Bloomsbury, 2014. ISBN 9781408854136
(Age: 11-15) Recommended. I am not familiar with Chris Priestley's work - no
doubt, because the supernatural/paranormal genre is not one for
which I usually opt. But reading a little of his bio, it seems this
'master of the macabre' loves nothing better than to take a
traditional Gothic horror story and put a complete new twist on it.
And this he has done with A Christmas Carol. I really like Dickens
but I'm not an Egghead knowing all there is to know about every book
and while I like A Christmas Carol it has never been my favourite,
and I had completely forgotten about the two 'wild' children hidden
underneath the robes of the Ghost of Christmas Present. Ignorance
and Want, these two feral children become the focus of this side
stepping of the original story, taking the reader into the dark and
disturbing world of Dickens' London.
Written in a style that will totally captivate those young readers
who relish a bit of spookiness, this story is new, fresh and
engaging while completely retaining the pervading message of the
original novel.
I'm giving this a big thumbs up and will definitely be promoting it
to Middle School next year - creepy but not horrific, matter of fact
but not graphic (about the dire circumstances of London's poor) and
totally resolved in a satisfactory manner.
I'd be grabbing this one for your library shelves - readers around
11 to 15 would love it I believe
Sue Warren
Once upon a Christmas compiled and edited by Beattie Alvarez
Christmas Press, 2014. ISBN 9780992283858
(Age: 9+) This is a collection of Christmas stories, poems and
illustrations, dedicated to Santa Claus. With contributions from
many of Australia's well known and best loved authors like Duncan
Ball, Ursula Dubosarsky, Vashti Farrer, Kate Forsyth, Pamela
Freeman, Susanne Gervay, Juliet Marillier and Sophie Masson, and
illustrations by a variety of artists, this is a wide ranging
collection of memoirs about Christmas, some folktales and poetry.
Those looking for stories that celebrate the birth of Christ will
find only a few references to this event, although I found the
poignant poem by Anne Bee, The Donkey a beautiful reminder
of the Nativity as was the poem The Mouse by Nette Hilton
I browsed through this collection picking out stories by my
favourite authors. In the Inglenook by Juliet Marillier
tells the tale of two abandoned Christmas decoration toys who are
rescued by a mother who remembered them from her childhood. Robert's
tree by Pamela Freeman describes how Robert's Christmas tree
grew so big that it had to be put in the ground. For older readers,
reading the poignant, Christmas at the Homeless Shelter by
Adele Geras, could mean a discussion about the true meaning of
Christmas and how they could perhaps help those in need at this
time. Babushka and the Star a traditional Russian Christmas
legend retold by Sophie Masson is a beautiful tale of
Babushka, who 'will never stop looking for the little child born
under the miraculous star.'
Some of the stories describe how the authors celebrate Christmas, Grandma's
Christmas by Susanne Gervay brings a picture of her much loved
parents and how their contributions to Christmas are being passed
down through the generations. Isabelle Merlin in Childhood
Christmas - plus a cake describes how she loved her Christmas
celebrations in France, and even gives an easy French Christmas log
cake recipe that would be easy for young readers to make with the
help of an adult. These memoirs could give rise to a writing
activity in class, with each child writing about how Christmas or
another important holiday is celebrated in their family. The diverse
writings could prove to be discussion point in the class about many
beliefs and customs in Australia and around the world.
Each page is decorated with Christmas bells and holly and there are
some lovely full page coloured illustrations, disconcertingly placed
in the middle of the book, rather than with the story they
illustrate.
All in all this would be a very useful collection to have in a
library and the varied texts could lead to lively discussions and
directed writing about Christmas.
Pat Pledger
The Walled City by Ryan Graudin
Indigo, 2014. ISBN 9781780621999
Not suitable for younger readers. In the brutal, lawless Walled
City, violent criminals are in control whilst broken, lost souls
such as street children try to survive anyway they can, living in
filthy squalor and being wary of everyone.
Most of the story centres upon a brothel owned by a vicious gang who
press young girls into sexual slavery. Accordingly, the subject is
grim with women being forcibly detained, savagely beaten, sexually
assaulted and prostituted for the profit of the gang's leader.
The violence and competition for survival on the streets is such
that to stay alive, children must run from ever present threats and
be handy with a knife to defend themselves. Two characters have
reason to gain entry to the brothel, Jin Ling seeks to rescue an
enslaved sister, whilst Dai is under immense pressure to accomplish
a task before a given date. Cooperating requires that the pair break
the primary rule of survival, being 'Trust nobody'. This is no small
matter given the hair raising exploits the pair become involved in,
with each having the other's life in their hands on occasion. The
mystery of Dai's race against time and his reason for being in the
city took too long to reveal and became annoying and boring rather
than captivating.
One of the many confronting aspects of this story is that it is
based on the Kowloon Walled City, however it is set in contemporary
time. A story such as this set in a futuristic, dystopian society or
even a Medieval fantasy world enables escapism, however the setting
of this tale firmly emphasises that many women do experience this
barbarous mistreatment in our modern world. Given that lives of
violence and sexual exploitation are a reality for too many women
and children, it is valid for adults to be prompted to feel deeply
about the misery and degradation experienced by the less fortunate.
Whether this is fit and appropriate for adolescent readers is a
complex question which many will have diverse, strong opinions
about.
My own feeling is that the evil practices portrayed in this novel
are not depicted gratuitously yet readers will be disturbed.
Further, it would be concerning if readers were not disturbed by
this issue but I don't consider that the novel has enough depth to
make it compelling literature. For this reason I urge parents to
read it carefully before giving it to their children and suggest
that librarians and teachers exercise caution in regard to whether
this is appropriate for their collection and if so, which age levels
may borrow it.
Rob Welsh
The Tree House by Toni Brisland
Ill. by Michele Gaudion. Little Steps, 2014. ISBN 9781925117011
(Age: K - 3) Teresa and Emma are sisters and best friends and Emma's
greatest wish is that her profoundly disabled sister could run on
rainbows and do the things that she can, like climbing trees. So she
asks Daddy and Grandpa to build a treehouse instead. But while they
do that there is an accident which puts Teresa in hospital and
changes the plans dramatically.
This is a sensitive family story that gives children with
disabilities like Teresa's, or their sisters, an opportunity to see
themselves as characters in a story. While Teresa's disability plays
a significant role in the events, it is about family love first and
disability second. Accompanied by gentle artwork, it is a feel-good
story that might help others think about the things they do and take
for granted. Imagine even eating strawberries becoming a challenge
or being unable to speak, let alone unable to do either. Yet this is
the life of many young children and we need to acknowledge it.
This book was written after the author had a conversation with a
social worker who told her that there were very few books available
to start discussions with the siblings of disabled children who are
finding it hard to cope with the situation. It is based on Toni's
sister, Teresa, who had cerebral palsy, and the influence Teresa had
on her. While I've read other books in which the main character has
a disability, this is the first one I recall written from the
perspective of a sibling.
Worth having in your collection.
Barbara Braxton
Rory and the Monstersitter by Rosie Reeve
Bloomsbury, 2014. ISBN 9781408845516
(Age: Preschool - Yr 2) Rory the Monster loves to cook and he's
always creating new and interesting recipes using whatever
ingredients he has to hand - bats, bugs, anything is likely to end
up in the mix. One evening, his parents decide to go on a
dinner date, hiring an enormous hairy monster to look after Rory,
Fangus, Lily and Baby Grub. The monster sits himself down in front
of the television ignoring what the children are up to in the
kitchen and then outside. Their tummies are rumbling so while
their parents are enjoying a delicious dinner at the Cockroach
Cafe, they concoct their own dinner starting with leaves and twigs,
a splash of water, a twist of pepper and a sprinkling of salt.
But it is missing a vital ingredient . . .
This is a laugh-out-loud story that has a superb twist in its
telling (not just the twist of pepper.) When I first read it
to some six-year-olds they were quite quizzical at the ending, but
when it finally sunk in what had happened and what was planned they
begged for it to be read again and again. Between the text and the
superb illustrations there was much to pick up on and enjoy.
It also led to a discussion about how authors use unexpected events
and endings to turn stories on their heads and how, sometimes, even
with all we know we are surprised.
It would be very easy to use this text address the Australian
Curriculum Year 1 outcome ACELY1660 ('Use comprehension strategies
to build literal and inferred meaning about key events, ideas and
information in texts that they listen to, view and read by drawing
on growing knowledge of context, text structures and language
features') because its humour and twist set it apart from many of
the other stories for this age group.
Barbara Braxton
My Little Star by Mark Sperring
Ill. by Nicola O'Byrne. Bloomsbury, 2014. ISBN 9781408849613
(Age: Preschool - K) 'When the day is done and sleeps draws near
When the moon's aglow and stars appear
I'll whisper something crystal clear
Words just meant for you hear'.
Mem Fox once said that the bedtime story routine is like 'drawing
the curtains on the day' and this lovely lullaby-esque is the
perfect story to finish off and share a kiss goodnight. With soft,
gentle illustrations, animal mothers look up and share their love
with their babies. Lions, giraffes, koalas, even penguins show that
the bond between mother and child is deep, enduring and unbreakable.
It could start a chat about the individual and personal routines the
children follow - is an on-the-knees prayer still part of it? - as
well as being a perfect starter for focusing on Mothers Day and what
our mums do for us.
Little ones will love this and will want to make it part of their
go-to-sleep ritual every night.
Barbara Braxton
The Wombats at the Zoo by Roland Harvey
Allen & Unwin, 2014. ISBN: 9781743319048
(Age: 6-9) Highly recommended. Picture books. 2013 marked the 30th
anniversary of Roland Harvey's first published book and sixty years
since he created his first book! Many lucky folk were able to attend
his exhibition 'Roland Harvey: a Retrospective'. Roland has long
been one of Australia's favourite illustrators and his long list of
published works includes so many popular titles that one would be
hard-pressed to ignore their impact on the children and adults with
whom they have been shared. The Wombats at the Zoo is the second in a series created by
Roland about a class of quirky children and their teacher. The class
is off to the zoo with each child charged with obtaining information
about a specific topic and also writing a poem about an animal seen
during the outing. Beginning with the wonderful endpapers on which
each child is pictured with details about their favourite animal,
scariest animal and other little titbits, the reader is immediately
drawn into the action and becomes part of the class for the
duration.
With very recognisable RH flair, the illustrations are seemingly
simple but actually filled with minute details which beg close
examination. One can already see the heads bent over, picking out
the details such a miniscule pram underwater, baby fish a micro-copy
of its parent floating along for a daily 'walk' or the orang-utans
and meerkats holding up a sign 'Don't buy palm oil'. I particularly
love the Aussie animal enclosure with the myriad native birds from
spoonbills to brolgas (dancing of course!), herons to (very
delightful) pelicans.
As usual there is lots of wordplay '. . . the longest snake, the
Monty python, grows nearly nine metres long. . . . ' which could
easily lead into an activity with your class collecting or inventing
collective nouns, creating descriptions of a slightly whacky nature
and more. And of course, both written and visual humour, so typical
of Roland's work, is abundant.
Each 'Wombat' has a double page spread featuring their special
report and poem with the final double spread a 'seek' page to find
all the children as it's time to go home, with the endpage showing
each child with their 'show-and-tell' to follow up the excursion.
All in all, like all Roland's books it is great fun both for
independent reading and read-aloud, as well as a very useful
springboard to language activities with vigour and humour.
Sue Warren
The arrival by Shaun Tan
Hachette, 2014. ISBN 9780734415868
(Age: All) Highly recommended. Immigration, Refugees, Loneliness. A
stranger arrives in a strange land, leaving behind his wife and
daughter until he can send for them. He is one of many, moving like
robots through the immigration centre, finding work which casts him
in the same anonymous role. Tan shows clearly through this wordless
book, the disorientation of the new arrival, his efforts to fit in,
to assimilate, his search for work and lodgings. Each page shows a
strange language, impelling the readers to empathise with the
migrant, lost in an unknown and unfriendly city.
Tan's sepia drawings, looking like old photographs, encapsulate the
isolation of the new arrival. Repeated images of dislocation,
disorientation, loneliness and sorrow are found throughout the book,
the end papers having all of humanity shown in passport like
pictures staring at the reader.
The story is divided into six chapters, the first following the man
leaving, packing his suitcase while his wife and daughter accompany
him to the ship which will take him away. He is then found amongst
many others making that journey, sending letters like birds home to
their families. Next he is seen talking to others who have their own
stories of dislocation, sharing their experiences. The fourth shows
the work he is able to get, and his mind drifts into the reasons he
left, while the last chapter shows a positive future for the family
as those left behind prepare to follow. In between we see snippets
of those he befriends, people who share his experiences and help him
along his journey, with the darker tones of some illustrations
reflect the trauma of some of their stories. The image early in the
book of the man seeing his family in his suitcase is haunting (one
amongst many). Tan reprises some iconic images of migration, and the
use he makes of the unusual animal and the engineering works all add
another level of thought and discussion. There are images to share,
images to ponder, and above all to read and reread, gaining more
from each viewing. A New Arrivals class at Richmond Primary School
pondered over this book for weeks, taking it home, sharing it with
their parents and other members of their class. They spoke of it
with recognition: some children were from refugee camps, some from
detention centres, while some had arrived by plane. But they all had
one thing in common, being a new arrival in an alien land, and that
Shaun Tan has shown with incredible dexterity. This group of young
people all found themselves and their families in the faces in the
endpapers, their reasons for leaving their own country in some of
the stories shown. In a classroom, this book could be used as an
introduction to the theme of immigration, of difference, of starting
again, of refugees, of the nature of picture books, or looking at an
illustrator's skill.
This book won accolades around the world when first published: CBCA
Picture book of the year in 2007, NSW Premier's Award, 2007, WA
Premier's Prize, 2007, ABBA award 2007, Best Album Award, France,
2007.
To see it republished in a smaller, softcover edition reminds us
again of Tan's prodigious talents, and the need for books such as
these to be placed in front of readers of all ages.
When asked if this was about the refugee debate in today's
Australia, he responded,
'If The Arrival contributes to a public discussion at all,
it would be in reminding us that these issues are more than just
passing fodder for politicians and media.'
This book soars as it reflects all of our beginnings.
Fran Knight
Snow by Walter de la Mare
Ill. by Carolina Rabei. Faber, 2014. ISBN 9780571312191
(Ages: 4-6) Highly recommended. This stunning presentation of de la
Mare's poem is a triumph. Rabei's illustrations using a limited
palette of colours to accentuate the crisp white of the snow are
just beautiful and take the classic poem from being simply about the
wonder of a snowy winter to a celebration of a northern hemisphere
Christmas.
The text is sparingly scattered throughout the book which has a
combination of styles from full double page spreads to snap-shot
style story boards, and the reader can follow a family's
preparations for a cosy Christmas.
There is a quiet beauty to this poem and in this format is all the
more accessible to a new generation. No breath of wind,
No gleam of sun -
Still the white snow
Whirls softly down -
Small and I really enjoyed sharing this, loving the sound of the
language but also 'telling' the story through the illustrations.
I don't know that I'll ever be able to conjure up enough snow to
make a snowman but at least we can vicariously do so as well as
toboggan, run through the woods with the puppy and trace the
feathery frost on the windows.
Highly recommended for young readers from around 4 up. I just really
adore the almost minimalist design of this book - truly beautiful!
Find out more about Walter de la Mare here.
Sue Warren
Isla and the happily ever after by Stephanie Perkins
Anna and the French Kiss, bk 3. Usborne, 2014. ISBN
9781409581130
(Age: 15+) Recommended. Romance. Travel. Friendship. Paris.
Manhattan. Stephanie Perkins is the queen of the teen romance and
has written another wonderful story, this time following the ups and
downs of a romance between shy and clever Isla and artist Josh, at
the same time making some connections with Anna and Etienne and Lola
and Cricket from her previous books Anna and the French Kiss
and Lola and the Boy Next Door .
Once again the setting of the story is fabulous. Readers are taken
on a tour of Manhattan as Isla meets up with Josh, who she has had a
crush on for years. She sees him in a cafe during the summer
vacation and hopes that it could be the start of a new romance for
her, but he disappears and she doesn't see him again until they both
go back to school in Paris. Here they connect and scenes of Paris
are joyfully described. Then for an even more exotic setting,
Perkins takes her characters off to Barcelona for an illicit
weekend, and paints a glowing picture of the amazing art of Gaudi.
Teens will be enthralled with the descriptions of Paris, Manhattan
and Spain that are sure to make them want to travel, and people who
have been lucky enough to travel will enjoy revisiting the places in
the book.
The romance of course is the central theme and Isla has a bumpy road
with Josh, as they navigate the perils of a relationship with its
associated misunderstandings, heartbreak and joy. The final chapters
bring together the characters from her previous books in a totally
satisfying conclusion and readers have much to think about when
considering if happily ever after can exist.
Pat Pledger
Amelie and Nanette: Sparkly Shoes and Picnic Parties by Sophie Tilley
Bloomsbury, 2013. ISBN 9781408836637
Amelie and Nanette are very excited. Nanette has a brand new pair of
shoes, red and shiny with the prettiest bows. She was just about to
give up looking for new shoes when she spotted them on the highest
shelf. And Amelie had something new too - a party dress with roses
and ribbons. So they decide to have a New Shoes and New Dress Picnic
Party. So they packed up a yummy picnic and a blanket, umbrella,
sunhats, sunglasses and towels (in case they went paddling) got
dressed in their new clothes with extra petticoats, bangles and
necklaces. Then they carried everything over the fence into the
meadow to their favourite tree by the stream. It was their own
secret hideaway.
Their new clothes make them feel like dancing and singing and
spinning until they fell down giddy and giggling. It is time for the
picnic - but what's a picnic without flowers? So Amelie goes off to
pick some while Nanette goes to the stream to get water and disaster
strikes.
This is one of those traditional, feel-good stories about carefree
kids who are best friends, sharing everything. Both the text and the
illustrations have an olde-worlde feel about them that takes the
reader back to a slower, simpler, safer world where two young girls
can pack a picnic, go over the fence and have fun without a care in
the world. And you just know that there will be a happy ending. This
is an ideal series for introducing young children to the concept of
a continuing collection of stories with the same characters, an
important element of developing early literacy skills. Not only does
it allow them to 'dive right into the story' because they already
know who these characters are and what they're like but that in
itself makes them think back and bring that information to the
present situation. "What do I already know about Amelie and Nanette
that will help me enjoy this story?" is part of that ability to
transfer known knowledge to new situations. It helps them predict
what might happen based on what they already know and well-developed
characters like Amelie and Nanette become favourite friends,
reinforcing the understanding that books and reading are friendly,
fun, perhaps even a solace.
Barbara Braxton
Alfie's Big Wish by David Hardy
Magabala Books, 2014. ISBN: 9781922142535
(Ages: Lower primary, Middle primary) Highly recommended for small
humans around 3 and up. In his second book about Alfie, David Hardy
tells the story of Alfie's loneliness after his friends move on with
their family and his longing for someone to play with. The simple
rhyming text will appeal to young readers and the illustrations are
just delightful - and very expressive. Children will readily
identify with Alfie's emotions throughout.
David is a descendant of the Barkindji people of the Brewarrina
(NSW) district and was for many years working with the Walt Disney
Animations Studios. His skill with drawing and creating characters
is evident in this charming book - especially with facial
expressions. I particularly love the end papers with their 'pencil'
sketches of Alfie in various activities and moods.
After his mates move away, Alfie is left feeling very forlorn as all
the other kids are much bigger. He tries to amuse himself (alongside
some animal friends) but it just isn't the same. He makes a big wish
for someone to come along who is just the right age and size to be a
playmate. And Surprise! His wish comes true when a new little girl,
Myrna, appears. As new special friends the two play all day long and
there are smiles all around.
A lovely take on friendship and an apt example that kids are kids
and are friends despite gender differences, or anything else!
Sue Warren
Dragon Jelly by Claire Freedman
Ill. by Sue Hendra. Bloomsbury, 2014. ISBN 9781408838846
(Age: Preschool - K) It's Max's monster party - there are yucky,
scary games to play like bouncing on the jumping castle that sprays
out gunk and pass-the-parcel which contains something
not-quite-nice. There's even a hairy green magician who can make
frogs hop from behind Max's ear, and before they eat there's time to
cool down in the paddling pool filled with buzzing botfly eggs and
whiiffy fruit-bat drool. The food is just as savoury and there's
excitement when Max's birthday cake appears. Earwax candles? But the
piece de resistance is the dragon jelly that is scary hot to eat.
This is a fun romp through a children's birthday party told in
rhyming verse that will delight the very young - perhaps their first
introduction to the horror genre or an inspiration for their next
birthday party. Whichever, the imaginative text and the bright
pictures set against a black background for extra effect will engage
and entertain and this is sure to become a firm favourite. Just
perhaps not as a bedtime story just in case of nightmares.
Birthday parties are big deal for the very young so this would be an
ideal way to help young students think about the steps required to
plan them, starting with lists of guests and games and food and then
a flowchart to sequence and sort - the first steps in helping them
to select and organise their information. Information literacy can
start at a very young age with the simplest of scenarios.
Barbara Braxton
The Christmas Book by Dick Bruna
Hardie Grant Books, 2014. ISBN 9781921288814
About forty years ago the first books I bought my firstborn child
were Dick Bruna's Miffy,
Poppy Pig and I Can Count. So how excited was I to
win a copy of The Christmas Book from my friend The Book Chook!
Last night after taking Small to see some Christmas Lights and
particularly the magnificent display and 'festival' at the Sandgate
Uniting Church, it seemed most fitting that our bedtime story
should be the story of Christmas as told by Bruna.
With a simplified but engaging text and Bruna's signature
illustrative style, this is such a charming book - and timeless.
First published in 1964, there is no doubt it is just as appealing
to today's audience as those of fifty years ago.
Share the joy and reason for the season with a little one you know
with this beautiful book and if you have not yet done so explore the
Miffy site and
Dick Bruna House.
Sue Warren
Blue Lily, Lily Blue by Maggie Stiefvater
The Raven Cycle bk 3. Scholastic, 2014. ISBN 9781407136639
(Age: 15+) Highly recommended. The third book in The Raven Cycle
carries on the quest for the Welsh King Glendower begun in The
Raven boys and The
dream thieves. Blue Sargent has found a place for
herself with the Raven boys, Gansey, Adam, Ronan and the ghostly
Noah, but things are unravelling around her. Her mother has been
missing for months and she and the ex-hit man seem to be the only
ones worried. As the group explore a cursed cave guarded by a
strange mountain man, and discover strange and wonderful things, the
mysteries surrounding the ley lines and Glendower remain
tantalisingly near.
Stiefvater draws the reader into this mystical quest with ease and
clever writing. The characters all develop along the way, with
tantalising clues given. Blue and Gansey's growing attraction for
each other is heart breaking as Blue knows that 'If she kisses her
true love, he will die.' The enigmatic Adam begins to realise that
money isn't everything and that friendship is really important.
Ronan's power is frightening and poor Noah tries desperately to hold
onto a corporeal appearance.
The group gradually get closer to solving the mystery of Glendower,
but there are many problems to be solved on the way. The appearance
of a new Latin teacher who is terrifying and Gwenllian, Glendower's
daughter, add to the suspense.
Steifvater's plotting is unique and wonderfully creative. She
doesn't write in an easy straight forward - she expects her readers
to be clever and to wend their way through the plots and twists and
characters that make up the Raven Cycle. This is a rich and
rewarding experience and fans of the series will love this book. The
cliff hanger at the end will ensure that the fourth instalment is
read as soon as it appears in print or e-book.
Pat Pledger
