . nine' - the story follows the dinosaurs as
they set off to explore the world while mummy is sleeping.
Predictably, they run into all sorts of trouble, including hungry
meat-eating plants, bubbling springs and a charging triceratops. At
each turn, they lose another member of their travelling party. Sure
to please the young reader is the illustration of the dinosaurs
trying to dodge the poo piles of the Stegosaurus! It is a happy
conclusion when mum turns up to save the last little dinosaur and
all the others too. Bright and bold computer-generated graphics give
the book a video-game look and the happy dinosaurs, with their
varied colours and designs give opportunity for discussions and
activities around shape and pattern. The illustrations have oodles
of little details that will amuse and delight; there are little
creatures everywhere and multiple action points on each page.
Another focus is on sound, with noisy words enlarged and bolded.
Young children will love joining in to make the sounds; they can
roar, stomp, slurp, grrrrr, caaaaaark, splooosh, snap, swiiiiish,
and boom along with the reader. In addition to the obvious use for
developing number concept, there is so much here to explore -
fantastic for preschools and early childhood libraries and homes.
Nicole Smith-Forrest
Emilia Mouse by Elizabeth Hardy
Ill. by Sophie Norsa. Little Steps, 2015. ISBN 9781925117288
Emilia Mouse lives in the attic, as many mice do. But she is not a
shy little mouse hiding in the dark in the dust or taking shelter
behind the skirting board. She is a brave, bold mouse on the lookout
for adventure. So when she climbs on some boxes and finds a whole
orchestra of musical instruments, her eyes open in wonder and her
heart fills. Especially as there is a trumpet waiting to be blown.
'So dusting off the cobwebs
She held the trumpet tight
And with the deepest breath
Blew and blew with all her might
Emilia was startled;
The trumpet blast was loud,
Yet she knew the sound that she had made
Would always please a crowd.'
But Emilia's music playing also woke two very cranky cats who were
very keen to see who had disturbed their sleep. And while Emilia may
be adventurous she finds there is a fine line between adventure and
stupid when she challenges the cats and finds herself about to be a
cat snack. Her solution is ingenious and has the most amusing
consequences which not only make the reader smile but also
demonstrate the power of music as a universal language.
This is a delightful story that is totally unique in its concept.
The author, Elizabeth Hardy, is a retired music teacher so the
rhythm and rhyme of the language of the book come very naturally and
really contribute to both the subject and the understanding of the
story. How else would you tell a music-based story? The
illustrations are by Sophie Norsa who has been nominated for a
Crichton Award (for Yellow Dress Day) and, like Emilia, they are
bold and brassy and a perfect fit for the text. Mem Fox always
emphasises the need to read aloud to our youngsters so they can
learn the rhythms of our language so this is perfect for that but it
also would be excellent for sharing with those who are learning
English as another language. Cats, mice and musical instruments are
common to all, the story will appeal to all ages and there are lots
of opportunities for discussion about the wisdom of Emilia's
actions, unlikely consequences, making friends and so forth.
I can see and hear myself sharing this story and that, to me, is the
hallmark of a great picture book.
Barbara Braxton
Cloudwish by Fiona Wood
Pan Macmillan, 2015. ISBN 9781743533123
(Age 12+) Highly recommended. Adolescent. Van Uoc Phan makes a wish at a creative writing class - a wish that gorgeous Billy Gardiner would notice her. But when he does start talking to her she is unsure whether he is doing it to set up an elaborate joke, as he often does, or whether he is really interested in her. And even though Van Uoc doesn't believe in fairies, or wishes, there is a small doubt about whether the little vial that she wished on, could make a wish come true.
Loosely connected with some characters from her award winning Six impossible things and Wildlife, Wood has written a fabulous story that was impossible to put down. Van Uoc is the daughter of Vietnamese boat people, who have high expectations that she will go to university and get a much better job that her parents have. A scholarship girl at the exclusive private school, Van Uoc's life is organised fully with study, helping out at homework club and having one night off to watch movies with her friend Jess. When Billy starts paying attention to her she finds herself out of her comfort zone and doing some things that she hasn't dreamt of doing.
The reader becomes immersed in Van Uoc's life, getting to know the trauma that the boat people went through to gain a better life through her mother who is suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress and empathising with Van Uoc who is caught between two worlds, translating English for her parents, while not knowing Vietnamese well enough to be fluent in it. The homework club that Van Uoc helps out at also gives an insight into the lives of refugees and just how hard it is to leave loved ones in search of a better life often for the children in the family.
Billy too grows as a person, as he gets to know Van Uoc and it was great to see Lou and Michael from Wildlife keeping an eye on Van Uoc and making sure that Billy wasn't playing games with her.
Van Uoc uses the novel Jane Eyre as a guide to what she should do in certain circumstances. She uses the strength of Jane as a model and both she and her friend Jess use quotes out of the classic to fit what is happening in their lives.
This would make an ideal class text or literature circle book, as there are many things to discuss - class, plight of refugees, post-traumatic stress, and family expectations. Above all it is just a fabulous novel to read, enjoy and think about.
Pat Pledger
Burn by Paula Weston
The Rephaim bk 4. Text, 2015. ISBN 9781925240078
(Age: 15+) Recommended. The final book in the Rephaim series,
following Shadows, Haze, and Shimmer, Burn
brings this series about angels to a satisfying conclusion. Gaby has
finally regained all her memories about why she didn't join Jude and
the Outcastes when they left the Sanctuary and just why she wanted
to hurt Rafa before they left. This is a tremendous shock to her but
even worse is the knowledge that there is going to be a big showdown
between the demons, the Fallen angels and the Outcasts, that could
jeopardise everyone in the town of Pandanus Beach, which she loves.
Burn has plenty of action to keep the reader who enjoys the violence
of battles and descriptions of fit young Rephaim fighting very
happy, but it is the emotional impact of the story that had me most
engrossed. Gaby/Gabe finally comes into her own, recognising her
feelings for Rafa and the Fallen angels. She has to decide whether
she will hold past grudges or begin to forgive what has happened.
Rafa is still as witty and acerbic as ever, and Jude's leadership
qualities are sorely tested.
The setting of Pandanus Beach, with its beautiful surf will be
familiar to Australian readers, and provides a fabulous background
to the massive battle that happens on the beach. It is also an
emotional, but grounding place that Gabe/Gaby can begin to call a
home of sorts.
I cannot go into any more detail without giving away what happens,
but it is sufficient to say that there are some surprises, a lot of
moving emotions and some very thrilling scenes and all the strands
are brought together in a most satisfying way. A well written,
compelling and exciting series about angels, it is one that that
won't be easily forgotten.
Pat Pledger
Lola's Toy Box : The Patchwork Picnic by Danny Parker
Ill. by Guy Shield. Hardie Grant Egmont, 2015 . ISBN 9781760124366
(Ages: 5-7) Recommended. Fantasy. The new series Lola's Toybox
will complement the popular Billie B Brown books for young girls
keen to become independent readers. The larger font size and
well-spaced print, with the occasional addition of bold print for
emphasis and italics for unspoken thoughts, coupled with Guy Shields
full page illustrations make this series a welcome addition to the
bookshelf.
Lola is given an old toy box, much to her brother's annoyance. He
always seemed to want what Lola had. In an attempt to escape his
pestering Lola and her favourite toy Buddy, the
learn-to-dress-clown, hide in the toy box. After some strange sounds
and shaking, Lola opens the lid and steps out of a picnic hamper, no
longer in her bedroom but on the side of a hill accompanied by a
walking talking toy clown, Buddy. They are in the Kingdom, where
toys go when they are not being played with, and just in time for
the Teddy Bears Picnic.
All is not well in The Kingdom. Lola recognises Felix the son of The
Great High Bear as her own teddy bear. Felix has been to Nevercalm,
ruled by the Plastic Prince who, according to Felix, is building an
army of toy wind up soldiers in preparation for an attack on the
Kingdom. Lola feels she needs to intervene and save the soldier but
must undertake a test to prove her worthiness.
The problem Lola encounters in the Kingdom is mirrored with her
problem with her brother, and as she finds a solution for the toys
so she builds her confidence to face the real world problem facing
her at home.
This is Lola's first adventure to the Kingdom but with many places
to visit and toys to see I am sure there will be more to come.
Sue Keane
Octonauts Creature Report by Grosset & Dunlap
Grosset & Dunlap, 2015. ISBN 9780448483542
(Ages 3-7) The popular Octonauts animated television
series follows a team of underwater adventurers who dive into the
ocean to explore marine creatures and save their environment. The
Octoauts Creature Report explores fifty different animals and
creatures, providing Octofacts, diet, habitat, features, scientific
names and a crew quote. Colourful stickers are provided in the
centre of the book that can be added to complete each creature
report.
Unusual marine animals are included, as well as the more familiar
ones. The pig-nosed fish from Hawaii the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a or
Humuhumus fish lives in the coral reefs, can swim backwards and has
eyes that move independently. There's creatures that live in the
depths of the oceans - like the blobfish whose diet is unknown and
the oarfish that can grow up to seventeen metres long. Take time to
discover all about the Snot Sea Cucumber, Wolf Eel, Cookie Cutter
Shark or the Vampire Squid! The images are screenshots of the
cartoon animals, one real photo would have made a positive addition
to each report.
This activity book is specifically designed for the young Octonaut
fan, who loves to learn simple, interesting facts about marine life.
Rhyllis Bignell
Paperweight by Meg Haston
Hot Key Books, 2015. ISBN 9781471404566
(Age: 15+) Highly recommended. Eating disorders are not an easy
subject to tackle in the slightest. The psychology of them is far
more complicated than simply 'not eating', and it's a topic that's
rarely discussed seriously in teen novels.
As a beautiful and complex examination of eating disorders and the
people who suffer them, Meg Haston's Paperweight fills this
gap - and then some. The main character in Paperweight is a
seventeen-year-old girl called Stevie, who has just been sent to a
treatment centre for eating disorders 'in the middle of nowhere'
(well technically, New Mexico). However, she doesn't mean to stay
there for long - in twenty-seven days, in fact, she plans to
disappear forever. However, as Stevie starts developing connections
with the counsellors and fellow patients, she begins to reflect on
her past, and the choices that got her where she is. Paperweight is an ingenious novel that treats the complicated
topic of eating disorders in an intelligent, highly sensitive way,
and offers a fascinating glimpse into the complex worlds of anorexia
and bulimia. The author herself writes in an afterword that the
story was largely inspired by her own experiences with eating
disorders - both as a therapist and a survivor - and naturally this
lends a particular ring of truth to the novel. The characters are
developed in wonderful, subtle ways - particularly Stevie, whose
life is revealed in strategically placed flashbacks, and who stands
out as one of the most realistic teenage girls in recent fiction.
The simple and engaging writing style hooks readers from the first
page and barely lets up for almost three hundred pages. Paperweight is a brilliant, oftentimes heartbreaking novel
that brings new light to the complicated world of eating disorders
and the people who have them. Despite the heavy subject matter, it's
an enthralling read, and a very impressive debut from a talented new
author.
Rebecca Adams
The other side of the world by Stephanie Bishop
Hachette, 2015. ISBN 9780733633782
(Age: Adults) Highly recommended. Themes: Marriage; Identity; Sense
of Home, place and identity. What a beautifully rendered book,
crafted with great skill to reveal the intricacies of a relationship
and the struggles for those who feel they have lost themselves when
they lose a sense of place, or take on the role of parent and leave
behind their sense of self. This is a book for adult readers. It
explores the difficulties of maintaining a marriage as well as
self-expression in the 1960s. The author demonstrates incredible
skill - painting a picture with words that is both delightful and
achingly poignant.
The gentle reflections and struggles for the young woman in this
story are so gently shared that the story has great power in
communicating very potent emotions. The reader understands, but at
the same time is puzzled by the difficulties she faces as she
becomes a migrant to Australia, leaving behind her history and the
small things that form part of her certainties. As she struggles
with the emotional impact that this dislocation has introduced into
her life, she flounders in her relationship with her husband and
slowly they drift into uncertain waters.
To rediscover herself she eventually makes a very difficult
decision. All the way through the book we are able to feel her pain,
but also to wonder how she could inflict pain on her family. Her
relationship appears healthy, and yet it is still not enough. The
husband she hurts as her dissatisfaction grows is also a victim of
the loss of home and his pain and his gentleness and lack of anger
are revealed with amazing skill. Bishop's crafting of this book is
poetic and extremely potent in revealing emotional complexities.
Carolyn Hull
Pig Dude - He can do anything by Michael Wagner and Adam Nickel
Billy Goat Books, 2015. ISBN 9780994251718
(Age: 4-8) Recommended. Humour. Mama really believes in Pig Dude and
tells him that he can do anything. Pig Dude is determined to find
out if he can do the impossible - fly! He tries all kinds of things
to get him into the air; he attaches a rocket to himself, pastes on
feathers but it is not until he gets a bunch of balloons and some
help from friendly birds that he is successful.
This is a very amusing book which will really appeal to its young
audience, who will be able to predict what Pig Dude might do to get
into the air. Of course he has lots of adventure, often with very
funny results which will also appeal to young children. Of course
there are some body function problems which will have children
giggling and make it a sure fire winner for the young child who
loves toilet humour.
The vibrant illustrations by Adam Nickel show a very appealing Pig
Dude, with a striped shirt and a cap with a propeller on it. These
are sure to grab the attention of the reader, and greatly add to the
appeal of the book. Pig Dude will appeal to children if it is read aloud to them,
who will appreciate the fact that Mama really believes in Pig Dude
and that he is determined to succeed. It will also be a boon for the
newly independent reader with its 64 pages, big type and easy
vocabulary.
Pat Pledger
The silly book of weird and wacky words by Andy Seed
Ill. by Scott Garrett. Bloomsbury, 2015. ISBN 9781408853382
(Age: 8-12) Recommended. This is an amusing book that investigates
words, gibberish, jokes, riddles and more. Children are fascinated
by jokes and puns and The Silly Book of Weird and Wacky Words
has many examples.
The book starts with 'Juicy Jokes and Riddles' with wordplays such
as 'I didn't use to finish a sentence, but now I . . . '
'Bumper stickers' include 'Follow that car, Godzilla - and step on
it!' and 'Gravity gets me down'.
There are tongue twisters, spoonerisms, slang and wacky word games,
everything that you need to have fun with words.
The cover is bright and appealing and Scott Garrett's illustrations
complement the text. He uses a variety of fonts, drawings,
decorative backgrounds and borders to make the text look even more
appealing.
Andy Seed has written a collection of facts and jokes in The
Silly Book of Side-Splitting Stuff which won the 2015 Blue Peter Book
Award in England.
I recommend this book for primary school libraries and it will
appeal to 8 to 12 year olds and adults who are young at heart!
Jane Moore
Spider Iggy by Aleesah Darlison
Wombat Books, 2015. ISBN 9781925139334
Spider Iggy is a sociable little spider, but he is finding it very
difficult to attract anyone to share his friendship. No-one even
notices his magnificent, cleverly spun web designs. He dreams of
being with spiders just like himself, but how can he make it happen?
Setting off alone, he is confronted by UNfriendly insects and birds
and even threatening people, who only try to harm him.
Poor Iggy! He will just have to stick up for himself if he is ever
to find a home where he can be truly happy.
'Hi-ho! What's the go?' Iggy eventually finds himself amongst lots
of spiders, just as likeable as himself.
Superbly illustrated, this brightly coloured, delightful book should
become a special favourite for younger readers, and those who relish
a happy ending.
J. Kerr-Smith
Selby Celebrates by Duncan Ball
Ill. by Allan Stoman. HarperCollins - Angus & Robertson, 2015.
ISBN 9781460751268
(Age: 8-12) Highly recommended. This contains Selby's secret,
Selby speaks, and Selby screams. Selby the only
talking dog in Australia is celebrating his 30th birthday in print,
although he's still only a ten year old dog with an amazing talent.
It's time for another generation to delight in this lovable dog's
antics, to watch as he fearlessly deals with some very strange
characters, all the while pretending to be an ordinary pet for his
owners' the Trifle family.
Duncan Ball's Selby celebrates combines the first three
novels in one superb volume. Selby's secret was the very
first novel published in 1985. Selby discovers his special ability
one evening while watching television. He can understand what the
actors are saying and then begins to practice speaking, watching
himself in the mirror. He soon discovers that he must keep his
talent to himself, otherwise he would become the Trifles' servant.
Selby's life is full of adventures and near mishaps. Cousin
Wilhemina's prize winning poodle Freddington is ready for the
Bogusville Canine Show, when Selby sneakily decides to resign his
lavender fur-style by adding multi-coloured dyes and a creative cut.
The result a winning punk dog. When Selby wins holiday tickets in a
phone-in competition the Trifles and Selby are off on a disastrous
adventure with Captain Slick Slipway and his ship The Golden
Doldrum. Luckily Selby is there to save his owners from
drowning.
In Selby speaks and Selby screams, the laughs and
adventures continue. There's the issue with the lawn GOTE -
herbaceous emulsifier, the fireworks fiasco of Cracker Night and an
incident where he hides himself in The Screaming Mimi's Computerised
High-Pitched Sound Blaster.
Duncan Ball's humorous text are filled with silly puns, quirky
character names and crazy scenes, each chapter a new adventure which
makes this a perfect class read-aloud or novel to be shared with a
family. Allan Stoman's sketches bring Selby's accident prone dramas
to life.
Rhyllis Bignell
The Serpent Papers by Jessica Cornwell
Quercus, 2015. ISBN 9781848666733
(Age: 16+) In 2003, three women are brutally murdered in Barcelona.
And then, a famous Catalan actress is found dead, sparking the
interest of the nation. But before the police can piece together the
baffling clues, the killer vanishes without a trace. Ten years
later, Anna Verco, book hunter extraordinaire, discovers ancient
letters that could help solve the case. However, she is focused on
something else: a mysterious, centuries-old text known only as the
Serpent Papers. But as the plot thickens and danger begins lurking
around every corner, will she able to solve the mystery in time?
The Serpent Papers is the first in the Nightingale trilogy,
and the debut novel by author Jessica Cornwell. As the granddaughter
of legendary crime writer John Le Carre, one might expect that this
novel treads in the same footsteps, but there is little in common
with Carre's literary classics to be found here - whether that is
good or bad can be left up to the reader.
There are many good things about The Serpent Papers - it has
an intriguing setting and some excellent world building through the
use of (presumably) fabricated poetry and old texts, which adds a
sense of realism that helps ground the more fantastical aspects of
the novel.
However, the main issue is that this book is often simply too
complicated for its own good. There are too many characters to keep
track of and occasionally it's hard to figure out exactly what's
happening, simply because the writing style can be quite vague. It
jumps around to different settings and time periods, and in the end
there are a few too many plot twists and subplots introduced, to the
point where it can be downright confusing. This is unfortunate as
the novel is frequently excellent, but gradually becomes a struggle
to get through.
Ultimately, The Serpent Papers is an impressive, yet
inconsistent debut from a promising new author. Readers beware,
however - it's not for the light-hearted (or the light reader).
Rebecca Adams (university student)
The royal wedding crashers by Clementine Beauvais
Ill. by Becka Moor. Bloomsbury, 2015. ISBN 9781408855447
(Age: 10-12) This novel follows the book The royal babysitters
and includes the characters Anna, Holly and Prince Pepino. In this
crazy, zany book the three children travel to Francia to help
prepare for a very unusual wedding, the wedding of the beautiful
Princess Violette.
They are sent on several secret errands by the wedding planner,
Mademoiselle Malypense to gather a wedding dress, cake and bouquet.
But all is not as it seems.
Why are they gathering wedding items from the strangest of places
and what are Mademoiselle Malypense's real intentions?
This book is crammed with cleverly made up names that are easily
deciphered such as Francia (France) or Britland (British, England).
My favourite is 'King Alaspooryorick of Daneland'. Throw in police
who ride around on rhinos and roosters pulling royal carriages and
you have an understanding of the bizarre aspects of this book.
Becka Moor's illustrations add to the fun and frivolity of the
story.
This a funny tale for 10 to 12 year old students, especially those
who enjoy books such as the Mr. Gum stories by Andy Stanton.
Jane Moore
Same by Katrina Roe
Wombat Books, 2015. ISBN 9781925139266
(Age: All) Highly recommended. Same is a gorgeous picture book that
introduces the theme that everyone has something the same despite
their outward appearances. Ivy's Uncle Charlie comes for a visit but
she isn't too sure about this new visitor. Ivy is scared as Uncle
Charlie steers his wheelchair into the house. He is different to
other adults but when Uncle Charlie does something exactly the same
as her, Ivy sees how they are the same after all.
This is great story to read with all age groups, reminding them to
see others (who might seem different to them) as the same. Highly
recommended for readers aged 5+, this would also be a good story to
use for the Child Protection Curriculum and the identifying of
feelings.
Kylie Kempster
