Walker Books, 2014 ISBN 9781406348408.
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Picture book, Imagination, Animals,
Zoos, Sleeping. Born in 1936, Burningham has thrilled his young
audiences with imaginative stories and illustrations for over fifty
years. The way to the zoo brings a fresh approach to going to bed as
the young girl Sylvie, spies a door in her bedroom wall that she has
not seen before. Going through it leads to another door, and beyond
that the zoo. Here all the animals are intrigued and she takes a
little bear back to her bedroom with her. He sleeps the night in her
bed and in the morning she takes him back to the zoo, remembering to
close the door to her bedroom. The following night she brings
another bear back to her bedroom, the following night, three
penguins, and then a tiger and her cub. After than a flock of birds
come in, but when a larger animal, an elephant wants to come in, it
cannot fit. But baby rhino can and the next morning she sleeps in
and rushes to get the rhino back to the zoo, forgetting to close the
door before leaving for school. Catastrophe happens, and Mum's words
when she comes home make a laugh out loud comment on the whole
story.
This imaginative tale will be a delight to read to children before
bedtime, or in a class where animals and bedtime is under
discussion, or simply to enjoy a lovely story well told, with
illustrations that cause mirth and recognition. The pictures of the
animals in bed with Sylvie are charming, and I loved the image of
the rhino sleeping on the floor with its legs crossed, and the
flurry of mischievious animals in mum's lounge room.
Burningham's mix of subtle humour, imagination and the everyday make
this book most endearing to all who read it.
Fran Knight
Meet Douglas Mawson by Mike Dumbleton
Ill. by Snip Green. Random House, 2014. ISBN 9780857981950.
(Age: 5+) Recommended. Picture book, Explorers, Mawson. A hardcover
picture book in the series, Meet ... will fill a niche in
primary schools where explorers and great Australians are an
accepted part of the curriculum. Others in this series include books
about Ned Kelly and Mary McKillop. Each is of necessity, brief,
giving an account of the person's life and achievements in sparse
prose, highlighting only a few events.
With Mawson, the focus is on the first Australian Expedition to
Antarctica, in 1911. With Mawson as its leader, the expedition
sorely tested those who went, and Dumbleton's pared down words
combined with the breathtaking illustrations, give an amazing
account of the privations these men underwent.
His determination to see the continent, mapping it, taking
measurements and geological observations in an attempt to understand
the place and how it evolved was paramount, but when Ninnis and his
sled plunged down a ravine taking most of their food with him,
Mawson and the other remaining team member, Mertz were five hundred
kilometres from their base.
The story of how Mawson survived is one of the great feats of
history and will amaze younger readers.
The wallpaper like images across the pages, underscore the freezing
nature of the environment, giving the reader the feeling of cold and
ice, building the feeling of dread as Mawson attempts to get back to
the base.
So fascinating is this brief taste, that students will feel impelled
to look further to find out more about this man, one of Australia's
heroes.
Fran Knight
Fizzlebert Stump - The boy who cried Fish by A.F. Harrold
Bloomsbury, 2014. ISBN 9781408842461.
(Ages: 7 to 12) Recommended. Fizzlebert Stump lives in a circus
where he has an act involving sticking his head in the mouth of a
very old lion. His best friend Wystan the Bearded Boy does an act
with a sealion called Fish. One day Fish goes missing, and the boys
believe he has been stolen to perform in the aquarium near the
beach. When they break into the aquarium though, they encounter
another mystery - all the fish keep disappearing. Through their
adventures we meet a range of interesting characters, from the
piratical owner of the aquarium Admiral Spratt-Haddock, to an
overly-friendly crocodile. The boys need to explore the aquarium and
their own circus family to discover that all is not what it seems,
and that sometimes people will to to extreme lengths to appear
something they are not.
This is the third title in the Fizzlebert Stump series, and again
A.F. Harrold has created a world of eccentricity, fantastical
characters, mystery, and all the nonsensical ramblings which middle
primary school children love. The way he plays with words and
incorporates himself as the self-deprecating author will have
children in fits of laughter and wanting to re-read this over and
over. Even the entertaining little doodles and illustrations by
Sarah Horne keep you turning the pages to see what the characters
will get up to next. A very enjoyable and light-hearted book.
Donella Reed
Athlete vs. Mathlete - Double dribble by W.C. Mack
Bloomsbury, 2013. ISBN 9781599909387.
(Ages: 9-12) Seventh-grade twins Russ and Owen are very different
from each other, in looks and personalities. While Owen is a natural
at sports, Russ feels more at home with numbers. They don't even
look alike. Finally they discover something in common, and Russ
joins the basketball team. A new set of problems arise though in the
form of identical twins Mitch and Marcus. These new boys are
all-rounders, with a flair for sports and academia, leaving both
Russ and Owen feeling jealous and insecure. After and unfortunate
accident however, they realise that Mitch and Marcus only succeed
when working as a team. Russ and Owen must decide whether to use
this to their advantage to reclaim their place in the team.
As with the original Athlete vs. Mathlete book, this has
alternating chapters in the voices of the two boys. Much of the
content of Owen's chapters centres around the action on the
basketball court, which may become a bit tedious for readers not
interested in the sport. Kids who do enjoy sports however will be
able to relate to Owen's passion, disappointment and insecurities as
he faces the possibility of being 'benched.' The boys face a moral
dilemma which is resolved a bit too quickly, but without becoming
preachy and off-putting. Conflicts are also resolved a little too
easily to ring true to many readers. In general, this title will be
a welcome refuge for students wanting to focus on sport fiction.
Donella Reed
Figaro and Rumba and the Crocodile Cafe by Anna Fienberg
Allen and Unwin, 2014. ISBN 9781743314883.
(Ages: 6 to 9) Recommended. The Crocodile Cafe is the first title in
a new series by Anna Fienberg (of the Tashi books), based around two
very likeable characters Figaro and Rumba. Figaro is a energetic,
happy-go-lucky dog who lives with his best friend Rumba, a very
conscientious and somewhat melancholy Cuban cat. Rumba misses his
home in Cuba, and channels his energy into a rigorous cleaning
routine. Figaro on the other hand would rather play and explore, and
catch the Very Fast Train. Rumba agrees they can go on the train
after they have mopped the floor and cleaned the windows. After a
few interruptions they finally catch the train, and meet a Cuban
conga0playing crocodile. They learn some important lessons about
friendship and trust, and we get to meet some other interesting
characters who will appear in future titles.
Stephen Michael King's illustrations enhance the story beautifully
capturing the quirky, bohemian, and suaveness of the various
characters. Every page has a small colour illustration, with a few
full-page pictures along the way, making it a perfect book for
readers moving from picture books to novels. A lovely introduction
to what is sure to become a favourite new series among primary
students.
Donella Reed
Crooked Leg Road by Jennifer Walsh
Allen & Unwin, 2014. ISBN: 9781743316931
(Age: 10-12) Highly recommended. Both boys and girls who enjoy
mystery/adventure stories will love this new book from Jennifer
Walsh. Somewhat like a contemporary, fast-paced Famous Five but much
edgier - a group of friends from Balmain become embroiled in a
dangerous game of political intrigue and financial
misappropriations. David, Martin, Kitty and Andrea are both friends
and schoolmates, each with their own interests and strengths, who
combine well as a group hanging together in the regular sense. When
David mysteriously disappears, feared kidnapped, his friends pool
their combined observations and knowledge with some startling
results.
Parallel to this plot are timely ideas such as multiculturalism,
ethics in positions of power, judgemental behaviour, tolerance and
acceptance and friendships. New girl, Samantha, who is despised in
general, because of her 'posh' background and ineffectual attempts
to impress, and mysterious new boy, Skender, technically a 'boat
person' and whose family comes under suspicion by the sleuthing
teens, add a depth to the plot that leads the reader to examine
initial perceptions of 'outsiders'.
Thoroughly engaging and completely compulsive reading (I read it in
one sitting) - this is a real page turner with very plausible plot,
characterisations and complications/resolutions.
Highly recommended for readers 10 and up, put this one on the
shopping list for any of those readers who are looking for an
exciting read.
Watch the trailer.
Visit the author's website .
Jennifer Walsh writes children's books under this name and adult
books under Jennifer Spence (she is married to Bruce Spence, the
actor) and lives in Balmain, Sydney. Her previous book The
tunnels of Tarcoola featured the abandoned coal mines under
that suburb and her new book Crooked Leg Road is also set in
this lively and historic area.
Sue Warren
The Caller by Juliet Marillier
Shadowfell series, bk 3. Pan Macmillan, 2014. ISBN
9781742612454.
(Age 13+) Highly recommended. Fantasy. Only when Neryn has been
trained by all four of the Guardians will she be ready to play her
part as a Caller and help the rebels to topple the evil King Keldec.
She seeks out the mysterious White Lady but she is not what Neryn
expected and is fast facing extinction. Neryn pushes on, knowing
that Flint is in mortal danger of being exposed as a traitor to the
King, who has found a Caller of his own, one who is grabbing hold of
the minds of the Good Folk of the Kingdom. Marillier is one of my
favourite fantasy authors, whose books I always look forward to
reading. It has been a pleasure to read this beautifully written
fantasy series, and to follow the growth of Neryn as she progresses
from a shy girl to a leader who is prepared to take risks for what
she believes in. Not only do her skills develop as she learns from
the Guardians, but her self-confidence and ethic certainly also
grow.
Marillier's ability to write wonderful fantasy romances is on
display in this series. The romance between Flint and Neryn is
bittersweet, each knowing that the fate of the Kingdom is more
important than being together, and even though they don't spend much
time together, their feelings for each other are beautifully
described. Flint is such a courageous young man, and as a reader I
had to hold my breath as he faced possible betrayal by his team and
the King's Caller.
There is plenty of action as Neryn travels across the country to
find the White Lady and then finally faces the King and his Caller.
Readers who enjoy the quest in fantasy will be satisfied by the
conclusion of this series as Marillier wraps up the story in a
satisfying way.
The Shadowfell series was written for young adults who are
sure to enjoy the well written prose, wonderful setting, and
memorable characters. They could then move onto Marillier's Sevenwaters
series or The Bridei chronicles written for adults, equally
as powerful and memorable.
Pat Pledger
Hard nuts of history series by Tracey Turner
Ill. Jamie Lenman. A&C Black, 2014. Warriors: Who's who in hard nut history. ISBN 9781472905642. Ancient Egypt: Who's who in hard nut history. ISBN
9781472905635.
(Age: 7+) Recommended. Humour, Easy reads, History. Two more in this
series of books which showcase some of the memorable people in
history who many young people may have heard mentioned, but known
anything about, are offered here to delight, inform and entertain.
In short, snappy and funny pages, an outline of their lives is given
which will intrigue younger readers.
People covered in Warriors, for example, include the Duke of
Wellington, Julius Caesar, Geronimo, the Trung sisters, Joan of Arc,
Tomyris and Napoleon. Each is given a double page spread about their
life and its impact and why they are remembered. Some are well know,
others not so well known, there is a range of women and men and a
world view is taken by the author.
At the back is a most useful index and glossary, while the quiz will
ensure some students will have a great time asking questions of
others. A time line completes the information given to this most
interesting little book. I longed for a world map, so make sure you
have one handy.
Similarly in Ancient Egypt, double pages are devoted to
famous people, Cleopatra, Ptolemy, Tutmose, Nefertiti and so on, as
well as sites, the River Nile, the Pyramids and the Valley of the
Kings, while double pages are also devoted to the Gods and the
embalming process. All is designed to be informative and fun, with
an emphasis on gaining information quickly and easily. A good index
and glossary are at the back with a quiz and timeline, ensuring
students will have fun with these two new books in this series.
Fran Knight
Shadow spell by Nora Roberts
Cousins O'Dwyer trilogy, bk 2. Piatkus, 2014. ISBN
9780749958626.
(Age: Adult) Fantasy. Romance. The second book in the Cousins
O'Dwyer trilogy following Dark Witch, concentrates on
gorgeous Connor O'Dwyer and Meara Quinn. Meara is convinced that
love is not for her. Scarred by her childhood, she is happy to have
an affair with Connor, but falling in love is not on her agenda.
However danger threatens the circle of O'Dwyers and friends and
Connor must face the evil Cabhan, who knows that if he can get to
Meara the circle will be broken.
Another of Roberts' Irish trilogies, long time fans of her writing
will feel a lot of familiarity with her characters and the way she
often uses the trilogy, with three men and three women as the main
protagonists overcoming evil and falling in love. Her setting of
hawks and horses is a change of pace and the time travel back to an
older Ireland with characters developing in that period, adds
interest to the series.
I was eager to read the second in the series and found it very
enjoyable and easy to read if somewhat predictable. Readers new to
Nora Roberts would find it even more enjoyable, and are sure to
become fans, as her combination of romance, danger, friendship,
strong women, gorgeous men and the supernatural is always
entertaining.
I look forward to reading the next in the series as Finn and
Branna's romance develops and the quest against evil continues.
Pat Pledger
Fast track by Julie Garwood
Buchanan-Renard series, bk 12. Penguin, 2014. ISBN
9780143570998.
(Age: Adult) Romantic suspense. Sexual content. When her dying
father reveals that her mother is still alive and living in Sydney
with another family, Cordelia Kane is devastated and on the death of
her father, decides to travel to Sydney to find out why her mother
left her. She has always had a crush on Aiden Madison, even though
he treats her like his little sister and when Aiden decides to
accompany her to Sydney, sparks fly. From then on danger grips the
two as the mystery surrounding her Mother's death brings unforeseen
consequences and the romance between the two heats up.
When I read this I was unaware that it was the 12th book in Julie
Garwood's Buchanan-Renard series. Undoubtedly if I was following the
series, I would have been much more aware of the depth of the
characters and interactions between the friends and family in the
book. However there was enough back story to make it an entertaining
stand-alone read.
I had previously read and enjoyed her historical romances but found
Fast track to be a very light read with little in the way of real
suspense and much more emphasis on the romance, which was very
predictable.
I particularly enjoyed that Cordelia was portrayed as a very
intelligent woman who was able to hold her own in the scientific
field, even though she ended up holed up in Aidan's penthouse, being
guarded from danger from that over-protective alpha male. The side
story of the corrupt Congressman who wanted the Madison family to
buy his land was interesting and there was plenty of hints about
future stories especially featuring the wayward Madison brother.
This was a light, entertaining, if very predictable read for those
who enjoy a steamy escapist romance.
Pat Pledger
Floods 13: The Royal Family by Colin Thompson
Random House Australia Children's, 2014.ISBN: 9781742755328.
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! Colin, how can you do this to us - I mean,
the kids?!?!?! The final Floods???!!!!! Arggghhhh!! And sob,
sniffle, slime trails and all that.
Ok, huge breath.....The Royal Family is #13 in The Floods series -
and the final episode.
King Nerlin, that lovable and rather docile ruler, is quite fed up
with being in charge of Transylvania Waters and is dreaming of a
sweet little cottage in Enchanted Valley with a real garden and real
chickens (as opposed to magical ditto). Mordonna, his only
occasionally charming spouse, is disposed to agree but there is an
insurmountable problem. None of their children want the job of
ruling the kingdom it seems. Just when the pair devises a sensible
plan to ease the children into semblance of responsible trial ruling
- that is, alternatively leaving a child in charge while the
monarchs weekend at the cottage - a complication arises ... literally.
From the dank and odorous drains under the royal city, from whence
the royal family arose, following the deposition of loathsome King
Qautorze, now arises Gertrude who just happens to be Nerlin's older
sister. And we all know what that means - Gertrude is the rightful
ruler!!
As one might expect, the youngest royal child Betty, 'a right little
madam' according to Mordonna, secretly wants the throne herself -
and by chance, is the first to encounter Gertrude.
Amid the usual hilarity, diabolically hilarious scheming, somewhat
dubious magic and quirky characters, the kingdom's future is
resolved eventually to the satisfaction of all.
While Floods devotees will no doubt feel the pain of knowing that 13
is indeed the magic number in this case, they will revel in the last
chapter of what has been a phenomenon in all my libraries. Highly
recommended for anyone over 10 years old - with a sense of humour.
Sue Warren
Alberta by Tania Cox
Ill. by Janine Dawson. Working Title Press, 2014. ISBN
9781921504037.
(Age: 4-8) Recommended. Penguins, Family, Eggs, Siblings,
Antarctica. Alberta is thrilled when her penguin parents tell her of
the imminent arrival of a sister. Being Alberta, she expects the
sister to be big, just as she was able to bring in a big fish to
show her friends, or find a huge slide for her friends to slide
down, or gather together a huge snowball, much larger than those of
her peers. Everything Alberta does is on the large size, and her
expectations are just the 'Alberta way'.
When her parents build their nest of stones, she builds one too, a
tower which sways over the land. Her father realises that her
expectations are not realistic, and she is disappointed when the
first egg arrives and is rather small. The second egg is just the
same, and Alberta is asked to look after them when her parents go
off to catch some fish. Alberta almost loses the eggs to an egg
thief but throws a stone to the bird just in time. Then when the
eggs hatch she is thrilled.
A charming tale first published in 2007, of siblings, of family and
parenthood, the penguin depicted reflects the feelings shown by
children when a new addition occurs within the family, and lead to
much discussion about what this means.
The Gentoo (Gentu) penguins shown in this tale do build nests of
stones, unlike the ones many children will be used to from Happy
Feet, so discussion about these penguins and where they live
will bring in another point of interest for children. The lively
illustrations show clearly what life is like in this part of the
world, a barren landscape with little vegetation, snow and ice and a
very cold sea.
Fran Knight
Miaka by Anne-Louise Channon
Windy Hollow Books, 2014. ISBN 9781922081315.
(Age: 5-10) Highly recommended. When Anya's happy life with her
loving parents is turned upside down, her only chance of survival is
to go and live in the village with the bakers. Her only comfort and
consolation is magnificent Maika.
Maika is no ordinary bird and Anya loves her pet dearly.
However, she must take drastic steps, in the bitter cold of winter,
to save Maika from a fate even worse than starvation. Anya must make
a heart-wrenching decision for her pet.
Can poor, sad Anya save her beautiful bird?
Stunningly illustrated by Beatriz Martin Vidal, I highly recommend
this book to children aged 5 -10.
Joan Smith
Twisted by Lynda La Plante
Simon and Schuster, 2014. ISBN 9781471125881.
(Age: 16+) Crime fiction, Murder. Although the Fulfords are getting
divorced they seem to be coping well. Lena is a successful business
woman and is beginning to go out on her own again, Marcus her
husband is handsome and seems able to get along with everyone, while
Amy the daughter is intelligent and does well at her private school
both academically and at sports.
When Amy disappears the characters begin to reveal themselves. DI
Reid finds himself in a difficult situation. In charge of missing
persons investigations he quickly finds he doesn't have the
resources to deal with the case. He also finds that no one is being
honest. All involved have something in their past which they'd
prefer to keep hidden; the house keeper, the driver, her best school
chums, her teachers and her father's best friend.
A diary Amy was given records sexual encounters between her father
and the prostitutes he uses and, given the language she uses when
she writes her journal, we see that she is not the innocent Miss
Perfect that she has been made out to be.
La Plante keeps the plot moving along so that the reader is never
sure who has the best motive for Amy's disappearance, and how and
why she has gone missing. The murder squad is eventually called in
and the abrasive DCI Jackson and his assumptions bring matters to
a head.
The ending is however so contrived and unbelievable, even given the
contexts of the narrative, that it is a let down after all the
emotional trauma La Plante has put her readers through.
Mark Knight
Knockout by Michael Wagner
Ill. by Terry Denton. Maxx Rumble Soccer series bk 1. Black
Dog Books, 2014. ISBN 9781922244802.
For readers from 7-9 years. Knockout is the first book in the three
part Maxx Rumble Soccer series. Rexxy, Maxx's younger brother is now
old enough to play for the Stone Valley Saints Soccer team in the
knockout competition. In their first game they are up against the
Kreepy Crawlies. Maxx is team captain who leads his team in their
play fair chant. Of course the opposition replies with a taunt and
the game is on. After Rexxy is knocked out he returns to play with
his good luck charm Trevor his teddy. The Saints utilise a secret
weapon, a force of nature - Peli the pelican who helps their team to
victory.
Michael Wagner's sense of humour show as the players are named after
famous people like - Cleo Patra, Benny Franklin. The action-packed
descriptions of the game and the use of different font sizes make
this another exciting chapter book for emergent readers and soccer
fans. Terry Denton's fun cartoons capture the key moments of the
match.
Rhyllis Bignell
