Scholastic, 2014. The Last Thirteen: 4. Book 10. ISBN 9781742831930 The Last Thirteen: 3. Book 11. ISBN 9781742831947
The extremely popular The Last Thirteen series by James
Phelan continues its fast-paced ride toward the ultimate conclusion.
Following the characters as they travel the world, deal with their
enemies, face each dangerous situation head on, the reader is drawn
into the Dreamer's world. Each book ends with a cliffhanger and the
next begins with a recap of previous events, the end is in sight.
In The Last Thirteen: 4 Sam is dramatically rescued in the
waters near Japan by the Japanese Prime Minister - a Dreamer as
well. His dreams foretell his next destination, Cambodia and the
ancient temple of Angkor Watt where he needs to search for the tenth
Dreamer. Eva's story continues, she confronts her worst fears while
participating in the Dreamer Doors game. She travels across the
world with her team to locate Solaris' hidden Gears. In the
meantime, Alex too, is caught up in a different adventure, captured
by Hans, on a boat headed for icy waters. Sam's exploration of the
temple of Angkor Wat is fraught with danger, he has to outwit
ancient traps to escape with the next Gear. Unfortunately, his
journey is marred by tragedy and he questions his ability to
continue.
In The Last Thirteen: 3 Sam's quest continues with Eva his
friend the eleventh Dreamer as they travel to the Australian outback
racing to find the next gear. Meanwhile, Alex is still caught up in
a dangerous sea voyage with Hans as they fight pirates, explore deep
under the sea in Antarctica.
There is a comprehensive website
with exclusive information, competitions, updates and book trailers.
The countdown clock shows how many minutes until the next book is
released.
Rhyllis Bignell
Gus & Me: The Story of My Grandad and My First Guitar by Keith Richards
Ill. by Theodora Richards. Orion Books, 2014. ISBN 9781444011760
(Age: 6+) Recommended. Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards'
debut picture book draws from his cherished childhood memories. He
explains how he gained his love for music and guitar playing. His
much loved granddad, Theodore Augustus Dupree - Gus, who lived in a
'house filled with instruments and cake' was his inspiration.
Richards has written this picture book in an easy to read style,
resonant with musical terms, alliterative and descriptive phrases.
As they 'wandered skinny streets and smoky alleys' Gus would hum
symphonies and tunes to Keith. When the young boy was taken to the
London workshop, there is a real sense of wonder portrayed in the
account of the making of the instruments. In the room with the
conveyor belt of guitars and the bubbling buckets of glue, Keith
falls in love with instruments.
Artist Theodora Richards, Keith's daughter has collaborated with her
father to bring his story to life. She combines inked sketches, bold
splashes of colour, repetitive handwritten words, and layered
patterns in a unique and graphic style.
A bonus audio CD includes photographs from the Richards family
collection and an inspirational tribute to Gus, as Keith plays the
complex instrumental Malaguena.
This picture is recommended for readers from 6 years of age and for
fans of the Keith Richards.
Rhyllis Bignell
This little piggy went singing by Margaret Wild
Ill. by Deborah Niland. Allen & Unwin, 2014. ISBN 9781743319123
(Age:3+) Recommended. Rhyme, Activities. A companion to This little
piggy went dancing, this tale like the other is based around the
nursery rhyme, This little piggy went to market, a rhyme played with
small children. Each page shows the five little pigs in various
poses and clothing, doing something quite different. The first
little pig is always doing something outside the home, the second
stays at home and is involved with something there, the third is
always involved with food, while the fourth little pig seems to miss
out, and the fifth sings, plays a drum, or dances all the way home.
Each double page is full of action and activity, inviting the reader
to do the same. From making costumes to making decorations, dancing,
eating out, eating watermelon and wrapping presents, from the first
page, readers will see that the five little pigs are doing Christmas
things. And this invites the readers to do some as well. Noisy,
active, playful readers will get a buzz from this book, shared with
an adult, learning the customs of Christmas, and helping the family
get ready for their celebrations. The mischievous illustrations will
be doubly entrancing to those who read the book, and glitter on the
front cover will ensure it is picked up from the library shelves.
Fran Knight
Count my Christmas kisses by Ruthie May
Ill. by Tamsin Ainslie. ABC Children's Books, 2014. ISBN
9780733332203
(Age: Preschool) Recommended. Count my Christmas kisses is a
counting book that shows a brother and sister describing ways that
they can share their kisses with Baby during the festive season.
Both the text and the illustrations leave the reader with a warm
feeling about the love that the siblings share and the joy that they
feel about the festive season. The children are seen skating,
singing, making paper chains and decorating a Christmas tree, all
shared with Baby who has a gorgeous little hat, complete with ears.
This is a delightful counting book, which would be ideal for reading
aloud to young children in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Even
though it features a northern winter Christmas: 'One kiss for baby
under mistletoe, Two kisses for baby, catching falling snow,' adults
could easily use it to compare what Christmas is like in different
places, and young children could come up with things that they could
share with a young baby in different seasons.
Selected by the Little big Book Club, this is a feel good book that
adults will enjoy sharing with children.
Pat Pledger
There is a monster under my Christmas tree who farts by Tim Miller and Matt Stanton
ABC Books, 2014. ISBN 9780733332951
(Age: 4-7) Recommended for boys and reluctant readers. The Fart
Monster who has appeared in There is a monster under my bed who
farts is back again, just in time to spoil Christmas for
everyone. There are farts under the Christmas tree, farts while
presents are being wrapped, and even farts that destroyed the boy's
photo when visiting Santa Claus. Will he get the blame and be put on
Santa's naughty list?
This is an ideal book for the reluctant reader and the young boys
who delight in anything that smells! The authors have come up with
hilarious scenarios where farts would have a devastating effect on
what is happening. Scenes like decorating the Christmas tree,
putting up Christmas lights, and pulling Christmas crackers will be
familar to children and what happens when there are farts is very
amusing.
The humorous illustrations are in the wide-eyed comic style that
also appeals to young children and the final page is very funny and
will delight the young children who either read or listen to the
book.
Pat Pledger
Hide and Peek by Susannah McFarlane
EJSpy School series. Scholastic, 2014. ISBN: 9781921931659
Susannah McFarlane's EJ Spy School early chapter books
follow EJ10's adventures as she trains to become an agent.
In Hide and Peek, young Emma Jacks is ready to join her best
friends in a class excursion to visit Christmas Town and the big
Giving Tree in the centre of her city. Just as she places her bag in
the lockers, EJ10's spy watch beeps and she is called away on
another mission. Shadow Agents are planning to steal all the
presents for the needy families from underneath the Giving Tree.
First EJ10 decodes the secret message, keys the answer into the
laptop, then she can enter the secret lab to receive her
instructions. She is equipped with a special backpack filled with
Christmas disguises and is instructed on how to use the special
green button on her watch. Her costume changes and keen sense of
observation help to save the day.
These stories use age appropriate words, short chapters, lager text,
with simple concepts and familiar themes to build reader confidence
and engagement. Dyani Stagg's cartoon style illustrations complement
the text and bring EJ10's adventures to life. This series is a great
introduction to the loved agent EJ12.
Rhyllis Bignell
There was an old bloke who swallowed a present by P. Crumble
Ill. by Louis Shea. Scholastic, 2014. ISBN 9781743625255
(Ages: 4-6) Christmas. In the now familiar format of I know an
old lady who swallowed a fly, P. Crumble's latest Yuletide
tale takes the old bloke on another adventure, consuming some not so
pleasant Christmas treats. The story begins when Santa visits to
drop off a present that bounces off the old bloke's rather large
belly and into his wide open mouth, mid-snore. In quick succession,
he devours, a card, a gingerbread man and a not so perky turkey. The
final treat is a large wooden sleigh and two reindeer, of course,
this sets off the usual eruption and creates an unusual Christmas
display. Children love to listen to these fun stories, quickly
picking up on the rhyme and repetition.
Louis Shea's bold, brightly coloured illustrations once again add to
the excitement and enjoyment of this picture book. The lenticular
cover shows what happens when the old bloke attempts to climb a
stack of presents. The scene of the swirling stomach juices is
humorous with the choir still singing and the angry gingerbread man
flinging snow at the turkey.
Rhyllis Bignell
Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Stories ill. by Andrew Grey
Based on the Winnie-the-Pooh works by A.A. Milne & E.H. Shepard.
Chirpy Bird/ Hardie Grant Egmont, 2014. ISBN 9781760122997
This is a collection of three Christmas stories starring Pooh,
Piglet, and all the other favourite characters brought to life by A.
A. Milne.
In the first, Pooh's Snowy Day, Pooh and Piglet decide to
build Eeyore a new house. But something goes awry, as usual. In the
second, Pooh's Christmas Adventure, Pooh find himself snowed
in. He uses his honey pot to dig himself out and then realises he is
out of honey. Perhaps his friends will have some. But they too are
snowed in and so it becomes a very busy afternoon, culminating in
them all building a magnificent snowman. The third story in the
collection is Pooh's Christmas Letters. Pooh is stumping
home through the snow from Christopher Robin's house, humming a
little hum, when he has an idea. Next day, Piglet, Christopher
Robin, Kanga, Roo, Tigger, Eeyore and Owl all receive mysterious
letters telling them to go to the North Pole at luncheon. Piglet is
very worried that Pooh has been kidnapped by Hostile Animals or a
Heffalump so they all go to see Rabbit for advice. But Rabbit also
has a letter, and, appointing himself in charge, he leads them off
to the North Pole where they find . . .
Illustrator Andrew Grey has captured the essence of Shepard's
original illustrations and this colourful interpretation is a
wonderful way to introduce yet another generation to the timeless
tales of this delightful bear and his friends. Perfect for being one
of the traditions of the Christmas season.
Barbara Braxton
Everything I need to know about Christmas I learned from a Little Golden Book by Diane Muldrow
Random House, 2014. ISBN 9780553497359
Christmas is coming and there is so much to do: Cooking, cleaning,
battling the crowds, making decorations, going carolling . . . but
there's another side as well.
This is an unusual book, if not unique. Diane Muldrow has captured
the lead-up to Christmas perfectly, but the charm of the book comes
in its illustrations. For each page is a page from a classic Little
Golden Book of the past. Favourite characters such as the Pokey
Little Puppy, The Gingerbread Man, and many others, offer valuable
seasonal advice for having a happy holiday. Each is referenced to
its original source - a story published between 1942 and 1964 - and
takes the reader on a wonderful nostalgia trip (if they're my
vintage) or suggests a story that younger readers might like to
explore, perhaps with their parents or grandparents who are more
likely to be familiar with them.
If nothing else, it gives younger readers a glimpse into a previous
time, the stories enjoyed then and the lifestyle led.
Barbara Braxton
John Williamson's Christmas in Australia by John Williamson
Ill. by Mitch Vane. Penguin, 2014. ISBN 9780670077724
It's December in Australia which means Christmas is close, Everyone
has gathered; the tree - a native pine - is decorated; turkey and
ham are organised and Santa's on his way in the back of Jacko's ute.
So it's time to take the traditional family photograph. But the task
of getting everyone in the frame at the same time is proving very
difficult. Will it happen?
There are many books about Christmas in Australia but this one based
on the lyrics of John Williamson's iconic song is one of my
favourites. As I read I could 'hear' him telling the story (if
you're not familiar with it go here )
capturing all those images that we associate with the celebration
under the sun. I love that the focus is the family getting together
rather than giving and receiving presents - in fact with the
exception of the endpapers where a cheeky kookaburra is guarding an
array of socks and slippers on the line, there is no sign of gifts
anywhere. Mitch Vane has captured the imagery perfectly adding extra
life and humour that captured the attention of a group of Year 4
boys for ages. Each page was turned really slowly because there was
so much for them to see and point out and laugh at! The scenes were
clearly familiar to them. Christmas in Australia offers lots of scope for
compare-and-contrast activities as we are bombarded with imagery
from the northern hemisphere which can set up investigations into
the science of the seasons, but it can also suggest a probe into why
so many of those old traditions remain. A southern Christmas is so
very different from that known by our northern hemisphere ancestors
so why did they feel it so important to cling to what they knew? But
it is also an opportunity to look to the future. Have the children
think about who would be in their family photo this year and what
they would tell their own children about them. Also have them think
about the other things they do on this special day and which of
those they would ensure they pass on to their own children and
grandchildren. Maybe they could investigate the origins of those
things that are unique to their family so they know the stories
behind them. Even though there is some concern that commercialism is
taking over the Christian aspect of this celebration in Australia,
perhaps it is an opportunity to find out why it is evolving into the
most significant celebration of family that we have - in a way that
Thanksgiving is to the USA - and why we feel the need to connect to
each other in this way.
Even without using this book as a springboard for those sorts of
investigations, this is a wonderful addition to your Christmas
collection - one that would be a must-wrap-and-read for the
Christmas Advent Calendar.
Barbara Braxton
Where are Santa's Pants? by Richard Merritt
Little Hare, 2014. ISBN 9781921541506
Santa has been on a diet - perhaps he has been paying attention to all the messages about healthy eating - and now he's so trim his pants have fallen off!! Shock! Horror! Christmas cannot have a Santa with no pants and so the readers are challenged to find them hidden in these brightly-coloured, strikingly-detailed, double-spread pictures that cover a variety of locations from the North Pole to the Post Office. Each pair is a different colour and pattern so they blend in well with the background. There is also a lucky sixpence (the UK equivalent of Australia's 5c) as well as eight reindeer to be found, adding to the puzzle as well as the shareability of the book - each child can search for something different. And as they search within particular contexts, there is much to see and talk about.
In the style of Where's Wally?, this Christmas title proved a winner with Year 3-4 on Friday! Given over 30 brand new books to choose from, this one created the most interest and the person who 'won' was so engrossed in the puzzles that she didn't get around to doing the review. That says it all to me. If you're engaged with a picture book for over 45 minutes, then it is offering something special.
Puzzle books of this nature intrigue younger readers (even Year 6s like the challenge, and, in this case, even adult eyes were tested) and they all contribute to the development of the child's visual acuity - the ability to see fine detail and essential for writing, spelling and information literacy as they examine pictures for clues. This is a new, seasonal addition to your Pick-a-Puzzle section that will delight a new audience each year.
Barbara Braxton
The Falcon Throne by Karen Miller
Orbit, 2014. ISBN: 9781841499598
(Age: 16+) Recommended. The Falcon Throne is a high fantasy
novel which successfully follows the lives of a multitude of
characters across three bordering countries, Clemen, Arden and
Harcia.
The novel shows the escalating antagonism between Clemen and Harcia
after Clemen's Duke, Harald, was overthrown by his bastard cousin,
Roric. The seizing of Harald's duchy was unnecessarily bloody
and Roric, who is nothing like his cousin, grieved the loss of his
infant nephew for many years after the supposed slaughter. Roric had
intended only to be a caretaker duke until Liam came of age. Soon
after becoming Duke Roric showed his independent streak to the
duplicitous lords of counsel and unintentionally offended Arden and
Harcia, as well as the Prince Regents. While Roric becomes entangled
in politics, years pass and Liam grows in secret. He was spirited
away the night of the coup by his wet nurse, Ellen. She found
shelter in a Marcher pup called The Pig Whistle and whispered his
story to him each night, encouraging Liam's sense of entitlement and
determination to take back Clemen from the bastard Roric. Living in
the Marches Liam bears witness to the animosity between Harcia's
heir, Balfor, and Clemen's Marcher lords and is forced to choose a
side when his home is destroyed. It soon becomes apparent to Liam
that Harcia is preparing for war with Clemen and he is just where he
wants to be.
With witches, jousting, hunting and court drama, this medieval
fantasy is full of colour, description and believable characters. I
would highly recommend to lovers of fantasy above the age of
sixteen. One of the things which I loved about this book is that it
is has a very distinct feel of Shakespearean drama. Similar to Game
of Thrones it is a massive story which follows more than ten
characters across three different countries, yet it does deter the
reader, only enthral him/her more. I cannot wait to read the next
instalment in The Tarnished Crown Series.
Kayla Gaskell
A bean, a stalk and a boy called Jack by William Joyce
Ill. by Kenny Callicutt. Simon and Schuster, 2014. ISBN
9781471123795
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Picture book, Folk tale, Water. Water
is at the heart of this story which turns the old tale of Jack
and the Beanstalk upside down. The countryside is bereft of
water, no crops grow, no rains fall, the wells and rivers have dried
up, but above all else the king's pinky is dirty. To wash his little
toe, he orders his minions to cry, using their tears to wash his
toe. But the embarrassed princess goes to the wizard to find a
better solution, and he gives her a magic bean. Soon in the hands of
Jack, the bean is planted and he climbs the vine to the giant's
house in the sky to see what he can find. In doing so he finds out
why there is no water and fixes the problem to the satisfaction of
all.
A funny take on the old tale of Jack and the Beanstalk,
readers will enjoy the extras the author has added to the story. The
twists on the tale are enchanting, as is the language used.
Contractions of words often heard but rarely seen in print add
another level of humour, as do the fabulous illustrations, evoking
an older style of pictorial work, but using different touches to add
intrigue. I love the bubbles going across the pages, and the
different fonts and sizes of fonts used for definition. Readers will
enjoy following the paths of many of the background objects, the
cow, the bird, the rubber ducky, the magician and so on. A fabulous
story to read aloud and discuss with the audience, A bean a
stalk and Jack will keep everyone tickled pink.
Fran Knight
Mix it up! by Herve Tullet
Allen & Unwin, 2014. ISBN 9781760110956
(Age: 3+) Warmly recommended. Painting, Colour. Interactive does not
only apply to computers, as here is an interactive book to keep
children amused for ages. Mixing colours by pressing on each page
will enthrall, delight and inform as kids turn the pages of this
book with solid covers and shiny paper filled with colour inside.
The reader is asked to tap the first dot, and on turning the page
finds a few coloured spots have appeared. Over the next few pages
the reader is asked to tap again and more coloured spots appear.
Then a hand outline covers the spots, and the readers will not be
able to resist putting their hand on the page. Over the page again,
more coloured dots appear and the reader is asked to mix them, each
time finding a new colour appears after mixing one or two colours.
Not only is the child having fun with the pages of the book, but
they are learning how colours mix to make other colours. A fun time
will be had reading through the book, and imagination soar as they
see the possibilities beyond the pages. Paper and paint will need to
be available at the end to reading for them to further explore what
they have leant and wish to discover.
The interactive nature of the book will enthrall younger readers,
who without knowing it will absorb the names of colours and the idea
of mixing colour to create another, and at the same time, follow
instructions, a skill which is very handy for young people to learn.
Another book by Tulet, Press here! (2010) is just as fascinating in
teaching children that books can be interactive and using this book
will again encourage them to follow instructions.
Fran Knight
The Book of Days by K. A. Barker
Pan Macmillan Australia, 2014. ISBN: 9781742614175
Recommended. The Book of Days written by Brisbane author
K.A. Barker brings a new, fresh and different contribution to the
young adult fantasy world. 16 year old Tuesday awakes from a 10 year
long sleep to find herself in The Unreality House left with nothing
but basic human functions, a letter from her past self and a man -
Quintalion - whom she has no recollection of to watch over her.
Tuesday soon finds herself confronted by her past horrors which she
still has no memory of. Her 'old self' told her to let go of the
past. She was told to use the chance she had been given to start
again, but when the head of the Daybreakers shows up accusing her of
things she can't remember doing, she sets out on an adventure to
discover what it was that left her with no hope all those years ago.
The novel will constantly keep you on your toes and won't let you
put it down. It's impossible to predict what's coming next and each
chapter brings a new bit of adventure. The book is expertly written
with characters that are easy to relate to. The people are well
rounded with believable back stories and lovable personalities. K.A.
Barker did an amazing job bringing realistic characters into an
enchanting fantasy word. The Book of Days is a fun, captivating and exciting fantasy
book that people of many ages will fall in love with. The story is
thrilling, original and I cannot wait to see what else K.A. Barker
has in store for us.
Jude Mills (Student Year 9)
