Snugglepot and Cuddlepie Christmas by Mark MacLeod (text) and May Gibbs (illustrations)
Scholastic, 2013. ISBN 9781742830223.
(Age: 5+) Warmly recommended. Picture book, May Gibbs, Christmas.
Another in the series of books from Scholastic, using May Gibbs'
illustrations and pairing them with a text written by Mark McLeod
will be welcomed by readers and teachers alike. Parents and
grandparents will recognise the familiar illustrative technique in
the shops and will find it easy to purchase for their children and
grandchildren. Teachers and librarians will recognise the historic
appeal of the illustrator and perhaps pair these new hard cover
picture books with older versions of May Gibbs' work. I reviewed the
first one, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie sleepover several months
ago.
In this tale, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie both have lists of things to
do before Christmas Day, although one list seems longer than the
other! When Cuddlepie goes out on an errand, Snugglepot determines
to search for the present he knows is hidden somewhere. While he is
doing this, Mrs Snake comes by trying to take the star on top of the
Christmas Bush, but in failing to do so, knocks many of the
decorations down. Snugglepot must work hard to fix the bush before
Cuddlepie returns. And when he does, he has a surprise for his
friend.
Neatly resolved, full of allusions to an Australian Christmas and
the animals of our country, the illustrations are enhanced by the
tale.
Fran Knight
The Christmas Surprise by Yvette Poshoglian
Ella and Olivia bk. 9. Levelled Reader Ages 5-6. Ill. by
Danielle McDonald. Scholastic, 2013. ISBN: 9781742839219.
Recommended for 5-6 year old girls. Themes: Christmas, Family Life,
Sisters. Ella and Olivia are sisters and best friends. Ella is seven
years old and Olivia is five-and-a-half years old, they live with
their mum and dad and little brother Max. The girls are very excited
about the Christmas preparations and they are counting down to their
favourite time of the year. Both love the food especially Nanna's
pudding and they love decorating the big Christmas tree with their
family and Uncle Stu. Mum calls them her 'little angels' and most of
the time that is true. When they help with trimming the tree they
fight and tear the beautiful star that tops the tree. The girls are
so excited, they make a secret plan to stay up on Christmas Eve and
open up their presents early.
The Ella and Olivia series are specifically designed for
young girls who are beginning to read chapter books. They are
written in an uncomplicated, straightforward manner with simple
plots and relatable characters. The extremely large font and line
drawings support the transition from picture book to beginning
novel. This is the ninth book in the series.
Rhyllis Bignell
Where's Santa? Around the world by Louis Shea
Scholastic, 2013. ISBN 9781742836850.
(Age: 4+) Picture book, Where's Wally look alike, Travel.
Another in the seemingly never ending clones of Where's Wally,
this will be a neat addition to the Christmas selection for the
library. For kids who just love the books with things to count, or
look out for (there are 600 things to spot) or pointers to recognise
where Santa is in the world, this will prove an interesting filler
in the classroom, on Christmas Day at home, on holidays or in a
library.
Santa is about to travel the world on a holiday but he is being
pursued by Nat, a person who is out to steal his naughty and nice
list, which will impact upon all of those who expect to receive a
present at Christmas. Naughty Nat manages to get close to Santa as
they travel the world, and students will love finding the pair on
each double page spread, as well as search for those things listed
at the end of the book. All good fun, as Santa travels to the Eiffel
Tower in Paris, the Great Wall of China, the pyramids in Egypt and
Stonehenge in England to name a few.
Fran Knight
That boy, Jack by Janeen Brian
Walker Books, 2013. ISBN 9781922179005.
(Age: 10-13) Highly recommended. Life is hard in the 1870's for a 12
year old boy in a Moonta, a South Australian mining town. Jack goes
to school and enjoys studying but he has made a pact with his friend
Gilbert that they will both go down the copper mine together. The
problem for Jack is he is terrified of being underground and really
wants to continue with his education.
Life in the mines is harsh and tragic circumstances force Gilbert to
leave school and help support his family. Jack must decide whether
to choose the mine or school.
This story transports the reader to another time and way of life. It
is an insight into the everyday lives of Cornish mining families in
Moonta. Young Jack and Gilbert have to take on obligations that
today would only be considered adult responsibilities.
Scenes vary from the fun and inventiveness of Jack and Gilbert's
attempt at building a billycart to the dark and inhospitable world
of the mines. I felt claustrophobic when Jack ventured down the mine
for the first time!
Injury and childhood sickness are also highlighted as being life-
threatening occurrences in the 1870's. Even Jack's left-handedness
is dealt harshly by one of the teachers.
Janeen has accurately portrayed Jack's world and the indecisions he
has about his future. A promise to a friend or follow your heart?
A glossary at the back of the book will help the reader understand
some of the Cornish words and slang used.
This book is highly recommended for years 5 to 7 and will be a great
text to use in the current history curriculum.
Jane Moore
Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell
Faber and Faber, 2013. ISBN 9780571280599.
(Age: 11+) Highly recommended. Mystery. Family. France. When Sophie
is plucked from the ocean, a baby adrift in a cello case after the
sinking of the ship, she is convinced that she heard her mother
whistling. Her adoptive parent, Charles Maxim, lives an
unconventional life, much to the chagrin of Miss Elliot from the
National Childcare Agency who makes a weekly visit. But brought up
on a diet of Shakespeare and roof sitting, the young girl resents
the machinations of the government department in trying to separate
her from Charles. And so indeed does the affable Charles. Finding an
address in the cello case, she and Charles head to Paris where
Sophie is convinced she will find her mother, and escape the
attention of Miss Elliot.
The gentle humour, lightness of touch in the writing and the
characters of Sophie and Charles will beguile the reader into
accepting the extraordinary things which happen: being found in a
cello case in the ocean, her unconventional upbringing, Charles'
house, her decision to go to Paris to seek her mother, and the
meeting with Mareo who seems to live in the sky as he leads Sophie
to meet the other homeless children living on the Paris rooftops to
escape the authorities. All through Sophie's confidence in finding
her mother is unquestioned and the wonderful Charles allows her to
lead the quest, with the words 'never ignore life's possibles'.
With all the magic and whimsy of a fable, and with the makings of a
modern classic, the delicious writing flows along, carrying the
reader with it to the end.
Fran Knight
What's Dad doing? by Susan Hall
Ill. by Cheryl Westenberg. National Library of Australia, 2013. ISBN
9780642277916.
(Age: 3-5) Recommended. Themes: Fathers, Family Life. This
delightful lift-the flap picture book tracks Pat Possum and his
friend Wesley Wombat as they spy on Pat's Dad. Each double page
spread follows the same questioning format 'I wonder if he's reading
the newspaper, watching TV or mowing the lawn'.
Wait don't lift the flap let the child or class predict possible
scenarios. Only after the discussion look under the flap and be
pleasantly surprised. Dad is a great help around the house, take an
active role in cleaning, cooking and entertaining Grandma. Wesley in
his super wombat outfit and Pat are fun characters, spying on Dad
from behind bushes and hanging from trees.
Cheryl Westenberg's quirky watercolour illustrations add humour to
the story. Her possums and wombats are unique, the expressive faces
add character to the simple text. Grandma's slippers and crochet rug
are so true to life they brought a smile to my adult family as well!
At the end of the story factual information about the ringtail
possum is written in an easy to understand format.
Recommended for children from 3-5 years. This book would be a great
addition to an Early Years class library, introducing Animal Reports
in an easy to understand format.
Rhyllis Bignell
Book Uncle and me by Uma Krishnaswami
Scholastic, 2013. ISBN 9781742836720.
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended.Book Uncle and me is
set in India and focuses on Yasmin and her love of reading. She is
reading a book a day thanks to Book Uncle's free library. One day,
Book Uncle gives Yasmin an old Indian story about doves working
together to escape from a net. It is this story that helps Yasmin
fight for Book Uncle when the city tries to close him down. Yasmin
remembers how the doves worked together to lift the net and so she
rallies her friends and neighbours. They write letters to the new
mayor candidates, asking for help and even get their story on the
news. Will all of this teamwork be enough to save Book Uncle? Book Uncle and me is highly recommended for girls aged 10+.
It moves quickly but you get to know and like the characters, learn
a little bit of Indian culture and it is perfect for the Australian
Curriculum with its links to Asia.
Kylie Kempster
The dance teacher by Simon Milne and Chantal Stewart
Allen & Unwin, 2013. ISBN 9781743313312.
(Age: 7+) Highly recommended. The dance teacher will be enjoyed by
all little girls who love to dance. It would also make a great gift
for your child's dance teacher. It is a lovely story of young
Isabelle who wants to be a ballerina. It uses gorgeous images as
well as easy to read text, showing how the dance teacher, Miss
Sylvie, inspires and supports Isabelle to dance. The story shows
Isabelle fulfilling her dream and then becoming a dance teacher
herself, inspiring the next little girl.
Highly recommended for girls aged 7+ but all dance loving girls will
enjoy it.
Kylie Kempster
Listening for Lucca by Suzanne LaFleur
Puffin, 2013. ISBN 978014133607.
(Age: 9-13) Highly recommended. Ghosts. Historical. Family. Ever
since her brother Lucca stopped talking, Siena has been obsessed
with collecting things that have been abandoned. Isolated at school
because of the strange dreams that she has, Siena finds it difficult
to make friends. Her parents decide to move the family from Brooklyn
to Maine, where they have found an old house that fits the
description of the house that Siena has dreamt about and where they
hope things will get better for both their children. When Siena
discovers an old pen in her bedroom and finds that it writes by
itself, she becomes obsessed with the story that emerges of a
brother and sister who had lived in the house during World War 2. Is
that a key to unlocking Lucca's voice?
I am a fan of Suzanne LaFleur and loved her two previous books,
Love, Aubrey and Eight keys. Listening for Lucca is just as good. It
is a beautiful story, has well-constructed and engaging characters
and wonderful setting and the addition of a touch of magic makes it
very original. Siena's voice is delightful. She comes across as a
very caring, loving young girl, who feels guilty because she
believes that she might have been the cause of her brother stopping
talking. In Maine she meets Sam and Morgan and discovers that she
does have the ability to make new friends and in Sam she finds a boy
who is prepared not to scoff at the dreams that she is having. She
is also brave, deciding that she has to try to understand and
perhaps change the past in order to fix the present.
The use of a pen that writes the story independently is a device
that works very well. The reader finds it easy to follow the story
of Joshua at war and his sister Sarah who believes that if she
doesn't talk he will come home safely. The effects of war on Joshua
are handled sensitively but realistically and the reader is carried
along by the stories of two different sets of siblings living in
different times but joined by the thread of one child electing not
to speak. It is easy to suspend belief and accept that Siena can
indeed communicate with the past.
This is a beautiful blend of mystery, of a girl grappling to belong,
of guilt, and of history and friendship that is sure to engage
readers and would be an ideal literature circle book.
Pat Pledger
Plenty by John Dale
XOUM Publishing, 2013. ISBN 9781922057587.
(Age: 16+) Highly recommended. Plenty seems to be an ironic name for
the small coastal town which forms the setting of this story, for
there is precious little in the town: a pub, a bakery, a picture
theatre, a service station. It seems that life has passed this town
by. Yet teenaged Jed seems content with his lot: working for his dad
in the rundown service station, meeting up with his girlfriend
Chrissie, whiling away the hours along the rocky foreshore.
But change is afoot. First, the local landmark of wealth, the
rundown Mansfield property, is sold to an outsider and his daughter
(Ashley). Then they take in the refugees whose boat comes aground
near Plenty. Suddenly the town becomes the epicentre of a national
news event: a new detention centre in Plenty is sure to bring an
economic boost, according to the mayor. But the townspeople are wary
of the hijab clad refugees and fearful about the impact upon their
way of life.
Jed is thrown into uncertainty. Tempted by the beauty and swagger of
Ashley and a witness to the arrival of the refugees, Jed is afraid
to take sides preferring to watch as the story is played out in the
pub and in the media. The town folk of Plenty may be full of bluff
and bluster, especially after a night at the pub, yet what happens
when a fire threatens the refugee camp? Surely there is a lesson to
be learned from this, a lesson that may finally rouse Jed to action.
But is his action right?
In a mere 150 pages, John Dale is able to capture both the
narrow-mindedness of a small town and the sense of community as
well. The stereotypes are there but so too is a fondness for the
simple things in life. The novella may remind readers of the picture
book The Island by Armin Greder, with its searing portrayal
of xenophobia but a multiplicity of viewpoint is more evident in Plenty.
Ultimately it becomes apparent that there is plenty to ponder
beneath the surface of this aptly named town.
Deborah Marshall
Bella's bad hair day by Stephen Michael King
Allen and Unwin, 2013. ISBN: 9781743313619.
Recommended. Stephen Michael King is well known for his
illustrations and Bella is a welcome addition to his list of
interesting characters.
The creative hair styles featured on the end papers give us a clue
that Bella is keen on having her hair styled. Before the title
page we are shown Bella sleeping and almost forewarned that the
peace will be broken when she wakes up.
We have all experienced a bad hair day but Bella is particularly
frustrated as her distracted parents ignore her cries for help in
taming her wild hair. Mum is busy painting and distracted by a
family of guinea pigs whilst Dad is totally engrossed in playing
Beethoven on his piano. Bella tries desperately to think of a way to
tame her hair, from superheroes whisking her away to a variety of
hats to hide the mess. At last Mum attends to the problem and all is
well.
The extensive uses of alliteration, as her 'horrible horrendous hair
day' proceeds until 'a breathtakingly beautiful bouffant' is
created, adds to the joy of the text, and are a lesson in themselves
for the creative teacher or parent. The colourful and interesting
illustrations give more information to the reader enabling them to
experience her emotions
If Lee Fox's Ella Kazoo is anti brushing, Bella is the pinup
girl for having beautifully styled hair for a perfect day, though I
am sure we have wished that some bad hair styles are not 'nouveau
trendo'.
Sue Keane
Canberra - Federal capital by Tracey Hawkins
Our stories. Black Dog Books, 2013. ISBN 9781922179319.
(Age: 9+) Recommended. Non fiction. Canberra. Australian history.
Australian city. A wonderfully entertaining and informative text
tells readers and researchers about Canberra's beginnings as an
Aboriginal community, then sheep station and later becoming the nation's
capital. It hints at the struggle for Federation and the reasons
behind the decision to site the capital there. In double page
spreads with several paragraphs and a range of illustrations on each
side, the book includes such topics as, Australian War Memorial,
Australian Parliament and Government, National treasures and so on.
Each topic gives a neatly rounded overview and pictures to match.
Any student would have a variety of information at their fingertips,
and someone travelling there would be excited by what this book
offers.
Watch out for the fascinating piece on the Heritage Trail, and the
stunning photos of older buildings in Canberra, particularly The
Lodge and Yarralumla, while the information on Diplomatic Missions
gave insight into why these places are there.
A brief but serviceable glossary and index cover the last page and
the publications page has a list of websites from which more
information can be gathered.
Altogether a wonderful introduction to our capital, presented in an
attractive format used with great success by Black Dog Books.
Fran Knight
Peace love and khaki socks by Kim Lock
Midnight Sun, 2013. ISBN 9780987380913.
(Age: Adult - Senior secondary) Graphic designer Amy Silva, 24, is
one of Darwin's army wives having come with partner Dylan when he
was transferred. She feels she doesn't fit in with the army culture
'Every day I lived a contradiction. The Pacifist Hippy in love with
the Gun-Toting Soldier.' but she loves Darwin, her job and her
relationship, 'like the contrasting teeth of a zipper, somehow we
were a perfect fit.' Her world is turned upside down when she
discovers that a single missed pill has resulted in pregnancy. She
has no rapport with her GP or the obstetrician she is referred to so
decides on a home birth.
The descriptions of Darwin, its lush beauty and dramatic climate are
beautifully evoked and contrasted with Hill End, the area where she
grew up down south when they go home for Christmas. During this
visit the maturing relationship with her mother is handled with
humour and sensitivity. I liked the interleaved flashback accounts
of Amy's childhood journey to sexual awareness and the way the
challenges to her relationship with her best friend Hannah are
managed but I found it hard to relate to the main character and her
decision making about her birthing options. Hospital birth is
unremittingly drawn as awful and homebirth as the solution. When she
argues that it is 'my body' she denies the right of her partner to
be part of the decision making and of the child to have the best
birth possible.
Adult readers, especially those familiar either with Darwin or army
culture will enjoy this book and possibly older students interested
in pregnancy.
Sue Speck
A horse called Hero by Sam Angus
Macmillan Children's Books, 2013. ISBN 9781447235774.
(Age: Mid secondary) Having a familiar Second War War evacuation
theme, this novel involves diverse and interesting historical
elements within a complex but satisfying plot.
When Dorothy (Dodo) and her brother Wolfie are sent to the Devon
countryside to escape the German bombing, they are initially unaware
that their father (who holds a Victoria Cross from the First World
War) has been arrested on charges of desertion during the retreat at
Dunkirk. Having no mother, the children are billeted into the home
of a disinterested village woman yet life is bearable, especially
when Wolfie finds himself the primary carer for a newborn foal which
he names Hero. As details of their father's predicament become
public however, life becomes insufferable for the children when
local villagers, grieving over their own wartime bereavements and
hardships begin to persecute and victimise them. Luckily, the local
priest and his daughter Hettie offer their home and guardianship to
the children and they exist relatively happily against a backdrop of
foreboding invasion threats and fears regarding the treatment of
their imprisoned father who endures a drawn out court martial. The
children explore the countryside and develop knowledge and
understanding of the natural environment, wild and domestic horses
and human characteristics. Hero's role in the tale is vital but
further discussion would spoil the story. It is suffice to say that
qualities of horses and their masters are considered and the reader
can't help reflecting upon the odious aspects of human nature.
This story opens in a gentle fashion which initially appears to
follow a predictable formula. The introduction of a very nasty
documented war crime and depiction of the fate of local wild ponies
under harsh wartime restrictions soon alerts the reader that this is
no Blyton adventure however. I liked very much that the author chose
to depict the child characters over an extended period when evacuees
in other books would have been safely returned to their mothers.
Wolfie, who is introduced as a very immature little boy is still
under the care of Hettie when the war has finished and Dodo, the
understated heroine finds employment, which is in keeping with her
mature character. This device enables the story to conclude with the
inclusion of yet another historically accurate subject which is not
too implausible for young adult fiction. Whilst this novel contains
some untidy scene changes, it is a strong story and a worthwhile
read for mid-secondary students.
Rob Welsh
The skull by Christian Darkin
A & C Black, 2013. ISBN 978 1 4081 9297 9
(Age: 11+) The Skull is the story of the Marchant family - from the
1100's to the future of 2200. The first Marchant, Alfred,
discovers a giant skull, considered a dragon or a demon by the
religious village he lives in. The author informs the reader it is a
megalosaurus skull. Alfred witnesses a murder and is accused of
being a witch so the skull is entombed. Over the next 1000 years,
different generations of Marchants have contact with the skull,
causing some sort of change for the family.
It is a quick moving story, dedicating a chapter to each generation
and I would recommend it to independent readers aged 11+ due to the
story changing to different periods of time. Good comprehension is
needed and it would probably be enjoyed more by boys. The main
characters are all Marchant males.
The story is a mixture of history and science and the changing ideas
as man becomes more educated and less superstitious.
Kylie Kempster
