Bloomsbury, 2012. ISBN 9781408826218.
(Age: 10+) Recommended. Set in Victorian London, the story begins
with Clara Wintermute, a lonely child whose four siblings have died
from eating watercress contaminated with cholera, leaving her
parents locked in grief. She befriends two ragged orphans, Lizzie
Rose and Parsefall, when they perform a puppet show for her on her
twelfth birthday. The orphans work for Grisini, a Fagin-like
character who kidnaps children and then demands ransom. He is able
to hide the children by trapping their body and minds in a
marionette until the ransom is paid. Grissini is in thrall to the
witch Cassandra who is now dying and seeking to rid herself of the
opal fire stone which has the power to restore life but also create
evil. When Clara is kidnapped Parsefall discovers what has happened
to her and he and Lizzie Rose become involved in a power struggle
with Grisini and Cassandra.
These are touches here of E. Nesbit characters, Neil Gaiman's
Coraline and The Graveyard Book as well as Cornelia Funke's Inkheart
Trilogy. Targeted at the 9-12 age group, at almost 400 pages, it's a
challenging read, suitable for confident readers as the story is
revealed through different characters' perspectives. There is plenty
of action and suspense, although the plot is at times rambling,
contrived and anticlimatic. However, the characters are real and the
settings memorable and atmospheric. Life for the rich and poor of
those times is well researched and this award winning author has given
great attention to detail. Those who persist with this novel will be
well rewarded.
Kevyna Gardner
Playing Beatie Bow by Ruth Park
Viking, 2012. First published 1980. ISBN: 9780670076864.
Ruth Park's novel Playing Beatie Bow is a brilliant interpretation
of the confusion and hurt a child from a close-knit family will go
through when her parents split up, with the added mystery of a time
slip between centuries. This well written novel is brimming with
detail and an intimate understanding of the characters as well as
their time.
The novel follows Lynette (Abigail) Kirk first as she completes the
awkward transition between child and adolescent with the added
stress of her father's re-involvement in her life. When Abigail
takes Mrs. Crown's beastly children to the park and watches them run
scared during a game of 'Beatie Bow' a series of events starts to
unfold. Unable to speak civilly to her mother Abigail finds herself
chasing a little girl along the streets and through time itself
until she finds herself, an injured stranger, in 1873. Unable to get
back to her own time Abigail must help the Talliskers go about their
business until she does whatever it is that she was brought back in
time to do. With a few scuffles, a kidnapping and a hint of romance
Abigail finds herself growing both physically and mentally as she
prepares herself for her return home.
This wonderful novel set in the nineteenth century is one which I
would recommend for children of middle school age and older as it is
a quaint little classic showing the implications of vanity and the
importance of generosity and kindness to all people.
Kayla Gaskell (age sixteen)
The Red Knight by Miles Cameron
Gollancz, 2012. ISBN 9780575113299
A young knight and his company of mercenaries are hired by the
Abbess to protect the Fortress and Convent of Lissen Carak from the
creatures of the Wild. The creatures of the Wild, led by Thorn are
determined to rid the land of humans and to rule the kingdom of Alba
themselves. The author presents an epic fantasy tale combined with folklore, chivalry, magic and much more all described in great
detail that adds so much to the story. In scope it is somewhat
reminiscent of The Lord of the Rings and that is no bad thing.
There is so much diversity and so many layers in the tale that it is
hard to do it justice.
The interplay between the characters and the language is just one
of its many outstanding features. As the story is broken into
episodes that are marked by location and character you get differing
views of what is happening at the same time. The liberal use of
profanity although totally in context and the ideas involved suggest
an older readership. To say that it is a classic story of good
versus evil is too simplistic as there are just so many shades to
the characters. Even identifying favourites is difficult, but I
especially liked the Red Knight, Bad Tom, the Abbess and the Wyrm.
The battle scenes and use of magic are particularly well done and are
nicely counterbalanced by an insight into the motive and backgrounds
of those involved.
I loved this book, apart from a number of mistakes with spelling and
sentences that should have been corrected, I can't think of anything
I didn't like except that it ended. Bring on the next one.
David Rayner
The house that Wonky built (kit) based on the song by Craig Smith
Ill. by Katz Cowley. Paper engineering by Phillip Fickling.
Scholastic, 2012. ISBN 9781775431152.
(Age: 5-9) Recommended. Lots of fun for young children and adults
who enjoy folding and making things, this would make a perfect
present. The house that Wonky built is based on the Wonky Donkey
song by Craig Smith that won an APRA Silver Scroll Award in 2008 for
Best Children's Song of the Year. It contains the book, The Wonky
Donkey, and a CD of the very catchy song as well as a fabulous fold
out of Wonky's stable and three rooms. There are stickers to
decorate Wonky's home, and these will provide much entertainment for
the young.
I really enjoyed reading the book and listening to the song on the
CD. The book in itself is a great read aloud, with its repetition of
information about the donkey and is very amusing. Children will
enjoy guessing what is going to come next and the conclusion of 'a
spunky, hanky-panky cranky stinky dinky lanky honky-tonky winky
wonky donkey' is sure to make the listeners giggle. Katz Crowley's
illustrations of the donkey and the little bird who spots him are
hilarious and will really appeal to its audience. And of course the
song is very catchy, funny and is certain to become a favourite.
The fold out of Wonky's house is beautifully made and quite a
treasure. Children love stickers and they will have fun working out
which room to put each one. As well as the stickers there are sturdy
cut-outs that need to be folded to make furniture.
Pat Pledger
I Dare You by Aleesah Darlison
Lightning Strikes series. Walker Books, 2012. ISBN: 9781921977510.
(Ages: 8-12) 12-year-old Ben has moved with his family to the big
city and he's not happy about it, especially as he has had to leave
his beloved bike behind. Things only get worse when he accidentally
steps on the school bully's foot and makes an enemy before he even
makes it to his first day of school. From then on things go from bad
to worse as Ben is forced to complete stupid dares like putting a
frog in his teacher's desk and tipping snails over the nerdiest girl
at school. How can he say no when otherwise Marty will show everyone
the embarrassing photo of Ben and his annoying little brother or get
his Mum fired from her new job? As if it's not hard enough to cope
with the big move and having the school bully on his back Ben's
chances at making friends are being ruined because of the silly
things he has to do for the dares. Can he manage to make things
right again before everything gets out of control?
This is a simple story with a lovely message about how family looks
after each other and how bullies can be dealt with if people stand
up for themselves and each other. By the end of the story Ben
realises that he loves his little brother despite his annoying
habits and that parents aren't perfect but they do their best. The
themes of bike-riding and bullying make this an appealing and
relevant book for middle primary boys in particular.
These Lightning Strikes series books are modern and popular with
both younger readers and older reluctant or high-interest
low-ability readers.
Nicole Smith-Forrest
Motive Games by L. D. Taylor
Wombat Books, 2012. ISBN 9781921632259.
Phil's dad has died and he is sure that it was not an accident. The
problem he has is proving that it was murder and then finding out
who did it. Helped by his friend Oliver and retired police detective
Turpin, Phil sets out to achieve this. The story details Phil's
efforts, through his work with Motive, a company that designs
computer games. His dad had designed a game called Serial Assault
which many people believe had led to the death of some of the
players, so there is no end of suspects. Through his computer
animation skills Phil produces a simul based on the police report
that convinces him that his father was murdered. He then tries
to work out the method and some likely suspects.
The story moves along quickly helped by relatively short
chapters and not much character development. There is a lot of
detail about the computer systems involved in designing and
developing games that may appeal to those interested in the
technical side of gaming. As well there is a glossary at the
end which explains the many technical terms used throughout
the book. Overlaying all of this is a Christian message about faith
and hope and the book won an award for this.
Whilst I found the story intriguing, for me there was too much
jargon that got in the way and the Christian message was not
seamlessly integrated. However more computer literate readers may
find that the detail adds to the story and engages their interest.
Despite its worthwhile objectives I found it only moderately
interesting although gamers might disagree.
David Rayner
The False Prince by Jennifer A. Neilsen
Scholastic, 2012. ISBN 9781407133058.
(Age: 12+) The False Prince tells a riveting story about Conner, a
noble who kidnaps four orphans to fulfil his cunning plan of
training one of them into becoming the lost Prince. One of these
boys is Sage, a trouble maker, pickpocket, and trickster who refuses
to bend to Conner's will. His defiance may ultimately lead to his
death, but will he become The False Prince in the end?
With its multiple layers of deceit and trickery, this middle grade
story targeted at middle school level was thoroughly enjoyable. Told
through the first person perspective, the novel weaves a story that
is intricate yet easy to read and grasp. Sage's voice in the story
perfectly conveys his mischievous, yet smart and cunning
personality.
Sage is one of the most entertaining characters that I've met in a
story, he's always one step ahead of everyone, and his defiant
behaviour eventually falls into place in the end. He's cunning,
mischievous, clever, and gets some of the sharpest lines in the
book.
Roden, Tobias and Sage are an interesting trio. When they were
first kidnapped, they bonded in confusion and built a friendship on
camaraderie. Slowly, as they are pitted against each other to excel
in their lessons, you begin to see their desperation in different
ways. Roden, the strong fighter, and Tobias, the bookish sort, were
multi-faceted throughout the book.
Unlike many YA titles dominating the market, it's refreshing to see
the limited amount of romance in this one. The False Prince tells a
story, albeit a powerful one that can be read over and over again.
Jeann Wong
Wreck the Halls by Meg McKinlay
Lightning Strikes series. Walker Books, 2012. ISBN: 9781921720697.
95 pp.
(Ages: 8-11) Nathan has prepared himself for a joyless Christmas
with his Grinch-like parents who are completely indifferent to the
merriment of the festive season. But when his Dad announces the
family trip to the caravan park is cancelled due to a work emergency
things start to look up for the school break. Visions of blissful
backyard cricket, swimming and bike-riding start to roll around in
Nathan's head. That is until his two best mates Ronnie and Weasel
sheepishly inform him they have two-week long passes to the Wild
World adventure park. With barely enough money for slushies and his
money-scrimping parents certain to deny him, the race is on to come
up with the $150 entry fee so Nathan can salvage his dire looking
Christmas holiday. Everything goes wrong but somehow that makes
everything right.
This is a typically Australian Christmas story centering around a
community of chummy but competitive neighbours with smatterings of
pop culture references. YouTube savvy pensioners, Google Earth
satellite calculations and a carbon footprint obsessed mother sit
side by side with street Christmas parties and bike rides to the
local Wacky Warehouse. Traditional Aussie Christmas is happily
combined with new communications and technologies. The story is
simple and believable and the main characters show humour and
personality without being overly complicated. Overall a very easy
and pleasurable read that is relevant to the children of today and
their presence in the online world. This is a great read-aloud or
independent reading book with a Christmas theme, especially for
middle primary boys.
Nicole Smith-Forrest
Monster Matsuri by Cristy Burne
Takeshita Demons series, bk 3. Frances Lincoln Children's Books,
2012. ISBN: 9781847801371. 203 pp.
(Ages: 9-12) This is a great series to recommend to all those
younger children who love the idea of anime or manga. Set in London
the books focus on Miku whose family recently moved from Japan to
England and the supernatural demons (yokai) that exist covertly
within the everyday human world. It is relatively easy to pick up
the background of the series without reading the prior instalments
as we learn in the first chapter that Miku and her friends Alex and
Cait are now well versed in dealing with and defeating demons and
they show us early on that not all demons are evil, in fact some are
good and some are just strange. When Miku's younger brother is
kidnapped - again - the three friends must follow the clues and
venture through the invisible wall into the House of the Demons.
Things get stranger and stranger as they get closer and closer to
Kazu. But why has Kazu been kidnapped again and why do all these
demons know Miku's name? If only her grandmother had explained more.
If only her father would tell her what he knew.
This is definitely not a book to hand to young children who are
easily spooked. Long, probing tongues and demons whose heads fly
around looking for children to eat are just some of the spooky,
horrible things that will be encountered on a Takeshita Demons
adventure. It is probably useful to note however that in this book
at least there are no real gruesome or violent occurrences, just the
idea or prospect of its happening. In the back of the book there is
one page of factual information on Japanese Demons and a glossary of
the demons featured in Monster Matsuri. This is great
fast-paced adventure with some unexpected twists and turns, a dash
of humour, great character development and some really spooky
moments! There are sparse manga-style illustrations that add
wonderfully to the overall mood of the story.
Nicole Smith-Forrest
The perfect hope by Nora Roberts
Inn Boonsboro trilogy, Book 3. Piatkus, 2012. ISBN 9780749955663.
(Age: Adult) Romance. Roberts brings to a conclusion her Inn
Boonsboro trilogy with the story of Ryder Montgomery and Hope
Beaumont, the innkeeper. Ryder is a tough character, surly and
uncommunicative, and has made it a point to be rude to Hope, who
comes from a glamorous big city background. When her former
boyfriend turns up and is most unwelcome, Ryder finds the protective
side of his nature coming to the fore and discovers that perhaps
Hope is perfect for him. The perfect hope brings the Inn Boonsboro trilogy to an enjoyable
conclusion. Roberts has a particular style that is very appealing,
(her best selling numbers attest to that) and even though the same
themes often appear in her books, her characters are so compelling
that readers look forward to a new title. Her women characters are
always strong, even if they have flaws, and have skills and
confidence. They value friendship and support each other. She
includes older women in her stories, and they get on with their
daughters-in-law and are well rounded characters in their own right.
Her men are diverse and interesting, and often their dialogue and
jokes adds humour and fun to the story. The addition of a small
paranormal element in the form of Lizzie, the ghost, and some
history about the Civil War, has added more interest to the series
and her story is brought to a satisfying end in The perfect Hope.
This series has been particularly interesting as Roberts has been
instrumental in the restoration of a real inn at Boonsboro.
Roberts writes feel good romances, containing a little mystery, some
angst and lots of love. There are some love scenes which probably
make the series unsuitable for a school library.
Pat Pledger
A corner of white by Jaclyn Moriarty
The Colours of Madeleine, 1. PanMacmillan, 2012. ISBN 9781742611396.
(Age: 12+) Highly recommended. Madeleine Tully has just moved to
Cambridge, England with her mother. Things are strange and different
and become even weirder when she spots a corner of white, the edge
of a letter, in a crack and a whole new world is opened up for her.
She starts writing to Elliot Baranski, who lives in a parallel
universe, the Kingdom of Cello, in a small town called Bonfire,
where dangerous Colours attack randomly and the Butterfly Child
sleeps in a glass jar.
This is a highly original and mesmerising story that I couldn't put
down when I first read it. The beautiful city of Cambridge comes
alive but it is that strange place, the Kingdom of Cello, that truly
kept me immersed in the story. It is so different from our World but
the places and people are drawn so vividly that it came alive for
me. Not only is the setting vivid, the atmosphere of brooding evil
from the dangerous Colours and the tests that Elliot had to overcome
were amazing.
Moriarty's characters, too, were finely described. Madeleine's
humour and intelligence shine through in her letters to Elliot, her
anguish over her mother's illness and her struggles with her
friendships in the world all make the story believable. Elliot is
such a compassionate and clever boy that I was holding my breath
throughout the story, hoping all would be well in his world. The
secondary characters, Jack and Belle, and the adults, are no less
complex and this adds even more interest to the story.
Children who are interested in science will revel in the fact that
it is woven seamlessly through the story. Madeleine is reading about
Isaac Newton and prisms and that people like Ada Lovelace, 'The one
who made friends with Charles Babbage and invented computer
programming' pg 334, form part of the story. The idea of colours
having power and that some of them are dangerous is so unique and
will be sure to have readers thinking about colour theory.
I feel in awe of the imagination and writing skills of Jaclyn
Moriarty, who has been able to create such a challenging setting,
such rich ideas, humour, exciting adventures and fabulous
characters. This is a book that is likely to win awards and become a
children's classic and it is fabulous that it is the first in a
trilogy.
Pat Pledger
Stefan Gates incredible edibles: a science flavoured cookbook by Steven Gates
Walker books, 2012. ISBN 978146339062.
(Age: 7+) Recommended. Food and science. Humour. A sumptuously
illustrated foodie science book with loads of recipes and how to
hints, this book will be readily picked up by boys particularly in
the upper reaches of primary school. Girls will grab it when it is
left on the shelf with similar eagerness. Gates' aim of debunking
some of the fears kids have about food, of encouraging them to try
something new, of seeing old things (like Brussell Sprouts, for
example) with new eyes, is well conceived and outlined in this great
book.
Divided into two major sections, Mad Recipes and then Crazy
Experiments, means that some truly billious things are explained,
discussed and photographed. Within the mad recipes section kids will
find Snot and foot soup, Flowerpot bread, Car engine kebabs, for
example, littered with sections which tell you about eating insects
or Durian fruit. All is designed to use the gross, the unusual, the
grotty and the nasty to get kids' interest burning. How could they
not read about making your farts even smellier and making your wee
red, or cooking salmon in the dishwasher?
Interspersed with these oddball pages and photos are included little
side panels with even more grotty and ugly foodie things: watch out
for eating insects, or field rats, or deep fried scorpions, or bee
vomit. If that hasn't put you off, the second section advises kids
on a variety of things, vegetable instruments and cola fountain. And
again, little side panels give a host of the oddest snippets of
information, making the whole a fascinating and very funny study of
food.
I can imagine hosts of kids pouring over this book, taking it home
to try things out, and teachers taking sections to have a play with
a class, or kids just having fun reading the side panels. Along the
way some serious information is given or themes discussed, like the
problem with food aid, and more trivially, why onions make you cry.
All in all a fabulously funny and entertaining book with some great
recipes and stories along the way designed to encourage kids'
interest in food. And I will certainly try out the flowerpot bread,
meal in a loaf, and really hot chocolate.
Fran Knight
How they croaked: the awful ends of the awfully famous by Georgia Bragg
Ill. by Kevin O'Malley. New York: Walker, 2012. 184 p.
(Age: 10-14) Recommended. This is a collection of stories about the
deaths of 19 famous people from across time and place with as many
awful details as possible. The deaths are presented chronologically
and begin in Egypt with Tutankhamun in 1323 BC. Of course, there are
many opportunities to describe ugly, gory, disgusting ends before
the advent of modern medical science. Henry VIII's death in England
in 1547 provides such an opportunity with a description of his
grisly end due to a lifestyle of extreme excess.
Nevertheless, the author also selects some modern deaths. Marie
Curie died in France in 1934 as a result of exposure to radiation
after a lifetime of scientific research and the discovery of radium.
Albert Einstein died in the USA in 1955 and ends the selection of
deaths. Great detail is provided about his autopsy and the 'games'
played with his brain over many decades. As well as describing each
death the author provides biographical and historical detail about
the famous person, so there is useful information for mainstream
research.
The shiny, blood-red cover sets the scene perfectly for what lies
within. The layout is effective with witty chapter headings and very
brief 'death notices', followed by 4-6 pages describing the life and
in particular the death of the famous person. The page numbers at
the bottom of each page are cleverly ensconced in a 'skull and
crossbones'. Included are several well-designed extras - Contents,
Introduction, Connections, RIP (epilogue), Sources, Further Reading
and Surfing plus an extensive Index.
As this is an American publication there are more American ends than
would be expected in a comprehensive global search for awful deaths.
The book also contains American terminology eg Mom and spelling eg
color, rumor, center, which did not appeal to me, but will probably
not concern the target market. The colloquial language should have
wide appeal to children aged 10-14 years. They will just love the
awful facts and the engaging, personal style of the author.
Margaret Strickland
Our world: Bardi Jaawi Life at Ardiyooloon. One Arm Point Remote Community School
Magabala Books, 2010. ISBN 978 1 921248 23 8.
(Age: All) Highly recommended. 2011 Honour book. CBCA Eve Pownall
Book of the Year. A sense of community permeates this beautiful book
which showcases the indigenous population of One Arm Point, a remote
community in north west Western Australia. Each double page shows an
aspect of community life, be it hunting, fishing, the school,
history, living arrangements or the stories which lie at the heart
of the community. Each double page is sumptuously illustrated not
only with photos, but drawings, sketches and paintings by the
children of the school, maps and diagrams. All through the ability
of the community to communicate with each other is stressed as women
come into the school to teach, men take the children out hunting and
fishing, or practicing survival skills, or tell stories. All of the
community is involved with the school and each member contributes
something to the education of the students in keeping alive their
customs and traditions, but also making sure they can survive in
Australia's modern world.
Looking to the sea for their survival sees many pages of interest
about what can be found in the sea, large photos of the beaches
glitter the pages and diagrams of the catch from the sea explained.
The six northern Australian seasons are discussed in some detail,
and so all readers are aware of just how different this place is
from the rest of Australia.
A glossary, with a guide to the pronunciation of local words, a
kinship chart, outline of the seasons all help to celebrate and
showcase this amazing community.
Fran Knight
Blasphemy by Asia Bibi
Virago, 2012. ISBN 9781844088881.
(Age: 13 +) Highly recommended. Blasphemy is the true story of Asia
Bibi, a Pakistani woman who was unfairly sentenced to death for
ridiculous claims of blasphemy. In 2009, after a long hot day
working outside, she goes to a well and takes a long drink of water,
then offers it to some of her fellow workers. Suddenly someone cries
out that the water is reserved for Muslims, and by drinking from it,
Asia - who is Christian - has tainted it. An argument ensues, and
then someone cries out that she has broken the blasphemy law, a
crime punishable by death in Pakistan. She was sent to prison and
her family has had to go into hiding from extremists. Those who
stood up for her were brutally murdered. This is her story. Blasphemy is an intriguing, well-written book which tells the very
sad, yet inspiring story of Asia Bibi, a Pakistani woman who has
been treated unfairly and harshly due to the blasphemy law of
Pakistan. This story is taken from interviews with Asia herself, who
talked in the utmost secrecy. She talks openly about her religion
and how much she misses her family, and discusses her experiences in
the prison and being targeted by Muslim extremists who believe she
should be put to death.
It's a harrowing story to read, but one that is also hopeful. Asia
is still in prison, but hopefully this story will have a happy
ending.
I highly recommend this book.
Rebecca Adams
