Ill. by Tony Flowers. Saurus Street 5
Recommended for 6-8 years of age. Themes: Plesiosaurs, Grandparents,
Adventure, Loch Ness monster.
Absolutely gross, toilet humour at its worst, a wonderful read for
boys from 6-8 years!
Thomas's grandparents live at the end of Saurus Street in an ancient
house without electricity and indoor plumbing. Their outdoor toilet
with its bottomless pit is terrifying for Thomas because he's sure
it is home to the hideous greenwater beast. At midnight when he
needs to go to the loo, he prepares to confront his fears and
overcome his vivid imagination. Unfortunately Thomas's life
literally goes down the toilet when a witch like creature (Grandma)
frightens him.
After this horrifying fall, Thomas finds himself in a dark space
surrounded by sticky walls, luckily he's a good swimmer and is able
to escape by swimming underwater out into Saurus Lake. To his horror
he's hooked like a like a fish by a strange girl Molly, who is
hunting for an Elasmosaurus, Ellie the Loch Saurus monster. Molly
and her Scottish father live in a rusty old caravan on the edge of
the lake and they want to preserve the natural habitat and feeding
ground for Ellie. Unfortunately, the malicious Reverend and Mrs.
Parsnip have bought up the rights to fish the lake and build a
fishing lodge that will devastatingly impact on Ellie's environment.
This is the fifth exciting adventure in the Saurus Street series
with Thomas and Molly using some unusual tactics to save Ellie from
the evil property developers.
Rhyllis Bignell
Xylophone Xavier by Susannah McFarlane
Ill. by Lachlan Creagh. Little Mates series. Scholastic, 2013. ISBN
9781742837413.
(Ages 4+) Alphabet books, Australian animals. Xavier is a Xiphias
gladius (which is an extremely tricky way of saying swordfish).
Xavier loves xylophones - he has sixty!
Susannah McFarlane is down to the tricky letters of the alphabet and
x is a particularly interesting one. According to wiki answers there
are 132 'x' words, whilst Oxford online lists 120 'x' words in use
today. The author has taken up the challenge for the Little Mates
series by relying on the standard fare of xylophones and x-rays and
adding words with 'x' anywhere in the word.
Xavier the xylophonist has four friends Xander, Xeni, Xenos and
Xanthe who help him x-ray his collection of xylophones. Hidden
inside one is a secret map with an X marking the spot of the hidden
treasure.
This book is more challenging than the others because of the words
and phrases used, for example - 'an exhilarating extravaganza,
exacting, exquisite, exhibition'. These all need to be explained to
the listener, they are not part of their normal vocabulary.
This Little Mate Series book is more suited to a young child from 4
years and up.
Rhyllis Bignell
The full ridiculous by Mark Lamprell
Text, 2013. ISBN 9781922147264.
(Age: Senior secondary) Michael O'Dell, the main character in this
first novel by Mark Lamprell, is having a bad time. Did it start
with his son Declan's over-indulgence in marijuana? Or was it his
daughter Rosie's violent confrontation with an over-indulged
class-mate? Or was it his own cynical movie reviewing that led to a
confrontation with a disappointed director? Or was it being
struck by a blue Volvo on a pedestrian crossing while jogging?
Whenever the start, his life keeps getting worse. He has taken a
year off work to write a definitive work about Australian movies,
but the writing is not going well. He has two mortgages and school
fees to pay. His wife Wendy is tirelessly supportive and loving, as
is Egg, his dog. However his teenage children have escalating
problems that he is unable to solve, because of his own problem, a
deepening depression that his psychiatrist (who he cannot afford)
feels is connected to an unresolved trauma from earlier in his life.
Matters keep getting worse. He feels more and more useless but
evades taking the problem seriously, until he eventually
contemplates suicide. However, he bungles it and lives on, to have a
psychological break through thanks to his psychiatrist. His children
solve their own problems. He is offered work again and joyfully
accepts the chance. Wendy and Egg are still tirelessly loving, one
critically, one totally uncritically. Michael now understands that
love is what matters. This book is a tragi-comedy, with the comedic
elements stronger than the tragic. There is a message here about the
debilitating nature of depression, and the need to take the symptoms
seriously, but much of the novel is simply very entertaining.
Michael's is the voice that tells the story and it is a wry,
perceptive one that captures his own failings accurately and
humorously. Lamprell has a good ear for dialogue and the teenagers'
voices are captured particularly well. This novel is insightful
about family life and about what a father feels his role should be.
It is an easy read and is very entertaining. It is suitable for
older readers.
Jenny Hamilton
Cry blue murder by Kim Kane and Marion Roberts
University of Queensland Press, 2013. ISBN: 9780702239267.
(Age: Middle school) Recommended. Cry blue murder is a very
inventive young adult novel told in a very non-traditional way, the
story unfolds through a series of emails and documents which might
be found in a lawyer's brief. Main characters Celia and Alice meet
online after the disappearance of one of Celia's fellow students,
Hallie Knight, and become quick friends in their shared speculation
of the serial killer targeting a string of missing girls. Before
long Hallie is found and becomes the only known survivor of a man
dubbed 'The Cocoon Killer', unfortunately she also begins to loose
her mind and is not able to assist the police in finding her captor.
Meanwhile another girl is missing, soon to be found dead. This new
tragedy draws the girls closer than ever - each fearing that they
might be the next victim of 'The Cocoon Killer'.
Despite the chilling title this novel quickly looses its eeriness
and falls into a lull while focusing on the dramas of every day life
and the development of a close friendship between the girls. I found
this novel to be an easy read, sharing important cyber safety
messages in a very subtle way. I found myself mentally screaming at
Celia as I read - unable to believe that she would ignore the most
basic cyber-safety lessons all children today are taught at home and
school.
I would recommend this novel for middle school students who don't
like to read traditional novels. Its simple presentation of evidence
motivates readers to draw their own conclusions about the serial
killings of private school-girls.
Kayla Gaskell (Student)
The Nelly gang by Stephen Axelsen
Walker Books, 2013. ISBN 9781921977916.
(Age: 8+) Highly recommended. Graphic novel. Gold rush. Bushrangers.
Australian history. When Nelly and her father Paddy finally strike
it rich on the Victorian goldfields in 1860, they are really
thrilled. But bushrangers find out about the gold and holdup their
coach on the road to Wodonga. They kidnap Paddy, but Nelly flees
into the bush. It is then up to Nelly and her friends Jin, Miro and
Queenie the goat, to rescue Paddy and retrieve the gold.
This is an exciting adventure story that children will be able to
read for the sheer thrills of the kidnap and escapes. Nelly is a
spirited heroine who is ably helped by her little gang as they fight
their way through the bush and take on the evil bushrangers who are
hiding out. As Nelly plunges into danger, the reader will learn much
about life on the goldfields and the great diversity of
nationalities that came to Victoria hoping to make their fortunes.
Axelsen's illustrations bring the period to life and it is obvious
that he has done a lot of research into the period. This book
contains a treasure trove of information for the reader to uncover
about the gold rush period in Australian history. A schoolroom in a
tent is illustrated, showing trestle desks, slates, blackboard and
chalk and a nasty teacher wielding a cane. Miners are drawn showing
them digging shafts and cradling for gold and the tent city and
transport and clothing of the period are also illustrated all in an
amusing and involving way that will keep an observant reader
occupied for quite some time. A short glossary at the back explains
some of the words like 'Eureka' and 'Good morning' in many
languages.
This story really succeeds on two levels. It is a funny, engrossing
adventure story with a multicultural flavour. At the same time it is
an ideal book to have on hand for students when studying the gold
rushes and bushrangers.
Pat Pledger
ACID by Emma Pass
Corgi Childrens, 2013. ISBN 9780552566148.
(Ages: 15+)Recommended. Reminiscent of the TV show Alias and the
movie SALT, ACID is a futuristic dystopian featuring a kickass main
character assuming multiple identities throughout the novel, with
nonstop action, romance and constant twists and turns.
Jenna Strong is serving a life sentence in prison for killing her
parents. Despite being the only female, she can take on even the
most hardened criminals with a flick of her wrist. One day, her
trusted confidante Dr Fisher helps her escape prison - while getting
murdered by the ACID police in the process - who pin it all on
Jenna. With the best surgeons at work, Jenna is given a new face and
a new identity to start a new life...as Mia Richardson.
As a hardened criminal, privileged citizen, fugitive, extremist and
saviour, Jenna assumes multiple identities throughout the novel
which shows different sides to her. She undergoes major character
development as she learns more about the world controlled by ACID.
When she meets Max, someone who she rescues and feels obligated to
accompany, Jenna's demeanour softens and her caring side comes out.
The romance slowly develops over the course of the novel and Max's
trust in Jenna furthers her character development, and it never
detracts from the story.
Set in futuristic International Republic of Britain, the world of
ACID is fleshed out elegantly in detail. ACID is the police force
that controls every from the news, information, transport, and even
who people partner with (Life Partners) and when they can have
children. We learn more about the world through snippets from the
news and letters scattered throughout the book, and the world
building flowed naturally throughout the story.
While most of the book was captivating, I found it lost momentum
later on. A major plot twist happens where the reader knows what is
going on miles ahead of the character itself, so when she realises
we're already disengaged. While the ending wrapped up everything
nicely, it just seemed a little too convenient as a solution to the
constrained society.
I love how this book is a standalone novel, and there's no dragging
out loose ends for the sake of being a series. The epilogue gives us
the perfect amount of closure, while still planting a seed to let us
speculate on what happens next. Overall, ACID is a solid debut that
explores some new concepts. I would recommend it to lovers of
dystopian everywhere and can't wait to read more from Emma Pass.
Jeann Wong
Colour for Curlews by Renee Treml
Random House Australia Children's, 2013. ISBN 9781742759210.
Highly recommended for Early Childhood readers in particular.This
second picture book offering from Renee Treml is a treasure trove
for younger readers and teachers of lower school children. Two
cheeky and curious curlews discover some wonderful paints and
decided to adorn themselves - starting a definite fashion trend with
a host of other familiar Australian birds.
With a wonderful daub of alliteration and a palette of rhyme to
enhance the text, young readers are introduced not only to their
basic colours but also the principles of colour mixing. As the
bowerbirds, brolgas, Gouldian finches, lorikeets and more try out
their flash new colours, along comes One Very Tired Wombat (the
previous picture book character from this exciting new
author/illustrator) who goes to sleep in a puddle of brown paint.
But will he still be brown when he wakes up?
The vibrancy of the colourful illustrations will have the young
artists in your class itching to get to the paint pots - I can
already visualise a sumptuous mural of native birds as a truly
gorgeous display. The addition of some factual notes at the end of
the book provides an engaging balance to this delightfully riotous
explosion of colour madness. Be sure to put this one on your
shopping list - it will not disappoint! This is one that might stay
on my shelves rather than go as a gift to a grandchild methinks!
Sue Warren
Shades of earth by Beth Revis
Across the universe, bk 3. Penguin, 2013. ISBN 9780141333700.
(Age: 14+) Recommended. Science fiction. Dystopian fiction. Romance.
Amy and Elder have left the spaceship, Godspeed, behind and have
landed on Centauri-Earth hoping to build a new life for themselves
and the people who have journeyed with them. But life is dangerous
on Centauri-Earth - there are purple flowers that numb the mind and
giant pterodactyl-like birds that hover overhead. There are ruins
that indicate that there was human occupation in the past and it
appears as if they are not alone on the planet.
This is a very satisfying conclusion to the series. Many new
elements are introduced that propel the plot forward and keep the
ideas new and fresh. The action is thrilling as Amy and Elder try to
find out what is happening on the planet and who they can trust. The
world building is also engrossing, with its strange plants,
buildings and animals that can be terrifying but at the same time
fascinating. As a reader I had no trouble imagining this strange
world and the effort that would go into surviving on it.
The introduction of adults into the character mix, including Amy's
parents and other military personnel who have awoken from their deep
freeze, add a new element and test both Amy and Elder's leadership
skills and abilities. Elder's self-sacrificing and noble character
shines through the trials that he has to face. He is able to
compromise and think things through but always he puts the life of
his people first. Amy has to decide who she trusts, her parents or
her own intuition, and the love between Elder and Amy is sorely
tested as a handsome young soldier becomes interested in Amy.
The shattering finale brings with it many questions, not the least
is what does it mean to be human?
This is excellent science fiction that should appeal to both boys
and girls and provide lots of food for thought. I look forward to
reading Revis' next book and was sad to see the end of this series.
Pat Pledger
Love in revolution by B. R. Collins
Bloomsbury, 2013. ISBN 9781408815700.
(Age: 13 +) Esteya is fifteen, living in a time of impending
revolution. Communism is on the rise, unrest growing in her country.
Fortunately, her brother is a member of the Revolutionary Communist
party and is able to protect her family. But then Esteya befriends a
mysterious, wild girl named Skizi, an outcast, and slowly they fall
in love. However, Esteya's family is betrayed and taken away, and
Skizi goes missing. In the midst of revolution, Esteya must find
Skizi, and find safety. Love in revolution is an unusual, but interesting novel. Most novels
about war or revolution either focus mainly on the events
themselves, or delve into the relationships of the characters, and
this book is the latter. Esteya is a great and well-developed
character: strong and kind, and always looking out for the people
she loves. Skizi is also an intriguing character, mysterious and
wild. Unfortunately, the other characters can sometimes come across
as slightly two-dimensional. Otherwise, the author does a great job
of weaving a sense of unrest into the novel. It isn't until about
halfway through the book that the revolution really begins, but
before that there is still a discreet sense of impending turmoil.
If there is one problem with this novel, it would be that it is over
almost too quickly, and the pacing leaves a little to be desired.
Some scenes feel rushed, while others tend to drag. However, with
some tighter editing, it would be a much finer novel. Love in revolution is an interesting and well-written novel, with
some strong characters. Some minor pacing issues aside, it is still
an enjoyable read.
Rebecca Adams (Student)
The mostly true story of Matthew and Trim by Cassandra Golds
Ill. by Stephen Axelsen. Penguin, 2005. ISBN 9780143302179.
(Age: 8+) Highly recommended. Australian history. Graphic novel.
Matthew Flinders. Cats. Adventure. A touch of fantasy brings the
statue of Trim alive to communicate once again with his owner,
Captain Matthew Flinders. The two statues take pride of place
outside the Mitchell Library in Sydney, where Flinders' statue was
erected in 1925, and Trim's in 1998. Both statues commemorate the
courage, daring and abilities of Flinders in his exploration and
cartography. He is responsible for the naming of Australia, and was
the first to circumnavigate and map this island. His cat Trim, which
accompanied him, has a large following, with several books devoted
to him, the first written by Flinders, as well as the naming of the
shop within the library. Another statue of Flinders in his home town
in England, also has a cat winding its way around the legs of the
seafarer.
So Golds and Axelsen had plenty to work with in their graphic novel
outlining the lives of this adventurous pair. When the clock strikes
midnight outside the library the two statues come alive and together
reminisce about their beginnings and the adventures they had. In
this way, Golds treats her readers to a fabulous overview of the
life and achievements of Flinders, and his cat, Trim, who sailed with
him. Axelsen's illustrations provide a wonderfully alive
chronological parade of their doings, and add prodigiously to the
facts presented. The accuracy of the illustrations with regards to
costume, shipping, and housing will teach the students much about
the time between 1788 when Australia first saw English settlers, and
1814 when Flinders died. It is a poignant story of a man feted by
History but largely ignored by those who employed him. All this the
author and illustrator have achieved in their graphic novel to allow
a new generation of students to learn of his place in our history.
With the new curriculum and its emphasis on Australian History, this
book is well placed to be at least on every school library shelf, if
not with a class set for middle to upper primary students to learn
about an explorer who did so much for Australia.
Fran Knight
Lulu Bell series by Belinda Murrell
Ill. by Serena Geddes. Random House Australia, 2013.
Lulu Bell and the Cubby Fort ISBN 9781742758794
Lulu Bell and the Moon Dragon ISBN 9781742758817
Even though this is a new series, Lulu Bell is building up quite a
following amongst the younger, newly independent readers, so you
will be pleased to know that the next two in the series are now
available.
In Lulu Bell and the cubby fort Lulu and her family visit a farm for
the school holidays with all the fun and adventures that brings for
a little girl whose passion is animals, and in Lulu Bell and the
moon dragon, she helps her best friend Molly prepare for the
Vietnamese Moon Festival. Of course, in each there are distractions
and it's Lulu to the rescue, but both are engaging reads that both
Miss 7 and Miss 9 enjoyed. And there are two more scheduled for
January 2014 - Lulu Bell and the circus pup and Lulu Bell and the
sea turtle - which will give your students something to look forward
to as the new school year approaches.
Barbara Braxton
Children of the jacaranda tree by Sahar Delijani
Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2013. ISBN 9780297869030. (Age: 13+) Highly recommended. Children of the jacaranda tree
begins deep in Tehran's Evin Prison in 1983, where a woman gives
birth to her baby girl. Corridors away, a man is making a bracelet
out of date stones. He hopes that one day his daughter will hold it
in her hands. A camera shutter closes and three children are fixed
in time. They cannot remember their mothers' faces, but their
mothers will hold the photos close to their hearts, imagining what
goes on outside the prison walls. This book weaves together the
legacies of these children and their mothers with the history of an
oppressive and war-torn country. Children of the jacaranda tree is part memoir, part
condemnation of an oppressive regime. It is an important novel -
that cannot be denied. From the very beginning, it provides a
starkly realistic portrayal of the tension and oppression of Iran
during the Iran-Iraq war (which was fought from 1980-1988), while
never losing sight of its true message: the unending strength of the
human spirit.
It's a beautifully written novel, filled with vivid description and
it never ceases to captivate the reader. Like most books dealing
with the somewhat tender subject of war, or of oppression and
prisoners in Iran, it can sometimes be a hard book to read. There
are many moments of great sorrow, pain and injustice, but they are
almost worth it for the brief, yet wonderful moments of hope and
happiness. The violence and pain in this novel is never gratuitous.
It is handled delicately, and it is through these difficult passages
that the author truly shows her talent and restraint. Children of the jacaranda tree is at once a fascinating
memoir of war-torn Iran, a condemnation of an oppressive regime, and
an unending tribute to the human spirit.
I highly recommend this book.
Rebecca Adams (Student)
Refusal: A Dick Francis novel by Felix Francis
Penguin, 2013. ISBN 9780718159375.
(Age: 15+) Recommended. Mystery. Thriller. Crime.
Sid Halley has been trying to have a quiet life with his wife and
child. He has given up doing work investigating crimes in the horse
racing industry and is determined not to go back. Then Sir Richard
Stewart, chairman of the horse racing authority, approaches him with
a tale of things that are happening that could put the whole
industry into jeopardy. When Sir Richard is found dead the next day
Sid knows that his quiet life is over and this is further reinforced
when his 6 year old daughter goes missing. However Sid is one
determined and cunning man who is prepared to go to extremes to end
the race fixing that he uncovers.
I have been a fan of the Dick Francis mysteries for many years and
was excited to find that the character of Sid Halley still felt
familiar even though Felix Francis was now writing the book. The
same easy to read style and thrilling action that was a hallmark of
Dick Francis' writing is also found in Refusal, so it was a pleasure
for me to rediscover the series. Sid Halley is still the same
intelligent, gutsy and wily investigator who undergoes many trials
while attempting to solve the mystery of the game fixing and bring
the culprits to justice.
The suspense is breath-taking as Sid fights for his family against
the odds. Intertwined with the mystery is the dilemma that Sid faces
about whether he should have a hand transplant and this problem
enhances the story as the reader follows the problems that Sid faces
using a prosthetic and the difficulties that could result from a
hand transplant.
It is clear that Felix Francis can write mystery and suspense and I
look forward to his future books in this genre.
Pat Pledger
Worrying Will by Susannah McFarlane
Ill. by Lachlan Creagh. Little Mates series. Scholastic
2013. ISBN 9781742837406.
(Ages: 3+) Alphabet books. Australian animals. Worrying Will is a
new addition to the Little Mates series. Will the wombat is
the most worrisome wombat in the whole west. Unfortunately the
worrying causes him to wobble when he walks and get lots of
wrinkles. Every page is overflowing with words and phrases beginning
with the focus letter w. His worries become almost overwhelming,
until one windy Wednesday his friends Wyatt, Willow, Wes and Whitney
decide to help him. Each Australian animal helps Will overcome his
worries, Whitney whistling away working on his wrinkles with a
rolling pin is a fun page. Small children enjoy the Little Mates
series engaging with the text and finding all the w words in the
illustrations. The final message of talking about overcoming worries
opens up a positive dialogue between the reader and child. The Little
Mates series are books just right for a small hand to hold and
explore the funny illustrations.
Rhyllis Bignell
The only game in the galaxy by Paul Collins
The Maximus Black Files, Book 3. Ford St, 2013. ISBN
9781925000061. RRP $19.95. 333p. Pbk.
(Age 12+) Recommended. Hold on and get ready for a fast and furious
helter skelter ride through a world of futuristic spy games with
Maximus Black and his nemesis, Anneke Longshadow. Defined by the
publisher as science fiction (space opera) this final offering in
the trilogy, had this reader on the edge of my seat for the entire
ride. Openly admitting this is not my favourite genre and despite
having not read the first two books in the series, I had no trouble
in picking up the threads of previous actions and history of the
whole RIM (intergalactic law enforcement agency) and the nefarious
main character. This was a book that demanded not to put down
mid-story and there was some considerable difficulty in doing so
(due to constraints of mundane annoyances like day jobs and the
length of my commute).
Though there are numerous other characters in play, as well as some
swift changes in time and place, due to the technological marvels of
the future, the novel has tremendously fluid continuity throughout.
One has immense trouble disliking Maximus, for all his faults and as
his past unfolds to reveal his present, there is clearly room for a
'nurture vs nature' debate. I was put in mind of Artemis Fowl - except perhaps on steroids!!
Begging for a lengthy discussion about good and evil, - and are
certain characters inherently either one or the other, along with
the obvious parallels with historical and current global conflicts,
there is no hesitation in recommending this exciting and well paced
novel for older and capable readers of around 12+.
Put this one (and the first two!) on your shopping list immediately - there will be no disappointments here.
Teaching notes are available.
Sue Warren
