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
Wild boy by Rob Lloyd Jones
Walker Books, 2013. ISBN 9781406341386.
(Age: 12+) Recommended. Historical. Crime. Confined to an workhouse
but bullied and beaten because of his appearance, the child called
Wild Boy is eventually taken away by a Showman, a circus owner who
has a Freak Show as part of his entertainment. It is London, 1841,
and a boy covered in hair, wild and snarling at all who come near
him is just what Finch needs to draw the crowds.
But one night, Wild Boy witnesses a murder, and crying for help he
runs into the circus tent, a place forbidden to the likes of him,
covered in blood and is instantly accused of the murder. Locked in a
cage, he is helped to get out by the ringmaster's daughter,
Clarissa, a girl who, like him, is beaten, and together they make
their escape. Found by Sir Oswald, another in the freak show because
of his amputated legs, Wild Boy is nursed back to health, and with
Clarissa, who he still cannot trust, they decide that they must find
the killer, or be hanged for the murder.
An exciting crime story for middle school readers, the setting is
creepily authentic, from the workhouse to the freak show in the
circus to the summary justice about to be handed out to the boy by
the mob, convinced that he is the murderer.
A page turner that will have wide appeal, having a male and female
as the main characters, the harsh background of the lives of these
children is ever present, and the violence with which they must deal
is at times overwhelming. A second in the series is to come, Wild
boy and the black terror.
Fran Knight
A diplodocus trampled my teepee by Nick Falk
Ill. by Tony Flowers. Saurus Street 6. Random House, 2013. ISBN
9780857981844.
(Age: 6-8) Recommended. Dinosaurs. Adventures. Pirates. Camping.
'He who finds my eye and says my name three times will bring my
bones back to life' - Captain Saurus pirate dinosaur
Dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures rapidly take over this sixth
novel in the Saurus Street series. Jack's Dad and his scary sixteen
year old sister Saffi take the boys camping in a giant teepee at Camp
Saurus. Jack finds some great beach treasures but unfortunately one of
them is legendary Captain Saurus's magic eyeball that brings fossils
to life! When Saffi accidentally unleashes the scary pirate's curse
their wild ride begins.
The fun starts with an extremely humorous event, a ferocious
feathered chicken-lizard microraptor causing havoc, eating sleeping
bags, Saffi's clothes and swallowing socks. Everyone's reactions to
the intruder are drawn with great comic style that compliments the
text and the fun font styles and sizes.
Next Captain Saurus's diplodocus causes chaos, leaving poor
Dad unconscious and the three campers cowering in a cave. With Toby
wearing the magic eyeball attached by Saffi's elastic hair band,
they search for the pirate captain's secret hiding place.
Encountering snarling deinonychuses, riding on the comfy back of an
ankylosaurus, falling into a chasm under the earth and coming face
to face with One-Eyed Rex are all part of the fun.
This is a great addition to the Saurus Street series as Nick Falk
packs this younger reader's novel full of humour, exploits and crazy
dinosaur antics. This is just the right formula for 6-8 year old
boys from who love these fast-paced adventures. Tony Flowers grey
and black pen and ink cartoon illustrations bring the characters to
life and add to the fun and pace of this novel.
Rhyllis Bignell
How to babysit a Grandad by Jean Reagan
Ill. by Lee Wildish. Hodder, 2013. ISBN 9781444915884.
(Age: 4+) Warmly recommended. Picture book. Grandparents.
Babysitting. This is a warm and loving expose of what happens when
Grandad comes to babysit, when the child thinks he is babysitting
his grandfather. Within the pages of this highly entertaining book
are listed all the things the child does to keep his grandfather
amused for the day.
He hides when his grandfather is about to to appear, then when his
parents leave, the two snack, they play dress ups, go for a walk,
then play. After this Grandad falls asleep in the arm chair,
allowing the lad enough time to make some drawings for him to take
home.
All the while the two interact and play together, and then when it
is time for the parents to return, the pair pack all the toys they
have spread around the house, back into the toy box.
The charming illustrations underline the text, showing a loving
relationship between the boy and his grandfather, the pair playing
together while the parents are away, making decisions about what to
do next, then cleaning up after themselves. Grandfather is as all
grandparents should be, accommodating, fearless and available, and
the twist of the child looking after his grandfather, gives an
underlying layer of humour to the whole.
Fran Knight
Horrendo's curse by Anna Fienberg
Ill. by Remy Simard. Allen and Unwin, 2013. ISBN 9781743315262
(Age: 8-10) Graphic Novel. Problem-solving. Pirates.
Adventures. Risk taking.
Anna Fienberg's novel for younger readers, originally published in
2002, is now a rambunctious graphic novel.
As a baby Horrendo was cursed by a wise woman and he's unable to be
rude to anyone. In his village, the boys who turn twelve are
captured by rough pirates and turned into slaves, and for the next two
years they are harshly treated. This brings about a difficult
predicament for Horrendo as he can't fight or swear during his
captivity.
This colourful graphic novel begins with Horrendo's twelfth
birthday, surrounded by party goers taunting him with rude remarks
and caustic comments about the upcoming dirtiest chapter of his
life, his time with the fearsome pirates. Each speech bubble is
filled with dire warnings and consequences.
When he is inescapably caught he takes on the role of cooking,
something he's skilled at, and makes them French toast and soup.
Whilst the crew love his food that is a vast change from old catfish
and jellied eels, the pirate captain is extremely unhappy with
Horrendo.
It's a fun re-release of this favourite story as a graphic novel.
All the adventure, slightly gross humour and pirate antics make this
a great read. Remy Simard's art is bright, bold and his style
emphasizes the character's unique expressions, exaggerated actions
and strong character attitudes. Fienberg's messages of respect for
differences, cooperation and friendship are still current. A great
read for eight years to ten years of age.
Rhyllis Bignell
The screaming staircase by Jonathan Stroud
Lockwood & Co. bk 1. Random House Australia, 2013. ISBN
9780857532022
Highly recommended for readers from 10 onwards. This new series from
Jonathan Stroud is the first since the Bartimaeus Sequence which
sold over six million copies, and was translated in over 35
languages. The fact that Universal Studios has already picked up the
film rights to Lockwood & Co. is an indicator of the enthusiasm
this new series should generate.
In a London that echoes a steampunk feel, Lockwood & Co. are... well, they are ghost busters! The populace is gripped in a plague
of pesky poltergeists, spooky spectres, appalling apparitions,
loathsome lurkers - pretty sure you get the picture. This
supernatural pestilence has been creating havoc for forty years and
sales of lavender (a well known deterrent), salt (ditto) and iron or
silver wards (charms hung about the person or home) have
skyrocketed.
Among the many businesses which have been set up to offer protection
against these unwelcome visitors, possibly the most unprepossessing
is Lockwood & Co. The charming Anthony Lockwood is the
proprietor and employs a nerdy sidekick named George and most
lately, a skilful psychic investigator called Lucy Carlyle. While
only children can see the Visitors (the Talent) and so therefore are
those employed by all such agencies, Lockwood & Co. is somewhat
unusual in that it is completely without any adult supervisors - a
situation that can create a little doubt in some of their clients.
Throughout, the determined trio manage to set a house on fire,
release dangerous spirits, send the company bust, incur the wrath of
the DEPREC (Department of Psychical Research and Control, a
government agency, which monitors the various agencies and works
closely with the police) and generally find themselves more than
once in real bother. However, in the spirit of all great
adventurers, they turn the tables entirely when they solve not only
a long standing Haunting but also a nasty murder, winning kudos (and
financial solvency) all round.
With some wonderful humour, enough spookiness to be entertaining,
some tense moments dealing with more difficult Visitors and, most of
all, a terrific plot, Stroud has produced a real winner with this new
novel.
Sue Warren
The whole of my world by Nicole Hayes
Woolshed Press, 2013. ISBN 9781742758602.
(Age: 14+) In a highly commended debut novel Nicole Hayes has taken
her own personal teenage obsession with footy (Australian rules
football) and woven a strong resonating story of Shelley, a
Melbourne girl who is struggling to come to terms with the changes
in her life.
Aside from the typical complications faced by teenage girls coming
to grips with their identity and place in an adult world, Shelley
has the additional burden of dealing with a poignant grief having
lost her mother and her twin brother in a car accident. The year
that has passed since the tragedy has driven both Shelley and her
father into a grim place of hollowness - behaving almost as if the
two lost ones never existed.
Unable to cope with her old school and her perceptions that everyone
now sees her as incomplete, Shelley starts a new school where she is
confronted by an unfriendly bunch of cliquey girls who seem
determined to ostracise her from the very start. Her one salvation is
discovering Tara, who is even more a footy tragic than herself.
Through Tara, she is drawn into a crowd of team worshippers and
becomes embroiled on a personal level with her heroes of the local
footy team, in particular, the new star player on the team, her
idol, Mick.
As Shelley becomes more and more involved in the culture of the
club, Hayes is able to explore the dichotomy between males and
females, boys and girls, within the constraints of society and
expectations. Far from finding her place within the team circle as
she had thought she would, Shelley is faced with more and more
difficult reflections, secrets and questions as she fights to find
her own true sense belonging.
This is a challenging novel in some ways, and does contain some
adult themes and strong language but recommended for young adult
readers 14+
Sue Warren
