Ill. by Anna Pignataro. Ford Street, 2014. ISBN 9781925000399
(Age: Pre-school - Yr 6) Highly recommended. Bedtime. And that
means a bedtime story, a nightly ritual in many homes and especially
this one. Snuggled under the covers, the children wait in
anticipation as Father begins Grandfather's Story, a tale from his
childhood.
"One night, your grandfather told me and the other children
to go outside and search for the secret."
And so begins a new take on the old story of The Blind Men and the
Elephant http://www.constitution.org/col/blind_men.htm The
children all think the secret is something different - "a rope", "a
tree branch", "a marble", "a scarf", "a sandy wall" they cry, and
begin arguing until they are so angry they are shrieking at each
other like a babble of monkeys because each believes they were
right. And then Grandfather came outside carrying a candle and
the children saw that each had been right but had also been wrong.
"So what is the secret?" asked the children. "It is for you to
discover," said Father. And as the children fall asleep, pondering,
they set off on a magical adventure flying on a mystical elephant
with wings through to morning where they discover the secret.
In a world where reality comes straight into our living rooms, it is
lovely to share a story that offers the suggestion of peace and
hope. As the elephant soars over the world's landscapes
showing the children its beauty but also its ugliness, the children
learn about people and the core thread of humanity that binds us all
together. The elephant is symbolic in many religions,
representing courage, hope, endurance and wisdom and so the parable
of The Blind Men and the Elephant is part of the story-telling of
many religions and cultures, making this re-imagining a story for
all children. The riches of tradition, mythology and
spirituality are woven into a wonderful tapestry, beautifully
captured by Anna Pignataro's imagination in the outstanding
pictures, intertwined with imagery of the Asia and India where the
story first originated. The concept that we are all the same but
different is a difficult one for young people to grasp because they
only see the external but this partnership of Gervay and Pignataro
(who also brought us Ships in the Field) is so successful that the
message it accessible to all. So much so that it has been awarded
the Blake Prize logo, an annual Prize and Exhibition program for
contemporary art and poetry exploring the themes of spirituality,
religion and human justice, and the first children's book ever to
have been honoured in this way.
This is a book for all ages. The commonality of its story across so
many religions begs an investigation into why it would be - what is
its core message that has such universality? Going back to the
original story could spark a discussion about what is truth and how
our perception of events is dependent on our role within them and
the lens through which we are looking. Even though each picture is
full of the richest details, its true beauty only emerges when we
look at it in its entirety. I have a shelf on which I put the books
that I think are going to be CBCA award winners this year.
This one is going onto that shelf!
Barbara Braxton
Celia and Nonna by Victoria Lane
Ill. by Kayleen West. Ford Street, 2014. ISBN 9781925000603 hbk.
ISBN 9781925000610 pbk.
Celia has the most wonderful relationship with her nonna, and her
most favourite thing is having a sleepover at Nonna's house.
Together they bake and fill the kitchen with delicious smells, and
Celia has her own special cupboard full of her jigsaws, colouring
books and felts. Best of all is when Nonna reads her a bedtime story
- or two or eight or nine. But as time passes, Celia notices that
Nonna is getting forgetful, so much so that Nonna is in danger and
so she has to move to a hostel. Instead of her familiar house with
its tumbled garden, kitchen, and its special cupboard, Nonna now
just has a room with bare grey walls, a tiny bookshelf and a funny
smell. And NO special cupboard. But Celia has an idea.
This story will really resonate with so many young children, my own
grandchildren included, as they come to terms with their nonnas and
great-nonnas having to move from familiar surroundings to assisted
care facilities. Gone are the things that make it a special personal
place and instead there are other old people, funny smells and blank
walls. Even though my grandchildren coped with that quite well, as
Celia does, because Great Gran was still Great Gran and Nonna is
still Nonna, it's hard to be quiet and still so you don't disturb
others. Nearly as hard as it is for Great Gran and Nonna to be
confined to such a small space where there is only room for a tiny
bookshelf and a few special things. Celia's solution is both clever
and poignant and makes the transition to a new way of life so much
easier for both her and Nonna. Miss 8 did a similar thing!
Victoria Lane has hit on a topic that will be the story for many of
the children in our care and I know Miss 8 and Miss 3 not only
empathised with Celia but also got a lot of comfort in knowing that
they weren't the only ones dealing with these changed circumstances
that really bring old age into such a clear focus for them. It can
be scary to see so many old folk, especially those needing so much
assistance, and hard for them to understand what's happening, but if
books like this can encourage them to continue to visit and
celebrate their special times, then we will have a compassionate
generation to look after us.
Accompanied by the most gorgeous pictures from which love just oozes
out, this book touched my heart and that of a friend in similar
circumstances. You can read her review here.
A must-have if you know of children who are facing these big changes
and who need a little support to deal with them.
Barbara Braxton
The paying guests by Sarah Waters
Virago, 2014. ISBN 9780349004587
Highly recommended for mature readers. This latest novel by Sarah
Waters is set in London in 1922. The Great War has ended, but its
damage is still being felt by all classes. Families are still
mourning lost sons and brothers, maimed veterans beg in the streets
and there seems to be little work for even the able bodied
ex-soldiers. The suffragette movement and the genteel poverty
experienced because of changed economic conditions have led to
changes in the way that many women live. The main character Frances
and her mother Mrs Wray no longer have an adequate income; Frances
must abandon her ambitions and become the cook and the cleaner in
the family home, despite her mother's shame. Perhaps fortunately
Frances was a suffragette and so is strong-minded enough to accept
her life with some equanimity, despite having to abandon her female
lover Christina. The Wrays take in boarders to help with their
financial problems and at first feel humiliated by having a couple,
Leonard and Lilian, from the clerk class living with them, but
Frances begins to socialise with Lilian and falls in love with her.
Lilian and Frances begin to form fanciful plans for their future,
which are jeopardised by Lilian falling pregnant. Lilian's husband
returns one night to find Lilian enduring a self-procured abortion.
When he is told of their affair he attacks Frances and Lilian, to
protect her, hits and kills him. The focus of the novel now shifts
to that of a murder mystery and a police procedural. Frances
conceals the truth and hides the body. She endures scrutiny from the
police and her mother. Lilian is initially treated sympathetically
because it is assumed that her miscarriage is a result of the shock
of her husband's death. When a young man is arrested under suspicion
and committed to trial both Frances and Lilian know they face a
difficult choice, as they realize they cannot allow an innocent
person to be found guilty. The days of the trial and the nights of
waiting are described with meticulous detail. Frances' proleptic
imagination supplies her with the details of her future life. She
and Lilian seem far apart and their relationship and indeed lives
seem doomed until the accused young man is found not guilty. Despite
the moral ambivalence of their situation they feel free to look for
happiness again.
This is a suspenseful story that clearly captures the rigidity of
social norms and the inevitability of people's lives not fitting
those norms. It is a love affair, and some passionate scenes are
described in detail, but it is also about guilt and responsibility,
and about the suffocating nature of class distinction. Behind it all
is London of the early 1920's, its suburbs, streets, and attitudes,
captured with authority by the author. The novel is recommended for
sophisticated readers.
Jenny Hamilton
The Whispering Skull by Jonathan Stroud
Lockwood & Co bk 2. Doubleday Children's, 2014. ISBN:
9780857532664
(Age: 11+) Lucy Carlyle, George Cubbins and their boss, the suave
Anthony Lockwood, return in another spine-chilling case for their
psychic detection agency. Definitely creepier than the first volume
in the series, this one will no doubt have the thrill-seekers even
more firmly hooked.
The team of intrepid investigators are called in by DEPREC
(Department of Psychical Research and Control, a government agency,
which monitors the various agencies and works closely with the
police) when a Victorian doctor's grave is disinterred from Kensal
Green Cemetery. A mysterious, and dangerous, object goes missing
from the coffin and a terrible phantom is released. At the same
time, George has been applying all his energy to discovering more
about a rare skull trapped in a glass jar - one of the many
mysterious and potentially lethal objects which abound in Lockwood's
dilapidated but cosy home and the company headquarters.
Once again, there is a liberal dose of humour to lighten the tension
of the plot which does get fiendishly edgy frequently. The return of
secondary characters from the first book, including the trio's
adversaries from rival agency Fitts and particularly, the
supercilious Kipps, as well as the introduction of new oddballs such
as Flo Bones, a rather unfortunate 'friend' of Lockwood, brings
another layer to the plot with the various interactions between
groups and individuals.
Throughout the novel, Lucy's curiosity about Lockwood's reticence
regarding his personal history and the upstairs room which is
forbidden to both she and George, becomes more and more acute,
particularly when the horrible ghost jar skull starts talking - and
clearly she is the only one who can hear it's insidious words.
The ending - with the successful conclusion of the case out of the
way - has a marvellous reveal which provides just the sort of segue
to keep fans eager for the next instalment.
My searching indicates only that the first novel's film adaptation
is currently in production stages with no release date advised but,
for sure, this will be a movie that will attract a flock of
ghoul-hungry viewers.
Find out more about the author and the series here and see if you have
what it takes to be a psychic detection agent via the interactive
game.
Sue Warren
A Chick 'n' Pug Christmas by Jennifer Sattler
Bloomsbury, 2014. ISBN 9781599906027
(Age: Preschool - F) It's the night before Christmas and Pug the
dog is fast asleep, snug and warm in his Santa suit. But his little
mate Chick is chilly - feathers aren't much protection in the snow!
Chick is fascinated by Pug's outfit and so Pug tells him about Santa
and how he brings presents and spreads joy to everyone.
'Wow,' whispered Chick. 'Does he have big muscles? How does he
deliver everything in one night?'
'He flies through the sky', said Pug with a yawn.
'So he's a superhero! Does he have a sidekick?'
And so Pug and Chick set off to spread a bit of their own Christmas
joy to their friends and not-so friends on this special night. But
it's not as easy as they think - especially with their nemesis, Mr
Snuggles. The final picture of a joy spread unknowingly is perfect.
Beautifully illustrated with much of the story and humour embedded
in the pictures, this is another adventure of these two unlikely
buddies that will appeal to young readers. The juxtaposition of the
energetic Chick and the lethargic Pug contrast perfectly, driving
the story and young readers will empathise with both of them.
Of the many Christmas-oriented stories which appear at this time of
the year, this is one that will have great appeal to those who are
still enthralled by the season and its promise of magic.
Barbara Braxton
Whale in the Bath by Kylie Westaway
Ill. by Tom Jellett. Allen & Unwin, 2014. ISBN 9781743318584
(Age: Pre-School - Yr 2) It's bath time for Bruno, but he has a
problem - there is a whale in his bath. And it's using his bubble
bath, even though it doesn't like the smell and would prefer
something more krill-like. Poor Bruno. He's trying to do what he's
been told but when he seeks help his sister Ally doesn't believe him
and accuses him of telling lies. Just because there was a bear under
Bruno's bed and a walrus in the backyard she tells him, "You're
always making things up." His mum doesn't believe him either and
sends him back upstairs but the whale is still there . . . scrubbing
and rubbing and taking its time. It's tricky to wash yourself all
over quickly when you're as big as a whale and the bathtub is as
small as a bucket! So Bruno goes to see his scientific brother Pete
but Pete wasn't interested. "A whale can't fit in the bath," he
said. Even a baby whale would be too big."
So back to the bathroom Bruno goes to plead his case but the whale
still isn't finished - and then Dad comes home and orders Bruno to
stop mucking around and have his bath. But the whale won't budge,
perhaps not for an hour or even four - it's enjoying the hot water
and the soap, neither of which it can get in the ocean. But it does
have an idea . . .
This is the most delightful story of imagination and fun, that has a
cute twist in the end that enables the reader to read Bruno's mind
and say "I told you so!' Tom Jellett has provided some superb
illustrations that make this romp all the better. Young listeners
will have fun thinking about how the whale might have got into the
tub and how it will get out! There's also scope for following it up
with a discussion about why Bruno's family didn't believe him and
perhaps sharing The Boy who Cried Wolf. From a visual imagery
perspective there is opportunity to explore the layout and how
certain words have been emphasised as well as how Jellett has
managed to suggest the enormity of the whale without trying to fit
it into the page. And then there is a mathematical perspective of
comparing sizes - perhaps even sharing Bill Martin Jr's poem, What
is Big?
This one is going in my school box as my next read-aloud to
students! It will set up the learning for the whole day.
Barbara Braxton
Chasing the valley: Skyfire by Skye Melki-Wegner
Random House Australia, 2014. ISBN 9780857981721
(Age: 14+) On the run from their old home with King Morrigan's arrest
and capture warrants on their heads, Danika Glynn and her crew are
running towards freedom after (for the second time) foiling the
tyrannous King's plans. Along with Danika are: infamous thief and
sneak - Teddy Nort, once Richie twins - Clementine and Maisy
Pembroke whom have both proved themselves to not be the spoilt
little rich girls as they were once portrayed, and last but not least,
Lukas Morrigan, only son of the famous and much disliked, King
Morrigan. Although a band of mismatched crew, they work together to
scramble to a new land where your proclivity tattoo (found on the
back of the neck) and magic determine your life. Once they arrive,
is all of the hard work done and will they remain free? Chasing the valley: Skyfire by Skye Melki-Wegner is the third
instalment in the Chasing the valley trilogy and is just as exciting
and vibrant on every page like the previous two action packed
novels. The dialogue found between characters is realistic and makes
the reader feel like they are a part of the conversation. With
fantastical descriptions that paint the scenery of Danika and her
crew around the reader, Skyfire is a book you'll find hard to put
down. The language and themes within this novel appeal to a mid to
older teenage audience mainly because of the political themes that
are involved and which could be a challenge for younger readers
because they are so interwoven in the plot. Over all, the Chasing the valley trilogy is definitely one series that the reader
would find valuable and enjoyable to have on their shelf.
Sarah Filkin (Student)
War brothers: The graphic novel by Sharon E. McKay
Adapted and ill. by Daniel LaFrance. Walker Books, 2014. ISBN
9781406358377
(Age: 15+) In Uganda a group calling itself the 'Lord's
Resistance Army' (LRA) has been operating since 1987
violently oppressing and killing villagers, using
abducted child soldiers to carry out unthinkable crimes against
humanity. This graphic adaptation of McKay's award winning novel is
based on accounts by child soldiers and tells the story from the
children's point of view. It is confronting in its depiction of
their treatment and brutalisation.
Fourteen year old Jacob and his friend Tony are taken from their school
and dragged into the jungle where they become slaves for the LRA
soldiers, surviving on what they can find as only soldiers were
allowed food and drink. They cling to the hope of rescue and tell
each other stories of better times as they become weaker and more
desperate. They are befriended by the cook Oteka and meet Hannah, a
girl slave whose ears have been cut off and whose story of loss and
betrayal is chilling. Starving and exhausted without hope, some
succumb and qualify as soldiers, joining the killing but Jacob and
some friends, with the help of Oteka, escape. Hunted by soldiers and
a lion, they manage to get away but rather than a welcome they are
treated with suspicion and fear by people who have suffered at the
hands of child soldiers. They draw strength from each other in their
shared suffering, finding different ways of dealing with the
experience; Jacob's way is to write their story so others might
understand.
The illustrations powerfully evoke the horror of the LRA, using dark
colours with black backgrounds while the other parts of the story
are contrasted in natural colours with white borders. The
combination of pictures and text captures the emotions and horror of
the situation and the importance of friendship, courage and
resilience for survival.
Not suitable for younger readers but this powerful and confronting
story could lead to better understanding by year 10 and older
students of the issue of children caught up in brutal wars. It is
endorsed by Amnesty International as 'contributing to a better
understanding of human rights and the values that underpin them'.
Sue Speck
Come count with me by Marika Wilson
Allen & Unwin, 2014. ISBN 978174313435
(Age: 3+) Recommended. Counting. Grandparents. Little Big Book
Club. In conjunction with The Little Big Book Club, Allen &
Unwin has produced this delightful counting book, which not only
shows the little chick learning to count but he teaches his
Grandmother as well, helping her remember the numbers she once knew.
In a library there are never enough counting books, as they are all
so well used and loved that they fall apart very quickly. The ones
left on the shelf are hard to move, but this one will have a wide
audience. Its quirky pictures of the two chickens, Nana with her
flyaway John Howard eyebrows and the little chicken who loves to
count, will appeal to younger readers, first encountering the system
of numbers used everyday.
In helping Nana learn her numbers, the reader will learn them too,
laughing at the humorous way Nana helps her grandchild to learn
them, pretending that she does not know them as well as she
should. The numbers are repeated often through the book,
mostly in their correct order, but sometimes getting them mixed,
ensuring that the readers will call out the correct order.
The endpapers add to the story with the numbers again shown, this
time with the appropriate numbers of items to remind the readers
what each number means.
Fran Knight
Cartboy goes to camp by L.A. Campbell
Allen & Unwin, 2014. ISBN 9781743317754
Recommended for readers from 9-12 years. With an abundance of
graphic journal and diary novels for preteen readers, L. A.
Campbell's Cartboy follows in the footsteps of Jeff Kinney's
Wimpy kid. Nerdy kid, family dramas, bully, helpful friends
and a setting fraught with difficulties to overcome. Cartboy is a
sixth-grader who earned his nickname when he took his school books
in an old-lady cart to class.
In this second novel, Hal Rifkind is still an inept guy whose summer
holidays are ruined by his parents. Dad is a history nut and instead
of spending the summer playing computer games and eating donuts,
Cartboy is sent off to camp. Of course Camp Jamestown is a
historical representation of American life four hundred years ago.
Campers learn how to gather water from the stream, churn butter,
even plant crops, shoot bows and arrows, and if they complain they are
punished.
Cartboy adds humorous photos and cartoons to his diary entries,
pleading for someone to rescue him. Of course, his arch-nemesis Ryan
Harper, known for giving Cartboy an excruciating Sweatpants Wedgie
on the last day of school, is also at camp. Each of the entries is
creatively titled with pleas - Dear Possible Driver of a Time-Travel
machine.
This is a relatable and funny story about growing up, valuing
friends, making the best of a bad situation and bully-busting.
Rhyllis Bignell
Yikes, Santa-Claws by Pamela Butchart
Bloomsbury, 2014, ISBN 9781408851388
(Age: Preschool - F) It's a refrain heard all over the world on
THAT night... 'Santa Claus will soon be here so snuggle up in
bed.' So with their stockings hanging on the tinsel-decorated
bedpost, the two dinosaur children do just that. But the visitor who
comes down their chimney is not who they expected - it's
Santa-Claws, a green imposter who starts by falling down the
chimney. 'Oh, toe-bells,' cried Santa-Claws, 'I've squashed
everything in my sack!'
Woken by the noise, the dino-tots creep down the stairs and they are
met with a disaster - this fake is eating the tree, rummaging
through the presents, trying on dad's new reindeer pants and mum's
sparkly red shoes. Nothing is safe, not even the cat. Then, leaving
a trail of stinky poos, he moves on to the next house causing havoc
and destruction until at last the families wake up. But even they
can't stop him until...
This is a cute story that young readers will really enjoy listening
to and they will appreciate good getting the best of bad. Brightly
illustrated, it is eye-catching and the rhyming pattern provides a
rhythm that moves it along at a nice pace. It's wonderful for
maintaining that atmosphere of anticipation that comes with the
magic of Christmas and would be a perfect addition to a Christmas
countdown of stories.
Barbara Braxton
Just right for Christmas by Birdie Black & Rosalind Beardshaw
Nosy Crow, 2014. ISBN 9780857631367
'Waste not, want not' is a maxim well-known to those of us raised
by parents who themselves grew up in the Depression years. And it's
a principle with just as much import in our modern disposal
consumer-driven society.
When a king buys a length of sumptuous red velvet to have a cloak
made for his daughter's Christmas present, it is not just the
Princess who receives a beautiful present. After each character
has 'snipped and sewed' to make a special gift, beginning with the
palace seamstress, the leftover scraps of fabric are put outside the
back door, where another character comes along and is thrilled with
the unexpected bounty. As Milly (mouse) finds the last tiny scrap of
red fabric, she knows it is just enough to make little Billy a cosy
scarf for Christmas.
Proving that one person's trash is another's treasure, the one swath
of fabric makes five Christmas presents for some very happy
recipients.
As a delightful contrast to our fine Australian Christmas books,
this is typically English with snow, holly, badgers, squirrels,
thatched roofs and smoking chimneys. It would make a super
comparison text for young children exploring customs, climate and
culture, broadening their view of the world in a simple, gentle
story.
Sue Warren
Whisper the dead by Alyxandra Harvey
The Lovegrove Legacy bk 2. Bloomsbury, 2014. ISBN
9781408854839
(Age: 12+) Paranormal. Witches. Magic. Romance. The second book in The
Lovegrove Legacy series following A
breath of frost centres on Gretchen, whose gift as
a Whisperer is just starting to manifest. She has constant buzzing in
her ears and doesn't know how to control her power. Tobias Lawless
from the Order of Iron Nails has been sent to watch over her, and
although he is handsome he is also cold and frustrating, but
nevertheless very appealing. Gretchen does not act like a lady much
to the disgust of the straitlaced Tobias, but when danger threatens
the two must get together with the Lovegrove cousins, Emma and
Penelope, to save London.
Fans of the first book will welcome the second although initially I
had a little difficulty following what was going on and would have
welcomed a short recap of the first book to refresh my memory.
However as Gretchen's story unfolded, it was easy to become
engrossed in this book set in an alternative Regency London where
magic abounds. Gretchen is the tomboy cousin who doesn't want to
abide by society's rules for a proper young lady. Tobias is all
about abiding by rules and of course opposites attract and sparks
fly!
There is plenty of action and plot twists and turns, and all the
cousins are involved in fighting the evil. There is also heartbreak
as awful things happen to loved ones.
People who enjoyed other books by Harvey will welcome this one, and
fans of Cassandra Clare will find a new series to read.
Pat Pledger
Lulu loves noises by Camilla Reid
Ill. by Ailie Busby. Lulu loves series. Bloomsbury, 2014. ISBN
9781408849637
(Age: Preschool-Yr 1) Recommended. Noises. Lift the flap board
book. One in the Lulu loves series follows Lulu through a typical
day, listening to all the noises that surround her. She hears the
tweet tweet of the birds when waking and the quack quack of the duck
when having a bath. Finally she hears the Mwaah! of her mother's
good night kiss before going to bed.
As with other books in the Lulu lovesseries, the story is a familiar one
that will resonate with young children, who will be able to recount
the sounds that they hear during the day while reading about the
noises that Lulu hears. The lift the flap on each on the double page
spreads encourages prediction and could lead to lots of discussion
about noises and what happens in a typical day.
The line drawings are cute and appealing and the family relations
are warm and caring.
This is a sturdy board book which will stand up to repeated readings
and exploration by young children.
Pat Pledger
The thousand dollar tan line by Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham
Veronica Mars bk 1. Allen & Unwin, 2014. ISBN
9781760112363
(Age: Adult - Senior secondary) Recommended for Veronica Mars fans. Mystery.
Murder. Drugs. Alcohol. After the success of the Veronica Mars
TV series and movie, Rob Thomas, with Jennifer Graham, has come up
with the first in the series starring Veronica Mars. Back in
Jupiter, she is investigating the disappearance of two college
students, who have been partying hard during the college spring
break. Both girls had last been seen in the house of men with ties
to the drug world and the case is not one of a simple missing person
search.
I came fresh to the book not having watched either the TV or the
movie. After reading part way through I got the movie which did give
me background to the book, as it is set soon after the action in the
movie. However it could be read as a stand-alone for those new to
Veronica Mars.
It is a well written mystery with enough red herrings to keep the
reader guessing as to the perpetrators of the crimes. There are the
usual suspects - sons of drug lords, an inept and corrupt sheriff,
and rich boyfriends. Throw into the mix the fact that Veronica's
mother makes an appearance from the past and there is plenty of
angst to keep the reader interested in the characters. Logan,
Veronica's love interest is away on duty, so the love interest is
minimal, instead the plot relies on the way that Veronica decides to
take on the Mars Investigation office and try and find the two
missing girls and those who took them. There is also action galore,
with Veronica throwing herself into harm's way, usually with no
back-up but her mobile phone.
This is sure to appeal to fans of the TV and movie who will be
delighted to read more of the adventures of Veronica. Wild parties,
drugs and alcohol may make it more suitable for the older
adolescent. Another book in the series, Mr Kiss and Tell is
in the pipeline.
Pat Pledger
