Ill. by Serena Geddes. Totally Twins series. New Frontier, 2011.
ISBN 978 1 9210 4269 0.
This is the third instalment in the Totally Twins series
about identical twins Perse and Portia. Perse is a writer and loves
to keep diaries of the adventures that she and her twin sister,
Portia have. It is her way of having something personal that is
special to just her. In this story Perse is writing a travel diary
about their trip to Fiji with their next door neighbour Dillon and
their grandma. Their gran is a travel writer and for this assignment
she has decided to treat the girls and also give Dillon's parents a
break by taking him too. When they arrive in Fiji the girls are
quick to learn that their luggage has been lost and although Portia
is excited by the prospect of new clothes, Perse is a little
concerned about the style of clothes available on a resort. As they
all bunk in the one room they are looking forward to the week ahead.
While gran is exploring and researching island information for her
article Perse, Portia and Dillon go to kid's club. Portia
immediately seeks out new friends while Dillon and Perse get
acquainted with the format and activities. They play tennis and go
sailing although not without incident as Perse tries to encourage
Portia to include her in her new cycle of friends and also ensure
that Dillon is having a good time. When Portia twists her ankle
while playing basketball and is rescued by the resort owner's son,
Perse just wishes the holiday would end. However the second half of
the week proves to be much more enjoyable and rewarding and Perse
eventually makes a new friend and succeeds in enjoying the island
hospitality.
Tracy Glover
Laughing hyena by Shoo Rayner
Pearson Picture Books. Pearson, 2011. ISBN 978 1 4425 4808 4.
(Age: Junior Primary) Hyena loves to laugh and play tricks on his
friends. He frightens zebra, glues a coin to the pavement so
elephant is fooled and continues to trick the bears. The animals get
their revenge when one of the bears shouts to Hyena not to step
backwards. He does of course and falls in the hole! They all laugh,
with Hyena admitting that he fell for that trick. The story shows
how unthinking tricks can be upsetting to the receiver and when they
back fire, the recipient needs a good sense of humour! The
illustrations are bright, clear and large, and fun to interpret for
young readers. Well recommended.
Sue Nosworthy
Ten blue wrens and what a load of wattle! by Elizabeth Honey
Allen and Unwin, 2011. ISBN 978 1 74237 787 2.
(All ages). Recommended. Picture book. Australian themes. Counting
book. Counting from one to a thrillion has never been such fun as
when Elizabeth Honey brings her considerable skills with paint and
words to the fore. Combine this with a love and exploration of
Australian themes, there is much to like, play around with and most
importantly share, in this Aussie showcase.
From one to twelve, Honey takes us through a catalogue of Australian
icons, including a nipper at the beach, artists creating dot
paintings, blue wrens and meat pies, all in sentences full of rhyme
and rhythm, fun and curiosity. Children will love to read along with
each page, finding the things on the page that reflect the sentence
and number given. They will love to predict what is coming next and
I can imagine many children learning off by heart the pages that
they most love to say along with the reader.
Kids in new arrival programs can be easily introduced to some
aspects of Australian culture and customs, kids in the city
can be introduced to some of the staples of the bush and rural kids
can be exposed to some of the things that city kids take for
granted. Iconic Australian structures, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the
houses with iron lace, sit well alongside the natural environment,
blue wrens, bowerbirds and Uluru, as well as the adapted
environment, meat pies, kelpie dogs and sheep stations.
The end papers extend the use of this wonderful book. Inside
the back cover the endpapers have the numbers one to twelve over
again, asking kids to recall and remember what they have just read,
while the front endpapers, with their sprigs of wattle in bottles,
show the class just how Elizabeth Honey painted the illustrations.
When the details on the publication page are read, many students may
well try the stencilling for themselves. By including such detail,
Elizabeth Honey has ensured that her book, the methods she has used
and the lesson given to the class will make this a more than
memorable book to read.
On the back page is a stanza summarising the words inside. Some may
like to read this first as a teaser, before venturing inside.
Fran Knight
Wolf blood by N.M. Browne
Bloomsbury, 2011. ISBN 9781408812556.
(Age: 13+) Recommended. Trista is a Celtic warrior girl who has been
taken as a slave. When she finally manages to escape she falls into
the hands of two Roman soldiers. Using her gift of sight, she
realises that one of the soldiers has a secret; he has Celtic blood
and he is also a shape shifter who shares his soul with a wolf.
Together they have a chance of survival and by using both of their
skills they cross dangerous territory trying to reach Caratacus, the
leader of the tribes, who is gathering his forces before his land is
overrun.
This was an exciting and refreshing novel which has all the
ingredients that will appeal to teen readers: a strong, determined
heroine, a young man who turns into a wolf and an exciting adventure
story line. However it goes well beyond the usual paranormal
romances involving werewolves. The setting is the first century AD
and Browne has done a wonderful job of bringing that period to life.
It is not hard to picture a Roman fort, early villages, tribal
meetings and rough terrain from her vivid, well written
descriptions.
Browne uses different chapters to tell the story of her two
characters, bringing each alive. Both are deeply appealing. I was
fascinated by Morcant's struggle with his wolf nature and the call
that the female wolf had for him. Often I was afraid that he would
not make it back as a young man. Trista too, had struggles with her
gift of the Sight and this added tension to the story as she went
about her quest to deliver a message to the Celtic leader.
An action packed adventure, this historical fantasy with its
supernatural elements, strong characters and beautiful writing, was
an absorbing read. I look forward to reading others by this author.
Pat Pledger
The Lady of the Rivers by Philippa Gregory
Simon and Schuster, 2011. ISBN 9781847374592.
(Age: Senior students) Recommended. The Lady of the Rivers
by Philippa Gregory is historical fiction set in the mid to late
15th century in both English-held France and England. The main
character, Jacquette, is chosen by the Duke of Bedford as his new
wife because of her ability to scry, or foretell the future. The
Duke is insistent on preserving her virginity, an apparently
indisputable aid in alchemy. Young and beautiful, Jacquette falls in
love with the Duke's squire, the handsome Richard Woodville, and
despite her status as a duchess, marries him when the Duke dies.
Jacquette and her husband become trusted advisors to Henry VI, the
Lancastrian king, when Henry marries the French Margaret of Anjou.
The novel shows the increasing turbulence in England between the
nobility, resulting in the Wars of the Roses, and the eventual loss
of most of England's French lands. Henry lapses into near imbecility
and religious fervour, allowing Margaret to act cruelly to protect
the interests of her young son. Richard, now Lord Rivers, and his
son are avowed Lancastrians but after many weary battles are
eventually forced to surrender to the young Yorkist, Edward March
who becomes Edward IV. Conveniently, at the end of the novel Edward
is about to fall in love with and secretly marry Jacquette's eldest
daughter Elizabeth, thus assuring the Woodville family of power and
influence in his court. The author manages to combine historical
accuracy with story-telling flair. The personalities are convincing
and the action moves quickly. Queen Margaret's development into a
cruel and militaristic force is believable. While Jacquette's
abilities and influence are romanticized and the language is at
times jarringly anachronistic this is popularised history and as
such very readable.
Jenny Hamilton
A discovery of witches by Deborah Harkness
Headline, 2011. ISBN: 978-0-7553-7403-8.
(Age: 15+) Never before have I known such an engrossing read.
Deborah Harkness has written something truly amazing and I can't
think of anything that she could have improved on with A
discovery of witches.
History is the least magic provoking subject there is. Or so Diana
Bishop believes. Determined to live her life without the magic of
the bishop family, Diana persists in acting as human as possible
even around others of her kind. But even she, a member of one of the
most distinguished witch families, cannot deny her magic. Without
knowing it slips out and into her work and life.
Mabon, the day of the autumn equinox is drawing closer and Diana
Bishop is still pretending not to notice. Working late in the
Bodleian Library, Diana pulls her last manuscript towards her,
Ashmole 782, but little does she know this will be the book that
changes everything. Creatures flock to Oxford in greater numbers
then ever, among them three vampires, Marcus, Mathew and Miriam.
Let me start by saying that this isn't you typical paranormal
romance. It's much more then that. An amazing array of ideas and
beliefs all thrown together to create a stunning masterpiece, this
is a book that I would highly recommend to lovers of historic
fiction and don't be daunted by the size! Each new chapter draws the
story together into an astounding story of love and trust. I cannot
wait for the next instalment as Deborah has declared the story will
be made into a trilogy.
Kayla Gaskell (Student, 15)
Audition by Stasia Ward Kehoe
Penguin, 2011. ISBN: 9780143566595.
Winning a scholarship to the prestigious Jersey Ballet School is a
dream come true for sixteen year old Sara. However living the dream
brings challenges and sacrifices that she had never considered. The
world of the elite dancer is one of grueling rehearsal schedules,
injuries, diets and rivalries. Even worse are the feelings of
isolation as she is denied the teenage pursuits that her school
friends enjoy like movies, team sports and school formals. Audition is not just about the pain and joy of pursuing a
dream to the highest level but also a coming of age story. Sara
finds love, develops a passion for writing and becomes increasingly
aware of choices available beyond the ballet studio. Increasing
maturity bestows the confidence to assert herself.
Reading this debut novel feels initially awkward because it is
written entirely in verse. However Kehoe has such beautiful
expression and the story is so absorbing that one quickly adapts to
the unconventional format. The characters are credibly portrayed and
momentum is sustained to the very end.
This is an enjoyable, unique book that will appeal to girls,
particularly dance enthusiasts.
Tina Cain
A year in the life of Bindi by Jess Black
Random House, 2011. ISBN 978 1 86471 838 6. 95p
(Age: Primary students) Well recommended. The reader follows a year
in the life of this very high profile young Australian who seems to
have the world at her feet and yet is portrayed as a very happy,
caring teenager, who loves what she does and equally enjoys her
family and friends. Colourful, happy family snaps adorn
almost every glossy page. We read, month by month about a year
in Bindi's busy life, from tracking crocodiles to meeting Oprah and
visiting Universal Studios and even catching up on schoolwork!
But along with all the glamorous hype, Australian animals are the
focus. From the Southern Boobook Owl, the Brown Goshawk and Gould's
Long Eared Bat, small creatures are as important as the camels,
Carly the goat, a Sumatran Tiger and of course the Saltwater
Crocodile where we all have seen family pictures of Dad Steve, Mum
brother Robert and Bindi! The photographs are impressive in their
variety, exciting to view and show a healthy respect for our animals
in their environment. Many are endangered and each animal's
characteristics is detailed. It was pleasing to note that rescued
animals were also discussed and their ability to return to their
native habitat discussed.
Sue Nosworthy
The little refugee by Ahn Do and Suzanne Do
Ill. by Bruce Whatley. Allen and Unwin, 2011. ISBN 978 1 74237 832 9.
(Ages 6+) Recommended. Picture book. Subtitled The inspiring true
story of Australia's happiest refugee, Ahn Do's story of his early
life in Australia comes hot on the heels of his memoir, The happiest
refugee (Allen and Unwin, 2010) His memoir is an amazing story of
his life from being born in Vietnam, to the family's escape on a
fishing boat, coming to Australia, then his life as a school boy,
uni student, finally becoming a standup comedian, marrying and
becoming a father. This memoir, told in his own unflappable, dry
style, is recreated here in a a picture book format, with stunning
illustrations by Bruce Whatley. The story is shortened to the
family's time in Vietnam and their boat trip across the seas to
Australia, then finding their feet in this new country. It is a
story of courage and hope, of tenacity and family, and will have
wide appeal, particularly as the debate about refugees continues.
But it is more than story about refugees, Ahn's tenacity is very
obviously a trait that was passed down from his parents. The group
on their boat survived storms and heat spells, lack of food and
water, pirates who wanted to kill one of the children, and stole
anything of value on the boat. When in Australia, they survived the
theft of their sewing machines, bought to sew clothing to make a
living. Ahn and his brother wore hand me down clothing from a
charity, his brother being given girls' clothing to wear. They
survived school, Ahn being made year 5 captain, making his parents
very proud.
It is a story about hope, about keeping faith with the future, of
knowing that the future is in the hands of the children, and
offering them a solid start.
Whatley's illustrations are fascinating, beginning in brown sepia
tones of the time in Vietnam and on the boat, then adding more
colour as they settle into life in Australia. I was particularly
struck by the illustrations of the group on the boat, the despair on
their faces is awful to see, and the picture of the little boat
being tossed about in the ocean, made me feel icily cold, although I
could not see the logic in the wide eyed faces in much of the book.
Students will have much to discuss when looking at life in Vietnam,
or life on the boat, or the illustrations showing the Vietnam War,
or the pirate coming aboard. Each offers a great deal of detail to
discuss and think about.
Fran Knight
Velvet by Mary Hooper
Bloomsbury, 2011. ISBN 9780747599210.
(Age : 13+) Recommended. I am a fan of Mary Hooper's historical
novels, so I eagerly picked up Velvet, the tale of a young
orphan girl who works in a Victorian steam laundry. The work is back
breaking and after Velvet has fainted twice from the extreme heat,
the manager, Mrs Sloane warns her that she could be dismissed. She
pleads for a second chance and is allowed to do the painstaking work
of caring for the clothes of rich individuals. She is noticed by one
of her clients, Madame Sayoya who is a famous medium, and goes to
work for her. At first she is beguiled by Madame and her helper the
handsome George. She finds it wonderful to live with a generous
employer, with work that she enjoys. She believes that she is making
a new life for herself and is not interested in the attentions of
Charlie, a young man from her past. However she begins to realise
that all is not as it seems with Madame Sayoya.
Hooper's description of life in 1900 for young girls who have no
family and are penniless is poignant. They have little chance of
lucrative employment, and are lucky if they manage to get a job in a
laundry or as a servant. Many scavenge on the street for scraps and
turn to prostitution to stay alive. Life is terrible for girls who
have illegitimate children and they are forced to send their infants
to baby farms where they have little chance of survival. So it is
not surprising that Velvet, who has suffered from an abusive father
and lives in a dilapidated room, wants to believe the best of
Madame. However, Velvet is a girl with a conscience and gradually
begins to question the ethics of the mediums who were so popular in
those times.
Hooper's chapters where she describes what happens in a private
meeting with Madame Sayoya, give an in-depth picture of how grieving
people were taken in by unscrupulous spiritualists. Spiritualism was
very popular in the late 19th and early 20th century and the
addition of figures like Conan Doyle to the spiritualist's meetings
gave an extra historical dimension. Notes at the back of the book
about how spiritualists manoeuvred spectral appearances and seemed
able to accurately describe what has happened to people also gives
interesting information.
This was a book that I read in a couple of sittings and I loved it
for the historical information that I gained so effortlessly through
Hooper's vivid writing. A book
trailer is available.
Pat Pledger
Just right by Birdie Black
Ill. by Rosalind Beardshaw. Noisy Crow. 2011. ISBN 978 0 85763 030
8.
(Ages 4-7) Picture book. Humour. Christmas. An absolutely delightful
story about giving a gift for Christmas has the king buying a large
roll of beautiful red cloth for the dressmakers to make his wife a
lovely cloak. The leftover cloth is then left by one of the maids on
the doorstep where it is picked up by a kitchen maid. She uses some
of it to make a jacket for her daughter, then leaves the scraps on
her doorstep. Badger, spying the red cloth takes it home to make a
red hat for his father. The scraps again are picked up and mittens
are made for the squirrel's wife. The last little piece is found by
the mouse and she finds it just right to make a scarf for Billy.
Each present is wrapped or not, and left under the tree in each of
the households, and on Christmas morning each is opened and
appreciated. A beautiful double page spread at the end of the book
shows all the givers and recipients proudly displaying their gift as
they skate on the frozen lake.
This charming book shows the range of gifts given for Christmas and
will elicit responses from the students listening or reading it
themselves about what they receive and give for Christmas. That each
piece of leftover cloth is used by the characters, makes a telling
reminder that the giving of a gift is not about its monetary value
but the impetus behind the giving of the gift. This book will be a
valued inclusion in the Christmas stories used in classrooms and by
parents at this time of the year, when discussing what the children
will give for Christmas. It is a humorous look at what is important
about giving, and incidentally a tale about recycling and making the
best use of an object.
Fran Knight
The creation of Trowenna : a story from the Neunone people of Bruny Island by the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community with Liz Thompson
Sharing our stories (series). Pearson Australia. 2011 ISBN 978 1
4425 4689 9.
(Ages 8+), Recommended. Aboriginal folklore. The creation of
Trowenna shows how Tasmania and all of its flora and fauna came to
be, and confirms the ongoing resilience and tenacity of the
Aboriginal people who live there, particularly the Neunone people of
Bruny Island.
The story tells is of Punywin, the sun, and his wife, Venna, the
moon and their part in the development of Tasmania. It is a
wonderful story, full of similarities to other Creation stories, and
yet very different. That is has survived is a wonder for us all.
The first few pages of this book tell us of the attempts by the
European settlers to obliterate any Aboriginal people living in
Tasmania. It also tells us how and why these attempts failed. This
particular story was found in the journals of the infamous
Protection officer, George Robinson, and is retold by Leigh Maynard.
The story is illustrated by the children of Bruny Island, and the
last few pages, gives us potted biographies of some of the people
involved in the project. The whole is finished off with a brief but
adequate index, and on the bottom each page, difficult or unusual
words are defined.
A stunning addition to the library of books about Aboriginal stories
and cultures which are now available for schools, this is one of a
set of 14, published by Pearson, called Sharing our stories,
outlined on the back cover of each volume. More about this series
can be found at; this
website.
Fran Knight
Pip and Posy : the scary monster by Alex Scheffler
Noisy Crow, 2011. ISBN 978 0 85763 031 5
(Age: Pre school) Picture book. A read aloud book for the young
audience, this will make them quietly scared as a monster appears at
the kitchen window while Posy makes cakes. Kids will love predicting
what the monster might be and feel with Posy as she hides when the
monster eventually comes into the house. She makes for her frog doll
for comfort and hides behind the couch, only to find that the
monster is Pip in disguise. They then take turns to don the costume.
Vibrant illustrations illuminate each page as the reader is
introduced to the characters and their home. Many points of
discussion will evolve from the book, from the earliest washing
hands before touching food, to how friends play with each other to
even cooking. The themes of the story that of bravery and being
kind, taking turns and being friends can be the starter for many
discussions in younger classrooms and groups. Perhaps some early
learners classes will be able to make the cup cakes that Posy has
made when the book is read to them. A lovely soft cover adds to the
attractiveness of the book to younger readers.
Fran Knight
Unicorn riders series by Aleesah Darlison
Ill. by Jill Brailsford. Walker Books, 2011.
(Age 7-10) Recommended. Four young girls, Willow, Ellabeth, Quinn
and Krystal and their magical unicorns feature in this fascinating
series for young girls. The young unicorn riders live in the kingdom
of Avamay and are sent off on dangerous missions when their country
and its people are in danger. Not only do they have action packed
adventures, each girl manages to find her inner strength, overcoming
fears and obstacles and becoming stronger in themselves.
I really enjoyed the books in this series. I loved how the girls
were introduced in the front of each book. Each girl has her own
symbol, which fits with her personality, her own uniform colour and
special gifts. The unicorns too have different horns and special
gifts, which help the girls on their missions. Young girls will have
fun deciding which rider most appeals to them and which personality
most fits their own and their friends. Jill Brailsford's
illustrations have ensured that the reader has a clear picture in
her head of the different girls and their personalities shine
through the simple black line drawings. The girls' large eyes are
sure to appeal to young readers and each has a distinct hairstyle.
The unicorns, too, are quite unique both in their appearance and
personality.
The girls are courageous and bright and have a wonderful
relationship with their unicorns. Each book features a different
girl and her unicorn, facing danger and becoming more self-confident
and self-reliant. Quinn must solve riddles in the first in the
series,Quinn's riddles. Girls will love the challenge of
trying to work out what the message is in the rhymes that the
Prince's kidnappers send. Willow learns how to forgive her uncle in
the second story Willow's challenge, while managing to lead
the riders and save the town of Arlen. In Krystal's choice,
Krystal has to decide whether she wants to be a Rider and in Ellabeth's
test, Ellabeth must overcome her self doubts, and learn how to
be a leader when Willow is injured.
This is an excellent series for young girls. It combines all the
ingredients that make for a good read - magical creatures,
adventurous girls and dangerous missions as well as giving girls the
opportunity to think about issues such as forgiveness, leadership,
family and what is important in life.
The books are: Quinn's riddles by Aleesah Darlison. Walker Books, 2011. ISBN
9781921529979. Willow's challenge by Aleesah Darlison. Walker Books, 2011.
ISBN 9781921529986. Ellabeth's test by Aleesah Darlison. Walker Books, 2011. ISBN
9781921720000. Krystal's choice by Aleesah Darlison. Walker Books, 2011.
ISBN 9781921529993.
Pat Pledger
Marshmallow Skye: The Chocolate Box Girls by Cathy Cassidy
Penguin, 2011. ISBN: 978 0 14 132524 8.
Recommended for girls 10+. Skye Tanberry, twin of the ballet mad
Summer, is feeling as though she is being overlooked by her family,
best friend and the kids from her class. Changes at home have
impacted on the various members of the family in different ways.
With her mother, Charlotte, engaged to Cherry's dad, Paddy, Skye's
older sister, Honey, has distanced herself from events and
responsibilities within their home and chocolate business. Whilst
working on the house, Paddy unearths some family 'treasures'
including vintage clothing, letters, a bird cage and a violin. The
items are claimed by the different girls. While wearing the clothes
and jewellery, Skye starts to dream of her ancestor and a boy named
Finch. These dreams are so vivid; she finds it hard to decipher fact
from fiction as she continues to look for the boy of her dreams.
This is the second book in The Chocolate Box Girls series and the
narrator in each is the sister whose name appears in the title.
Family relationships, friendship, boys, history and the differences
between how others see us and the ways in which we perceive
ourselves are amongst the themes explored in this novel. Cassidy
examines the changing relationship and character development of the
twins. Ultimately, she suggests that it is important to be true to
ourselves whilst being sensitive to the feelings of others. Middle
primary girls will be likely to enjoy the storylines of this series
as 'grown up parties' and boys become part of the sisters' lives and
they learn how to cope with these different events.
Jo Schenkel
