Scholastic, 2013. ISBN 9781862919730.
(Age: 0-3) Recommended. Board Book. This little book has
beautiful illustrations of the animals from Possum Magic. Julie
Vivas' delightful illustrations are a joy to examine, the faces of
the birds and animals just gorgeous to look at.
It is a sturdy treasure that would be a delight to give to babies as
a gift, but also very useful for the young child who might like to
trace the large words with their fingers as they learn the names of
Australian animals like possum, snake, kangaroo, dingo, emu,
echnida, wombat, koalas, kookaburras, and then end the book with the
words, friends and good night!
Pat Pledger
Broken melody by Trudy Adams
Wombat Books, 2013. ISBN 9781922074911
(Age: 13+) Broken melody is the first person recount of a
17yr old's physical, emotional and psychological abuse at the hands
of her foster parents. While friends and teachers commiserate and
boost Danae's self-esteem, conversely, her foster parents are really
villains and her foster siblings also damaged.
Danae Blackburn, the narrator and main character learns to play the
piano exceptionally well with little instruction and an almost total
absence of self-esteem.
The healing power of music and Danae's newfound religious faith
sustain her through a great many complications in her bid to win a
national music competition. The plot has sufficient twists and turns
although they are entirely predictable and when combined with the
didactic narration, events unfortunately contribute to our overall
disbelief. The janus-faced foster parents are complex and
believable, but the novel itself fails to haunt us.
Young Adult readers will ultimately decide whether Broken melody
aligns with Trudy Adam's intention as expressed on her Christian
publisher's website, 'I wanted to explore the battlefield that takes
place in a person's mind when they have been consistently told they
are 'nothing' or 'worthless'. Having worked with young people for
almost four years, I also wanted to create a story that was relevant
to the current generation.'
Deborah Robins
Snowy and snuffles ill. by Felicity Gardner
Lothian, 2013. ISBN 9780734413888.
(Age: 4+) Picture book. Friendship. This slight story of two wombat
joeys is all about friendship and doing things together. But Snowy
does some terrible things, stretching the bounds of friendship and
family life, and I would think their mother's patience. Snowy
upturns his food bowl on Snuffle's head, covers him with water in
the bathroom, tips him off the swing in the park, and when he messes
up the art room, he is made to clean it up, mother baking a cake for
the two when the chore is finished.
Despite all that Snowy does to Snuffles, he is still his best
friend, and they do everything together. The thrust of the tale is
that they are very different and can still be best of friends. The
soft illustrations reflect the Australian wombat well, including a
rare white wombat. For those readers with a sibling who is very
different from themselves this will strike a chord, and for those
wanting a tale about a family with some chaos then this may be
appropriate. The humour in the tale is reflected in the
illustrations.
I seem to be seeing more of these sorts of books, where there is no
author, simply an illustrator acknowledged. Why the anonymity? It
seems very odd to me. Perhaps it is someone in the publishing house?
Fran Knight
The big dry by Tony Davis
HarperCollins, 2013. ISBN: 9780732297633.
(Age: 12-14) Highly recommended. The harsh drought-stricken
landscape totally dominates the lives of thirteen year old George
and his younger brother Beeper. They are desperately trying to
survive after their father fails to return from a shopping trip.
Blasters, strong destructive winds, cause havoc, buildings crack and
crumble, invasive red dust seeps into the houses and water is
scarce. In this dystopian environment that has lasted for years,
people have developed violent survivalist skills, selling water,
stealing food and turning in abandoned children to the Welfare
Authorities.
George and his brother decide to leave the safety of their house and
search in vain for their father. On their return a strange girl has
invaded their space and threatens their very existence. She is
more worldly wise and has developed skills of self protection. Emily
challenges their thinking and confronts George's distorted view of
reality. Their reclusive neighbour Mr. Carey and the rabbitoh man
also aid in the boys' survival.
Powerful imagery and a driven plot take the reader on a journey
through a tough reality. Measured phrases, gritty internal dialogue
and unanswered questions add to the tension of the author's
narrative.
I would highly recommend this novel for readers 12-14 years of
age. As a class novel, students could discuss the impact of the
climate change and drought, the development of survival skills and
the need for self preservation.
Read this novel with a glass of fresh cool water, valuing each drop!
Rhyllis Bignell
World's worst jobs by Tracey Turner
A & C Black, 2013. ISBN 9781408181720.
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. Fancy a job as a spit boy or an odour
judge? No I hear you say! Well, these jobs might not be around
anymore but we can still read about them and screw up our noses at
the 'yuckiness'! World's worst jobs is packed with details
about a variety of jobs from the past. Readers will see how hard it
was to make leather and what you had to do if your job was to clean
up after the King went to the toilet!
Author Tracey Turner has created a humorous information text with
funny illustrations that will engage reluctant readers. It is
highly recommended for boys aged 10+. After all, who doesn't like
reading about gross stuff!
Kylie Kempster
Koalas, kites and kangaroos: An Australian alphabet book by David Ridyard
Ill. by Doreen Gristwood. Scholastic Australia, 2013. ISBN: 9781742838724.
(Age: 4+) Picture book. Australian animals. Alphabet book. Koalas,
Kites and Kangaroos was originally published in 1985 and this
reprinting introduces a new generation to this loved picture book.
The verse that starts the reader on their 'look and find' journey
invites us to:
Turn over the pages and take a close look
At this wonderful, colourful ALPHABET BOOK!
The search is on for animals and objects from A to Z within each
double page spread. Doreen Gristwood's pastel watercolours and
simple backgrounds are still engaging with the new audience after
twenty-eight years. We search for ants at Ayers Rock, enjoy
kangaroos having fun roller-skating and end with the obvious but
non-Aussie zebras at the zoo. There is also a list of words at the
back of additional objects and animals to look for.
This is a direct reprinting that does bring up a few issues. Ayers
Rock could have been changed to Uluru and the discerning reader may
question why some of the animals are on the wrong page. Why are the
penguins partying on the I-J pages?
This is a classic Australian picture book suited to share with a
young audience from 2 years of age and beginning readers from 4-6
years.
Rhyllis Bignell
Chasing the valley by Skye Melki-Wegner
Random House Australia, 2013. ISBN 9781742759548
Recommended. Chasing the valley by Skye Melki-Wegnner is a
novel that exceeds already heightened expectations. Main character
Danika Glynn, is living off the street in a town called Rourton -
which is surrounded by a huge wall that prohibits escape - that lies
in the north of the land of Taladia. The King of Taladia is someone
who likes to expand his own and conquer neighbouring countries, but
their military and weaponry have developed from modern times and
from what we know, they have magic.
Each person in Taladia has a proclivity, an individual
specialisation of magic. By the time you are of age (18), you are
able to expose your proclivity tattoo which is naturally formed on
your neck, and also, you are conscripted into the king's army. In
Rourton, Danika escapes the horrifying but also bedazzling effects
of an alchemy bomb, deployed by order of the king and finds herself
down the sewers and crashing a meeting of a soon-to-be refugee
group. Refugee crews are well known for dying in the attempts to
reach a place called The Magnetic Valley. Here alchemy doesn't work
and the king and his army cannot move pass successfully, it's a safe
haven but it's a long and dangerous trek. Will this bunch of
refugees let Danika join? And, even if they do, what are their
chances of survival?
The characters in this novel are bright and individual, all having
their own story which really makes them easy to relate to. The
plotline itself is unpredictable and exciting, keeping the reader
enchanted and wanting to hear more of this struggle for freedom and
justice.
Sarah Filkin (Student)
Gloss by Marilyn Kaye
Macmillan Children's Books, 2013. ISBN 9781447223979.
(Age: Teenagers) Recommended. Gloss written by bestselling
American author Marilyn Kaye brings forth a deep and meaningful
story set in 1963 about four American girls who have won a
competition to become interns at a famous national fashion magazine
called Gloss. Sherry, Donna, Allison and Pamela all step out
into an amazing big city called New York where the head of Gloss
magazine is situated. Sherry is a southern belle who has her future
planned out and ready to go. But, in the city of dreams, not all of
their dreams come true or turn out as expected; the big adventure
begins with the dream job of thousands of teen girls and four girls
with totally different personalities and ideas about their future.
The way author Marilyn Kaye alternates between the four girls
throughout chapters is ingenious and insightful; it helps the reader
familiarise themselves with the back story, personal information and
personality of each character while having an overview of the
storyline. The language used, even though some terms and words may
be slightly out dated - the novel being set in the 60's - is all
still understandable and relatable to current language. The novel
itself is a fantastic read and a definite recommendation for
teenagers.
(Sarah Filkin, Student)
There was an old lady who swallowed a mozzie by P. Crumble and Louis Shea
Scholastic, 2013. ISBN 9781742838526.
(Age: 2-6) Recommended. The front cover of There was an
old lady who swallowed a mozzie presents a 3D surprise for the
reader; as the book is tilted the old lady opens her mouth and
swallows the mozzie. This re-release of a favourite Aussie rhyme
follows the much-loved format of There was an old lady who
swallowed a fly.
The old lady's adventures take her racing through the quintessential
outback chasing a rosella, a dingo and a kangaroo until she swallows
the crocodile, with unfortunate but predictable consequences. Each
page ends with the cry of 'She's gotta be Aussie'. Louis Shea's
vibrant cartoon illustrations add a great comic element that
enhances the simple text. The audience or class will love seeing the
inside of her stomach with the juices splashing, the echidna
sandwich dripping with sauce and the old lady chasing the kangaroo
on a pogo stick. This is a great read-aloud that encourages young
readers from 2-6 years of age to participate with the accumulative
text.
Rhyllis Bignell
The finding of Freddy Perkins by Liz Baddaley
Bloomsbury, 2013. ISBN 9781408186084.
(Age 10+) Highly recommended. Author Liz Baddaley tackles the loss
of a mother with humility and care, opening up the emotions of a
young boy and his dad as they face a new life.
Freddy Perkins' mum has died and their London home isn't the same
without her. His dad packs them up and moves them to his childhood
home in Scotland. Freddy isn't happy and doesn't see the magic that
his dad experienced living in an old, creaky house. Furthermore, his
Granny isn't happy and chatty like his mum was. Fortunately, Granny
is wise and eventually the two form a lovely bond as they clean out
the attic. When all the lost things in the house start to turn up,
Granny and Freddy have a mystery to solve and the magic this brings
gives Freddy a purpose, a desire to draw again and a new place to
belong.
Highly recommended to independent readers aged 10+. It is an easy to
read, quick paced story exploring the feelings of loss but with a
touch of mythical magic. Freddy realises he has found everything he
needs to be happy again.
Kylie Kempster
Nerdy ninjas vs the really, really unreal guys by Shogun Whamhower
Scholastic, 2013. ISBN 9781742838823.
(Age: 7+) This is the third book in this series about 4 nerdy boys
who get themselves into weird and wonderful situations. Jake,
Veejay, Ben and Pongo are a group of self-professed ninjas who are
also smart, using rocket powered wheelchairs, Galaxy-grade
lubricated pogo sticks and other out-there experiments. When
the boys discover Farmer Fetlock's cows are being wrapped in toilet
paper, aliens are deemed the culprit, and the boys start a mission
to catch the bandits in the act. Will the nerdy ninjas catch
the cow-wrappers? Who is really to blame? And who is this mysterious
new student?
Shogun Whamhower's series is aimed at boys from 7 years old.
The humour and content is aimed at this age group, and while not
appealing to me, the target audience clearly love this style of
writing. The short chapters make it appealing for readers
developing their confidence, and the pictures and highlighted text
easily point out emphasis and important plot points. An easy
read that young boys will love.
Jemma Lorenz
The wishbird by Gabrielle Wang
Puffin, 2013. ISBN 9780143307525.
Gabrielle Wang has written and illustrated a beautiful book which I
highly recommend for older primary readers and anyone of any age who
enjoys fairy tales.
Oriole the young girl with the beautiful singing voice must travel
from deep in the forest to save the King of the soulless city where
joy has long ago been abandoned. If she does not succeed all
will be lost including her beautiful forest and bird friends.
In the city of lost souls lives a young hero, who lives by
pick-pocketing for the Fagin like Panther. He is forced by Panther to climb a high fence and spend the night in a haunted
mansion, and frightened he wonders who his parents were and where they
have been taken to.
Hero glimpses Oriole who has been captured by the evil advisers to
the sick King and vows to rescue her. He must use all his
courage and strength of character, while Oriole must learn her power
and how to use it to save the King and the City.
Gabrielle Wang has created a beautiful fable, wonderfully
illustrated by beautiful line drawings which enhance the authentic
feel of the story. Populated by magical and heroic characters
this is an epic story of Kingdoms won and lost. Wang's language and
imagination create a wondrous world of magic and adventure.
The story of how Gabrielle Wang was inspired to write The wishbird
will be of interest to the reader, and helps place this as a story
from 21st century Australia.
Michael Jongen
Between the pages by Joan van Loon and Chantal Stewart
New Frontier, 2013. ISBN9781921928444.
(Age: 3-6) Picture book. Books and reading. Read aloud. Billy and
Jack are two very brave boys who creep into the rainforest, where
they encounter lots of amazing adventures. A blind bat swoops down
on them and drops them into a python's nest. They slide down the
tree and come face to face with a tree dragon, meet an angry emu,
pass crocodiles in the river and are flung over a waterfall. Each
danger is overcome by Billy screaming 'Turn the page. Turn the
page!' and off the two go on another adventure.
The illustrations complement the words and readers and children
listening to the story will be left with hearts beating wildly as
they are swept taken along on the amazing adventures. The two little
boys with their blond hair and striped pyjamas are heroes that are
sure to appeal to young children and the story begs to be read aloud
in a very dramatic voice.
Astute teachers will have fun reminding children that they too can
discover wonderful adventures through the pages of a book.
Pat Pledger
Harriet Tubman by Deborah Chancellor
Real Lives series. Bloomsbury, 2013. ISBN 9781408178393.
(Age 9+) Harriet Tubman was born into slavery and experienced the
harsh fate of her fellow African Americans on plantations in the
southern states, before taking the famed Underground Railroad to
freedom in the north. After settling first in Philadelphia then in
Canada, she travelled south many times, to lead first her family
then others to liberty. Throughout her long life, Harriet worked for
the abolitionist cause and was an outspoken advocate for women's
suffrage. Eventually, she was honoured not only by her own country
but also by Queen Victoria.
Deborah Chancellor has told the story of Harriet Tubman's life and
work with skill, interrupting an engaging narrative on occasions to
provide brief but necessary explanations of the attitudes and
conditions of the times. The depiction of the principal character is
heroic rather than well-rounded but this approach suits a brief
account of courage in the face of adversity. The large print and
simple sentence construction would usually be employed for a
readership of 7 to 8 years old, but some maturity is required
because Harriet's mother was among the slaves fathered by plantation
owners. Rather than gloss over the issue, the author has addressed
it with tact and sensitivity.
While the subject has been well served by the text, maps showing the
principal locations could have helped readers outside the United
States to gain a better understanding of the journeys undertaken by
slaves - across the Atlantic, between plantations when they were
bought and sold, and on the perilous journey north. A portrait is
not provided but readers will find photographs of Harriet Tubman on
the Internet. The cover illustration follows the standard format
chosen by the publisher for all the titles in the Real Lives
series.
The campaign by Harriet Tubman and other abolitionists in the
nineteenth century was only partially successful. Human trafficking
and slavery continue. Deborah Chancellor's biography of a remarkable
activist will introduce younger readers to a troubling subject and
illustrate how one person can make a difference.
Elizabeth Bor
Editor's note: Another in the Real Lives series is John
Snow by Jack Challoner (Bloomsbury, 2013. ISBN 9781408178409),
a biography of the man who discovered the cause of cholera.
Juliet Nearly a Vet: The Great Pet Plan by Rebecca Johnson
Ill. by Kyla May. Penguin 2013. ISBN 9780143307044.
Juliet and her best friend Chelsea love animals, and Juliet KNOWs
she will be a vet. Problem is, she's only ten years old so she has a
bit of time before she can go to university and start the study. But
she's getting a head start by helping her mum in her veterinary
practice, keeping her vet diary meticulously and making sure her
emergency kit is always on hand. Chelsea is also an animal fanatic
but her dream is to be a world famous trainer and groomer. However,
their opportunities to practise become somewhat limited when their
parents say, 'No more pets'. That is, until they see the local pet
motel has closed down and people will have nowhere to leave their
animals, and Juliet has a brainwave . . .
This is the first in a new series of books that will be loved by
young girls who love animals. The combination of strong, independent
girls who are 'clever, almost grownups' and animals mixed with a
touch of humour is unbeatable. It's written by Rebecca Johnson who
is the author of so many of those delightful junior non-fiction
titles photographed and published by Steve Parish, and illustrated
with cute pictures by Kyla May. Interspersed throughout are excerpts
from Juliet's vet diary which actually include some interesting
facts such as roosters only crow when they see light. There's also a
quiz at the end of the book that enhances the learning.
There are four books in the series so far (At the Show, Bush
Baby Rescue and Farm friends are the others) and they
are available in ebook format as well. Winter was invented so that
we could all experience the pleasure of snuggling up with a book,
and this is a perfect starter for the newly independent reader.
Barbara Braxton
