Reviews

10 bush babies by Susan Hall

Mullumbimby by Melissa Lucashenko

Unversity of Queensland Press, 2013. ISBN 9780702239199.
(Age: Senior secondary - adult) The intriguing cover of Mullumbimby signals an absorbing story. The beautifully photographed image of rusty barbed wire around a bird's nest is a metaphor for Jo's life. Of Bundjalung descent, she has recently bought back some of her people's land and this is the catalyst for meeting new people and starting different strands in her life.
Jo gets together with gorgeous, dreadlocked Twoboy who is spear-heading native title claims. The Goories from Brisbane are also claiming native title and there is an ominous expectation of war between 'blackfellas'. The battle for land becomes personal for Jo; particularly when her beloved colt, Comet, is entangled in wire fencing on what she believes is her land. This scene is one of the most shocking and memorable in the novel. Jo's daughter, Ellen, is a talented artist who uses Aboriginal elements and knowledge of country in her work. The characters' links with the country embody the spiritual and mystical elements of the story. Indigenous author, Melissa Lucashenko steeps her story in Indigenous lore, particularly with the ancestors, who are still part of life.
Place is paramount in this novel. The town of Mullumbimby (nicknamed Mullum), near Byron Bay in northern NSW, is obviously well-known and described. Here, as in many places, parents have to keep their children alive. 'Just keep the jahjam breathing and hope remains.' Bundjalung and Yugambeh languages are interspersed with Aboriginal English at times.
The adult content - sex, drugs and swearing - limit this novel to mature secondary readers but, overall, it has great value for its insight into Indigenous Australia.
Joy Lawn

Prodigy by Marie Lu

Penguin Books, 2013. ISBN 9780141339573
(Age: 12+) Recommended. June and Day are amazing characters that underpin the whole Legend series, and boy, are they fascinating to read about! June is the perfect military agent who lets instinct, military ability and keen sense of observation guide her. She's cold, calculating, and observing. The only one to make her relax is Day, who could win the hearts of the people from his personality alone. He's constantly putting other people's needs before his, and unlike June, lets his emotions cloud his vision. It's refreshing to read about a male that actually has emotions, and I enjoyed the contrast between them.
June and Day are public figures that have the most influence over the people and are recruited by Patriot rebels to overthrow the Republic and assassinate the new Elector Primo. June is sent to charm and mislead the new young Elector, and Day joins the Patriot's forces on the front line. As the young lovers are forced apart, other admirers attempt to emphasize their differences; Day has been brought up in the slums and he's been stricken by poverty all of his life, and June has been brought up as a preened prodigy with a life of aristocracy and refinement.
Prodigy brings forth a complexity between characters that many other novels fail to address. It's not just 'no matter what, love will bring us together'. It's more about what's best for each of them and how to utilise their skills and status the best.
The novel contains non-stop action and a high tension between soldiers and rebels. As June and Day individually uncover the truth behind the Republic, we learn how the Republic came to be, the richness of the Patriots and the Colonies of America. The author truly excels at creating a thrilling story heavy on military antics, politics and espionage.
Prodigy is an excellent sequel to the ground-breaking dystopian of Legend. Be aware that there's some gay themes here, before you recommend it to students.
Jeann Wong

Where's my potty? illustrated by Felicity Gardener

Lothian Children's Books, 2013. ISBN 9780734413864.
This is the story of Max, a baby gorilla, who, in timeless fairytale tradition, is in search of something 'just right' - in this case, a potty. He tries many potties - the one belonging to elephant is too big, hippo's potty is too soggy, flamingo's potty is too busy, and merkat's potty is too hard to get into.
Somewhere in the jungle is a potty which is just right for Max. The question is, will he make it in time?
The illustrator has done a wonderful job with this subject matter, and the pictures feature many quirky details, such as the star band on Max's underpants, and the miniature meerkat underwear. Young readers would enjoy watching Max evaluate each potty, searching for the one that is just right.
This book would be an ideal addition to any toddler's library, introducing concepts of all aspects of toilet training, from wearing underwear to making it to the potty in time. Both Max and his caregiver ape are pleased with the success, in a low key and non-patronising way, which can be a hard thing to convey in a picture book. The colourful underwear collections inside the front and rear covers of the book also add a touch of whimsy.
Freya Lucas

Mouse in space by Geronimo Stilton

Scholastic, 2013. ISBN 9780545481915.
Recommended. This popular series just keeps on giving enjoyment to its loyal band of readers who never tire of the adventures of Geronimo Stilton. Mouse in space is the 52nd book in the series and I'll have students from Years 2-5 lined up to read it.
Geronimo, the mild mannered, scaredy mouse editor of the Rodent's Gazette is woken from a dream by intruders which he scares off with the nearest weapon, his slipper. Whilst he discovers nothing has been taken he is informed by his grandfather that there has been 'a ton of robberies in the city' the same night. In an effort to protect himself, and get some sleep, after listening to his sister Thea, he has an anti-theft device installed by Safe Squeak represented by the mysterious Suzy Slyrat.
After discovering a secret message from his friend and secret agent Kornelius, Geronimo is delivered to M.I.S.S.O. headquarters, where, after 32 hours of intensive space training, he joins his friend and the beautiful agent 00V on the Ratollo 6 as they are shot into space. Their mission is to disable the satellite which the Dr Wicked Whiskers and daughter Suzy Slyrat are using, via the anti-theft devices, installed across Mouse City, to control all communications. If they do not succeed the city will need to pay a mountain of gold.
The rollicking adventure told by Geronimo is full of humour and rodent references. The colourful illustrations are a feature giving the reader extra information, whilst supporting the text. For example the double page spread showing M.I.S.S.O secret headquarters includes the laundry room complete with mice in underwear waiting for the washing to dry. The characteristic use of a variety of coloured fonts to highlight words and phrases focuses the reader's attention on the text. What an entertaining way to bring attention to grammar and vocabulary in any classroom!
Sue Keane

K-zone: Prankster's handbook edited by N. Sparke, K. Fox and D. Findlay

Scholastic Australia, 2013. ISBN 9781742830247.
Highly recommended for pranksters and would be pranksters... though I'm not so sure teachers and parents will be all that thrilled!
I can't think of a better book for the typical reluctant or struggling 8-12 year old reader. From the reversible jacket (English Workbook on one side) and warning at the beginning, to the last of the 'Shame Files', this book will be a favourite for readers to dip into much like the K-zone magazine from which the pranks have been drawn.
There are pranks galore 'nearly guaranteed to get you grounded', shame files submitted by K-Zone readers, celebrity pranks, animal pranks as well as a range of pranking excuses for when things go wrong. Among the other sections, the LOL labels could be useful to copy. For example 'Class Cancelled: Teacher Kidnapped by Ninjas' or even 'Gone to Mars Back in Time for School Holidays' may appeal to teachers, especially if the pranks are tried out by their students. I'm sure the many examples of toilet humour will appeal to the boys more.
The bright colours and shiny pages give the book a youthful, exciting and vibrant look. The layout of the pages encourages short bursts of reading as each prank or excuse is written as a separate item in a coloured shape, laid over an interesting background and interspersed with labels and cartoon style pictures.
Fans of K-zone magazine are sure to recognise some of the content but will be keen to reread and discuss it with their friends. Students who have not had the pleasure of reading K-zone will be seeking out the magazines to see what else there is on offer.
Though this is not a book to be recommending before April's Fools Day, if it encourages one struggling reader to pick it up and enjoy reading, it is well worth including in any collection.
Sue Keane

For valour: Australia's Victoria Cross heroes by Nicolas Brasch

Black Dog Books, 2013. ISBN 978 1 742032 31 3.
(Age: 10+) Recommended. Picture book. War heroes. In the series, Our Stories, comes this useful and fascinating account of some of the remarkable stories of the ninety nine Victoria Cross heroes. The introduction gives an account of what the Victoria Cross is and why it is given. There follows the heroic stories of men who were given this award for exceptional bravery during the Boer War, World War One and the Russian Campaign, World War Two, Vietnam War and the War in Afghanistan.
With known names such as Albert Jacka (World War One), and the latest medal winners, Benjamin Roberts-Smith and Mark Donaldson (Afghanistan) given a page spread, details can be assimilated by the readers with ease. These men come to the fore as human figures, complete with photographs augmented with bits of information which add to their story. No longer just a list of names in a book about Australia's involvement in war, these pages give the heroes flesh and blood.
Before each section is a page giving an overview of the war in which these men won their Victoria Cross, which gives an introduction which could be used more widely in discussions about war int he classroom. The war in Afghanistan would be well known to our students, but not so the Boer War or Russian Campaign or even the two World Wars and the Vietnam War.
One page which took my interest was that about Roden Cutler. I had heard of him as Governor of NSW (1966-81)but knew little of his exploits during World War Two as a communications officer where he repaired telephone lines under heavy fire, and was then shot and left to die by the enemy. His injuries necessitated the amputation of his leg but he was still able to serve as Australian High commissioner in New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Pakistan and later served as Australia's delegate to the United Nations General Assembly.
This is a fascinating contribution to books about our involvement in war, for the middle school reader.
Fran Knight

Etiquette and espionage by Gail Carriger

Atom, 2013. ISBN 1907411588.
(Age: 11+) Highly recommended. 14-year-old tomboy Sophronia is sent off to Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality in the hope that she can learn how to behave in society. She is very unhappy about this until she discovers that there is more to the curriculum than learning how to curtsy. Espionage, death and diversion are also taught.
As a fan of Gail Carriger's adult series, Parasol Protectorate, I welcomed this book for younger people. All her signature features are contained in Etiquette and espionage: her females are strong and independent, humour abounds and the theme of prejudice is lightly but deftly touched upon.
Sophronia is a spirited heroine who is not afraid to be different. Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality fails to change that independence; rather it gives her a focus for her reckless nature. While she may resist learning how to be a lady she revels in the spy work that is taught along side that using the needlework, scissors, perfume and handkerchiefs to great benefit. Of course she is unable to resist unravelling the mystery of the missing prototype and drags along her friends on an exciting adventure.
The steampunk world that Sophronia inhabits is full of weird and wonderful gadgets that keep the imagination soaring like the dirigible that the school is perched on. Peopled with equally weird and wonderful teachers who are werewolves and vampires, Picklemen and flywaymen, the story makes for great entertainment and many laugh aloud moments. The dialogue is crisp and fun to read as Sophronia comments wryly and glibly on what is happening around her. Supporting characters are well rounded and equally as interesting as Sophronia, who does emerge as a great leader.
This would be a great introduction to steampunk stories for people aged from 11-14 and a very enjoyable read for anyone who likes their adventure set in a fascinating alternative Victorian world.
Pat Pledger

The light by Jo Oliver

New Frontier, 2013. ISBN 978 1921928413
(Age: 4+) Picture book. Music. Isolation. Shelter. A beautifully produced hardcover book has a lighthouse as its setting. Its isolation is apparent, with the sweep of the sea, the craggy cliffs, few animals, and howling driving wind. The lighthouse keeper and his family are shown going about their daily tasks, cleaning, preparing the lens, doing schoolwork, cooking, tending the animals and playing music together. One night as the storm rails outside, they are interrupted by a group of men whose boat has overturned. They are immediately welcomed inside the house, given blankets to warm themselves and food and drink. They explain that they had lost hope until they saw the light and heard the music, which drew them to the house.
The story of kindness to strangers is very relevant in today's society where fewer people pay attention to those around them, wrapped up in their own worlds. There is a religious undertone to the story which may suit some schools, with the image of the family saying grace before their meal, and the Biblical quote at the start, and this is made more obvious with the good Samaritan thread to the tale.
The illustrations of the setting in which the lighthouse stands are impressive, but the people come across as wooden and incomplete. There are some lovely touches to this neatly resolved story, with the beautiful architectural drawings of the lighthouse used as endpapers, the use of the music sheet behind several of the images of the family, and the glow of the lamp inside the house paralleling the glow of the lighthouse outside.
Fran Knight

Aussie animal opposites by Elizabeth Lea

Ill. by Liz Faul. National Library of Australia, 2013. ISBN 9780642277664. Board book.
This board book, published by the National Library of Australia is a fun and functional addition to the home or pre school library. Using cartoon style illustrations, Australian animals find themselves in all manner of unusual person like situations, such as playing the drums, shaking a rattle, and juggling. In many of the illustrations, the animals are wearing clothes.
For me, the unlikely presentations of the animals detracts somewhat from what would otherwise be a book I would like a great deal. After all, there is much here to recommend the text - the animals are all Australian, and the opposites and antonyms are not limited to the generic 'up/down, night/day' which can become very tiresome very quickly. Rich antonyms are used here, such as the juxtaposition of energetic with lazy and angry with calm. Using such language bathes young children in rich adjectives, and is to be encouraged.
I recognise the challenge of selecting pictures to go with the text, as 'calm'would be hard to convey with a stock photo of a cassowary - the illustrator has done a good job of matching the picture to the descriptor, but the style of illustration, especially when positioned alongside the beautiful illustrations and information/activities at the back of the book, cheapens the tone.
That said, there is a great deal to recommend the book. For such a simple concept, the language is textured, the end of the book gives many extension activities (which, I have to say, are pitched a little higher than the books intended audience, but are of value none the less), and the animals are a wonderful introduction to the fauna of our nation.
Freya Lucas

Juliet nearly a Vet: At the Show by Rebecca Johnson

Ill. by Kyla May. Puffin Books, Australia: 2013. ISBN 9780143307051.
Want to be a vet? Love animals and want to learn more about them? This is the series for animal lovers as Juliet and her best friend and neighbour Chelsea get involved with a variety of animals.
Ten year old Juliet's mum is a vet and after close observation of her work and helping out, Juliet thinks there's not much to it!
Juliet and her friend Chelsea accompany Juliet's mum, a vet, to Winslow Park Stud, a local dairy and home of class mate Maisy Brown. There they decide that Maisy will compete in the horse events on Shetland Pony Midgie, in this year's show, rather than spend all her time at the Bull pavilion where her dad shows his prize winning bull.
This shouldn't be a problem except the show is in a week, Maisy has never even seen the horse events and Midgie is stubborn, fat and not trained. With a great deal of confidence the girls embark on a feeding and training program to get Midgie into shape and ready for the day.
As the story progresses we learn more about show horses as Juliet makes her food plan and equipment list for Show Day. She also is given four bantam hens to look after and her pet Guinea Pigs need monitoring as they are almost due to give birth. A vet's life is a busy one but also worrisome when Chelsea and Maisy seem to be getting on too well.
Kyla May's pen and ink drawings of Midgie are reminiscent of Norman Thelwell's illustrations in Angels on Horseback and give extra life to the story, especially highlighting the differences between the other competitors and Maisy and Midge The sketch of the bantam house and Juliet's records as she does her vet checks help the reader to understand the serious side of pet care.
The multiple choice quiz at the end of reinforces the messages about pet care and friendship.
Sue Keane

Ambush at Cisco Swamp by Jack Wells

Robert Irwin, Dinosaur Hunter. Random House, Australia: 2013. ISBN 9781864718461.
Recommended. After the success of Bindi's books it was only time before Robert joined the Random House team. Ambush at Cisco Swamp is the second book in this series aimed at the newly independent reader, where Robert is able to pursue his obvious love of dinosaurs.
Set in Cisco Swamp, Texas, the reptile keepers from Australian Zoo are assisting with the annual American alligator survey and Robert is keen to see an alligator like the one his grandfather had a photo of at home.
With the aid of the dinosaur fossil he carries with him he is transported back in time and not only has an encounter with a Deinosuchus, a very large prehistoric crocodile, but also an Albertosaurus fishing for alligator gar. Armed with his digital recorder Robert keeps a record of his adventure and manages to return to the present day just in time to avoid being a meal for his prehistoric companions.
With some detailed illustrations throughout the story, and a comprehensive field guide at the end, this is a dinosaur lover's delight. The story is told with some humour and vivid descriptions of the dinosaurs and their actions.
The QR code on the back cover leads to a message from Robert regarding the book for the connected reader.
Sue Keane

Portraits of Celina by Sue Whiting

Walker, 2013. ISBN 9781922077479.
(Age: 13+) Highly recommended. Bayley Anderson comes to live in an old family home near a small country town with her family after the death of her father. In her bedroom is a wooden chest that she becomes fascinated with and urged on by a voice discovers clothes belonging to Celina O'Malley who disappeared when she was 16 years old. She begins to wear the retro clothes and her resemblance to Celina opens up a dangerous mystery.
Whiting has written a delicious ghost story and a thrilling mystery. The hot summer weather, the grief that grips Bayley's family and the growing romance with Oliver, the boy who lives across the lake all combine to bring to life this story of revenge and crime.
The suspense was very gripping and the action kept me glued to the page. I spent many tense moments trying to work out what had happened to Celina and why she disappeared.
However characterisation was not omitted and as a reader, I felt that I knew Bayley very well. The angst of the older sister, Amelia, who bitterly fights with her mother, the fears of the little brother and the growing knowledge about Celina all built up a portrait of a family under stress, just barely holding on. Bayley's growing relationship with Oliver provided some relief from the family tensions and Celina's increasing demands for revenge. The ghost character of Celina became so real to me that I often forgot she was a ghost and I loved thinking about the cleverness of the title, Portraits of Celina, when I had finished the book.
There are some dark, exciting moments in this enthralling mystery and a clever twist at the end will thrill lovers of crime and ghost stories.
Pat Pledger

Ted by Leila Rudge

Walker Books, 2013. ISBN 978 1 921977 50 3
(Age: 3+) Highly recommended. Picture book. Home. Ted has lived in the pet shop all his life and bemoans the fact that no one notices him and gives him a home. He tries various strategies including being a security dog, and a pet show entrant to no avail, but when he notices an add for a furry pet he answers it and finds a home with a twist in its tail for good measure.
Beautiful illustrations show us Ted's journey to finding a home, giving readers a plethora of things to seek out on every page. The snarling dogs he is trying to emulate when he becomes a security dog, the wonderful head dress he is given when groomed for a dog show, the antics at the circus and the perfect ending, all combine to thrill the audience and in the end make them laugh out loud, as I did. The story seems to be headed towards a more sentimental ending about friendship and finding a home, but the ending deflates that and draws the readers into its humour.
This is a lovely multi layered story on which to base discussions about friendship and coming together, about the need for a home, and attempts to do this. In classrooms where students are aware of the world outside their walls, more meaningful discussions could take place, taking in the need for a home and safe environment underpinning the millions of refugees around the world doing just what Ted is doing.
Fran Knight

Where you are by Tammara Webber

Between the Lines series. Razorbill, 2013. ISBN 978 0 14 134748 6. 326p
(Age: Upper secondary) Well recommended for Upper Secondary students, especially girls. This is the second in the Between the Lines series following Between the Lines. The novel centres around the language of 'love'. Reid is the spoilt good looking star of the film he and Emma have made, which is about to have its premiere in LA. Although a slick talker, his description of love reveals the thoughts of many young people finding their way. He says, p. 298 'love is just the name of an emotion . . . It's lust without ethics. And emotions - fear, hate, whatever - come and go'. Then he talks about being in love, and then falling in love 'as though it's accidental.' p. 299. It's a very confronting, challenging and frank discussion for young people, perhaps because frank disclosures aren't always easy and to read such thoughts in a novel may well be reassuring.
Jealousy, through ex-girlfriend Brooke's behaviour and Reid's willingness to be part of Brooke's plans for Graham, is a real test for Emma and Graham.The enduring themes of trust and honesty with love win through.
There are humorous moments which release the mounting tension, with Emma's best friend Emily.
Emma is in New York with her father looking at colleges and unexpectedly meets Graham again. Their relationship takes off!
It doesn't seem necessary to have read Between the Lines, the first in the trilogy but readers who have enjoyed the first will be keen to see how the relationships form and break up. The back cover suggests it's for readers in the last years of school for there is a warning about explicit content.
The language is detailed and descriptive, and because each character has their own chapter, the reader hears the inner voice of each, their hopes, fears and worries. This heightens the ever increasing strain between the four and the reader knows what is planned. It's very readable and no doubt readers, especially girls will want to read Good for You the next in the series.
Sue Nosworthy